Port Douglas is located in Far North Queensland, approximately 1 hour away from Cairns airport. I love this part of Queensland for the peacefulness of its surroundings and the tropical weather. The weather is sensational in July where the clouds dissipate mid morning and the temperature reaches 26 degrees.
The local shuttle buses are the best way to move around Port Douglas, there are quite a few services. Avoid buying a weekly pass so you can jump on any next available service that comes along.
Accommodation
We stayed at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort situated on the beachfront of 4 Miles Beach. The secluded resort is humongous and the perfect place for a relaxing 9 day holiday, it made me feel like I was on a private island.
We were given a Lagoon Edge 2 double bedroom in error by My Queensland Holidays, however, we found the room to be quite spacious, comfortable and enjoyed having pool access.
The main feature of this resort is the multiple pools. Unfortunately, service at the pool bar is minimal and its located in the least favourite of the pools. I suggest walking over to the bar for quicker service.
Cabana hire is available for a daily fee of $50.00. I am not one to hang out by the pool all day but must say I am getting used to it. Lazing by the pool is a great way to really unwind from your everyday routine.
http://www.sheratongrandmiragegoldcoast.com/
Beaches
Four Mile Beach –
Far North Queensland beaches are not safe for swimming, however, there is a stinger net at the lifeguard station at the top end of Four Mile beach. Please only swim inside its protective barriers.
Four Mile Beach is a perfect location for a long stroll along the beach. We rode our bikes on a previous trip, however, be wary crocodiles are known in this part of Queensland and stinger season is roughly November to May.
http://qldbeaches.com/four-mile-beach.html
Dining
- Bazaar Marketplace at QT Hotel –
This has to be the best marketplace (buffet) for breakfast or dinner in Australia. The food is impeccable and delicious. The Bazaar marketplace has a variety of food from Asian, Italian and fresh meats including seafood that is cooked in front of you. Make sure to keep some room in your tummy for the sensational desserts. Book early as this restaurant is very popular.
Recommendation: Dumplings, seafood, steak cooked to your liking and desserts.
https://www.qthotelsandresorts.com/gold-coast/eat-drink/
- Nautilus Restaurant –
If you have never had fine dining, start here. Fine food and great service whilst dining in a tropical Rainforest ambiance. Make sure to order the 5-course Degustation, we loved it. And la piece de resistance is the dessert. I devoured the Bombe Alaska, it was exquisite. A very memorable dinner under the stars.
https://www.churrascopd.com.au/nautiluspdf/DEGO5.pdf
Recommendation: Twice cooked pork belly with seared scallop and Pineapple Bombe Alaska for dessert.
http://www.nautilus-restaurant.com.au/
- Watergate Dining-
This restaurant was one of our favourites on previous trips but on this occasion we found service lacking and food not as amazing. Perhaps change of staff or management but still worth visiting.
Recommendation: Entree pork belly with scallops and garlic prawns.
http://www.watergateportdouglas.com.au/
- On The Inlet –
A popular tourist attraction here is viewing George the Gropper at 5 pm. Visit 30 minutes earlier to grab a nearby table.
It is also a good location for sunset drinks and is walking distance from the Marina and town.
- Mojos in Mossman –
A 20 minutes drive from Port Douglas, the food was delicious and service great. I highly recommend dining here on your way up north.
Recommendation: Fried Brie to share and the Saganaki fried Greek cheese were my favourites.
http://www.mojosbarandgrill.com.au/
- Star of Siam –
This Thai restaurant has the best service, once seated your order is taken promptly and your food is on the table within 10 minutes. Magic! The cuisine is delicious and we loved it so much we returned another 2 times. Need I say more!
Recommendations: Salt and pepper squid, Chicken and cashew stir fry, Mongolian beef and Singapore noodles.
https://www.starofsiamportdouglas.com.au/index.php
- Ironbar –
Casual dining with fantastic cocktails and a great Lamb Shank pie with pea crush, potato mash and mint jelly.
https://www.ironbarportdouglas.com.au/
Tours
-
Aquarius Twilight Sailing –
You can not leave Port Douglas without a sunset tour, the sunsets are amazing.
The Aquarius catamaran is stunning and the sailing trip enjoyable. Delicious canapés are served throughout the trip.
BYO alcohol permitted.
Price: Adult $60, Child $50 (4-14yrs)
http://tropicaljourneys.com/aquarius-sunset-cruises.html
- Quicksilver Connections Low Isles cruise –
Low Isles is a tiny unspoiled coral island, the weather was fantastic and the island not too overcrowded. Snorkelling visibility was murky but we still saw sea life, turtles and from the Wavedancer boat a couple of black tip sharks.
Our tour included a tropical buffet lunch served on board the Wavedancer and a licensed bar is available.
Make sure to arrange your activities as soon as the Quicksilver crew advise, to avoid missing out.
https://wavedancerlowisles.com/sailing-the-great-barrier-reef/
- Quicksilver Connections – Great Barrier Reef
You will no doubt enjoy this Great Barrier Reef tour. A presentation by marine biologist, hot and cold tropical buffet lunch and all snorkeling equipment provided.
This tour has quite a lot of tourists on board but the day flows quite well and you do not feel overcrowded. I highly suggest spending majority of your time snorkeling on your own, go to the underwater observatory fish & coral viewing and book in a time for the semi-submersible vessels. The semi-submersible vessels are an interesting experience and you could be lucky and see a few turtles like we did.
https://www.quicksilver-cruises.com/reef-tour/wavepiercer/index.html
Activities
- Bally Hooley Steam Railway – Train
This train operates daily. It is worth buying a day ticket and enjoying this old steam train a few times from Crispin train station to Port Douglas Marina or in reverse.
http://pddt.com.au/attraction/train/bally-hooley-steam-railway/
- Sunday Markets –
This has to be one of my favourite markets in Queensland that sells just about anything from fresh prawns, coconuts, hats, clothes, books, hot food and more.
We bought a gorgeous framed butterfly for $45.00 Aud and I bought a hat for $25.00 Aud.
The markets run every Sunday from 8 am to 1 pm in Anzac Park, allow a minimum of 1.5 hours.
- Flagstaff Hill Lookout of Four Miles Beach and the Port Douglas Lighthouse
Flagstaff Hill is a short walk from the main street of Port Douglas and is the perfect lookout to view the Coral Sea and spectacular Four Miles Beach.
Flagstaff Lighthouse on Murphy’s Street is worth taking a sneak peek at the gorgeous view of the Coral Sea. The current lighthouse replaced the previous wooden lighthouse of 1878.
http://www.guideportdouglas.com/four-mile-beach-and-port-douglas-lighthouse/
- Douglas Shire Historical Society’s Museum –
This building was formerly the Port Douglas Court House erected in 1879 and restored in 1996. Open from 10 am to 1 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
http://www.aumuseums.com/qld/far-north/douglas-shire-historical-society-inc
- St Mary’s by the Sea –
The port’s oldest surviving church, a historic 1880 fully restored non-denominational chapel.
https://www.portdouglasweddings.com.au/St-Mary’s
Port Douglas is a lovely destination to relax and have fun all in the same trip, I suggest booking your trip for the month of July when the town is not overcrowded with tourist.
christinetravels 