The Week/End Guide

A Curated Guide to What’s On in Port Douglas, Daintree and Beyond.

TASTE Port Douglas kicks off today with gourmet golf, a Devil’s Thumb Distillery masterclass and a launch party on Sheraton Island. Read on for more details of the weekend’s events.

For the ultimate in chilled family vibes and local music, lots of locals are heading for the hills this weekend to celebrate 10 day of BMUP (Black Mountain Unplugged).

Mt Carbine is hosting their annual Bull and Bronc Ride on Saturday night which is always a great night of country entertainment.

Everybody is welcomed to join Tangaroa Blue volunteers for a Beach Clean Up on Four Mile tomorrow.

Down in Cairns, the Japanese Bon Dance Festival will be held this weekend while in Cardwell, a UFO Festival presents all things unidentified and unexplained.

There will be live music at all the usual Port Douglas venues-Paddys, Central Hotel, Court House Hotel and also up at Mount Molloy National Hotel who do a weekly Jag the Joker and live band on Fridays.

Thursday

Taste Port Douglas Food & Drink Festival kicks off today, celebrating our finest national and local chefs presenting unique food and beverage experiences. The four day festivities begin with Gourmet Golf, a Devil’s Thumb Distillery Mixing & Masterclass Experience, and the official Launch Party on Sheraton Island.

Friday

Taste Port Douglas continues with the signature Long Lunch. Zinc, Salsa, La Cucina & Harrisons, along with guest chefs Jake Nicolson, Adam D’Sylva, Bente Grysbaek, and Ben Williamson, are curating a mouthwatering three-course lunch featuring local produce, by the water at Market Park.

Four Mile Beach Clean-Up

Tangaroa Blue is hosting their monthly Four Mile Beach Clean Up from 1-4pm. Gather at the Daintree Lounge at the Sheraton Grand Mirage, Port Douglas.

To Register: Please email info@tangaroablue.org

Volunteers need to wear enclosed shoes, bring sun/rain protection, and plenty of drinking water (1 to 2 litres is recommended).

The Cardwell UFO Festival mysteriously descends upon the town, with presentations on UFOs, Big Foot, and all paraphanalia of enigmatic phenomena. Get dressed up, bring along the whole family and enjoy a range of space-inspired activities and entertainment along the foreshore

Country folk singer Yahdoh will be playing at Coral Beach Lodge this Friday, and weekly from 6-9pm.

D’nA are live up at Mount Molloy National Hotel from 7-10 pm with jag the Joker, great country hospitality and a complimentary shuttle service for local residents.

Saturday

As part of TASTE Port Douglas, Mossman’s Saturday Market comes alive today with a dedicated stage for local producers and farmers to talk about what they do and how they do it. The market features fresh produce, exotic fruits, herbs, spices and a wide range of tropical fruit and vegetables.

Hosted by by food and travel writer, Kerry Heaney, grab a coffee or a coconut bowl and enjoy learning about our local producers including Jess Uhlig from Green Food Australia, Ange Constable from Eat Shoots and Leaves, Kefir Queen, Vanilla Australia and plenty more.

Learn more: https://tasteportdouglas.com.au/whats-on

If you’re a seafoodie, you won’t want to miss the Catchers + Growers Ultimate Seafood Feast from 2:30pm – 3.00pm at Feast Restaurant, Sheraton Grand Mirage. Guests will enjoy a bountiful menu by esteemed seafood producers from Australia and New Zealand. Hosted by industry expert Umar Nguyen, take up a front row seat for live food stations, while brand representatives shine a light on Australia’s seafood quality and diversity.

A Night of Fire X Flames of the Forest

Two of Australia’s most experienced live fire chefs, Ben Williamson & Bente Grysbaek collaborate with Charly Pretet, from Terra Firma Dining to present a breathtaking night of fire cooking in this unique and stunning location.

Tickets include return transfers to the location from Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, live fire entertainment, welcome drink and canapes on arrival followed by a three-course banquet style feast of flame cooked dishes. Beverage package of wine and beer included.

Learn more: https://tasteportdouglas.com.au/whats-on

Sunset Sessions with Cafe del Mar

Gather the crew for delicious food, an unforgettable sunset and a world class performance by Café del Mar DJ Beth Yen. The Sydney talent has earned a reputation as one of the best new names in electronic music. Yen takes the stage at 6pm. Entry includes one welcome drink, a complete dinner package of roving canapes, larger bites and food stations of every flavour. Additional drinks will be available to purchase from pop-up bars featuring local and Queensland distillers, Estrella Damm lager, Diablo Co cocktails, an Aperol Spritz lounge and Dal Zotto Bellini bar.$140 per person + booking fee (18+ event only)

Saturday is also the Mt Carbine Bull & Bronc Ride, with gates opening at 12pm with plenty of time to set up camp before the ride events kick off at 5pm. Live band until late.

Adults $25 (price includes camping Saturday night only)
Students aged 5 to 17 years $10
Children under 5 are free
Licenced bar (no eskies or BYO in licenced area)
Hot food
Recovery breakfast

And if you still havent seen Barbie, it is screening at Mareeba Drive In next weekend too, on the 11, 12 & 13 of August.

If you love all things Japanese, you won’t want to miss the Cairns Bon Dance Festival this weekend. Showcasing Japanese culture, including Taiko drumming, karate demos, J-pop music, and group dances, you can join in with traditional bon dances and indulge in a wide variety of Japanese street food followed by fireworks.

There are also markets on today in Mareeba at the Mareeba Race Course.

Enjoy live tunes at Julatten Hotel-D’nA are live from 5-8pm.

There is an Ibiza Pool Party at Turtle Cove Beach Resort from 3pm with DJs spinning the hottest beats by the poolside. Limited tickets available, so get in early.

Sunday

Wrapping up Taste Port Douglas, the final celebrations are at Sheraton Festival Village. The day boasts live cooking from a wonderful diversity of chefs and culinary presenters, food and wine stalls, masterclasses, junior foodies activities, industry talks, pop-up bars, live music and plenty more activities.

There are also beachside markets at Holloways Beach and the usual Sunday shennanigans at Ellis Beach Bar & Grill on the way home-$2 oysters and live music by Peter Kinch.

Paddys round out the Sunday sessions with local faves D’nA live from 5-8.30pm.

Coming Soon

Reef to Reef MTB is back in the Douglas Shire next weekend so get your bags packed, biked washed, bust out your party shirts and crack open a cold one because its almost go time for #ReeftoReefMTB 2023!

In it’s 30 amazing years the Triple-R (formerly known as RRR) has developed its own unique character and culture.This year riders can choose the either the Triple-R Long Course or the Triple-R Classic options which will coincide with the final day of Reef to Reef.

Both race distances start at the same location, include a descent of the infamous Bump Track and finish with the same dash along Four Mile Beach to the finish at Port Douglas, a refreshing beverage and a huge birthday party!

This visually spectacular race dominated with three diverse terrains is adventure at its best.

Further information : https://reeftoreefmtb.com/

Wallaby Creek Festival has become one of Far North Queensland’s much-loved and “must-do” festivals and events.

This year, from 22-24 September, celebrate 21 years of music and magic, connection, culture and community, and art with heart, surrounded by the by the beautiful wet tropics rainforest of the far north. Headline acts include Tijuana Cartel, Nathan Cavaleri, Harry James Angus, Zennith, Roadtrippers and plenty more!

For more information, visit www.wallabycreekfestival.org.au