As Oscar Wilde once quipped, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. An impressive and memorable entrance at your event will set the mood and expectations of guests for what is about to follow. A great event opening can instantly capture your audience and to transport them from their everyday lives to the here and now of a spectacular moment. Whether it’s a conference or a Christmas party, the main objectives are the same – to create a welcome event with wow, grabbing guests’ attention until the very last drop of the beverage package has been consumed.
Experiences here in the Port Douglas region can be as high-end and breathtaking as you want them to be, with the already existing natural beauty of the region allowing events to fit into almost any budget. Beautiful beaches, high-quality resorts, stylish restaurants, and a natural environment that encourages you to slow down and smell the sugar cane all combine to give visitors an experience like no other available in Tropical North Queensland.
One of the best in the business , Ochre Restaurant and Catering has been solidly established for more than 25 years. As a specialist off-site caterer that has the know-how and expertise to create breathtaking events in some pretty unique locations.
Among their most popular are events on the historic Sugar Wharf located at the mouth of the Dickson Inlet overlooking the Coral Sea, with the Daintree mountain range as a backdrop. Arrive at sunset to dinner along the length of the wharf on king tables, lit up by festoon and fairy lights. Styling is kept in Hamptons-esque theme with timber furniture, throw cushions and rope knot detailing. Full size illuminated lettering from Fully Lit can create extra special style, spelling out corporate names or phrases in a variety of lighting styles and colours.
Added Wow: Predinner drinks on Quicksilver's Wavedancer – cruise directly out to the Coral Sea with a glass of champagne in hand for twilight sailing on their full size catamarans while watching the sun set over the mountains of the Daintree Rainforest and disembarking onto the Sugar Wharf for evening dinner.
Another popular event option in Port Douglas is the award-winning Flames of the Forest. Just 10 minutes from Port Douglas, Flames of the Forest is an offsite dining option in the rainforest that really must be experienced to be appreciated.
Arriving to a secluded rainforest location by organised transport with nothing but the light of tiki torches to lead the way, Flames of the Forest is a site like no other. With swathes of crystal curtains and a series of custom-designed bud light stars into the canopy of the rainforest, ambiance creates a spectacular stage backdrop. A wide range of entertainment options are available from the sounds of local performers to big ticket names and everything in between (with the additional benefit of no noise restrictions!) proving it is a versatile and diverse venue.
Added Wow: Flames of the Forest also offers alternative theming options including spectacular blazing fire trails, flame and drumming shows and fire logos from Pyrotechnique, as well as a wide range of indigenous performances from dance troupe Tjapukai.
With a tropical climate offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor event venues, Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas is the perfect location for the welcome cocktail event on the purpose built Mirage Island, highlighting the entire Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas iconic Lagoon Pool area. Bringing the tropical paradise theme to life, freshly husked coconuts from Beach Harvest Coconuts are on show for pre-dinner drinks, while the expansive lagoon pool area is decorated with tropical flowers, large scale LED installations, logo lighting and uplit palm trees. Synchronised swimmers and deep-sea divers emerging poolside with baskets of fresh seafood add extra touches bound to get guests excited.
Added Wow: Fireworks lighting up the skies above Four Mile Beach during the event are particularly spectacular in showcasing the element of paradise.
“We'd watch the lightning crack over canefields. Laugh and think, this is Australia”.
Nothing says Tropical North Queensland quite like sugar cane harvesting season. And once the harvest season is over, it’s time for the cane cutters to celebrate in a flaming blaze of glory. Port Douglas Events and Hire, have created an event so exclusive, it can only be held twice a year.
Guests at the Ball arrive in a clearing littered with trayback utes and 4WDs. A flaming ‘G’day’ sign welcomes guests and the bush band are playing on the verandah of a farm building. Fire bins throw flickering light around the campsite, and a magnificent BBQ dinner ensues. A group on horseback thunder through the site carrying torches which they light from the fire bins. With a whoop and holler, they gallop away and light the cane. As the flames begin to die, a logo burns. Fireworks then light the night sky signalling the end of the Canecutters’ Ball.
Added Wow: Do you really need one?!
Discover everything Port Douglas has to offer in one guide – from flights and itineraries to venues, capacities and more.