It’s no secret we love our food and wine here at The Urban List and that we also love weekend getaways and sunshine. So, we are super excited about the upcoming Port Douglas Carnivale, which brings together all of these elements in ten sundrenched days of feasting. This Far North Queensland beauty offers chic dining, cafes, and cocktail lounges plus year-round sunshine, making it the perfect winter escape.
Far North Queensland has a style all of its own. The laid-back nature of the locals is infectious and you’ll soon be relaxing with a beer under the swirling fans in the local pub enjoying this tropical oasis.
Warm, balmy days are best spent exploring the region with a plethora of tours, attractions, and activities. Sultry nights take on a sophisticated edge with outstanding dining experiences all within a village atmosphere. Macrossan Street is lined with art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants where alfresco dining can be enjoyed all year round.
Port Douglas Carnivale celebrates life in the tropics and is on from the 17th to the 26th of May. This year sees one of our favourites, Ben O’Donoghue, heading north to showcase his culinary skills in A Taste of Paradise as well as Kerry Heaney and Natascha Mirosch discussing the latest trends in restaurant eating at this free event.
Another highlight is the Palates of Port on Friday, May 25 featuring an eight-course degustation dinner with a Great Gatsby theme where you’ll be taken back to another era ruled by glitter, glamour, and a lot of class. Every course will be created by one of the regions leading restaurants, and is designed to showcase the Far North’s local ingredients in the style of that restaurant. The wines will be hand picked to bring out the best in both the dish and the wine and participating restaurants are Bucci, Salsa Bar & Grill, Bel Cibo, Thala Beach Lodge, Zai, Nautilus Restaurant, Sheraton Mirage, and Port Douglas Catering and Events.
To take the effort out of the decision-making process, we’ve compiled a selection of spots to eat, drink, and caffeinate while you’re in Port. So pack your bags with a wardrobe that takes you from beach to bar and back again—think movie-star shades, floaty kaftans, and beaded sandals—and head north.
