Picture Port Douglas, palm trees, days spent in sarongs and sunset cocktails by the pool-but we discover there’s more to Far North Queensland than meets the eye.
Flying into Cairns from Brisbane the humidity rises and there’s an air of calm as we touch down in the tropics. An hours drive north (with a brunch stop at Palm Cove) we arrive at our destination, Port Douglas.
We choose to stay at the quieter end of town at the Pullman Sea Temple, a luxe beachside resort with a laidback island vibe. The apartment style accommodation is ideal for families complete with all the ammenities.
A private roof top spa, luxurious resort pool and sweeping views across the palm trees to the ocean beyond. The Sea Temple is the type of place you never want to leave, there’s a wellness spa, restaurant and pool bar- the davidson plum negroni’s just keep on coming.
Rising early the next morning with plenty to see and do from Mossman Gorge to the Daintree to a day trip on the reef. We hire a 4×4 and take off to the Daintree for a day of adventure and discovery.
The Daintree is easy to access from Port Douglas within an hour you get to the Ferry, a short passage of water and presto you are in the worlds oldest surviving rainforest.
Visit the Daintree Discovery Centre for all your tourist information needs and take a walk through the rainforest canopy, it’s as serene as it is lush.
We get word that there is a safe private watering hole adjacent to Rawsons Cafe, the water is invigorating and the natural forest surrounds are stunning.
At the end of the main road is a gravel track for experienced 4×4 drivers and its suggested a guided tour complete with crocodile spotting is the better option, did someone say crocodiles!
We opt to take a detour and head to one of the many untouched beaches and lookouts along the way. There’s a Tea Plantation and Ice-Cream Farm for tastings, we try Floravilla Ice Cream that has been churning natural ice cream in the tropics for many a decade.
Back on the mainland we head for Mossman Gorge, the gorge is a popular tourism destination so its a park and ride affair, only selected tour buses are allowed up the hill. Take a walk around at your own leisure and then dip into the freshest flowing waterfall this intrepid traveller has ever seen.
As night is falling we head back to Port Douglas and stop off at the marina for a paddle tasting of the local brew, Hemmingways. The brewery originated in Port Douglas by a couple of local fisherman and has prime position on the wharf. (Hot tip if you want more Hemmingways there’s also one in Cairns)
Next morning we take the long beach walk into Port Douglas, look but don’t swim and wander the shops-a mixture of coastal boutiques and artisan galleries.
There’s also a plethora of really good espresso bars to choose from with tasty breakfast and lunch menus on offer.
Dinner is at a little Spanish Tapas Bar we heard about from the locals, Seabean with an authentic menu and an impressive European wine list.
The next day we slowly make our way back to Cairns and stop off at Thala Beach Resort on the way. Thala is a nature beach reserve with cosy cabins and a tranquil garden kitchen restaurant.
Port Douglas has a lot to offer, whether you are after a relaxing resort holiday or an adventurous time exploring the Great Barrier Reef and beyond.
Its the ideal time to visit Far North Queensland, less crowded, affordable flights and plenty of discounted tours on offer-explore the tropics.
If you’re looking for the best travel blog and podcast on Queensland, Australia-make sure to check out www.travellingsenorita.com. As a travel writer and podcast host, I’m dedicated to sharing the best travel experiences, tips, and insights. Join me on my adventures as I explore the wonders of this captivating region and beyond.
EAT-
Sea Bean Restaurant
Hemmingways Brewery
Toast PD
PLAY-
Daintree Discovery Centre
Mossman Gorge Centre
Sail Away Port Douglas
Kuku Yalanji Cutltural Tours
STAY-
Pullman Sea Temple
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
https://www.thalabeach.com.au/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm7T2iZih8wIVyppmAh31kg6BEAAYASAAEgIdhPD_BwE
Thanks a lot for the information
Good afternoon thanks for the information