What’s On

HERE’S OUR PICK OF SPORTING, MUSIC, CULTURAL, ARTS AND FOODIE EVENTS IN TNQ TO KEEP YOU BUSY – AND INSPIRED – FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2023.

10–12 August

TASTE

PORT DOUGLAS

Get the taste buds ready for this fabulous food festival that’s bringing together world-class chefs, industry experts and sumptuous culinary experiences in this tropical destination. tasteportdouglas.com.au

13–14 October

PORT SHORT

FILM FESTIVAL

Hailed as the coolest short film festival in the heart of the tropics, Port Shorts showcases the work of the best emerging short filmmakers in Australia and across the globe. Better yet, this short-film extravaganza is held in the most beautiful outdoor cinema, in Port Douglas’ scenic Rex Smeal Park. tourismportdouglas.com.au

19–21 July

The Cairns Show

It’s showtime! Support the local community with a visit to the Cairns Showgrounds in Paramatta Park for Australia’s largest regional agricultural show. Explore an array of jaw-dropping family entertainment, competitions, demonstrations, rides, stalls and more. Gates open daily at 9am and close at 9pm right after the fireworks. cairnsshow.com.au

DID YOU KNOW?

The Cairns Show has 32 competition sections, from arts & crafts to animals, scarecrows, woodchop, horticulture, pole climbing and more.

7–9 July

Laura Quinkan Indigenous Dance Festival

Dance troupes from across Cape York and the Torres Strait will converge on the community of Laura to celebrate the oldest living culture in the world through music, dance, singing and cultural performances. Rock Art Tours to Laura’s ancient rock art gallery sites are also on offer. lauraquinkanfestival.com.au

13–16 July

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair

The CIAF is a celebration of the diversity of Tropical North Queensland’s rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture. This year’s event, Weaving our Future: Claiming our Sovereignty, will see artists respond to the theme and provide an ethical marketplace for fine art. ciaf.com.au

7–20 August

Reef to Reef

Mountain bikers will be in their element for four thrilling days this month when the 190km MTB Stage Race hits TNQ. Kicking off on the Coral Coast, competitors will head inland through tablelands, farm tracks, cattle stations, MTB parks, ancient rainforest and a final beach section before the festival beyond the finish line. reeftoreefmtb.com

6–8 October

Savannah in the Round

DON'T MISS!

Live country music, camping and local food are the order of the weekend at this music festival held at Mareeba in the hinterland. The festival has previously featured stellar country music artists such as The Waifs and Adam Brand, and promises to be even bigger in 2023. savannahintheround.com.au

IT’S A GREAT MONTH TO...

JUNE:

Watch out for cyclists en masse on the epic 780km Cairns to Karumba bike ride, held to raise funds for children’s education in Cape York.

JULY:

Winter is a magical time to head out on the Great Barrier Reef. Tick snorkelling, diving, fishing or sightseeing off the bucket list.

AUGUST: Head north to Mt Carbine to watch cowboys do their thing at the Carbine Bull and Bronc ride on 12 August.

SEPTEMBER:

Celebrate the start of the glorious spring season at Cairns’ best eateries. We like Flynn’s Italian by Crystalbrook, Salt House and Tamarind.

OCTOBER:

Explore Cairns on wheels. Beam Mobility now has 150 purple e-scooters across Cairns to make sightseeing more fun –and sustainable.

NOVEMBER: Waterfalls are at their most spectacular in the wet season. See Australia’s widest singledrop waterfall, Millstream Falls, near Ravenshoe.

DECEMBER: Browse Palm Cove Markets on 3 December, the Port Douglas Markets on Sunday mornings, or Yungaburra Markets on the third Saturday.