TNQ Writer
If you love a good festival, spring in the tropics delivers, with over ten festivals across September and October. From racing to racquets, culture to cycling, music to movies, there’s a festival for all the family this spring in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef.
Cycling Events
The annual Gran Fondo cycling festival from 6 – 9 September kicks off the month with nine rides to challenge yourself with as riders and spectators take to the magnificent Great Barrier Reef Drive from Palm Cove to Port Douglas. Spectators can relax at the festival hub before extending a few days in the village of Port Douglas, taking in one of the local restaurants, or heading out to the Great Barrier Reef for a day of adventure on the water.
Suppose the Fondo leaves you wanting for more. In that case, the next week sees the annual Q Super Cardiac Challenge 14 – 16 September take to the roads where cyclists will experience the dramatic landscapes of Tropical North Queensland as they traverse the rainforest roads through Kuranda, the stunning vistas of the Atherton Tablelands, golden flats of the savannah before arriving on the shores of the Coral Sea in Cooktown.
Rounding out September is the Cairns Tennis International, which runs from 29 September to 13 October. Part of the wider Australian Pro Tour, players will battle it out for world ranking points and a slice of the total prize pool of US$1.4 million!
Music Festivals
Grab a swag and kick off the springtime music festival scene up north in the rainforest at the Wallaby Creek Festival. From 20 – 22 September, three stages come alive with music from various genres, complemented by a poet’s breakfast, roving street theatre, food and market stalls.
Take a week’s break before Cairns comes alive with five festivals to immerse yourself in. First up, the Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival on 28 September will feature the world’s first Aboriginal reggae rock band, No Fixed Address. From 3 – 13 October, the Shine on Gimuy multi-arts light festival led by Artistic Director Rhoda Roberts AO will illuminate the Cairns Esplanade with an Artstory Light Walk. Throughout the festival, take in music maker performances, the Blak Markets and a Calling Country Ceremony, which brings together dance groups from local and neighbouring Nations and clan groups. Saturday, 5 October, shifts from the Esplanade to Munro Martin Park for an all-ages festival and melting pot of music talent under the stars at Dream Aloud.
Taking it to the Tablelands, the Tropics Muster, 9 October, promises an afternoon of award-winning Mt Uncle Distillery drinks, delectable local produce, and a fabulous lineup of local and touring musicians. Then it’s time for the big one – Savannah in the Round! Featuring Kip Moore, Tyler Hubbard, Aussie Rock Gods Hoodoo Gurus, and The Living End, 11 – 13 October is the time to be in Mareeba with your boots on, ready to dance!
And if you’re still craving tunes, head over to Yungaburra for the Tablelands Folk Festival on 25 – 27 October and experience folk music at its best while strolling through the famous Yungaburra Markets.
Art & Culture
For those looking to celebrate and experience Tropical North Queensland like a local, head south to the annual Babinda Harvest Festival 31 August – 8 September. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the festival will feature an authentic NQ Tractor Pull and Gumboot Toss, live performances, and a giant lolly drop before the Grand Parade, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display.
The next weekend, Innisfail celebrates everything Tropical North Queensland architecture and design as part of the Tropical Art Deco Festival 8 – 15 September before Port Douglas presses play on the annual Port Shorts Film Festival 18 – 19 October. Held under the stars in Rex Smeal Park, take a blanket and enjoy the range of fabulous food and film on offer!
