The iconic Taste Port Douglas food festival is returning to the tropics this 10th – 13th August 2023, and we could not be any more excited!
Long regarded as one of the best holiday destinations in the country, Port Douglas is also considered the culinary highlight of the region, home to a thriving restaurant and food industry.
Taste showcases some of Australia’s leading chefs and culinary extraordinaries and presents a jam-packed four-day program of vibrant food festivities and unforgettable dining experiences.
Food fanatics, you do not want to miss this one. There will be plenty of Australia’s greatest chefs are joining us in paradise for this event, including Adam D’Sylva, Alastair Mcleod, Benny Mai and TV personality and journalist, Matt Preston. Think masterclasses, exquisite BBQs, cocktails, succulent seafood, and junior foodie events.
There are so many epic events to look forward to for this years’ Taste Festival – here’s some insight into this years’ event.
Special Events
Thursday 10th August
Gourmet Golf presented by Survivor Golf
Join teams of guest chefs and festival partners in this nine-hole Ambrose competition presented by Survivor Golf.
Devils Thumb Distillery Mixing & Masterclass Experience
Embark on a Gin Masterclass journey with Devils Thumb Distillery experts, exploring gin’s origins, its evolution, and their award-winning production process, while creating your own gin blend and taking home a 200ML bottle of your creation.
Taste Port Douglas Launch Party
Experience the grand opening of Taste Port Douglas 2023 with a Kuku Yalanji Welcome to Country, an evening under the stars, live entertainment, a delectable grazing menu by Executive Chef Belinda Tuckwell, and a three-hour drinks package, marking the launch of the region’s renowned gourmet weekend.
Friday 11th August
Taste Long Lunch
Immerse yourself in the outdoor lifestyle of Tropical North Queensland at the highly anticipated Port Douglas Long Lunch, featuring renowned local restaurants, guest chefs, a picturesque seaside setting, a three-course meal, a 3-hour beverage package, and non-stop entertainment in Market Park with ocean views to Dixons Inlet.
Masterclass; Caviar & Champagne
Join Deb Oliver, the esteemed queen of fine foods, for an exquisite caviar masterclass featuring a guided tasting of the world’s finest caviars paired with Champagne Taittinger and Louis Roederer, led by champagne expert Tara Britain.
Masterclass; The allure of Truffle
Discover the captivating world of truffles with Debbie Oliver of Lady Truffle Fine Foods, as she provides insights into the history, process, and culinary uses of these magical fungi, along with sampling a delectable truffle toastie, while sommelier Samantha Payne expertly pairs wines to elevate your truffle experience
Masterclass; The art of Cheese
Embark on a cheese exploration led by renowned expert Peter Gross at Port Douglas’ Epicurean Restaurant, where you’ll delve into the history of cheese, indulge in tastings of exquisite Australian and international varieties, and enjoy wine pairings and discussions with Penny Grant from Shaw + Smith winery.
Masterclass; Gold medal winning Rum
Experience a captivating Masterclass with Mark Watkins, the founder and Head Distiller of Mount Uncle Distillery, as he takes you on a journey through the history of sugar cane farming and the creation of their award-winning rum range.
Icons of Melbourne Dinner X Harrisons Restaurant
Join Matt Preston as he introduces four influential British chefs, Raymond Capaldi, Michael Lambie, and Ian Curley, who played a significant role in shaping the Melbourne food scene during the mid-90s migration, offering an incredible dinner experience with wine pairings and talks by Vasse Felix Winery, featuring snacks, four courses, a welcome drink, and paired wines.
Taste Port Douglas Takeover; Jerry Mai X Lagoon House Restaurant
Join Jerry Mai as she takes over Port Douglas’ newest beachside restaurant to present an evening of her signature Asian flavours.
Saturday 12th August
The Farm to Table Stage at Mossman Market
*New Event* Immerse yourself in the vibrant Mossman Saturday Market, located in a town with a rich history in sugar cane and farming, where you can explore a wide range of fresh produce, exotic fruits, herbs, and vegetables, while enjoying informative talks by local producers and farmers, MC’d by renowned food and travel writer Kerry Heaney, making it a must-attend event that is free to watch and enjoy.
La Dolce Vita; An Italian Feast with Guy Grossie X La Cucina E Bar
Enjoy an afternoon of the sweet life at this al fresco Italian inspired luncheon featuring a 3-course feast by leading chefs Massimo Mele, Laura and Max Sharrad and Aaron Ward in collaboration with Port Douglas Italian Restaurant, La Cucina e Bar.
Catchers & Growers; The Ultimate Seafood Feast
Catchers and Growers, now in its third year, brings joy to seafood lovers with a bountiful menu crafted by esteemed seafood producers from Australia and New Zealand, hosted by industry expert Umar Nguyen, offering live food stations, enlightening discussions on seafood quality and diversity, snacks, a drink on arrival, a seafood marketplace, and an unlimited feast accompanied by a 2.5-hour premium wine package.
Cafe Del Mar Sunset Sessions
Experience the highly anticipated return of Sunset Sessions with Cafe del Mar at Taste Port Douglas 2023, where you can indulge in delicious food, witness an unforgettable sunset, and dance to the world-class beats of DJ Beth Yen, known for her quality house music and notable achievements, with DJ Just Andy opening the event.
Taste Port Douglas Takeover; Jake Nicholson X Wrasse & Roe
Experience a culinary collaboration like no other as acclaimed chef Jake Nicolson, fishing industry expert John Sussman, and seafood connoisseur Andy Gray from Wrasse & Roe in Port Douglas come together to create an exquisite dining experience dedicated to the ocean’s bounty.
A Night of Fire X Flames of the Forrest
Immerse yourself in the enchanting Flames of the Forest, the only rainforest dining experience in Tropical North Queensland’s Wet Tropics region, where renowned live fire chefs Ben Williamson, Bente Grysbaek, and Charly Pretet from Terra Firma Dining collaborate to create an awe-inspiring night of fire cooking.
Sunday 13th August
The Sheraton Festival Village
Experience the vibrant Sheraton Festival Village, the lively hub of Taste Port Douglas, where you can immerse yourself in the rich culinary culture and lifestyle of Port Douglas. With the stunning backdrop of Four Mile Beach and resort lagoons, the village offers a full day of exciting activities including live cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, food and wine stalls, masterclasses, activities for junior foodies, industry talks, pop-up bars, live music, and much more.
The Sheraton Festival Village Masterclass Series
Elevate your Sheraton Festival Village experience by participating in expert-led masterclasses, where industry professionals will impart their knowledge and skills in areas such as mixology, wine tasting, and food and wine pairing. These engaging and informative classes are a must-attend, and each masterclass booking includes a complimentary General Admission ticket to the Sheraton Festival Village on Sunday 13. Make sure to secure your spot in advance as masterclasses have scheduled times and locations.
Get your early bird tickets online.
For information and tickets head to the Taste Port Douglas website.
Book your stay early at Cayman Villas – click here to check rates & availability.
