PORT DOUGLAS CARNIVALE - A TASTE OF PARADISE 2011
It's on again from the 19th to 29th May 2011 The famous wine and wine event of the Port Douglas Carnivale.
Port Douglas Carnivale started in 1994 when the mischievous locals created a Carnivale fiesta around a yacht race amongst buddies. Today, it's an event on the Australian must do calendar. A popular festival held in the balmy sunshine of the Cairns Great Barrier reef region over the last 10 days of May in and around the tropical seaside village of Port Douglas Queensland Australia. There's music, arts, sports, food, wine, culture and all styles of live entertainment - every reason you need to head to Port Douglas for a 'taste of paradise'.
Port Douglas Carnivale is held over two weekends with an action packed program that caters to both locals and visitors. Every Carnivale should begin with a grand parade, and the Macrossan Street Port Douglas Parade is a delightful showcase of the local community entering 50 floats in the street procession and attracting 10,000 spectators to watch the fun and frivolity. This year's Carnivale parade theme is 'Wonderland' and the event is followed by the Port Douglas festival's Opening Gala party at the Sugar Wharf next to Rex Smeal park in Port Douglas central.
Port Douglas Carnivales first weekend also features the Sheraton Mirage Longest Lunch - an excellent excuse for a very very long lunch - the food and wine festival, Food, Wine and A Taste of Port, which is held each year outdoors under the swaying palms (not sure who is swaying the trees or you) at Rex Smeal Park and the Seafood Extravaganza which is a traditional highlight of the whole event. Families gather and watch the Exemplar Clipper Cup from Four Mile Beach or the Bulls Masters T20 cricketers playing beach cricket, check out the creatures at the Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat during Wildlife Wonderland Day, or see arts and crafts at the Airing of the Quilts and visit the ever popular Port Douglas Sunday Markets. On Sunday evening, families and friends locals and tourists alike gather beachfront and listen to the popular Stories and Songs around the Campfire in the grounds of the Port Douglas Life Saving Club.
The following week, sports lovers can engage in the Port Douglas Golf Challenge, while fashionistas will enjoy the retailers showcase and more of the food and wine-tasting at the Sugar Wharf. For entertainment, Neil Murray and the Theatre Sports Competition play live at the Clink Theatre and the finale of the Port Douglas Songwriters competition is a highly anticipated event. Pick a winner at the Daintree Station Bullride Spectacular or in the final race of the Exemplar Clipper Cup! Don't miss the wonderful, family friendly Four Mile Beach Day held on the second Saturday - super entertainment, beach cricket, sand-building competitions and more.
The second weekend of the Port Douglas Carnivale program sees the return of popular gourmet events. Fine dining al fresco style and an 8 course degustation wine and more wine menu are a feature of Palates of Port, while the local chefs vie for the title of Port's best during the Carnivale Food Fight and prepare succulent fare for the Food Fair - a new event in 2011. This year, diners will vote for their favourite eatery during Carnivale in the new Which Restaurant Rocks? competition.
If you're adventurous by nature or just a couch slouch then the Port Douglas Carnivale's program of sports will satisfy both players and spectators. As well as the competition events, there's kitesurfing and outriggers to watch. During the last day of Carnivale, USM Events will present the Port Douglas Coral Coast Triathlon, RRR Mountain Bike Challenge and the Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge.
Throughout the Carnivale festival, the Carnivale Club at Sugar Wharf will provide a venue to chill, mingle, and be entertained. In 2011, a new Carnivale ambassador, The Face of Carnivale, will be announced at the event's program launch on 2 April 2011 together with the winning Song of Carnivale chosen to represent this year's festival.
Port Douglas Carnivale showcases the beauty of the region, using heritage-listed venues like the Sugar Wharf contrasted with the lush green waterfront parks, spectacular Four Mile Beach, and the waterfront marina. Port Douglas Carnivale attracts over 20,000 visitors, with the vibrant mix of tourists and visitors really making the region shine at its very best so if you were planning on being in Port Douglas in May for some quiet time then you may need to re-think your travel plans. Alternatively if you also don't need an excuse for a party them come on up and join in on the Port Douglas Carnivale 19th to 29th May 2011.
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