From ice baths and salsa to wellness practices you might never have encountered before, the inaugural Port Douglas Wellness Festival lands this Friday, 30 October, and Saturday, 31 October.

Among the weekend’s diverse program is a Handpan Nidra session, led by local yoga teacher Noeline Clarke and musician Damien.

Noeline, a long-time local instructor at Port Douglas Yoga who teaches Hatha and Restorative classes, brings decades of expertise in breathwork, body alignment, and guided relaxation. 

Joining her is Damien, who provides live musical accompaniment using the handpan - a modern steel percussion instrument known for its soothing, metallic resonance and atmospheric sound.

For those unfamiliar with the practice, Handpan Nidra combines guided relaxation with sound therapy.

“Both voice and sound act as an anchor,” explains Noeline. “We assist to regulate the nervous system and transition gently from active thinking to deep rest.

During the session, Noeline’s guided voice and Damien’s gentle handpan resonance work together to lead participants into calming brainwave states. 

The practice promotes sensory awareness and deep mental rest without requiring any physical exertion.

“No experience is necessary,” Noeline adds. “Yet we journey with curiosity and openness.”

The free, two-day community festival kicks off Friday afternoon at the Sugar Wharf with night markets, before expanding to the Port Douglas Community Hall on Saturday.