Entertainment
4 June, 2025
Town buzzes during festival
PORT Douglas swelled to bursting point as 10,000 people packed the streets, parks and Four Mile Beach for the 2025 Carnivale.
Organisers are confident the economic boost to the town and surrounding area topped $5 million.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said Carnivale brought the town to life with more than 10,000 people attending events across the weekend.
She said early feedback from businesses and the community had been overwhelmingly positive.
“Everywhere you went, there were smiling faces. That’s what Carnivale is all about. A great weekend of food, fun and entertainment while also giving our local businesses and tour operators a well-needed boost ahead of season,” Cr Scomazzon said.
“Last year’s event delivered more than $5m in direct economic value for the Douglas Shire and we are hopeful this year’s numbers will be just as strong or if not better.”
The three days of celebrations ran from May 23-25.
From big-name acts at Rex Smeal Park to beach day antics, long lunches and late-night magic shows, the 2025 program delivered a weekend of fun across the town’s most iconic locations.
Organisers said the Macrossan street parade drew crowds in their thousands on Friday night, with this year’s ‘Tropical Treasures’ theme setting the tone for a colourful night of floats, dancers and costumes.
Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree executive officer Emma Tunnock said it was “an incredible Port Douglas Carnivale weekend”.
“The town was buzzing, the tropical weather delivered and the community spirit was on full display,” she said.
“Occupancy figures show a stronger lead-in than both 2023 and 2024, highlighting increased pre-event engagement and longer visitor stays, a fantastic outcome for 2025.
“From targeted consumer marketing to strategic trade engagement, we help turn moments into momentum for our visitor economy.
“Through our destination social media over the weekend, TPDD shared the Carnivale atmosphere with the world, reaching combined followers of over 110,000 with reels and content that drive engagement, inspire travel to our destination and build global awareness.
“We were proud to host a VIP trade famil from House of Travel and Hot Events NZ, showcasing the region through Reef adventures, river drifting, sunset sails and front-row access to Carnivale highlights.
“With the new year-round direct Jetstar service from Cairns to Christchurch, this partnership is key to unlocking demand from New Zealand’s South Island, across FIT (free and independent travellers), group and event markets.
“We helped welcome the Chinese trade famil who enjoyed the colour and excitement of the street parade, while we also helped welcome a key ITO (inbound tour operator) famil who explored the region in the days prior, soaking up the build-up and discovering the experiences that define Port Douglas and Daintree.
“Events like Port Douglas Carnivale are more than a celebration. They are a strategic driver for the visitor economy. They generate overnight stays, energise the local business community, boost seasonal occupancy, and importantly showcase our region’s unique personality and lifestyle to global audiences.”
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