Whats on in Port Douglas

What’s On in Port Douglas

There is a wealth of world-class attractions, events and things to do and see in Port Douglas and surrounding areas.

It’s a thriving local and tourism community with a unique depth of arts and culture, weekend markets, live music and entertainment.

Check out the highlights and book your Great Barrier Reef holiday to coincide with them.

Port Douglas Seasons

June – August: Whale Watching is popular as the winter humpback and dwarf minke whale annual migrations offer sensational viewing experiences and the chance to swim alongside them.

December – April: The Wet “Green” Season brings the waters and rainforests to life. It’s a magical time to visit the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef as the sunny days and lush greenery creates picture-postcard backdrops. Fewer crowds and amazing deals on tours and accommodation make it pretty special, too!

September – December: Famous for black marlin game fishing, the warm waters stretching from Cairns to Lizard Island delight marine-life enthusiasts. From September through to late December, the giant female black marlin arrives to spawn along this stretch of the Great Barrier Reef.

November – December: Time for the annual amazing spectacle of coral spawning, critical to the reef ecosystem’s health.

Port Douglas Hot & Steamy Festival

19-22 February 2021

Australia’s newest LGBTIQ+ festival, Port Douglas Hot & Steamy, is the perfect lead in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Balmy evenings and lush tropical greenery backdrop for reef and rainforest visits, food, dance and parties.

The Great Barrier Reef Running Festival Port Douglas

April / May 2021

Devoted marathoners and visitors can pit themselves against the challenge of several running events staged in a beautiful natural environment during the Run for the Reef Finale in Port Douglas.

What's On Port Douglas — Half Marathon being run in Port Douglas.

Port Douglas Carnivale

to be advised

Port Douglas Carnivale celebrates Tropical North Queensland’s very best from the bounty of the sea, abundant fresh produce and world-class wines to talented local artists, musicians, and performers. Held in one of the most beautiful parts of the world and attracting many thousands of local, interstate and foreign visitors, Port Douglas Carnivale was originally held to mark the start of the sugar cane harvesting season but is now considered the official opening of tourism season.

Cairns Airport IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship

6th June 2021

The headline event of the Cairns Adventure Festival is the IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship, a full-distance triathlon that features a 180km bike leg along the scenic coastal road from Cairns to Port Douglas.

Reef to Reef MTB

30th June to 3rd July 2021

Over four days in early August, Reef to Reef brings gruelling mountain biking to the home of one of the worlds most famed and fabled natural playgrounds.

It involves around 200 km of riding trails and 4000m of climbing on the kind of trails and scenery you normally only read or dream about.

Mt Carbine Bull and Bronc Ride

14th August 2021

An annual event, held every second Saturday of August, sees cowboys and cowgirls compete in calf rides, Junior and Juvenile Steer events, Junior, Novice and Open bull and bronc events.

Jungle Ride

to be advised for 2021

For over a decade, Jungle Ride charity bike ride between Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation raised funds for local charity KIND who support local children suffering from serious or chronic illnesses or injuries. Riders of all ages and levels, including kids, can sign up for 90K / 120K / 180K rides.

Crocodile Trophy mountain bike race

October 15-23, 2021

One of the World‘s oldest and most iconic mountain bike stage races takes place over 8 days with a variety of trails over more than 600km.

Riders travel through rainforest trails and bushland, finishing on Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas. Riders can camp on cattle stations, in historic villages and even in a coffee plantation, or opt for more conventional accommodation.