Port Douglas - 2013 (overview)

This post is being written on a cold, wet day in Melbourne - the temperature at 2pm was 9 degrees. - Less than a week ago we were enjoying the warmth of winter in Port Douglas.

Why do we enjoy holidaying in Port Douglas?
First the weather. In July and August the maximum temperatures are normally in the mid to high twenties. You start the day wearing a t-shirt and finish the day wearing a t-shirt. Plenty of fresh air and sunshine. It was perfect weather for going for long walks and eating meals outside is the norm. Situated in the tropics the vegetation adds colour to the streetscape.

Four Mile Beach is another attraction. The beach is a great place to walk, or, if you are included, to cycle, or jog. There is a designated, patrolled area for swimming plus areas for other water sports.

Port Douglas is close to the Daintree Rainforest and a short drive allows you to visit Mossman Gorge while a slightly longer drive will take you to Cape Tribulation. A day trip exploring the Atherton Tableland, including Kuranda and Mareeba, is another option.

Port Douglas allows you many ways to access the Great Barrier Reef. You can travel to locations on the Outer Reef such as Agincourt Reef on large vessels such as those operated by Quicksilver or choose one of the excursions on smaller vessels to the Low Isles. Snorkelling is a major activity on these trips but there is also opportunity to view the reef via glass bottom boats.

A wide variety of activities are available depending on your interest and inclinations. For the fit and adventurous there is river snorkelling and beach kayacking as well as kite surfing. Helicopter rides provide a different view of the area and for those prepared to get up early in the morning there are balloon flights on the Atherton Tableland beginning near Mareeba - a great experience. On the other hand you can just have a relaxing day on the beach or sit by a pool and read a book. Attractions such as the Wildlife Habitat are also worth a visit.

A major feature of Port Douglas is the wide range of restaurants for all budgets. One of the must do activities is to walk down Macrossan Street and read the various menus.

There is plenty of opportunity to shop. Being on holidays there is more time to explore shops at leisure and Port Douglas has a variety of stores including clothing shops often specialising in casual wear and beachwear, souvenir stores and shops with a variety of interesting and varied knick knacks to explore. There are also art galleries with interesting items to look at. There are also specialist stores such as Blood Orange that specialises in selling jam - they also sell their produce at the markets.

The market on the Sunday morning and the smaller market on Wednesday afternoon are always worth a visit.

There is also a variety of accommodation available from backpacker accommodation to expensive resorts. On our first two visits to Port Douglas we stayed in resorts and enjoyed our stay.  Although it was easy to walk to the beach from the resorts, to visit Macrossan Street it was necessary to have a car or use the local bus. For the last three visits we have chosen an appartment as accommodation as, particularly for longer stays, it is more convenient to have access to a kitchen and laundry facilities. 

We have stayed at the Regal which is in Macrossan Street so there is easy walking distance to restaurants and shops as well as the beach and the marina. Our room has also had a spa or a jacusi 

and there is a small pool ideal for cooling off in or exercising. 

Sheryl and Bob have always been very welcoming and helpful and have provided useful information when we have booked excursions through the office.
http://www.regalportdouglas.com.au/index.php

The main reason we choose to Port Douglas is to have a relaxing holiday and to have a respite from Melbourne's winter.