Port Douglas Goes To Rio

Port Douglas could've been confused for Rio de Janeiro when Carnivale took over the town from the 26-28 May. Drawing record numbers, the event has gone from strength to strength over the last 23 years, culminating in its biggest-ever attendance this year according to organiser Melissa Head.

"Record numbers flocked to Port Douglas to celebrate the start of the dry season with a party in paradise," she said.

Attributing part of this year's success to the Rio-inspired theme, Ms Head said the huge range of talent that had performed at the festival over the weekend-long event was cause for celebration, having drawn some pretty big names to the small seaside town.

"Securing a major internationally renowned musician like Ben Lee to, not only perform, but host a workshop for local musicians is an indication of how Carnivale is evolving into a major national cultural event," she said.

However it wasn't just music acts that had thousands in attendance, the Carnivale spectacular also featured comedy shows, circus cabarets and saucy burlesque.

"The circus cabaret was like nothing audiences have ever experienced before in Far North Queensland. Everyone loved it and the new show promised to be even more breathtaking under the big top," Melissa Head said.

Of course it's not just the world class entertainment that draws a crowd. With so many visitors from other states, it's clear that part of the Port Douglas attraction is its wonderful, warmer climes. It's pretty hard to beat seeing in the first few days of winter in this seaside town paradise.

"There's no better view than the Coral Sea and Carnivale looks out over the sea no matter where you are or what you're doing," said Ms Head.

Even Port Douglas Mayor Julia Leu believes the event is now playing in big leagues ranking among some of the country's biggest and best festivals.

"Melissa and her team at Knockout Events are really taking Carnivale to the next level," she said.

(7th June 2017)