Port Douglas - accommodation

Since 2005 we have had four holidays in Port Douglas and are about to return there for another break from Melbourne's winter. Like most coastal tourist locations in far north Queensland there is a variety of accommodation available.

Our first visit to Port Douglas was in August 2005 when we stayed for a week at the Tree Tops Resort before travelling north to Cape Tribulation for a week. In 2008, after exploring Cape York Peninsula, we spent a few days at the Sea Temple Resort before returning home. Both these resorts are along the main road leading to the town and provide ready access to Four Mile Beach via a back gate and path leading to the sand.

Back gate to the beach at Sea Temple

Swimming pools are a feature of the resorts with the accommodation areas often surrounding the pool or pools. At Tree Tops the large pool, as the name of the resort suggests, was surrounded by trees making an attractive setting but also shading the pool. The day we decided to have a swim the water was too cold to encourage staying in for long.

Sea Temple Resort

At Sea Temple Resort, on the other hand, the pools are a major feature of the resort and the water was warm and inviting. The resorts have a variety of eating areas for guests. Breakfast usually provides a choice of continental or full breakfast options while there is the opportunity for formal dining in the evenings. However we discovered at Sea Temple that being a guest did not mean that you could expect to dine in the restaurant unless you made a booking well in advance so we did not have the opportunity to test the menu. There is a strip of resorts parallel to the beach and, although close to the beach, they can be many kilometres from the town. A shuttle bus regularly visits the resorts to take guests without their own transport to and from the centre of the town. Landscaping is a feature of the resorts.

Gardens at Sea Temple

On our two week holidays in Port Douglas in 2009 and 2010 we decided to stay in the town where we would not only be close to the beach and the marina but also have easier access to the wide variety of restaurants and shops. There are many apartments available but we have stayed at The Regal in Macrossan Street which is only a short walk from the beach. The self contained rooms include a kitchen and lounge area with a balcony either overlooking the pool or the street. Normally we prepare our own breakfast but when the mood takes we visit one of the many restaurants or cafes providing a breakfast menu. Dinner is normally at one of the many restaurants in town or takeaway fish and chips or pizza eaten back at the apartment. It is good to have the flexibility to choose according to our mood and how busy we have been during the day. 

The pool is not large but is ideal for cooling off or gentle exercise and the nearby beach provides additional swimming opportunities. Relaxing by reading a book by the pool or on the balcony is recommended. Sheryl and Bob who run The Regal are friendly hosts and will recommend and book any tours you might want to make.

Regal, Port Douglas