Port Douglas

Closer than any other Australian town to the Great Barrier Reef and nearer the Equator than Fiji or Tahiti, it is no surprise that the town of Port Douglas has been attracting visitors with its tropical allure for over a hundred years.

At low tide it is possible to walk to the edge of the world's most famous reef from the long white expanse of palm-fringed Four Mile Beach. Adjacent to the beach, Flagstaff Hill offers spectacular views of the coastline and the Coral Sea.

Once a tiny fishing village, Port Douglas is a picturesque township characterised by old fashioned charm amidst wide shady streets. These streets house a wide choice of visitor accommodation, restaurants that range from sidewalk cafes to the award-winning experiences, art galleries, quaint shops and a teeming Sunday market. A world away from the everyday, Port Douglas has no traffic lights, no parking meters and no plans to install either.
Situated just 70 kilometres north of Cairns along what could be described as one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the country, the little fishing village has come of age to cater for the world's political leaders and film stars who crave this idyllic corner of Australia to relax and unwind.

The township's relaxed seaside village ambience blends harmoniously with vibrant tropical style and sophistication. It is this laid back quality that has captured the heart of many an international traveller. Five star or three star, the appeal does not discriminate, and 'Port', as it is affectionately known, has become a popular base from which to explore the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree rainforests.

More than 100 tours depart from Port Douglas, ranging from cruises on the largest and best equipped catamarans and coaches to the very personal experience of travelling in smaller diving, fishing and four-wheel drive adventure treks. Popular destinations include one of the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and the World Heritage listed rainforests of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation. The splendour of Bloomfield Falls, Mossman Gorge, the Atherton Tablelands and Cooktown are accessible on day trips from Port Douglas.

The cosmopolitan nature of Port Douglas also makes the town a bountiful shopping venue, where local artwork, fashion, iconic Australian clothing, opals, pearls and fine jewellery are all available in abundance, and reaching the shopping district takes just minutes from any of the resorts.

The main street of the town, Macrossan Street, is an eclectic mix of art galleries, boutiques, stores and restaurants. Like its spectacular surroundings, Port Douglas has so much to offer and a stroll down the main street could take hours or in fact days!

Set beside the tranquil waters of Dickson Inlet with spectacular views to the Mossman Ranges, the waterfront retail complex of Meridien Marina Mirage combines exclusive shopping and fine dining in true Queensland tropical style and is home to Queensland Tourism Award winning tenants. A 14m wide timber boardwalk surrounds the shops and restaurants on one side, and overlooks the marina on the other, where up to 112 luxury cruise vessels, yachts and motor cruisers are berthed at any one time and which is the departure point for the world renowned Quicksilver Connections luxury vessels.

On the southern side of town beyond the avenue of African oil palms, the award winning Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary is a chance to observe a huge range of flora and fauna in close proximity. The sanctuary, which now cares for more than 1600 individual animals, provides an experience found nowhere else that, as a precursor or complement to your visit to the rainforest, can be very educational.

Just a short drive north of Port Douglas through the canefields, backed by rainforest clad mountains, Mossman Gorge, adjacent to the town of Mossman, is the closest point of entry to the Daintree National Park. Here easy tracks give way to wonderful experiences within the age old, pristine rainforest - the perfect place to cool off on a hot day.

Shopping in ‘Port’

MeridienMarina Mirage,
Wharf St, Port Douglas
www.meridienmarinas.com.au

Master’s Persian Carpet Gallery
Meridien Marina Mirage
Traditionally crafted carpets, sourced directly from the artists and weavers of the world. www.persiancarpetgallery.com.au

Port Douglas Opal Centre
Shop 7, 18-20 Macrossan St. T:07 4099 6899
A family business with over 25 years experience in the opal industry, including mining, cutting and the finest jewellery manufacture.

Port Douglas Jewellery Centre
Shop 4, 46 Macrossan St. T: 4099 5529
Original designs with beautiful gemstones and diamonds from Australia and around the world.

Evert Opals
1/1 Macrossan St.
Australian owned and operated company with the knowledge and expertise to showcase one of the largest ranges of Australian opals in the country.
www.evertopals.net

Art Galleries in ‘Port’

Bundarra Gallery
31 Macrossan St.
Immerse yourself in exquisite art, telling an age old cultural story of Australia’s indigenous people. www.bundarragallery.com.au

Australian and Oceanic Art Gallery
Cnr Grant & Warner Sts.
Representing the very best of Aboriginal and Australian Artists offering traditional and contemporary artwork. www.oceanicart.com.au

Relaxing in ‘Port’

Port Douglas Natural Therapies Centre & Spa
Discover a hidden tropical sanctuary to relax, escape and rejuvenate.
www.pdspa.com.au

Wellness @ Port
Embedded in tropical paradise and offering a wide range of spa experiences.
www.wellnesspa.com.au

Sabaya Day Spa
Wind down with a relaxing massage or pamper yourself with a full spa package.
www.wellnesspa.com.au

Dining in ‘Port’

Mango Jam
Award winning restaurant is world famous for gourmet
wood fired pizzas, sensational breakfasts and imaginative,
wholesome lunches and dinners.
www.mangojam.com.au

Flames of the Forest
Have you ever dined in the rainforest?
www.flamesoftheforest.com.au