Where rainforest meets the reef
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WELCOME TO The lure of the Port Douglas and Daintree region is intoxicating - the breathtaking beauty and lush landscapes, those balmy tropical days and nights, and that unmistakeable throw-off-your-shoes vibe. Let's face it, it's hard not to fall in love with paradise. In Queensland's Port Douglas and the Daintree region, you’ll enjoy warm days all year, making it a perfect holiday destination year-round. With it, each season promises a
special and diverse offering to choose your own adventure in everyday luxury. Port Douglas is the chic seaside village that lends itself to being the stepping off point to explore the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest and surrounds. Port Douglas and Daintree is the place to look at when pulling out your highlighter to mark off all those extended public holiday annual leave times.
EVENTS WONDERLAND SPEIGELTENT WHEN: 14 – 23 May, 2021
COOKTOWN DISCOVERY EXPO WHEN: 17 – 20 June, 2021
PORT DOUGLAS CARNIVALE WHEN: 14 – 21 May, 2021
PORT DOUGLAS GRAN FONDO WHEN: 12 September, 2021
QUICKSILVER PORT DOUGLAS RACEWEEK WHEN: 18 – 22 May, 2021
PORT SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL WHEN: 15 - 16 October, 2021
IRONMAN 70.3 Cairns WHEN: 6 June, 2021
THE CROCODILE TROPHY WHEN: 15 – 23 October, 2021
Discover Paradise is a special publication of The Cairns Post and Tourism Port Douglas Daintree with support from Tourism Tropical North Queensland. Distribution – 188, 300 copies inserted into The Weekend Australian on Saturday 27th March 2021 Content Directors – Tara Bennett & Chelsea Mee Editorial –Sharon Timms Editorial Design – Drafthouse Creative Studio Sales and distribution Business Manager – Andrew Reeves Advertising Team – Skye Dobbs & Trish Travers Cover by Haylsa & Kyle IG/Haylsa & IG/Kyle_Hunter. Images courtesy of Tourism Port Douglas Daintree and their members, Tourism & Events Queensland and Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
Where rainforest meets the reef
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BUCKETLIST 1. GO SEE WHERE THE RAINFOREST MEETS THE REEF Fringed by reef, enveloped by rainforest, Cape Tribulation is home to the only place on Earth where two World HeritageListed areas gently nuzzle each other side by side: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
2. EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH THE TROPICS Our advice? Arrive hungry – you’re going to want to shoehorn all of the holiday feasting in during your stay. Full of mouth-wateringly good restaurants, bars, cafes, roadside stands and market produce, the Port Douglas and Daintree region is literally a stock pot full of delicious adventure.
3. EXPLORE EARTH’S LARGEST LIVING THING Mother Nature in all her shimmering, bedazzled glory – the Great Barrier Reef. And the only living thing on the planet that can be seen from outer space! Snorkel, sail, dive or swim the best spots on the Great Barrier Reef with more than 15 tours leaving daily from Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation.
4. GET GORGE-EOUS Visiting the Mossman Gorge is like getting a giant hug from Mother Nature. Discover the wonder and magic of this culturally significant and spellbinding spot that sets the scene for the beginning of the Daintree Rainforest. A lush, tropical location for both locals and visitors to swim, walk and explore, this beautiful beast is looking good for around 140 million years in the making.
5. HIT THE ROAD ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF DRIVE Pop on your sunnies and turn the music up - this world-class scenic road is a ribbon that weaves between the rainforest and the coral sea coastline for nearly 150 kilometres from Cairns to Cape Tribulation. A glorious welcome to the tropics and the kind of view you'll want to keep on your screensaver.
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PORT Port Douglas is the jewel in the crown between the reef and the rainforest. A vibrant seaside village that breathes the essence of barefoot sophistication, it's a place that takes relaxation very seriously. Port Douglas has something for everyone. Whether you are adrenaline-hunting adventurers, amorous honeymooners, on a family getaway or a cheeky
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weekender, Port Douglas ticks all the boxes. In addition to some fairly serious eating and drinking options, Mother Nature has indeed been very kind up this way with lashings of beaches, lush mountains and an island point that is one of the few places in the country where you can see the sun both rise and set over the water.
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EXPLORER While Port Douglas is renowned as an idyllic location to soak up the reef and rainforest, it's also a great launch pad for day tripping the diversity of the tropics. Within a short drive you can find yourself in the middle of the most ancient rainforest on earth, stumbling upon freshwater swimming holes, or initiating that 4WD capability off the beaten track. Itching to explore? Here are five of the best self-drive day trips from Port Douglas (and what to look out for along the way). Fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride!
1. COASTAL CRAWL There are plenty of small townships along the Great Barrier Reef Drive from Cairns to Port Douglas well worth stopping into. Wangetti is the home of Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, and also Wangetti Beach for a beach stroll. Get your Instagram ready for Oak Beach, home of Thala Beach Nature Reserve – the most photographed coconut plantation in the country! Cooya Beach, Newell Beach and Wonga Beach round out the hamlets of coastal communities that are small in size but large in charm and character. Pack your fishing rods.
2. MOSSMAN Mossman is a picture-perfect little township nestled at the foot of the mountains among green fields of sugar cane with country stores and historic pubs to explore. Only 10 minutes from Port Douglas, this friendly town is also home to the Mossman Gorge where crystal-clear waters tumble over ancient granite boulders, and the Kuku Yalanji people happily share their stories and legends through Dreamtime walks and tours.
3. DAINTREE VILLAGE The Daintree Village is a quirky little town, originally a settlement created in the 1870s as a base for timber-cutters who came to log the red cedar which once flourished in the area. These days, the Village is an unspoilt oasis in the midst of breathtaking scenery and is a great place to spot a croc, stop for a cracking burger and feel the tranquillity.
4. CAPE TRIBULATION Once across the mighty Daintree River, the wide open spaces all but disappear, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by an ancient rainforest canopy. From the north shore of the Daintree ferry crossing, the road kicks on for another 35km past the Alexandra Lookout to Cape Tribulation. Cape Trib is a worthy spot to stop, the picturesque location where the rainforest kisses the reef.
5. BLOOMFIELD AND BEYOND The Bloomfield Track is one of the most scenic short 4WD drives in Queensland and a must-do for experienced and aspiring 4WD travellers. The coastal drive to Wujal Wujal on the Bloomfield River and beyond is filled with spectacular views, creek crossings, and secluded beaches. Or for the more experienced, take on the CREB Track - one of the country’s most challenging four-wheeldrive adventures, traversing spectacular World Heritage-listed rainforest and on to Cooktown.
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LIFE’S A
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It's been widely rumoured that the saying 'life's a beach' was coined while exploring the beaches of Port Douglas and Daintree – with its azure waters, golden shores and hardly a hint of civilization in sight from the sand, this area is easily among Australia's most beautiful and pristine. From the popular Four Mile Beach to the more secluded spots Oak, Newell, Myall, Pretty, Cow Bay and Cape Tribulation, as well as the island delights of Low Isles and Mackay Cay, it's not a holiday without the sun and salty air kissing your skin whilst strolling along coconut palm-fringed coastlines. Fire up the Instagram!
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TROPICAL Welcome to your holiday. In a town where flashy and fun are found in equal amounts, Port Douglas has something for everyone. From luxe-living villas to budget backpacking options; private homes, snazzy self-catering
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apartments and resorts that deserve their own postcode, you'll have no trouble finding a suitable place to rest your travelling head. Wherever you stay, we'll guarantee you'll want to stay that little bit longer.
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DAINTREE It's the world's oldest surviving rainforest with specimens of plants that existed millions of years ago - the Daintree Rainforest is a living, breathing museum of evolution and home to the Kuku Yalanji indigenous custodians. Be dwarfed by king ferns, cruise the river for prehistoric crocodiles, and watch for the flash of blue that gives away the cassowary moving through the evergreen forest.
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Explore the quaint Daintree Village before embarking on the ferry taking you even deeper into the Daintree Rainforest. For a truly immersive experience of its raw, prehistoric beauty, head to the Daintree Discovery Centre, an interpretive facility that takes you from the forest floor to the towering canopy in an interactive, educational and fun experience.
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DAINTREE 1. HIKE IT Whether you're an expert hiker who's up for the long haul and measures enjoyment by metres-above-sea-level, or a Sunday stroller looking for something more casual, there's a range of walks in the Daintree to suit every desire and ability. For the more adventurous and seasoned, Mt Sorrow and Devil's Thumb will have your glutes burning, and for the more relaxed, try any of the Daintree Rainforest Boardwalks.
2. DISCOVER IT The Discovery Centre is nestled in the heart of the rainforest and is on the bucket list for anyone wanting to know what the Daintree looked like when dinosaurs roamed. This interpretive facility is the spot where you can experience the rainforest at every level from the forest floor to the upper most reaches of the 23-metre-high canopy. Audio tours, simulated life-like dinosaurs and the very real chance of seeing a wild cassowary round out this must do spot.
3. EAT IT North Queensland has a cornucopia of deliciousness at its very fingertips. If you like eating and exploring, Daintree Food Trail is a downloadable food map taking you through all the deliciousness of the region and is an excellent way to get all the background info on producers as you go. If foraging for food isn't quite your thing, there are a number of most excellent cafes and restaurants, all spruiking local ingredients, ready and waiting for you.
4. RELAX IN IT Holidays are for relaxing, right? Well, haven't you landed in the right spot! Be soothed by the sounds of nature in stereo in rainforest day spas, sip tropical fruit cocktails poolside, and enjoy being removed from the world amongst the wonder of the wild. No matter if you are a count-the-thread-count type of traveller or sleeping beside a campfire is preferred, 3-stars or 5-stars, you'll still be resting under a billion stars in the Daintree and Cape Tribulation.
5. GET AMONGST IT At its very core, the Daintree is all about discovery, adventure, and Mother Nature. In addition to Insta-famous spots like the Cow Bay Swing and the Heart of Cape Trib, there's several natural (and safe!) swimming waterholes for you to tap into your inner child with in wide eyed wonder, as well as reef explorers Ocean Safari, beach horse riding with Cape Trib Horse Rides and spotting The King with Solar Whisper (hint: it's not Elvis).
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BARRIER REEF
PROFILE
An unparalleled wonder of nature, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most iconic, beautiful and diverse locations on earth. It's the only living thing on the planet you can see from outer space, and it's RIGHT HERE! In this underwater wonderland, your senses will go into overdrive as you swim among giant clams, rays, green turtles, hundreds of fish species and exotic coral cities.
Dr Dean Mi er
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF GREAT BARRIER REEF LEGACY
ANY ORDINARY DAY: What’s that?! Being a non-profit organisation means every day is different. It could include planning and fundraising for an expedition, being on the reef collecting specimens for study, working with our incredible team of volunteers who are just so passionate to nurture the Great Barrier Reef, filming documentaries, visiting schools with our education program or collaborating with partners including the Traditional Owners, businesses, industry leaders and community groups. To me, it’s what living in Far North Queensland is all about – being connected to the environment and those around you. WHAT I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT: More than anything it's sharing - knowledge, experiences, the beautiful natural places we are lucky enough to call home. Being in a position where I get to work with such a diverse group of other passionate people is really what makes me tick. That and knowing that I am making a difference, that GBR Legacy is changing the way we understand and protect corals and reefs, and that when we start working together as a community, great things happen. Here at GBR Legacy and the Port Douglas region, it feels like we are one big team and I am proud knowing that all the good we do now will be here to stay long into the future. It doesn't get any better than that.
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If you ask Google for ‘Great Barrier Reef tours’ you might fall down a rabbit hole of choices and likely panic-buy a decision. Handy hint: None of them are wrong. However, to take the stress out of which reef trip is best for you and get you coming back for seconds and thirds, we’ve got a back-pocket list for you to try, no matter what your experience.
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1. SKIMMING THE SURFACE If the thought of going deep isn't your thing but you still want to see the beauty of a coral garden, snorkelling is for you. Sailaway Port Douglas offer half day trips to Low Isles for some island hopping and shallow snorkelling, and full day trips to the Outer Reef. For something truly unique, the glorious Shaolin with her fiery red sails is an incredible ride to the reef around Low Isles, and for the eco-adventurers, Windswell offer epic SUP tours around Snapper Island, spotting turtles and rays from your board.
2. DIVER DAN & SCUBA STEVE Tick that bucket list item and completely immerse yourself in an underwater world. Poseidon 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.
3. IF YOU'RE A LANDLUBBER The Quicksilver Pontoon is for you! The Quicksilver vessels will have you out to Agincourt reef pontoon where you can see under the sea in their semi-submersible and underwater observatory from the comfort of a dry seat.
4. TAKING IN A BIRDS EYE VIEW For the very best view from above, Nautilus Aviation’s helicopters will take you over the reef to marvel at both its beauty and its vastness. You’ll see the blue hues without even needing a snorkel and fin set.
5. BUDGET OR BALLIN’ Splurge or save? Both can be done without sacrificing quality. Make mermaid memories for less than $150 with Ocean Safari from Cape Tribulation, heading out to Mackay and Undine cays. Or charter that private yacht like the rock star you are – Flying Fish and MV Monsoon are good places to start. Want the exclusive vibe with a friendly price tag? Indigo Port Douglas offer day trips with a maximum of 12 guests.
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ECO As Kermit the Frog has been saying for years, “It’s not easy being green.” However, as the world’s first destination to achieve Eco Destination Certification, Port Douglas and the Daintree make sustainable travel quite easy. While Green Tourism is a relatively new concept in the travel industry, here in the north we have a responsibility to continue
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protecting what our good Mother Nature gave us. So, when visiting, what can you do to help? Including the usual sustainable habits like turning the lights off, not wasting food, and avoiding creating excess rubbish, there’s a tonne of things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint.
Je Uhlig
DIRECTOR & FOUNDER OF GREEN FOOD AUSTRALIA. FOOD WASTE PROCESSOR, SUSTAINABILITY CAMPAIGNER AND ALL-ROUND SOIL NERD.
ANY ORDINARY DAY: Daily processing of food waste from our beloved Salsa Bar & Grill to turn into a powerful probiotic for farming soil. It's a hands-on affair, ensuring that only organic matter enters the machine. Then it's all about talking about soil, microbes and food waste with farmers, growers and landscapers, and generally creating conversations with the public around food waste and regenerating soils. WHAT I'M PASSIONATE ABOUT: That's simple, the planet. Then my health, my community's health and the building of a sustainable world for future generations. After all, there is no Planet B. When I moved here, it was only for 6 months. Fifteen years later, I'm still here because of the people, the climate and the raw and hypnotic beauty of the landscape. Even on a rainy day, seeing the moody clouds above mountains cascade into the calm seas of the Coral Sea is truly mesmerising. And when you go to places like Mossman Gorge or Mowbray Valley, there's this spiritual significance all around. Then when the sun shines, oh my! It's good for the soul. If you've been here, you'll understand why we need to take extra special care of this place.
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With luxury nooks for your nookie and plenty of space for your romance to roam, love is certainly in the air here in the tropics. Reignite the flame or celebrate a special date in Port Douglas and Daintree with your person. Secluded beaches and waterholes, great restaurants and bars, rainforest spas and plenty of places to turn up that tropical heat, this is a destination that ticks all the romantic boxes.
A DEUX 1. BARE IT ALL IN A RAINFOREST SPA Cue the whale and pan flute music and grab your significant other for a cheeky couples' rainforest spa date to get those love chemicals a-brewing. Take in those sights, smells and sounds of nature, and relaaaax.
2. GET HIGH TOGETHER … in a helicopter that is. Take in the birds-eye view of where the rainforest meets the reef from high in the sky before landing on a private sand cay for a swim and lunch. Spoiled? Absolutely. And thank you.
3. FEED EACH OTHERS BODY AND SOUL How’s the serenity? Jump into the crystal-clear waters for a swim that will cleanse the soul. Prefer some night-time fun? Tropical restaurants and bars know how to dial up the romance. Head to Sassi’s Cucchina for a little Italy or Seabean Tapas Bar for some Spanish coastal living.
4. FIND OUT IF YOU’RE MORNING PEOPLE Hold hands and make googly eyes as you chase the sunrise on any number of pristine beaches while the tropical sky is painted with the hope and glory of a new day in the north.
5. OR NOT… Grab a blanket and an ice bucket and settle in to watch the golden hour as the sun sets her final rays of the day over the majestic Daintree Rainforest background at Rex Smeal Park. Cue the swoon.
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DINING With more deliciousness in Port Douglas and the Daintree than you can shake a sugar cane stick at, there’s a reason it’s been dubbed the ‘Northern food bowl of Australia’. A treasure chest of wild, weird and wonderful flavours, the tropics has an endless bounty of delicious delights designed to whet the appetite and leave you hungry for more. Here’s some delectable must-eat treats that are locally owned and grown in TNQ (and that any local will certainly have on their ‘last meal’ list).
1. CALLING ALL SEAFOOD LOVERS Here in Port Douglas, seafood is king and the only way you could get it fresher is if you caught it yourself. While lobster ranks high on the luxury-ometer, Coral Trout is without a doubt the gold star fish you must try here. Legendary dining spot Nautilus have their Whole Fried Coral Trout, a feast for the eyes as much as the belly; while Port Douglas Surf Club offer their Baja Coral Trout Tacos – mouth watering.
2. GO COCONUTTY OVER COCONUTS Coconuts and tropics go hand in hand, so that’s a perfectly good reason to scoff these nutty treats by the handful. Beach Harvest Coconut Chips, found at the Sunday Markets, are made from coconuts that are handpicked directly from Four Mile Beach, dried and seasoned to a variety of sweet and savoury flavours. For a sit-down affair, do not miss Seabean Tapas & Bar’s Coconut Brulee. You're welcome.
3. CHOCOLATE DELIGHTS What list would this be without chocolate? Not this list that’s for sure. Up here in the north we are blessed to be able to grow pretty much anything including pure A-grade cocoa, hand-picked by local farmers, made in small batches to achieve the most distinctive Australian chocolate. Daintree Estates Chocolates are award winning and can be found expertly crafted into the Chocolate Souffle at Salsa Bar & Grill.
4. WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM Ice cream like you’ve never had it before. With the philosophy, ‘from tree to cup’ it’ doesn’t get much more from-the-source than Daintree Ice Cream. Proper ice-cream made onsite using classic artisan methods, Daintree Ice Cream produce is all locally grown and sourced. New flavours each day are made from exotic tropical fruits from their orchard including breadfruit, Davidson’s plum and sapodilla, as well as homegrown chocolate and vanilla. Taste the rainforest!
5. GET FRUITY Righto. So, there’s a long list of weird and wonderful fruits found in the tropics that need to be on your gastronomic must-eats. Mangosteen (the queen of fruits), jackfruit (vegan’s delight), sapote (hello, chocolate fruit), dragonfruit (if Mardi Gras was a fruit, it would be a dragonfruit), just to name a few. These are most readily available at Mossman and Port Douglas Markets, Yum Yums, Scommazons, and roadside stalls (if you’re lucky!). To catch them prepped by the pros, try the Pulled Jackfruit Burger at Masons Cafe, and indulge in a fruit tasting at Cape Trib Farm.
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LUXE Blessed be the infinity pools, right? When holidays are all about the thread count and access to a private yacht, look no further! The playground of so many celebrities even Cannes gets envious, Port Douglas and surrounds is an exclusive destination. Fancy a luxury hotel with all the trimmings and a lagoon pool so big it has its own postcode? How about a palatial private home with beachfront access and every conceivable want met? Throw in two World Heritage-listed locations with highend, stylish experiences, and… oh Barry, this is living.
1. HELICOPTER TO THE TOP OF A WATERFALL Surely this must be up there with one of life's ultimate experiences? A private chopper ride to the top of a Jurassic Park-esque waterfall where you can swim, relax and eat gourmet treats. The stunning Mossman Gorge is a truly magical location that feels like an ethereal otherworld. A secluded spot only accessible by helicopter sets the scene with rivers and creeks that are fed from the more ancient times.
2. COUNT THE THREAD COUNTS Lux and thread count go hand in hand, right? But beyond the thread count are endless infinity pools, palatial properties and very clear instructions on The Art of Tropical Living (aka relax and repeat). From the breathtaking expansiveness of the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort through to private homes a Kardashian would swoon over, Port Douglas and the Daintree has no shortage of gold-leaved places to lay your head.
3. LIVE OUT YOUR YACHTING DREAMS While collecting fine art and jewels or polishing the collection of vintage cars are lovely and all, there's very little that puts one into a league of luxury all by themselves than life on a superyacht. Yachting experiences up this way are less Monaco casino heist glamour and more Cannes and champagne class. We've even got the most picturesque places for you to take your yacht (or know people who'll take you out on theirs).
4. A GASTRONOME'S DELIGHT We get it… the obscenely wealthy have it good. They have the stylists and the drivers, the art consultants, the personal trainers and the interior decorators. But our favourite of all silver-spooned perks must be the private chef. Imagine having someone in your kitchen cooking your every waking meal? The dream, oh the dream! Well, you're welcome. A land of tasty delights and plenty of world-class chefs to help, your inhouse chef is only a phone call away.
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FAMILY As the wise sage say, your tribe attracts your vibe. Port Douglas is a beachside and rainforest playground that is as popular for families as anyone else. You won’t just play Marco Polo in the pool – Port Douglas is simply brimming with fun activities all the kids (and kid-ults) in the family will enjoy. So, pack the sunscreen for the best family holiday ever.
1. GO WILD (AT THE WILDLIFE HABITAT) Fancy getting up close and snappy with a crocodile or down and cuddly with a koala? How about breakfast with the birds? The Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas is famed for its animal interactive encounters, elevated boardwalks and leafy paths, you will discover unlimited adventure in the Woodland, Wetland, Rainforest, and Savannah habitats. Some of the wildlife is so rare, they're not found anywhere else on the planet!
2. GET WET Glengarry Holiday park is a RV park and camping ground located just on the outskirts of Port Douglas. Like many Big 4s, there's a water park attached that's open to the public. So, when the days are warm and everyone needs a good cooling off, Glengarry is the place to be! Several water slides, tipping buckets and a jumping cushion will have everyone entertained for hours.
3. LEARN TO SAIL Avast, mateys! Let’s weigh anchor here! Did you know that the Port Douglas Yacht Club run their WAGS sailing every Wednesday afternoon? Every Wednesday afternoon the Club’s very generous Members volunteer their time and their yachts to take out a few people sunset sailing. So, if there’s a burgeoning buccaneer in the family, head on down to the Yachty in the afternoon and put your name down - all it costs is dinner and drinks at the Club afterwards.
4. ON YOUR BIKE The pristine coastline and (mostly) flat roads of Port Douglas are made for adventure on wheels. Port Douglas Bike Hire have a huge selection of bikes for everyone from racers to the mountain bikers and beach cruisers, so helmet up and get on your bike for some two-wheeled fun. Want to feel the breeze without the effort? They also have electric bikes and 50cc scooters to play with.
5. CRUISING FOR CROCS
What better way to start your holiday than with a little croc hunting. And by hunting, we mean cruising up Dickson's Inlet amongst the unspoilt mangrove channel in the safety of an authentic paddle steamer, seeing how many crocodiles you can spot. Pack your hat, the kids and make like Proud Mary for a good ol' roll down the river.
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NATURAL HABITAT, PRIVATE TOURS, ATTRACTIONS Ever wanted to know the secret to eternal life? Well, here in the tropics, two of our most famous creatures may have solved the riddle! Maybe it’s the moist air keeping skin supple, maybe it’s their wily nature, but cassowary and the saltwater crocodile have been loitering around these parts since the dinosaurs roamed. Those two aside, this region is teeming with extraordinary wildlife unique only to the
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area. Many of these creatures are either notoriously shy so you’d better have your camera at the ready so you can snap at crocodiles sunning on riverbanks or the glorious electric-blue Ulysses butterflies fluttering by. Want to get a little closer? Pop into Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to get right up close to some of the weird and wonderful creatures that call Port Douglas and the Daintree home.
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CULTURAL The Port Douglas and Daintree region has an extremely rich Indigenous culture. Here is the home to the indigenous custodians of the Mossman Gorge and Daintree, the Kuku Yalanji people, as well as several other aboriginal communities and the Torres Strait Islander people. These communities are all rich with distinct cultural stories,
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histories and languages. By visiting this region, people are able to learn about country and cultures that thrive in these remote and regional communities through immersive experiences that include art classes, Dreamtime storytelling, hunting for and eating bush tucker, and visiting culturally important sites.
Juan Walker
OWNER/OPERATOR OF WALKABOUT CULTURAL ADVENTURES, A DAY TOUR BUSINESS EXPLORING KUKU YALANJI COUNTRY
ANY ORDINARY DAY: After picking up our guests we provide a brief insight into Kuku Yalanji people and the local history before getting out on to country and showcasing the land, sea and sky through our people's eyes. Experiences like throwing spears, hearing stories and tasting bush foods, before finishing up with a swim in one of the pristine freshwater swimming holes. WHAT I'M PASSIONATE ABOUT: This land is home. It's a place of belonging and calming familiarity where we can share the learning and preserving Kuku Yalanji culture, history and heritage. It's a place of grounding that connects us, all of us, to the land. We live, breath, and teach this culture in our every day life, and passing knowledge on is so important. This cultural heritage makes us who we are. Being able to share that is priceless.
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ADVENTURING Dial it up to eleven, adventure enthusiasts! Whilst swanning poolside with pina coladas is pretty good, there’s nothing like an exhilarating adventure to truly get your adrenalin rushing and spirits soaring. Hikes and trails and getting outside to admire the wonders of nature is par for the course here in the north – and courses we
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have! Waterfall hunting your thing? We’ve got ‘em by the dozen. River drifting, mountain biking at midnight or greeting the sunrise atop a giant rock? We’ve got that too. Explore ancient rainforests, conquer those hiking goals and be rewarded with epic ocean views.
Jason He ernan
CHIEF RIVER SNORKELER AND MOUNTAIN MAN FROM BACK COUNTRY BLISS ADVENTURES
ANY ORDINARY DAY: Bringing adventure and wonder to visitors is my daily focus. The natural beauty of the Daintree and surrounds is like nowhere else on the planet – moss-covered trees so high you can’t see the top, cocoons that turn into enormous butterflies, secluded waterholes, deserted beaches – when we take visitors to a beach that has no one on it as far as the eye can see, people are speechless. I love having a part in creating that wonder for our guests. I also like trying to find new places to incorporate into our tours, so for me weekend adventuring becomes part of the job. Tough gig, right? WHAT I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT: Exploring is hands-down one of my favourite activities. My absolute favourite thing however, no matter how many times I do it, is the deep exhale at the end of our River Drift tour when we’re floating under the rainforest canopy. Anything outside the river simply doesn’t exist. I’m also a little obsessed with fish – I used to work at London Aquarium and various pet stores as the head fish guy, so I get childishly excited by the local fish, and showing them off to anyone who’ll listen.
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RETAIL Just because it's beachside, it doesn't mean shopping gets left behind. Not one little bit, our bedazzled-kaftan-wearing, souvenir-hunting friends. With everything from chic resort wear, on-trend Australian and European labels, exquisite handcrafted jewellery, kitsch homewares or a foreverreminder, original Aboriginal artwork, Port Douglas is a shopping utopia. Weekend markets in Port Douglas and Mossman add to the experience with unique and handcrafted goodies found only in this northern corner of paradise. Your credit card can thank us later (or not…).
1. FUN STUFF BY LINDA Hand painted unique gifts, and artwork, and cheeky at that! If you'd like a side of Port Douglas humour with your take home treats, this is the store for you. Stocking everything from hand painted porcelain mugs and glassware to gift cards and wall plaques, Fun Stuff By Lynda is easily the quirkiest shop in Port Douglas when it comes to personalised, last minute gifts.
2. MAKER PORT DOUGLAS Founded by mother-daughter duo Raine and Donna Ward, Maker is a store born from a lifelong passion for all things handmade with love. Sustainable, handmade homewares and art, mostly from local artists and creators, all who have their stories and bios available on the Maker's interactive in-store screen. Where slow food is the appreciation of local produce, Maker is the celebration of slow retail and a creative community.
3. WICKED WILLIES Wicked Willies is a favourite Port Douglas shopping location with customers who love exploring gorgeous pearl, semi- and precious stone jewellery. Almost all pieces are unique, once-off designs so customers can really take a bit of Port Douglas home with them. Can't make it instore? Contact them for a personalised shopping experience, and a real time virtual tour of the store through video chat apps.
4. TZUSK Tzusk is a clothing store famed for its clever use of timeless designs in natural high quality fabrics. Garments are a balance of elegance, comfortable tropical styling and contemporary artwork. Tzusk also stocks high end fashion and jewellery labels from Europe – perfect for moving effortlessly from poolside to restaurant.
5. NGARRU GALLERY INDIGENOUS FINE ART GALLERY The Ngarru Gallery showcases one of Australia's finest collections of indigenous art. The collection includes a diverse selection of artefacts, including Maningrida sculpture and fibre weavings and a range of high quality art inspired giftware. The gallery mentors and promotes up and coming artists.
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LOVERS Anyone who is in love with another person and in love with the tropics is welcome here, and now that everyone has the right to legalise their love, a wedding soiree by the tropical sea is perfect to evoke that sweet summer
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lovin' vibe. Whether you're luxury lovers, a boho couple or simply avoiding the white bells and whistles on your big day, there is a host of options to suit every budget and taste. You're welcome, lovebirds.
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DELEGATE Who said business trips can't be fun? Port Douglas and Daintree know how to turn on a brilliantly motivated and inspiring time for your colleagues and corporate event. Nestled between two natural wonders of the world, the
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balance between work and play is perfectly executed. World-class facilities and equipment put your keynote on point, while breathtaking nature is the backdrop to tropical-themed incentives and events.
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ROAD TRIPS While the Port Douglas and Daintree region is famed for its palmfringed beaches, natural wonders and village lifestyle, there is a is a whole world of beauty just waiting to be explored. Postcard perfect coastlines, scenic country roads with green rolling hills, glorious waterfall circuits and rugged Savannah beauty – there's no end to the road trips beyond.
1. PALM COVE Nestled between Port Douglas and Cairns, this little ridiculously photogenic town is famous for its coastline, jetty, Instagram-worthy palms and more cocktails spots and acai bowls than you could imagine. Waterfront dining takes a whole new meaning in Palm Cove – overlooking the Coral Sea and Double Island, your table is so close you'll be tipping sand out of stilettos before main course.
2. KURANDA You could believe that Kuranda is a place where magic happens. A charming spot for locals, holiday-makers and honeymooners, Kuranda is also a melting pot of creative arts. Famous for the quirky Kuranda Markets, it's also the spot to view the Barron Falls – a 260m granitefaced waterfall, best viewed in full flight during the wet season. While there, take a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to experience the sensation of gliding just metres above the rainforest canopy.
3. ATHERTON TABLELANDS Up in those hills (about 800m up) where the air is a little bit crisper, the vibrant green grasses and rolling roads of the Atherton Tablelands holds a cornucopia of natural beauty and delicious treats. From quaint villages and waterfalls to volcanic lakes alongside cheese farms, chocolate makers and coffee plantations, there is an abundance of diversity in nature and fun.
4. COOKTOWN Just a little north of Port Douglas Daintree is the historical town of Cooktown, most famous for being the spot where Captain James Cook docked the Endeavour for repairs in 1770 after giving the ship a nasty run in with the Great Barrier Reef. During this repair time, botanist Joseph Banks made himself useful and discovered over 200 new species of plants, and young artist Sydney Parkinson was the first British artist to portray Aboriginal people from direct interaction. Today, it's a thriving fishing village and extremely proud of its colonial heritage – check out the numerous historical monuments and buildings depicting its unique history and colourful past.
5. CAPE YORK PENINSULA Ahhhhhh, welcome to the remote, unspoilt beauty of Cape York Peninsula. A nature-lover's paradise, Cape York is one of the great wilderness areas of Australia. It is a vast and remote region, but one with extraordinary beauty and history. Amongst incredible natural experiences on deserted beaches and unspoiled national parks, make sure you feel the satisfaction of standing at the most Northern Tip of Australia.
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Sugar Wharf/ St Marys Chapel
Rex Smeal Park Flagstaff Hill
Marina
Four Mile Beach
