If you enjoy The Tropics, the sea and the sun, fish and coral, a laid back atmosphere and a stunning setting, do yourself a favor and stay in Port Douglas, North Queensland, Australia.
Stay – don’t just visit for a couple of hours.
Port Douglas in North Queensland Australia is Paradise.
It is perfectly located:-
about an hours’ drive from Cairns and the International Airport;
about an hours’ drive to The Daintree Rainforest – a World Heritage Site;
and about a 90 minute sailing trip to The Great Barrier Reef, another World Heritage Phenomena.
There is so much to do in and around Port Douglas and yet if you don’t do anything in particular but simply savor the vibe, the sea and and the beach – you will have had a wonderful, relaxing, energizing time.
We used Port Douglas as our base and stayed at the magnificent Peninsula Boutique Hotel, for 5 nights and could have stayed for more http://www.peninsulahotel.com.au/
Port Douglas and the surrounding area enjoy two seasons:- The Wet Season, hot , humid and wet summers from November to March and The Dry Season, the dry ‘winter’ months of April – November.
Be aware that the Wet Season is Stinger Season, deadly jellyfish that don’t like you sharing their waters – so stay out unless you have a stinger suit and are covered from head to toes. Having said this, there is no problem in snorkeling as long as you are wearing a stinger suit.
We were at Port Douglas during the Wet Season, snorkeled without a problem but didn’t swim in the sea. Recommend staying at a place where there is a swimming pool so that you can cool off.
When you drive up to Port Douglas from Cairns, driving on the Captain Cook Hwy take note – on your right hand side just after the circle with the turn off to Trinity Beach Road, there are usually hundreds of Wallabies – a sight to be seen. If you want to get a closer look at them, turn off and park in the parking lot of the Marlin Coast Bowling Club and walk through to get a closer view of the the Wallabies. See the marker in the above map.
Things to do and see in Port Douglas:-
Port Douglas is famous for the Four Mile Beach. It is a gorgeous stretch of soft sand bordered on the one side by Palm Trees and on the other side by the pristine Coral Sea. The beach is easily accessible and makes for a fabulous walk. During the Wet Season there is a section enclosed by stinger nets to hopefully keep out all jellyfish and crocodiles making swimming safe. There is a life guard on duty and there are umbrellas and loungers for rent. You will see all along stations where there are bottles of vinegar for public use – for the stings!
I am addicted to swimming and more so to swimming in the sea and yet when visiting in February (stinger season) chose not to take chances and didn’t go into the sea.
I highly recommend continuing the Four Mile Beach Walk on the Northern Side to the relatively newly opened Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail. The name is more daunting than the walk itself which is only about 1.5 km long! This trail is new, opened only in December 2017, and offers the most magnificent look-outs over the Coral Sea. There is a viewing platform hanging over the sea that provides breathtaking views of the Coral Sea, the Low Isles and the edge of The Daintree Rainforest. Really spectacular and although involves climbing a lot of stairs well worth the effort.
Port Douglas has basically one main street, Macrossan Street, lined with quaint shops, restaurants and tourist ‘traps’ – it is a town that depends largely if not completely on tourism. At the top of the street (walking from the beach end up) take note of the beautifully kept Police Station with gardens to die for!
The Wharf, with its’ restaurants, pubs and shops is close by. The boat trips for The Great Barrier Reef leave from The Wharf. Albeit a rather expensive days’ out, spending the day snorkeling at The Great Barrier Reef is an experience not to be missed. Please see my post about this: Snorkeling on The Great Barrier Reef
At the entrance to Port Douglas there is the Wildlife Habitat – we never got to go there so…
Remember you are in The Tropics so especially if you go during The Wet Season be sure to spray yourselves – we used the locally made Bushman Repellent available in all the local stores. We also wore anti repellent bracelets/anklets – not sure they were that effective! Also hats and sunscreen are essential as is water!
I don’t like ‘must do’s’ ! however having said that top on your list, should be visits to:-
- The Daintree Rainforest, have a look at my post: Daintree Rainforest North of The Daintree River
- The Great Barrier Reef, have a look at my post: Snorkeling on The Great Barrier Reef
- Kuranda, have a look at my post: Kuranda, famous for iconic scenic train and skyrail over rainforest canopy
- Mosmon Gorge – great for a walk and swim but be careful of the currents!Suggest looking at my post about the long haul to Australia:How to cope with the long haul to and from Australia