PORT DOUGLAS
Port Douglas has no traffic lights and no parking meters. The proud people of Port Douglas fought a valiant battle to stop the McDonalds restaurant chain from setting up camp in their charming little town. Eventually, the Supreme Court found in favour of the restaurant giant, but to this day there are no golden arches. So come and enjoy the charm of Port Douglas... but bring your own Big Macs!
PORT DOUGLAS IS, IN ITS OWN RIGHT, A WONDERFUL DESTINATION- FAVOURED BY VISITING MOVIE STARS AND CELEBRITIES. WE HAVE ALSO INCLUDED ON THIS PAGE ANY POINTS OF INTEREST THAT ARE WITHIN A HALF HOUR DRIVE OF PORT DOUGLAS.

Picturesque Port Douglas is just 70 kilometres north of Cairns International Airport, along a spectacular scenic coastal drive. Though a favourite destination for travellers of all walks, from scruffy backpackers to the rich and famous, Port Douglas has somehow managed to maintain its Tropical North Queensland seaside village charm. The town's relaxed ambience blends with the vibrant style of the sophisticated resorts and eateries to form a unique atmosphere that you won't find anywhere else in the world. An atmosphere that captures the hearts of visitors, an atmosphere that Port Douglas is very protective of.
Development in Port Douglas is limited to the height of the tallest tree. That generally means a maximum of three storeys, so you won't find towering skyscrapers spoiling your view here. In fact, many of the low-key resorts are tucked discretely into the forests around Port Douglas, and sometimes you wonder where all the tourists are.
Port Douglas largely owes its status as a major tourist destination to CHRISTOPHER SKASE, who played a key role in putting the formerly small town on the international tourist map when he built two resorts in the town that were among the largest in Australia.If you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of Cairns, Port Douglas is your perfect choice. And don't feel that you'll be left out of the action, because Port Douglas is well serviced with sailing, diving, snorkelling and fishing tours to the Great Barrier Reef, as well as tours to the Daintree Rainforest and the Northern Outback. Besides, almost all of the tour operators who depart from Cairns also offer transfers from Port Douglas. So it's the best of both worlds!
Heading north from Port Douglas, it's only 16 kilometres till you reach Mossman, a sugar growing town and the regional centre for the sugar industry. Visit our MOSSMAN page for more details about the town and the wonderful MOSSMAN GORGE, with its cool, clear freshwater swimming holes.
If you want to explore the region at your own pace, with the freedom and flexibility that you can only achieve by having your own wheels, please fill out the enquiry form on our CAR HIRE page. It might be a lot cheaper than you think.
ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO - PORT DOUGLAS

CALYPSO REEF CHARTERS
Shop 35, Marina Mirage, Port Douglas (MAP)
Phone (07) 4099 6999 / Fax (07) 4099 6777
www.calypsocharters.com.au
Calypso travels daily to three breathtaking sites on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, with sheltered moorings to visit spectacular reefs and beautiful coral bombies. With two stylishly modern and custom designed catamarans, Calypso travels with only 60 guests, half the vessels capacity. Unwind as you snorkel, take an introductory or certified dive or just relax on the spacious sun decks.

GARY'S SAFARIS
12 Wilson Street, Mossman (MAP)
Phone (07) 4098 2699
www.garyssafaris.com.au
Join Gary's Safaris and you will visit places restricted to others. With over 30 years tourism experience in our own area, Gary's Safaris offer you, via their tours, the chance to get off the beaten track, avoiding the bus queues. More relaxing with more places to visit. Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation and Daintree National Park are some of the places visited.

SHANNONVALE TROPICAL FRUIT WINERY
417 Shannonvale Road, Mossman (MAP)
Phone (07) 4098 4000 / Fax (07) 4098 4100
www.shannonvalewine.com.au
No this does not mean they are sweet and sticky!
"Many people ask us how we can make dry wines from sweet fruits like Mango and Lychee" winemaker Tony Woodall says, "But grapes are the sweetest of all fruits. Grapes have the highest sugar level of any fruit."
Tony and Trudie run a boutique winery, which means that they grow the fruit, make the wine, bottle and label the wines on the farm. Amongst their range, Shannonvale winery boasts (27-4-2007) 3 Gold medal winners, 2 Silver and 4 Bronze. You can sample 5 Dry wines, 2 Medium wines, 2 not so sweet Dessert wines, and 5 Ports. Tony and Trudie have established that people enjoy having a wine actually tasting of the fruit that it is made from, so they make single-fruit wines, not blends.
Shannonvale's fruit is grown in the organic way; no chemicals are used on the fruit trees. Phone for days open.

REEF SPRINTER
Port Douglas (MAP)
Phone (07) 4099 3175
www.reefsprinter.com.au
A must do in Port Douglas
With Reef Sprinter, in Port Douglas, you can snorkel at their exclusive mooring located at the pristine Low Isles reef. One of just a few exclusive permits allowed to experience this world heritage site. Very protected, this reef has vast coral gardens with abundant fish life. Or you can go jet skiing on one of the latest models YAMAHA 4 Strokes Jet Bikes, which are fast, fun, safe and easy to ride. No worries, they'll teach you the basics of Jet Bike riding and some safety rules, then it's on the bike to follow the rescue boat 500m off shore to their approved area and off you go!
AIR PLAY HANG GLIDING
Mobile 0412 000 797
www.airplayhanggliding.com
Riding the sky in Cairns
Weather permitting, Air Play Hang Gliding fly daily. They do tandem flights for people wanting to experience hang gliding for the first time. Lessons and full instruction are also available for those wishing to learn to fly.
Drive your own vehicle, hire a car or use their free shuttle service, 40km north of Cairns and 25km south of Port Douglas is the Rex Point Lookout on the Captain Cook Highway.
Greg is a fully qualified HGFA Instructor with 22 years experience and over 5000 hours of flight time.

WAVELENGTH
38 – 42 Wharf Street, Port Douglas (MAP)
Phone (07) 4099 5031 / Fax (07) 4099 5013
www.wavelength-reef.com.au
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef!
A visit to the Great Barrier Reef can be a once in a lifetime experience so you want to make every moment count. Wavelength is the only operator in Port Douglas that dedicates every facet of the day to snorkellers and their unique requirements. Whether you are a novice or an experienced free-diver, Wavelength provides the Great Barrier Reef sites, the time and expert advice that allow you to truly experience the world’s most diverse eco-system up close and personal. 90% of the Great Barrier Reef diversity occurs in the top 4 meters of water so snorkeling is the most enjoyable and relaxed way of immersing yourself in this environment.
Wavelength's commitment to sharing the unique Great Barrier Reef environment with small groups, up to 30 guests, allows you to explore this place of incredible beauty and awesome diversity, in a very unique and personalized way. Their professional and attentive crew ensures that each and every passenger’s needs and expectations are met.

DRAGON LADY FISHING TOURS
Marina Mirage, Port Douglas (MAP)
Mobile 0429 372 466
www.dragonlady.com.au
34 foot custom built craft!
Fishing from Port Douglas is very popular due to its closeness to Australia's top fishing destinations on the Great Barrier Reef. If it is a relaxing day of bottom fishing, a tough day shark fishing, an adrenalin filled day of light tackle fishing and popper fishing or the ultimate in sport fishing - heavy tackle, Dragon Lady provides the equipment for a fun filled day on the Great Barrier Reef.
With over 25 years local fishing experience, Skipper Steve Adamson and friendly crew aim to provide you with a fun filled day on the Great Barrier Reef. Your day includes a light tropical lunch and refreshments. Alcohol is BYO. A maximum of 8 people per day ensure personalised attention.

POSEIDON OUTER REEF CRUISES
Corner Macrossan and Grant Streets, Port Douglas (MAP)
Phone (07) 4099 4772 / Fax (07) 4099 4134
Mobile 0417 162 500
Tollfree 1800 085 674
www.poseidon-cruises.com.au
To the very edge of the Outer Barrier reef!
Poseidon's high cruising speed takes you to the VERY OUTER EDGE of the Great Barrier Reef, for superb snorkelling and diving on the completely unspoilt Agincourt Ribbon Reefs. Owned and operated by a local Port Douglas family, Poseidon has always strived for excellence in customer service, and offers the discerning visitor a true five-star reef experience. They are proud to offer a high crew:passenger ratio, with dedicated snorkeling crew and dive instructors, offering in-water assistance for beginners.
Poseidon III, the ultra modern high speed catamaran, visits three spectacular sites at the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs every day. With access to more than 45 locations at 16 different reefs, the three sites are chosen each day according to tidal and weather conditions. Divers can enjoy three dives in three different locations.
Between May and August, Poseidon holds one of the few permits allowing passengers to swim with Dwarf Minke Whales.

SAILAWAY IV
Corner Macrossan and Grant Streets, Port Douglas (MAP)
Phone (07) 4099 4772 / Fax (07) 4099 4134
Mobile 0417 993 109
Tollfree 1800 085 674
www.sailawayportdouglas.com
Low Isles - a coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef!
Sailaway Port Douglas invites you to enjoy 'a day to remember' with a reef and island sail for snorkelling and exploring Low Isles, an unspoilt coral cay on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. With only 1 of 4 reef tour licenses to moor at Low Isles, this is strictly limited access.
The reef around Low Isles comprises of 150 species of hard corals and is dominated by 15 species of soft corals. Living amongst the corals in the blue lagoon are a large variety of reef fish including angelfish, damselfish, anemones, giant trevally, sweetlip, fusiliers and many green turtles are sighted daily.
Low Isles is situated on a large oval 200 hectare coral platform and consist of a small coral cay, a large mangrove island, mudflats, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. Taking the Island Heritage Walk is a 'must do' when visiting Low Isles. Learn about the history of Low Isles and its environment.

SHAOLIN
Corner Macrossan and Grant Streets, Port Douglas (MAP)
Phone (07) 4099 4772 / Fax (07) 4099 4134
Mobile 0417 993 109
Tollfree 1800 085 674
www.shaolinportdouglas.com
Authentic Chinese Junk - to the Great Barrier Reef!
Shaolin is an authentic Chinese sailing junk. She cruised the South China Sea for 16 years, sailing around the world twice, before Port Douglas became her home. Shaolin has now been operating for over 21 years and is the longest running charter boat in Port Douglas, laced with history and charm. She departs daily to the blue lagoon at the idyllic Low Isles, a pristine coral cay island on the Great Barrier Reef. Your relaxed midday departure offers you prime 'quiet time' on the island in the afternoon for snorkelling the reef and exploring the island.
There is easy snorkelling from the beach to view the myriad of fish and coral species that surround Low Isles, or you can join the skipper on the glass bottom boat to view the coral gardens in the blue lagoon. Enjoy a beautifully prepared, tropical buffet lunch. Don't miss the historical walk on Low Isles to learn of its history and the important part it plays in the environment.

ARISTOCAT
Marina Mirage, Shop 18, Port Douglas (MAP)
Phone (07) 4099 4727 / Fax (07) 4099 4565
www.aristocat.com.au
Fast, streamlined, smooth and spacious!
Aristocat takes you to the reef habitats in style, comfort and safety. With over 40 sites on 16 reefs to choose from, including the renowned Agincourt Ribbon Reef system, Aristocat provides interactive snorkelling and scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef second to none. A bonus activity during June - September is Whale Watching as the gentle giants migrate past the reef. Aristocat is one of the few vessels authorised by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Authority for whale watching and swimming with Dwarf Minke Whales.
The Ribbon Reefs are pristine, unspoilt, teeming with fish and coral life for you to explore. Immerse yourself in the ancient seascape and discover the exotic diversity and beauty of life under the Coral Sea from giant clams to clown fish. Gaze upon the awe inspiring work of the architects of the Reef. . . the coral polyps, creators of the largest living structure on Earth - the Great Barrier Reef.

SEA TEMPLE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
Old Port Road, Port Douglas
email link coming soon
website link coming soon
18 holes
Par 81
Length: 6125 metres
Neat dress code. soft spike shoes
Green fees: $110.00 for 18 holes/$66.00 for 9 holes - includes compulsory electric cart
The Sea Temple Golf and Country Club is a true tropical links-style course, featuring the wonderful contrast of the Great Barrier Reef and the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest. The course has been voted in the top 50 public access courses in Australia (The Golf Course Guide) and been ranked in the Top 6 Links-style Golf Courses in the country.
The restaurant is open daily from 7.30am to 3.00pm with bar service to 6.00pm.
Tee off from 6.30am to 4.00pm daily, (except Christmas day)
NATURAL SITES
FOUR MILE BEACHThe town's spectacular Four Mile Beach is considered to be one of the north's best. The sand is so firm that the beach has been used for horse, motorcycle and foot races. Charles Kingsford Smith, the best-known early Australian aviator, also used it as a landing place when he was flying to New Guinea with the first official air mail.
Beginning at the northern rocky headland, Four Mile Beach stretches for kilometres without a trace of development. The beachfront homes and holiday accommodation are very well hidden behind the lush vegetation. During the stinger season, stinger nets are in place to provide safe swimming areas. At low tide, it's possible to walk to the edge of the reef from the long white expanse of the beach. Adjacent to the beach, Flagstaff Hill is the best place to capture spectacular views of the 'Port', as locals call it, the coastline and the Coral Sea.
MUSEUMS & ART GALLERIES
OCEANIC ART GALLERY3-38 Wharf Street, Port Douglas, Phone (07) 4099 4494, Fax (07) 4099 4417
Open Monday to Friday 10:00am to 5:30pm, Saturdays from 10:00am to 1:00pm
Port Douglas Oceanic Art Gallery specializes in Australian and Aboriginal art. The gallery has an impressive collection of Aboriginal and contemporary Austalian art, featuring the Lockhart River Art Gang, a group of young contemporaty painters from the east coast. Their colourful paintings reflect their lifestyle, culture and environment, and through their art they express important beliefs such as kinship and community responsibility. Their art features a wide variety of subjects: traditional stories, laws and even good fishing spots, and is influenced by the rainforest and the Coral Sea surroundings as well as by contemporary issues. The Lockhart River Art Gang, who represent a new generation of indigenous artists, have made a huge impact on the Australian visual arts and have become a fantastic inspiration for all Aboriginal communities.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
RAINFOREST HABITAT WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
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MARINA MIRAGE
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TOURS
MARKETS
COTTERS MARKETThe Cotters Market by the Sea are held every Sunday. The market, established more than 20 years ago, provides a wide selection of locally made goods, including home made crafts, clothing, good quality jewellery, clothes and artifacts, including boats and other rarities. Visit the markets from 8:00am to 1:30pm and don't miss an opportunity to meet the local community of free traders, artists and farmers, or find that something special you have been looking for. The market is located in beautiful and scenic Anzac Park, Port Douglas, from where you can enjoy not only shopping but also a stunning coastline. The Port Douglas markets are the largest market in the region and one of the best.
SPORTS
Fifteen kilometres north east of Port Douglas lies idyllic Low Isle. This unspoilt spot is perfect for divers and snorkellers alike who can enjoy nearly two hectares of 150 different species of hard corals and 15 species of soft corals. The variety of fish in this area is immense, and you'll quite likely spot green turtles and dugongs. Transport to the island is available with a number of companies. There is no overnight accommodation on the island but it has a lagoon where private yatchs can anchor overnight. Fishing is not allowed.Horse riding is also possible either along the beach or in the rainforest. Parasailing and jet skiing are also popular pastimes in the town. Hot air balloning and scenic flights are a must to see this beautiful area from a different point of view.
If you are in for some competition, the Iron Bar holds cane toad races every Tuesday and Thursday night during winter. Everyone is welcome to participate in the races but you have to wish your toad luck by kissing its back! Find the Iron Bar on 5 Macrossan Street.
EVENTS
QUICKSILVER'S FOOD, WINE AND A TASTE OF THE PORT FESTIVALPart of the Port Douglas Reef and Rainforest Carnivale, the Food, Wine and A Taste of the Port Festival is a fantastic opportunity to indulge yourself with the most fantastic food and wines Port Douglas showcases. You will enjoy Saturday evening in a stunning tropical setting, surrounded by palm trees, gazing at the moonlight across the Coral Sea and overlooking the mountains in the distance.
PORT DOUGLAS REEF AND RAINFOREST CARNIVALE
An event that involves the entire community, the Port Douglas Village Carnivale gets bigger every year. It attracts people from all around Australia and overseas, and offers a combination of both free and ticketed attractions. The Masquerade Cocktail Party, the Macrossan Street Fiesta, the Seafood Extravaganza, the Four Mile Beach Family or Fun Day and Food, Wine and a Taste of Port are some of the events that this Carnivale features. Tennis, golf and sailing competitions will also be featured. You will surely find something to suit your taste and your family's.
PORT DOUGLAS AVANTI CYCLING CARNIVAL
A new event to be added both to the Carnivale and the Cairns Cycling Club's racing calendar, the Trinity Cycle Works Criterium promises to come packed with action in a very fast circuit, located right on the Four Mile Beach foreshore. Do your best to watch the spectacular and exciting sprint to the finish line, where you will see a large bunch of riders in close formation.
For full details of these and all the major events happening in the region, please check out our TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND EVENTS CALENDAR.
ACCOMMODATION - PORT DOUGLAS
Port Douglas accommodation includes some of the most luxurious resorts and hotels in Tropical North Queensland. But a vacation in this popular seaside town doesn't have to cost a fortune. There is a great range of holiday accommodation in Port Douglas, from spacious family friendly holiday homes to and budget priced motels and a plethora of self contained apartments. You will find home style bed and breakfast accommodation in and around Port Douglas, as well as a choice of Port Douglas backpackers hostels and caravan parks, some with cabins and self contained villas. If you have decided to spend your tropical holidays in this magnificent destination, you will have a hard time deciding where to stay. To make it easier for your, we have classifieds all the different types of Port Douglas holiday accommodation into categories. To browse the accommodation options that suit you, please visit our PORT DOUGLAS ACCOMMODATION section or use the buttons on the right hand side menu.
DINING - PORT DOUGLAS
Port Douglas, with over 60 restaurants and cafés in town, is truly a foods lover's paradise. Options go from fresh seafood, to contemporary Australian, Asian or Mediterranean cuisine. Most restaurants are licensed but some are BYO, so make sure you drop in to a nearby bottle shop if you want to enjoy beverages with your food.To browse the range of Port Douglas restaurants, bars and cafes, please visit our PORT DOUGLAS DINING section or use the buttons on the right hand side menu.
GETTING TO PORT DOUGLAS
Getting to Port Douglas from Cairns is easy. Visitors can then choose from car hire, minibus, coach, helicopter or Quicksilver catarmaran to get to Port Douglas. However, if you want to have the freedom of driving your own car, please visit our CAIRNS CAR HIRE page, where we will offer you the best deal available on a rental car or campervan in Cairns and Port Douglas. Could you ask for more?
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CORAL REEF COACHES
35 Front Street, Mossman
Phone (07) 4098 2800 / Fax (07) 4098 1064
Tollfree 1300 781 404
www.coralreefcoaches.com
Connecting Tropical North Queensland!
Coral Reef Coaches provides daily transfers between Cairns, Port Douglas and Mossman, as well as airport transfers from Cairns to the Northern Beaches, Port Douglas and Mossman. They are also available for charters and group bookings.
Coral Reef Coaches is a locally owned company, providing an efficient, reliable service to all of their passengers with helpful, friendly staff in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles. The staff are personally committed to working together and continually improving their quality of service to meet the requirements of their customers.
For more information about Coral Reef Coaches schedule and limousine hire service, please visit their website.

SKYSAFARI
Phone (07) 4099 3666 / Fax (07) 4099 1669
www.skysafari.com.au
More details coming soon...
Be inspired by a lofty perspective of Port Douglas Township, the beaches and the Marina. Watch the sail boats glide through the mouth of the inlet and survey the tanning beach-goers lounging along Four Mile beach. Feel the buzz and feast on the view of this unique water-skirted tropical Queensland town.
SUN PALM EXPRESS
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EMERGENCY SERVICES
In case of emergency only, dial 000. In all other cases, phone the local service for Port Douglas:
Ambulance (07) 4099 5699 or 131 233
Hospital (07) 4098 2444 (Mossman)
Police (07) 4099 5220

EMERGENCY SERVICES
In case of emergency only, dial 000. In all other cases, phone the local service for Port Douglas:Ambulance (07) 4099 5699 or 131 233
Hospital (07) 4098 2444 (Mossman)
Police (07) 4099 5220
Internet access is available at:
Wicked Ice Cream
48 Macrossan Street
Phone (07) 4099 5568
Wicked Ice Cream
48 Macrossan Street
Phone (07) 4099 5568








