Port Douglas. The name doesn’t really conjure up anything special. Yet the area is magical offering the rare opportunity to experience a heritage listed rain forest meeting a heritage listed coral reef. Port Douglas sits on that border that lies between the Daintree National Park and the Great Barrier Reef National Park. And they are both spectacular in their own right.
If you are looking for a little adventure, then you’ve found the right place to start. Head west and north and travel through some amazing rain forest country. Keep going through the Daintree and you reach Cape Tribulation. Further north is Cook Town and for the really adventurous, Cape York, the northern most tip of Australia.
For those looking for a more sedate adventure, then head east, out into the sea and the Great Barrier Reef. There you will find brilliant coral, some amazing tropical islands, and fish that appear to be as timid as kittens. The water changes from a dark blue through to a tropical azure green. The water temperature is always warm – cold water, they have never heard of it.
Port Douglas Queensland
Port Douglas has had an interesting past. In 1911, it was all but wiped out with only two building left standing after a cyclone ravaged the area. In the mid eighties, the town was almost a ghost town before the notorious Christopher Skase developed what is now the world class Sheraton Mirage resort. Port Douglas was a holiday stopover for President Clinton while in office. He was also in Port Douglas when the news of the 9/11 attacks came through. For Australians, Port Douglas is famous for one not so popular occurrence, it was here, that the internationally renown Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, lost his life after being stabbed in the heart by a sting ray.
When it comes to places to stay, Port Douglas has something to offer everyone. You have the opulence of five star accommodation (with price tags to match) or, for the budget conscious, back packer style accommodation in nearby beaches. There are also numerous family style holiday options including self catered apartments.
Four mile beach, just south of Port Douglas, is one of Queensland’s best beaches with warm water to swim in, soft sand to play in, and a wonderful view out over the ocean. If you are looking for a holiday destination that’s a little bit different, consider Port Douglas – it’s no longer a town that’s reserved for the rich and famous – it’s there for everyone.