SPORTS, FAMILY FUN, ART & CULTURE,
FOOD & WINE AND PRIZES

Far North Queensland's premier Shire celebrates with the annual Reef and Rainforest Carnivale. Our region becomes a living postcard of tropical culture. 2008’s celebration will be held from 23 May - 01 June. It is a time when visitors and locals join in and celebrate life in the tropics, its pleasures, weather, culture, art & cuisine.

Bringing the Country to the Coast

Carnivale kicks off on Friday, 23rd May with the Spectacular Street Parade - floats, street theatre, entertainers, buskers, bands and a fireworks spectacular will bring to life this year's theme of “Bringing the Country to the Coast”.

80 restaurants are on standby to showcase their talents in this; our tropical paradise. 10 days of fun, sport, competitions, arts, culture, and performances will follow. If it is water you want, sail in the Audi Cairns Centre Clipper Cup, cheer on the Champion Outrigger Team, or enter the Combines Club Carnivale Fishing Tournament for a chance to win part of the Pot.

After all the fun and excitement of the Street Parade come on down to the beach for the Family Fun Beach day on Saturday 24th May. There will be fun, games (for all ages!), activities, fabulous food, Harley Davidson bike rides, markets, bands and loads of entertainment – what a fantastic way for your family (including your family pet) and friends to spend the first Saturday of Carnivale! Indulge in a BIG breakfast, pick up a bargain from the market stalls lining the foreshore, watch the pet parade, soak up the sunshine on the beach and participate in or watch the beach cricket! Why not give Kite surfing a go, watch the outrigger competition and see the Cairns Ski Club set a new club speed record from Cairns to Port Douglas. There will also be FREE sea kayaking tours that are both safe and fun for the whole family and the amazing Mareeba Warbirds will also be screaming overhead with a jaw dropping fly over and stunts – so keep your eyes and ears peeled!”

The culture vultures can indulge their senses with the Events NQ Gourmet Gladiators cook off, with Chef’s from the regions’ premier restaurants participating with local celeb’s in a 4 night competition culminating in the grand final.

Mask up for the Sheraton Mirage Art Awards & Masquerade Ball, or grab a seat at Quicksilver’s Food, Wine and a Taste of Port under the palms in the park, talk the talk with Lotsa Printing’s Longest Lunch on the boardwalk and do the famous Marina Mirage Seafood Extravaganza.

No matter what you choose to attend, the Trinity Auto Group Reef and Rainforest Carnivale is an action-packed series of events that is anticipated by Carnivale-goers year-round.