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Port Douglas is one of the few places in the world that people instantly
fall in love with. It is hard not to be impressed with this panoramic
seaside village where you can find rusty old prawn trawlers side by side
with multi million dollar cruising yachts.
Population
Approximately 3800
Distance
from closest major city
Approximately 70kms north of Cairns (along a very scenic road).
History
Port
Douglas was founded in 1877 as the port town for the Hodgkinson River
Goldfields. After a series of name changes it became Port Douglas in
honour of the then Queensland Premier, John Douglas. The town was very
prosperous until Cairns became the new centre for an upgraded rail link
from the Atherton Tablelands. In 1911 a serious cyclone virtually
destroyed Port Douglas. In recent years it has become well known as a
major international tourist destination.
Feel
of the town
The drive to Port Douglas along the picturesque Cook Hwy is superb,
setting the mood for what to expect when you arrive in this charming
seaside town. The road follows the coast for most of the way, occasionally
venturing into cane fields with rugged mountain back drops. The road into
Port Douglas is lined with hundreds of large palm trees. The famous
Sheraton Mirage Resort and golf course create a striking first impression.
The actual town of Port Douglas is like a small boutique city located
adjacent to the Marina Mirage. Port Douglas has the charm of a sleepy
fishing village and the sophistication of a world class holiday
destination all rolled into one.
Things
to see
The Marina Mirage is the departure point for Reef Cruises and also an up
market shopping complex full of specialty fashion, art and gift stores.
There are also a number of tour operators and restaurants located at the
Marina Mirage Complex. There are interesting outdoor markets held every
Sunday in Anzac Park. There is an excellent wild life attraction called
Rainforest Habitat that has won many awards as an eco tourism wildlife
park. St Mary's by the sea is a non denominational church very popular
with locals as a place to be married. The views from inside the church are
superb.
Things
to do
Port Douglas is a good place to simply walk around, read a book and relax.
There is plenty to do, especially with water based activities including
reef trips, diving, fishing and paragliding. Golf is popular and the
Sheraton Golf Course is considered one of the best in Australia. Low Isles
is a beautiful island just off the coast. A day trip to Low Isles or the
Great Barrier Reef is essential.
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