Best events coming to Port Douglas in 2020

If you’re anything like us then you probably plan your holidays well in advance, making sure to get the best deal on your flights and accommodation, doing all your research to ensure you’re visiting at the very best time of year for that region.

With that in mind, here are the best events coming to Port Douglas in 2020!

• Port Douglas Hot & Steamy Festival (14 Feb – 17 Feb 2020)

  It’s Australia’s newest LGBTQI+ festival, and its in Port Douglas. Developed by a group of local gay business owners, the festival hopes to showcase Port Douglas to the broader LGBTQI+ community in the lead up to the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

  February in the tropics is hot, humid, and steamy, and the Hot & Steamy team have put together a fantastic events calendar, ready to propel the festival to become Australia’s premier tropic gay festival.

• Port Douglas Carnivale (22 May – 24 May 2020)

  Get ready to party in paradise! The tropical oasis of Port Campbell is turning into a stage for thousands of party goers. Originally held as the opening festival to the sugar cane harvesting season, Carnivale is now thought of as the opening of the tourist season in Port Campbell. There are so many events for you to enjoy, you’ll need to spend a week just planning how to get to them all!

  Kick off your weekend with the opening street parade, enjoy world-class acts at the Wonderland Spiegeltent, and compete to make the best sandcastle at the Family Beach Day. These and many more wonderful events are sure to guarantee you a weekend of fun and colour.

• Triple-R 1 Day MTB Race (9 Aug 2020)

  Triple-R is the oldest point-to-point mountain bike in Australia. Celebrating its 30^th birthday this year, its sure to be the best Triple-R so far. With a choice between the classic 36km race or the new 51km endurance race there’s an option for all levels of mountain riders. Pass through rural, rainforest and reef regions of Port Douglas before finishing in Port Douglas for a HUGE birthday party! Not a rider? No worries head down to the ride path and watch as the riders fly by!

• Port Shorts Film Festival (15 Oct – 17 Oct 2020)

  It’s the coolest film festival in the tropics and its coming back to Port Douglas in 2020. The Port Shorts Film Festival showcases the best new and emerging filmmakers Australia has to offer. The festival provides participants with a chance to show their work and develop their careers. Additionally, it provides pathways to develop connections for a future career in the Australian film industry. Grab a blanket and a picnic and enjoy the films on a massive outdoor screen as the sunsets. Its sure to be a great night.

Port Douglas has a chock-full event calendar in 2020, we’ve barely scratched the surface with the above! No matter when you choose to visit the area, you’ll find the town buzzing as a new event rolls in.

Related article: Where to stay in Port Douglas?

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.