Port Douglas is an ideal winter holiday destination, but it’s even more enticing in August thanks to a four-day culinary extravaganza.

Taste Port Douglas Food & Drink Festival is on from August 11-14. Now in its sixth year, it attracts some of Australia’s best chefs, cookbook authors, wine experts and TV presenters, such as Jerry Mai from Pho Nom in Melbourne, David LeMire of Shaw + Smith in Adelaide and TV’s Colin Fassnidge. 

The chefs will be cooking with far North Queensland’s incredible produce and hosting a range of culinary masterclasses, signature dinners and unique dining experiences.

The stunning Four Mile Beach is the perfect backdrop for the festival, providing an escape from the winter blues as guests soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the festival village, enjoy a long sea-side luncheon and sip cocktails at chic soirées.
There’ll also be a dynamic series of chef take-overs of local restaurants, plus music and entertainment.

A range of the festival’s marquee events, such as the launch party and long lunch have already sold out, so get booking if any of the following take your fancy. 

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Sheraton Festival Village
This is the heart of the action. The main stage will feature live cooking demonstrations from Manu Feildel, Adam D’Sylva, Adrian Richardson and more. Pop-up food stalls on the Gourmet Lawn will be curated by guest chefs including Alastair McLeod, Dominique Rizzo and Jerry Mai. Grab a plate then head to the Barefoot Beach Bar to drink from a selection of local brewers and distillers such as Distill on the Hill, Eros Vodka and Happy Sun Seltzer.

Catchers and Growers: The Ultimate Seafood Feast
Live seafood stations by esteemed Australian and NZ producers give you a chance to chat about all of the delicious things that come from under the sea before you feast on the bounty it provides. The 2.5-hour premium wine package is also a winner.

Masterclasses
Learn while you sip, taste and have a wonderful time. Discover everything you want to know about spirits with Wolf Lane Distillery, delve into the worlds of shiraz and chardonnay with Shaw + Smith’s Master of Wine, David LeMire, and indulge your inner hedonist with a champagne and caviar masterclass – plus lots more.

Fat Mango BBQ
This is unlike any barbie you’ve ever had. Celebrity chef Colin Fassnidge and butcher extraordinaire, Anthony Puharich from Victor Churchill, will stoke conversation with chefs including Aaron Ward, Bente Grysbaek and Massimo Mele, as they show what they can do with fire, charcoal and smoke.
A range of liquor, craft beer and wines bars will be spread across the festival ground.

Café Del Mar Sunset Session
If you didn’t make it to Ibiza this year, this is the next best thing. DJ Jusjoe will deliver smooth house tunes while guests graze on the all-inclusive three-hour food package of roving snacks and food stations, including charcuterie, seafood and sushi. 

Taste Port Douglas
August 11-14
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort 
tasteportdouglas.com.au 

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