Tourism Tropical North Queensland Introduces 2026 Events in Port Douglas, Approximately 1 Hour from Cairns, Australia

The Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Tourism Board (Cairns, Queensland, Australia; CEO: Mark Olsen) introduces three events to be held from May to September this year in Port Douglas, a resort town known as the gateway to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and rainforest. Port Douglas was selected to represent Australia in Booking.com's 'Destinations to Visit in 2026,' announced in 2025, and is highly praised as 'the only town where you can experience two World Heritage sites, the sea and the forest, at once.'

~About Port Douglas~

Located about an hour's drive north of Cairns in Northern Queensland, it is known as the gateway to two World Natural Heritage sites: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. The beautiful Four Mile Beach, and the sophisticated townscape with cafes, boutiques, and galleries, are also attractive. With an average annual temperature of about 26°C, it is a warm resort area where you can enjoy beaches, nature experiences, and marine activities throughout the year. It is a popular hidden gem resort for Western tourists, with fewer Japanese tourists, allowing for a relaxed international resort experience.

Tourism Board Website (Port Douglas) https://tropicalnorthqueensland.org/jp/where-to-go/port-douglas/

■ The region's largest festival spanning 10 days

'Port Douglas Carnivale'

May 15 (Fri) - 24 (Sun)

Originally started as a local event to celebrate the beginning of the sugarcane harvest season, it is now a stay-type festival that unfolds throughout the town. It is the region's largest festival where you can enjoy food, music, art, and family events across multiple locations such as Port Douglas beaches, parks, and resort facilities. A characteristic feature is that local residents and travelers can enjoy it together, with a variety of programs unfolding from morning to night during the period. Among them, over three days from May 22 to 24, 33 events including live performances, dazzling parades, and sea cruises will be held, reaching the peak of excitement.

■ One of Australia's leading gourmet events to enjoy fine dining and resort life

'Taste Port Douglas'

August 6 (Thu) - 9 (Sun)

'Taste Port Douglas,' hosted by 'Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas,' is known as one of Australia's premier gourmet events. This year marks its commemorative 10th anniversary, and the four-day dynamic program, bringing together world-renowned chefs with Michelin experience, offers innovative cuisine utilizing local ingredients and memorable dining experiences unique to a seaside location, allowing guests to enjoy fine dining and resort experiences.

At the venue, you can fully enjoy the region's proud culinary delights through live cooking, special dinners, and wine tastings. Furthermore, sessions are available where you can learn from industry-leading experts, such as demonstrations by top chefs, making it a program where you can not only 'taste' food but also 'know, learn, and experience' it.

■ Run feeling the sea breeze 'Run Port Douglas'

September 5 (Sat)

'Run Port Douglas,' which was first held last year and was well-received with over 1,500 runners participating, offers a wide range of categories including 2km, 5km, 10km, and 21.1km (half marathon), making it easy for beginners to veterans to enter. It is developed as an event that combines racing with a tropical experience, where you can aim for a record or participate while enjoying the scenery at your own pace. Each course winds through the town of Port Douglas, finishing on the sandy Four Mile Beach. In addition to participating in the race, you can also enjoy the unique charms of the destination, such as Great Barrier Reef tours, rainforest walks, and visits to local restaurants and markets.

About Cairns

Cairns is located in Queensland, northeastern Australia, and enjoys a tropical climate year-round. It is the closest city in Australia to Japan, with easy access by direct flight in about 7 hours and a time difference of about 1 hour, making it an accessible destination for Japanese tourists. It is also close to the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef, and the rainforest, making it possible to experience both the sea and mountains in a short period. Furthermore, in addition to a variety of activities such as snorkeling, diving, and the Kuranda Scenic Railway, it boasts excellent convenience with a compact cityscape. It also protects beautiful nature.