Port Shorts counting down to big screen magic at Rex Smeal Park
TICKET GIVEAWAY
BUSINESS FEATURE
The countdown is officially on for one of the region’s most anticipated nights of the year, as the Port Shorts Film Festival lights up Rex Smeal Park this Saturday, 24 October.
Set right on the Coral Sea waterfront, the iconic location transforms once a year into a magnificent open-air cinema, showcasing an outstanding lineup of short films from Far North Queensland, across Australia, and around the globe.
Equipped with a giant outdoor LED screen, immersive surround sound, vibrant local food stalls, and a fully licensed bar, the iconic Rex Smeal Park venue offers one of the most stunning cinematic setups on earth.
Around 800 movie lovers are expected to gather under the palm trees for a rich, entertaining program spanning local narratives, music videos, and work from emerging filmmakers.
Adding extra star power this year is TV royalty Bernard (Bernie) Curry, stepping in as host while his brother and regular host, Stephen, performs in Sydney.
A household name across Australia, Bernie is celebrated for his roles in Neighbours, Home and Away, and Wentworth, as well as winning The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition alongside Steve.
Port Shorts Festival Director Ali George said the event is a unique celebration of local talent and world-class cinema.
“Port Shorts is a night where strong storytelling, local character, and an extraordinary setting come together,” she said.
“Audiences can discover filmmakers from our own region alongside work from across Australia and around the world, all under the stars at Rex Smeal Park.”
Following last year’s successful turnout of more than 700 attendees, organisers are encouraging both locals and regional neighbours to take full advantage of the weekend.
“Port Shorts is one of those events the whole town gets behind,” Ms George added.
“We love how many people from Cairns come up and make a weekend of it.”
Port Shorts also continues its tradition as an official AACTA Qualifying Film Festival, providing selected filmmakers with a direct pathway to national recognition while bringing world-class cinema directly to regional audiences.
Gates open at 4.30pm, with the announcement of the Reel Futures Youth Festival winners at 5pm. Music videos begin at 5.30pm, with the main program commencing at 6.30pm and the awards ceremony scheduled for 9.30pm
Food will be available to purchase and a full bar will operate on site. Guests should bring a blanket or chair. No BYO food or alcohol is permitted, and dogs should be left at home.
Tickets are selling fast, visit events.humanitix.com/port-shorts/tickets or find more information at portshorts.com.
Event Details
● Date & Location: Saturday, 24 October 2026 | Rex Smeal Park, Port Douglas
● Times: Gates open 4:30 pm (Screenings from 5:30pm –9:30pm)
● Pre Event Pricing: Adults $35 | Youth (13-17) $18 | Children 12 and under $8
Ticket giveaway
Newsport is giving away two double-passes to the tropics’ coolest short film festival at Rex Smeal Park on Saturday, 24 October!
How to enter:
- Head over to the Newsport giveaway post on Facebook.
- Tag the friend you’d bring with you in the comments.
The lucky winners will be selected at random and announced on Wednesday 21 October, on the Newsport Facebook page. Good luck!
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