What’s New in EVENTS in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

CIAF 2018 Credit TTNQ

Feel the ground shake, see the dust fly and move to the rhythm at Queensland’s longest-running Indigenous event, Laura Quinkan Dance Festival. Held from 7-9 July, the atmosphere of this dance festival is the stuff of goosebumps with up to 1,000 performers from 20 different Aboriginal communities for three days of cultural celebration.

In 2023 CIAF celebrates a decade of showcasing Queensland’s vibrant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fashion industry with ‘Woven’ - a series of three, ticketed performances in the atmospheric round of Tank 3, Tanks Arts Centre on Thursday 13, and Friday 14 July 2023. Showcasing Queensland’s contemporary Indigenous wearable art, elaborate headdress, neck and body adornments, the collections of 15 designers will be exhibited by models in a creative and culturally rich choreographed performance by Miriki Performing Arts alumni.

Taste Port Douglas is one of Australia’s premier culinary events and showcases the region’s best produce over an action-packed festival celebrating nothing but world-class food, beverage and talent. From 10-13 August, food lovers can immerse themselves in a dynamic four-day program curated by event founder and culinary director, Spencer Patrick. The drool-worthy schedule normally includes a festival village with food stalls from iconic local restaurants, live cooking demonstrations, masterclasses and live music.

Cyclists from across Australia and around the world will be arriving in Port Douglas and Cairns to participate in the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival from 8-10 September. A new addition to the program this year is the Hartley’s to Port 40km Mountain Bike Race. This event will be held on Saturday 9 September, with the start located right outside the front doors of Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures in Wangetti. Additionally, the Lexus of Cairns Criterium will also be taking place on 9 September, with $5,000 in prize money up for grabs, spread across the Open and Women’s races.

Grab your cowboy hat and head to Mareeba for the annual Savannah in the Round festival in October. This multi-day country music festival features Jimmy Barnes, Kasey Chambers, Daryl Braithwaite and The Black Sorrows. With camping and glamping options available onsite, it’s the perfect excuse to keep the party going all weekend.

For more information go to cairnsgreatbarrierreef.com