WATCH VIDEO: The results are in, we are onto a winner with Carnivale 2026
Shire events
The Windswell and Sea Circus float was crowned the overall winner at the Port Douglas Carnivale Macrossan Street Parade on Friday night.
Bodies in Motion Dance School won the best business float award, Port Douglas State School was awarded best community float and Flower Lady Garden Ponds and Irrigation won the eco-friendly category.
In the Sand Sculpting on Saturday on Four Mile Beach, the winners were: 1. Crocodile eating turtle, 2. Whale breaching, and 3. Colosseum.
In the inaugural Coastal Show and Shine, more than 60 vehicles went on display, with Cooya Beach local Brandt Teale winning Best Car with his 1962 Valiant.
“I'd like to thank the Douglas Shire community for helping a local car take the honours against over a hundred top quality contenders from throughout North Queensland at the inaugural Carnivalè Coastal Show and Shine,” Brandt told Newsport.
“It was a people's choice award and the community turned out in droves to vote for a local.
“I encourage more to attend next year's event to keep the glory in the Shire despite stiff opposition from elsewhere.”
State Government Tourism Minister Andrew Powell, who was in town for the event, said he was thrilled to experience first-hand the strong community spirit that defined Carnivale.
“Events like Port Douglas Carnivale bring communities together and create a real buzz across the region,” Minister Powell said.
Other highlights of the weekend included the Savannah Sounds music festival and The Longest Lunch at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, where guests enjoyed local produce, cocktails and entertainment beneath the palms.
There was the Tropic Lights display at the Sugar Wharf, the Temple of Fire pool party at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa, Café del Mar-style Sheraton Sunset Sessions, Sea Circus performances, Paramour Cabaret and the Pooch Party fundraiser.
