Discover Paradise 2023

YALADA

Welcome to Port Douglas and the Daintree, the traditional country of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people, custodians of this region. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging, acknowledge these First Australians, and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship with this land

Discover Paradise is a special publication of Tourism Port Douglas Daintree and The Cairns Post with support from Tourism Tropical North Queensland and Cairns Airport. Images courtesy of Tourism Port

Tropical

Douglas Daintree and their members, Tourism & Events Queensland and Tourism

ESSENTIALS BUCKET LIST

Port Douglas and Daintree is one of Australia's most sought-after destinations thanks to its incredible natural wonders, world-class diving and snorkelling, luxurious resorts and its place as the home of the Kuku Yalanji people, the oldest living culture on Earth. There is no better time than now to tick off those must do bucket list items and venture north.

1. SEE WHERE THE RAINFOREST MEETS THE REEF

How does an ancient rainforest touched by calm tropical beaches and crystal-clear waters sound for your next adventure? Disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature when you explore the breathtaking Cape Tribulation – home to one of the few places on Earth where two World Heritage-Listed sites touch side by side: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef

2. EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH THE TROPICS

Our advice? Arrive hungry. Foodies are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options in Port Douglas and Daintree, all dedicated to showcasing local tropical produce and championing the mantra of low food miles. You won't have to walk far to find mouth-wateringly good restaurants, bars, cafes, roadside stalls and market produce.

3. DISCOVER WHY IT IS CALLED GREAT

The Great Barrier Reef is undeniably one of world's most aweinspiring natural wonders. With stunning coral reefs, vibrant marine life and endless adventures to choose from, the reef should be on any nature lover's must do list. Snorkel, sail, dive or swim the best spots with departures leaving daily from Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation. Prefer some island time? Check out islands Snapper and Low, or coral cays Mackay and Undine

4. VISIT THE LAND OF THE WORLD'S OLDEST LIVING CULTURE

Learn about the rich cultural heritage of this land through the storytelling of the Kuku Yalanji people. Start at the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre and see how these ancient rainforest people live in complete harmony with their environment. Immersive experiences include art classes, Dreamtime storytelling, hunting for and eating bush tucker and visiting culturally important sites

5. HIT THE ROAD ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF DRIVE

Pop on your sunnies, pull the top down and put the music up - this world-class scenic road is a ribbon that weaves between the rainforest and the Coral Sea for nearly 150km from Cairns to Cape Tribulation. Green and blue separated by a line of black and white offers the most the glorious welcome to the tropics, and the kind of views you will want to keep on your screensaver.

DOUGLAS PORT

Watching the sun rise over the Coral Sea, catching the scent of rain before a tropical downpour, tasting the salt in the air as you sail across the Great Barrier Reef, feeling the warm sand between your toes, and hearing the gentle lap of the ocean as the tide comes in – days in Port Douglas can be long, slow, explorative, adventurous and transformational.

GO TROPICAL

Port Douglas charms with its quintessentially Queensland energy. Beach boho, bare feet and wide brim hats are not out of place in this seaside town that sits between the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Averaging 26 degrees year-round, every day is a good day in the tropical north. Whether you are adrenaline-hunting adventurers, honeymooners, on a family getaway, or chasing a mini break, Port Douglas ticks all the boxes.

ADVENTURE

While relaxing poolside is pretty good, there is nothing like an adventure to lift the spirit. Lace up the boots and prepare for hikes, trails, and waterfalls by the dozen, river drifting, island SUP-ing, game fishing, night mountain biking, diving the Great Barrier Reef or greeting the sunrise atop a giant rock – the options to be adventurous are endless

DINE OUT

With more deliciousness in Port Douglas than you can shake a sugar cane stick at, food lovers prepare to be wowed. Salsa Bar & Grill with its local tropical produce and killer cocktails is popular, while La Cucina + Bar takes a very convincing trip to Italy via the tropics. Seabean Tapas & Bar is the perfect spot for Spanish-inspired sundowners, and Zinc takes it up a notch in a town where seafood is king.

RECHARGE

While leisurely walks on the beach or in the rainforest hit the reset button, there is no substitute for an indulgent holiday massage. Did someone say Vichy showers, hot stone therapies, seaweed wraps and coconut coffee scrubs? If you do prefer something a little more at one with Mother Nature, forest bathing is something your soul will thank you for

ESSENTIALS EXPLORER

Port Douglas is a central launch pad for day tripping the diversity of the tropics. Within a short drive, you can find yourself immersed in the oldest living rainforest on Earth, admiring the endless greenery, waterfalls and rivers, or beginning that off-the-beaten-track 4WD adventure. Here are five of the finest self-drive day trips from Port Douglas

COASTAL CRAWL

The route from Port Douglas south is one of the most revered coastal drives in the world. Every turn will leave you taking in the incredible views, calm beaches and rainforest mountains reaching right down to the shoreline. There's plenty of places to stop on the Great Barrier Reef Drive and take it all in. Take a breather at Rex Lookout for sweeping sea views and the occasional hang glider and Thala Beach Nature Reserve at Oak Beach for an Instagram perfect shot. Make a stop at Pebbly Beach at Yule Point and visit Hartley's Crocodile Adventures at Wangetti

MOSSMAN

Just north of Port Douglas is Mossman, the sugar cane capital of the region replete with country stores, and historic pubs along the wide tree lined main street. Just west of town is Mossman Gorge – a serene mix of azure water tumbling between huge rocks, carving its way through dense rainforest. There is a visitor information centre run by the Kuku Yalanji people who share stories of the land and people through Dreamtime walks. You can also explore this special spot independently on a series of paths, including an elevated route with interpretive signage.

DAINTREE VILLAGE

Originally a timber town, Daintree Village is now a quiet tourism, agriculture and tropical fruit farming centre. It's a departure point for wilderness river tours plus the village itself is highly regarded for bird watching and a delicious crocodile burger. Stop for a Devonshire tea and soak up the serenity

CAPE TRIBULATION

Cape Tribulation or Kulki (in Kuku Yalanji language) is a place of fringing reefs, rare and beautiful animals including the Southern Cassowary and ancient plant life. Enveloped by rainforest, after crossing the Daintree River on the cable ferry, breakouts include a tea plantation, Alexandra Range Lookout, boardwalks, ice creameries, tropical fruit farms, cafes, and side trips to the various beaches that run along the coastline as you head north.

BLOOMFIELD AND BEYOND

Ticking off the Bloomfield Track is on the bucket list for most fourwheel drivers. This short, sharp journey has steep inclines and creek crossings. The starting point of this 30km track is Cape Tribulation, before ending at Wujal Wujal. Those with extra time, can complete the 100km journey on to Cooktown. Swimming holes, beautiful lookouts and beaches line the route, also known as the Coast Road. For the more experienced, check out the CREB Track, a rough and ready alternative to the Bloomfield starting in Daintree Village

ESSENTIALS REEF

From snorkelling the shallows of Low Isles to diving the outer Great Barrier Reef, the options for exploring this living wonder of the world are endless. Find the right option for you, no matter what your experience, with this helpful guide.

SKIMMING THE SURFACE

Want to see the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, but prefer to just float along the surface? The rich coral gardens and diversity of marine life found here ensure there is plenty to be seen with just a snorkel and fins. Sailaway Port Douglas offer full day trips to the Outer Reef

The glorious Shaolin with her fiery red sails is an incredible ride to the reef around Low Isles, or if you want to get there a little faster, Reef Sprinter lives up to its name with half day options available

TAKE A DEEP DIVE

Silversonic and Calypso are just two of the many excellent options that can take you to the diving depths of the Great Barrier Reef. Agincourt, Opal and St Crispin's reefs are popular spots, and for the more experienced divers, head to The Nursery, Barracuda Bommie or Point Break.

PROFILE

Federico Vitelli

MARINE BIOLOGIST AND ECO MANAGER AT OCEAN SAFARI

Marine biologist Federico Vitelli's passion for his perfect job is enviable. He is the marine biologist, environmental manager and accredited Master Reef Guide on Ocean Safari, which takes visitors to the outer Great Barrier Reef straight from Cape Tribulation Beach. In an ordinary day, Federico is out on the water, leading snorkelling tours of Mackay Reef and telling the stories of “this underwater paradise” while passing on his knowledge and enthusiasm for it. On most days, the rainforest can be seen along the mainland beach while snorkelling with sea turtles, over reefs full of colourful coral, tropical fish, eagle rays, giant clams and starfish.

Federico also heads up Eye on the Reef, a Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) initiative, which monitors the health of the reef. Originally from Italy, where he grew up and did his bachelor's degree, Federico's specialisation is fish biology and ecology. In 2011 he moved to Australia to further his studies and has spent the last eight years researching reef health. “I am now working full time on the largest coral reef in the world with Ocean Safari and I am literally blown away every day by the incredible biodiversity that is found here.” Federico calls his hybrid job “a perfect combination of education and conservation”, giving him the opportunity to educate visitors about the Great Barrier Reef, while carrying out conservation work to preserve and protect coral reefs for future generations.

KEEP YOUR FEET DRY

The Quicksilver Pontoon is a great way to see the reef both in and out of the water. You can see under the sea in the semi-submersible and underwater observatory from the comfort of a dry seat. There are also a number of snorkelling options for swimmers of all abilities, perfect for groups and extended families

A BIRD'S EYE VIEW

Take to the sky with Nautilus Aviation helicopters over the reef to admire at both its beauty and its vastness. You will see the blue hues from above and gain a new appreciation for the enormity of the world's largest reef system.

SPLURGE OR SAVE

Both can be done without compromising on the experience. Ocean Safari from Cape Tribulation will have you in the water in just over 30 minutes for a half day adventure spotting turtles and 'Nemos' while ABC Snorkel is focused on exclusive, individual reef experiences. Alternatively, charter a private yacht with Beluga Expeditions, Eureka V, Monsoon Charters or Indigo Port Douglas and set your own pace.

ROMANTIC MINI BREAK

For those longing for a romantic getaway, Port Douglas and Daintree sure turns up the tropical heat – cue beach vibes, secluded hideaways, great eats and dreamy rainforest to make for an unforgettable stay

RELAX

Sit back and sip champagne while taking in magnificent views of the Daintree Rainforest and the Coral Sea on a sunset sail. Once disembarking your boat, Barbados Port Douglas is the ideal spot to take in the tropical evening overlooking Dickson's Inlet for a pre-dinner cocktail.

GET ACTIVE

Wake up with a splash out on the water as the sun rises over Four Mile Beach. Glide over the calm water in a kayak or on a paddle board as you look for green sea turtles and dolphins. For the more adventurous lovers who packed their hiking boots, take on the historic Bump Track. This isn't for the faint-hearted, but along the ridge you will see breathtaking views out to the Coral Sea with a cooling dip on offer in the Mowbray Falls when you make it to the top

DINE OUT

Take a stroll down Macrossan Street, lined with fairy lights, before indulging in an intimate dining experience at Port Douglas' enviable roster of restaurants. Looking for a cosy alternative – enjoy a picnic at Rex Smeal Park and watch the sunset together. Later on, drop into Salsa Bar and Grill for an amazing dessert and tropical cocktail nightcap

PAMPER

Port Douglas is just the place to switch off and give your mind and body a treat. Take delight in the Balinese-inspired Niramaya Villas & Spa with your partner, a sanctuary of calm and healing in gorgeous surrounds, before indulging in lunch and cocktails poolside.

INDULGE

Spend the day lounging by the pool, take a stroll along the beach, sample Port Douglas' café culture, go shopping or enjoy a game of golf. For a later start to your day, consider the Low Isles afternoon tour, an unashamedly Great Barrier Reef experience for adults only, that puts luxury into sailing with a sunset and sundowner to complete the experience.

FOR GOOD TRAVEL

Travel should be good – good for you, good for the environment, good for community and good for giving back. Choosing to holiday in Port Douglas and Daintree, one of Australia's leading eco certified regions, ensures you are responsibly putting your best 'barefoot' forward and making a real difference in the process

Ecologically unique, and home to two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, sustainability sits at the heart of every travel experience. By celebrating culture and tradition, fostering conservation, promoting research and education, and being proactive in the management and protection of the local environment, the communities of Port Douglas and Daintree are building a sustainable future.

The region's conservation story began long before the bulldozers were stopped in 1984 by environmental protestors during the Daintree Blockade, which ultimately led to the salvation of the Daintree Rainforest. The Kuku Yalanji people, the rainforest people of the Daintree, have been the custodians of this ancient landscape for more than 50,000 years, living in harmony with their natural environment and their traditions live on.

WHAT CAN

YOU DO?

1. Look for Ecotourism Australia Certification. The ECO Certification program gives travellers peace of mind that certified products are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices.

2. Visit the Great Barrier Reef. Every visitor contributes directly to the sustainable management of the Marine Park through the Environmental Management Charge (EMC). Also, consider taking part in the Great Barrier Reef census undertaken each year

3 Give Back. Add a little conservation to your holiday and include a beach clean-up with Tangaroa Blue or support Daintree Life, a revegetation project focused on planting 500,000 trees by 2030, and you can plant with them.

4. Experience Culture. Book a tour with an experienced guide and discover the ancient traditions of the Kuku Yalanji People.

Port Douglas and Daintree was Australia's first ECO Certified destination through Ecotourism Australia

PROFILE Juan Walker

OWNER WALKABOUT CULTURAL ADVENTURES

Taking a tour with Juan Walker in the Daintree Rainforest can be likened to stepping into his living room – he will make you very welcome, knows every corner of it and may give you a feed For the past 20 years Juan has been introducing visitors to his home – Kuku Yalanji country – first as a guide and today as the owner of Walkabout Cultural Adventures.

His tours offer an insight into the land and habitat, culture, people and history of this ancient living culture. They are an interactive journey giving the chance to sample seasonal bush tucker and medicines, collect shellfish and try hunting techniques with a boomerang or spear

“The best thing about the job is staying on country all day. I love to be out here and showcase the country and culture to other people, for them to see it, how I see it.”

DISCOVER

Your “jungle” adventure starts at the Daintree River Ferry Crossing, which connects the northern Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation with the southern coast. The crossing only takes 10 minutes, and as you approach the bank dense with mangroves with glimpses of the thick rainforest beyond, it feels like you're entering another world!

EXPERIENCE

A scenic coastal drive takes you right through to Cape Tribulation and beyond. The Daintree Discovery Centre offers the chance to experience the rainforest from the floor to the upper reaches of the canopy with intriguing interpretive information and interactive displays. Treetops Adventure at Cape Tribulation will have you gliding over the canopy on a zip line while you absorb the beauty of the rainforest from above

ESSENTIALS DAINTREE

Dense tropical rainforest, white sandy beaches and the Great Barrier Reef on its doorstep– welcome to the Daintree, a land of striking diversity. At 135 million years old, this magical place is where two UNESCO World Heritage -Listed areas meet: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

EXPLORE

Hike through the tropical greenery, from short walks to more adventurous mountainous treks that offer waterfalls and pristine mountain streams. Stroll one of the many boardwalks that guide you through different ecosystems including mangroves, the hidden lungs of the earth.

RESTORE

Being in a remote location, doesn't mean sacrificing comfort or luxury. Retreat to your boutique accommodation after a day exploring, or if you prefer the great outdoors, there are national park or beachfront camping options. Don't miss out on additional offerings such as private walks, bird watching tours, spa treatments and swimming holes.

RIVER WILD

The Daintree River is home to a cornucopia of tropical life and is best discovered by boat. Apex predator, the saltwater crocodile, can be found sunning on sandbars or stealthily swimming through the water and check the trees or stunning azure kingfishers. A cruise on the Daintree River will offer a new perspective on this ancient ecosystem and is a haven for birdwatchers.

FAMILY ESSENTIALS

Port Douglas and the Daintree region is nature's playground, the ultimate spot for a family getaway.

GET WILD

Start the day at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas and enjoy “Breakfast With The Birds”. Feed and find out about tropical birdlife, and koalas before exploring the rest of the park. Experience the recreation of four habitats including wetlands, woodlands, savannah and rainforest. Feeling brave? “Swim with The Salties” (saltwater crocodile) experience promises to be a talking point for years to come.

BEACH DAYS

Happiness is a day at the beach and Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas is the perfect place to take your babes to expel some of that early morning energy - swim, build sandcastles, ride bikes, hire kayaks and a sun lounger for mum, or go rock hopping.

REEF SNORKELLING

Experience a true wonder of the world. Quicksilver Cruises pontoon on Agincourt Reef offers something for the whole family – snorkelling platforms, scuba diving, fish feeding, an underwater observatory and a semi-submersible coral reef viewing tour make for an unforgettable day. Prefer to stick to solid ground? The wide sandy beach and clear, calm lagoon at Low Isles, is ideal for swimming and snorkelling making this a family-friendly option.

WILDLIFE SPOTTING

Just down the road from Port Douglas is Hartley's Crocodile Adventures

The family will love the croc cruise and shows but there is also more to see including a Komodo dragon, cassowaries, wombats, koalas, snakes, kangaroos, emus and wallabies. Join the Lady Douglas Riverboat for a calm water cruise through Port Douglas' Dickson Inlet in search of crocodiles in the wild, with plenty of other wildlife spotting opportunities along the way.

HEAD NORTH

Make a beeline for Mossman Gorge and take a Back Country Bliss River Drift Snorkelling Tour for a fish-eye view of underwater life. Join Walkabout Cultural Adventures; listen to rainforest stories from traditional owners and learn hunting techniques. Then go deep into the Daintree ziplining at Treetops Adventure, taste exotic tropical fruit ice cream along the way and stop in at the Daintree Discovery Centre to blow their minds with a dedicated kids journey through the rainforest.

EVENTS

Celebrating everything from food, sports, adventure, arts and culture, plan your trip around an event to truly experience what the Port Douglas and Daintree region has to offer.

PORT DOUGLAS CARNIVALE

12-21 May 2023

Watch Port Douglas transform from a relaxed beachside beauty to a stage set for Carnivale. Be sure to check out the highly acclaimed Wonderland Spiegeltent, Tropic Rock Concert, Family Beach Day and foodie events such as The Longest Lunch, FNQ Gin Fest and Seafood Extravaganza

TASTE PORT DOUGLAS

10-13 August 2023

Be inspired by exceptional cooking and unforgettable dining experiences, learn from some of the industry's most talented experts and discover the region's finest foods and beverages

REEF TO REEF

17-20 August 2023

Escape the cold and join Australia's newest mountain bike stage race ride. Cycle the reef-fringed Coral Sea coast, hinterland trails, MTB parks and rainforest for four days and 190km

PORT DOUGLAS GRAN FONDO

8-10 September 2023

This three-day festival features 136km, 100km, 60km and 48km courses along the Great Barrier Reef Drive as well as a criterium, MTB race, sprint, family ride, expo and live music.

PORT SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL

13-14 October 2023

Screening outdoors at idyllic Rex Smeal Park, enjoy the short films of Australia's most accomplished film exponents, who share their knowledge with emerging filmmakers

PORT DOUGLAS MARLIN CHALLENGE

16-19 November 2023

Aptly named, the Marlin Coast is one of the world's best marlin fishing spots, luring anglers from near and far to Port Douglas, all with the anticipation of being the one to catch the 1 000lbs fish.

PORT DOUGLAS HOT & STEAMY

February 2024

Touted as the “unofficial” event leading up to the Sydney Mardi Gras, join the 4 day party that sprinkles some sparkle into the Port Douglas green tropical summer

TASTE THE TROPICS

Along with rainforest, cane fields and a world-famous reef, the region is also dubbed the northern food bowl of Australia. You don't have to travel far to find tropical fruit plantations, farmers markets, roadside stalls, casual and fine dining – all celebrating what is uniquely grown in tropical Australia.

PROFILE Goran Zonai

EXECUTIVE CHEF SALSA BAR & GRILL

Salsa Bar & Grill is a much-loved Port Douglas institution and key to its success is consistency, according to head chef Goran Zonai.

Goran knew from a young age he wanted to be a chef and started his training in classical French gastronomy in Switzerland as a teenager. After achieving his Masters in Cookery, he moved to Australia in 2000 and has led the Salsa kitchen team for over 20 years

“We are spoilt when it comes to the quality of the food here – there is fresh caught fish and a bounty of fruit and vegetable crops grown on the Atherton Tablelands and around Port Douglas.”

Goran says cooking at Salsa is primarily about three things – texture, taste and vibrancy He nominates the restaurant's two signature dishes as linguini pepperincino and passionfruit souffle. “Guests keep coming back for these dishes as they showcase local ingredients, look fantastic on the plate and are consistently good, every time,” he says.

FARMERS MARKETS

Whether it grows on trees, under the soil, or comes from the sea, you can find it at a local farmers market. The Sunday Port Douglas Markets is a traditional Cotter's market where stalls are all run by the people who make the goods. The Saturday morning Mossman Markets under the raintrees has an excellent selection of local produce and homemade treats. Scommazon's Farm Store sells produce grown locally on their farm, with the addition of delicious artisan products like Duke's Doughnuts, Kefir Queen and Gallo Cheese.

RESTAURANT EATS

For a fishing town, Port Douglas does seafood extremely well with Zinc and La Cucina + Bar being notable stops. Caught your own? Head to Seabean Tapas Bar Restaurant and the chefs will cook your catch for you. Salsa Bar & Grill, Harrisons at the Sheraton, and Osprey's Restaurant at Thala Beach are ones for the taste memory bank. If you are still hungry don't miss Kai, The Tin Shed, and Koko Poolside Bar + Kitchen or Barbados and Hemingway's Brewery at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina

FOOD TRAILS

If you love to eat, wander, talk and travel, these trips are made for you. Be guided around the region with Brett's Outback Tasting Adventures. If you prefer to discover deliciousness at your own speed, head to the Daintree Food Trail website and download its map, guiding you through gelato to microgreens, barramundi to breadfruit and chocolate to chorizo

For a liquid flight, the Brewers and Distillers Trail showcases locally crafted tipples inspired by our unique region.

CAFÉ CULTURE

Port Douglas has been dubbed the most “northern suburb of Melbourne”, so it seems fitting that good coffee is basically a religion. Kai, St Crispins Café, Sparrow, and Captain & Co will sort your caffeine hit right out, while Choo Choos at the Marina offers a breakfast menu so good you will be there until dinner. Mocka's Pies will satisfy your hunger with its famous crocodile laksa pie and delicious pastry treats

WELLNESS ESSENTIALS

Holidays offer us a chance to slow down, take pause and reconnect with ourselves, nature and those closest to us. If you are looking for experiences that will stay with you, long after the glow of your sun kissed holiday tan has faded, Port Douglas and Daintree has so much to give.

GO GREEN

Travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to ecofriendly travel operators who put sustainability at the front and centre of everything they do. Look for experiences that give back through monitoring, research, conservation, education and preservation of the natural environment. Think citizen science, turtle encounters on the Great Barrier Reef, carbon offset, cultural tours and rainforest experiences to enrich your soul

GO FOREST BATHING

Immerse yourself in the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth, where hugging trees is encouraged. North of the Daintree River, self-guided walks will offer jawdropping views that make your spirit soar Discover secret swimming holes as you climb to the top of Mowbray Falls along the Bump Track, navigate the stunning rainforest circuit track at Mossman Gorge, or walk amongst the lush fig tree canopy along the Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail

REJUVENATE

Start your day with yoga on Four Mile Beach or Rex Smeal Park, where classes will quieten your mind and leave you energised, refreshed and ready for a day of exploring. Stargaze at Thala Beach Nature Reserve. Its unique location means this eco resort is free from light pollution, affording the best views of the Southern night sky. If relaxing by the fire is more your thing, watch the moon rise over the ocean as evening sets in with a beach bonfire at Cape Trib Beach House before turning in to the sound of the rainforest and water lapping the beach just metres away

TO DO AROUND PORT DOUGLAS

REX SMEAL PARK

This coconut fringed park at the northern tip of the Port Douglas peninsula, offers views from every vantage, overlooking the rainforest clad Daintree mountain ranges, the Coral Sea, Low Isles, Snapper Island and Dickson Inlet. Throw down a rug and bathe in the bliss of a tropical evening as the reef boats cruise in to berth for the night and the sun sets on another day perfect day in paradise.

SUNDAY MARKETS

The Port Douglas Markets is a celebrated cotter's market where all goods showcased are created and sold by Australian artisans. Meet the locals, wander the stalls, find a treasure to take home and sample some of the different foods on offer – this bustling waterfront market, which has long been a favourite for travellers, will not disappoint. Open every Sunday from 8am-1.30pm

SUNRISE

Affectionately dubbed as Port Douglas' ultimate viewing point, Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail offers views over Four Mile Beach, as well as the surrounding mountains and Coral Sea. The lookout is accessed via steps from the northern end of the beach, before winding around the headland through tropical rainforest and ancient fig trees to finish at Rex Smeal Park. Whether you take in a sunrise, or watch a full moon, the rewards at the top are well and truly worth the effort.

BEACH DAYS

You will never go short of a beach at Port Douglas and Daintree. Four Mile Beach is an ideal place to swim and relax, manned by lifeguards and offering the epitome of a beach holiday. Fringed by palm trees, it also offers water sport rentals for the active beachgoer. If you are looking for that postcard perfect photo, take a drive and check out the more secluded beaches of Oak, Newell, Myall, Pretty, Cow Bay and Cape Tribulation, as well as the island delights of Low Isles and Mackay Cay on the Great Barrier Reef.

FRESHWATER SWIMMING

Whether it's a mountain stream, rocky waterfall or rainforest swimming hole, there are plenty of places to take a dip. Mason's Café and Mason's swimming hole are easily accessible from Cape Tribulation. Enjoy the drive up to this local beauty spot, pay a gold coin donation and jump into the cool water. The secluded Mowbray Falls is your reward for a walk up the Bump Track and through the rainforest-clad National Park in Port Douglas' back country and the Shannonvale Causeway, just north of Port Douglas, is very picturesque with its clear water, shallow rapids, and sandy bottom

ROAD TRIPS & BEYOND

While Port Douglas and Daintree is famed for its palm-fringed beaches, natural wonders and village lifestyle, there is a whole world of beauty just waiting to be explored with these day trip ideas.

PALM COVE

Located between Port Douglas and Cairns, this photogenic beachside location is famous for its coastline, jetty, Instagram-worthy palms and waterfront dining looking out to Double Island and its littler brother Scout Hat.

KURANDA

Kuranda is as colourful as it is quirky. Market stalls brimming with art, tropical handicrafts and jewellery made by local artisans will ensure you don't leave empty handed. Follow your nose to the Original Kuranda Markets for satisfying street food before viewing the natural wonder of the Barron Falls – a short drive from town – best viewed in full flight during the summer rains.

ATHERTON TABLELANDS

Take a drive along the scenic Rex Range through the towns of Julatten and Mt Molloy to arrive on the Atherton Tablelands – home to small towns, waterfalls, volcanic lakes alongside cheese farms, chocolate makers, tropical fruit wineries and coffee plantations. The green rolling hills, cool mountain air, wetlands, rainforest and savannah country of this region promises to be an unforgettable road trip.

COOKTOWN

While the heady days of the gold rush period of the 1870s have long gone, Cooktown remains a thriving fishing village. Nods to its illustrious past are seen throughout this colonial town with impressive architecture and heritage listed buildings throughout. Perhaps most famous is Cooktown' namesake, explorer Captain James Cook who spent almost two months here while his ship, The Endeavour, was being repaired after running aground on the Great Barrier Reef. Be sure to visit the Cooktown Museum if visiting here. If you have a 4WD, consider travelling via the Bloomfield Track during the winter months.

PORT DOUGLAS & DAINTREE MAP

TO DISCOVER MORE

Flagstaff Hill

Rex Smeal Park Sugar Wharf/ St Marys Chapel Marina

Four Mile Beach