Winter Paradise: Things to do in Port Douglas

When your chills are multiplying and you want take control – the answer is right before your eyes – it’s a little holiday to Queensland’s tropical north for some good ole rest and rejuvenation and beat the winter that’s about to engulf us.

There’s so much to see and do in Port Douglas. We’ve got a few here you’ll love to try when you get a moment away from lying by the pool and soaking up the warmth.

Port Douglas – gateway to diving and snorkelling

One of Australia’s most remarkable natural gifts, the Great Barrier Reef is blessed with the breathtaking beauty of the world’s largest coral reef. The reef contains an abundance of marine life and comprises of over 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays and literally hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with some of the world’s most beautiful sun-soaked, golden beaches.

Daintree Rainforest

The region referred to as ‘The Daintree Rainforest’ encompasses an area of approximately 1,200 square kilometres, from the Daintree River north to Cooktown and west to the Great Divide, representing the single largest block of tropical rainforest in Australia.

The area protected under World Heritage listing covers an area of approximately 12,000 square kilometres, stretching from Townsville to Cooktown 75 per cent of which is tropical rainforest, an area equivalent to about the size of Sydney.

This tropical rainforest ecosystem is one of the most complex on earth. Its plant diversity and structural complexity is unrivalled on the Australian continent and represents the origins of our more familiar ‘Australian’ flora.

Besides all the scientific interest within this Daintree region there are many natural and often unique features to be explored. The landscape is one of striking diversity including magnificent scenery, mountain ranges, fast flowing streams and waterfalls, deep gorges and dense rainforest.

There is outstanding coastal scenery that combines tropical rainforest, white sandy beaches and fringing reefs just offshore… an extremely rare combination. To the west of Cape Tribulation stands Mt Pieter Botte with its massive granite outcrops. The summit providing expansive vistas of undisturbed forest and to the south the skyline is dominated by the giant granite boulders of Thornton Peak – one of Queensland’s highest mountains.

Port Douglas spas and wellness creation

Slip into a robe and let your senses come alive with a luxurious dose of TLC from a qualified masseuse or spa therapist. There’s nothing quite like some pampering while you’re on holidays and it’s a sure fire way to melt away the stress and tension from daily life. There are plenty of wellness spas to choose from in Port Douglas – be sure to ask at reception for a recommendation.

Port Douglas dining out

While you’re on holidays, it’s part of the fun to enjoy the local produce, restaurants and wine. Be sure to tempt your tastebuds with the epicurean delights of the tropical north. As you can imagine, the fresh seafood, fruit and other produce are tantalising. You can dine at beachside cafes, in lush rainforests and fine restaurants. Just remember to book, should you feel the desire to dine.

Aboriginal culture

The Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people are indigenous to the Port Douglas region and visitors can experience their culture, from aboriginal art galleries and lessons to indigenous tours in the rainforest.

Visit the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people and gain an incredible insight into their heritage as well as their reliance and empathy with the environment.

Port Douglas adventure

Explore ‘The Dark Side of The Daintree’ and search for nocturnal wildlife and crocodiles in the rainforest on a guided night tour.

Four Mile Beach is a perfect spot for kitesurfing – bring your own and join the locals, or give it a shot with an introductory lesson.

Feel the G-Force in a heli-tour over sand cays, rainforest, or to the outback.

Grab your friends and feel the mud in your face on a quad bike tour along exciting rainforest tracks that cross freshwater creeks in the Daintree.

View the Coral Sea from the seat of an Ultra-light, Micro-light or Hang-glider over Port Douglas.

Get close to nature by swimming with magnificent Dwarf Minke Whales on the Great Barrier Reef.

Chase the elusive Black Marlin on local, experienced game fishing boats departing Port Douglas Marina, or for the more serious take on the annual Port Douglas Marlin Challenge.

Jump inside a three-metre high rubber ball built for fun, add a few buckets of water and let the downhill adventure ride begin!

Ride an Argo 8×8 through parts of the otherwise inaccessible Daintree Rainforest; from hilltops to valleys and the meandering Daintree River, it is an eco-friendly, visual feast.

Hunt the elusive mudcrab with traditional Aboriginal spears and techniques along the beach and mangroves.

Kayak the Cape Tribulation coastline on a sunset tour or embark on an expedition to Snapper Island for an overnight trip.

4WD the iconic Bloomfield Track, crossing creeks, climbing hills, seeing the Bloomfield Falls and swimming in safe, pristine creeks.

Port Douglas events

The Port Douglas Carnival is a festival of the senses that began in 1994 around a yacht race. Today, it’s a magical festival held during the last 10 days of May, with music, arts, sports, food, culture and all styles of entertainment to give you every reason to visit.

With Port Douglas Carnival signature food events such as the longest lunch, the food and wine festival, seafood extravaganza and a degustation under the stars, it’s a foodie haven. Families can take part in the Four Mile Beach Day, watch the yachts race the Clipper Cup, visit the Port Douglas Sunday Markets or even go to a campfire and sing-along. Sport lovers, either spectators or competitors, can take part in the beach cricket competition, golf challenge, triathlon, ocean swim or even a bull ride!

Port Douglas Go Troppo Arts Festival

Later in the year Go Troppo with us as we celebrate life and the arts in tropical Australia with the Go Troppo Arts Festival in Port Douglas. Local artists, both world-class and novice, showcase music, theatre, writing, film, visual art, dance, sculpture and craft. Held annually in late October, this is an arts festival that gives you a ‘hands on’ experience in the tropics you could not find anywhere else.

Thanks to http://www.pddt.com.au/ for the info on this stunning part of the world.

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