Cairns

As one of the most beautiful regions in Australia, Cairns has always been a popular travel destination for tourists from all over the world. One of the main reasons behind this is the numerous nationally or globally recognised annual events that people can observe in and around the region of Cairns, especially those that depict Australia's rich culture and traditions. Here are some of the events that are worth attending, whether you are a local or visiting Cairns for the first time.

1. Cairns Indigenous Art Fair
This annual event celebrates the unique and diverse culture of the indigenous communities of Far North Queensland. The fair is a three-day celebration of visual and performing arts, including workshops, exhibitions, cultural performances, and a vibrant marketplace. Visitors can experience traditional and contemporary Indigenous arts, crafts, and performances while supporting the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

2. Cairns Festival
The Cairns Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the year in the region of Cairns. This ten-day festival features a jam-packed schedule of music, art exhibitions, theatrical performances, and sporting events. There is also a street parade, lantern parade, and Children's Carnival, which makes this event perfect for families.

3. Port Douglas Carnivale
Port Douglas Carnivale is one of the biggest annual events in the Cairns region. The festival celebrates the beauty, culture, and food of the tropical north, with a series of events and functions held across 10 days. Visitors can enjoy street performers, food and wine tasting, sporting events, and cultural performances, including the vibrant Carnivale Parade.

4. Australian Italian Festival
The Australian Italian Festival is held annually in Innisfail, a small town located just south of Cairns. The festival is a celebration of Italy's influence on Australian culture, with Italian food, wine, music, opera, cars, fashion and family activities.

5. Targa Great Barrier Reef
The Targa Great Barrier Reef is a high-speed car rally that attracts some of the best drivers from around the world. The rally takes place in the picturesque surroundings around the Cairns region and attracts thousands of visitors who come to watch the rallies' thrills and spills.

6. Cairns Amateurs Racing Carnival
The Cairns Amateurs Racing Carnival is one of the most significant events on the Australian racing calendar. The carnival features two days of thoroughbred racing, with the Fashion on the Field competition being a highlight of the event.

7. Reef Feast Palm Cove
Reef Feast is a food festival that takes place over three days in the coastal village of Palm Cove, only a short drive from Cairns. Visitors can sample some of the best local cuisine, wine, and beers produced in the Northern Queensland region, while enjoying live entertainment, master classes, and cooking demonstrations.

8. Ironman Cairns
Ironman Cairns is a triathlon event that attracts endurance athletes from around the world. The event incorporates a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride, and a 42km run, and is known for its challenging conditions due to the tropical climate of Far North Queensland.

Cairns is a region that offers an impressive array of nationally or globally recognised annual events throughout the year. Whether you are seeking to celebrate the unique culture of the indigenous communities, devour delicious local cuisine or witness the thrilling rally of high-speed cars or triathlons - Cairns has got you all covered. So, next time you're planning your trip to Cairns, be sure to look up the calendar of the annual events in the region - you might find yourself attending one of the best experiences Australia has to offer.