Hemingway’s to bring Oktoberfest to Port Douglas this weekend

Dust off your lederhosens and tropical shirts, because Hemingway’s Brewery is getting ready to bring you Oktoberfest Port Douglas style. 

Taking over the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina this Saturday October 12th, ‘Troptoberfest’ will bring all the tradition, fun and beer that you’d expect from the original German festival but with a tropical twist. With a specially designed food menu, eight traditional German beers and plenty of fun and games, there’s no doubt this will be a party to remember. 

A development from the previously held ‘Port-toberfest’, Hemingway’s Head of Hospitality, Roman Haslinger, said the idea is to capture the essence between both worlds. A native German, Mr Haslinger knows just what it takes to make a good Oktoberfest party but ensures it will be tailored to the Aussie palate. “We want to lean heavily into the German classics but with a tropical twist, but that doesn’t mean we just chuck pineapple on everything,” he laughed. “It just means we’ve adjusted our menu to be a little less salty and less heavy to suit the climate”.

Mr Haslinger has challenged his chefs to create a specialised menu which will be filled with schnitzels, pork belly and “the best pretzels ever”, which, coming from someone who grew up on German pretzels, is a big call. “This menu is something completely different and will put our chefs to the test but I know they’re up for it,” he said. 

And while the food and beer are an important component of any party, Mr Haslinger said there is one key to ensuring a good time. “We want people to dress up and have fun with it, that’s what makes a good party. Find some chequered accessories and mix it with a floral shirt or wear a lederhosen with a bikini top!” Prizes will be awarded for best dressed which will be judged by the crowd.