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Port Douglas is located one hour north of Cairns via a spectacular coastal drive surrounded by forest and the Coral Sea. The township is home to some of Tropical North Queensland’s most exclusive resorts, award winning restaurants and world class shopping.A charming combination of sophisticated town and friendly village, Port Douglas is within easy reach of the Great Barrier Reef, the World Heritage listed Daintree and Cape Tribulation National Parks and the spectacular Mossman Gorge.

WORLD HERITAGE. WORLD CLASS. This is a description you’ll hear often in the Tropical North. Decades ago, the residents campaigned at length to have their twin treasures – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforests – listed by the global authority, so that today they are recognised and protected.

The Great Barrier Reef, made up of over 3,000 individual reefs and about 300 islands, is the world’s largest coral reef system. It extends for 2,000 kms along the east coast of Australia, covers an area larger than Great Britain and parts of it are estimated to be around 18 million years old. The reef habitat is home to some 1,500 species of fish and 400 species of corals - the architects of the reef whose limestone homes form the basis of the many and beautiful coral colonies that form the reef itself. The Great Barrier Reef is the only natural structure visible from outer space. Recognition of its ecological value was validated when it was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1981.

Sister icon to the reef is the spectacular, towering rainforest. These ancient ecosystems, World Heritage listed since 1988, cover an area of 900,000 ha and contain the oldest, continuously surviving rainforests on Earth with an estimated age of more than 135 million years. Only relatively recently has the importance of the rainforest been understood, with plants still being discovered, some with rare medicinal properties.

Covering just 0.1 percent of Australia’s land surface, this World Heritage area contains 30% of Australia’s marsupial species, 60% of bat species, 30% of frogs, 23% of reptiles, 62% of butterf lies and 18% of birds.Among these is the largest moth in the world, the Hercules (with its 25cm wing span), and Australia’s smallest bat, the 50mm Little Pipestrelle. There are also two kangaroo ‘oddities’, the Lumholtz and Bennett’s Tree Kangaroos – tree kangaroos are the only macropods able to move hind legs independently of each other.

Aside from its spectacular reefs and rainforests, Port Douglas also boasts an array of sumptuous dining options, great shopping, and pampering and relaxation packages to complete your stay in paradise.

Port DouglasWelcome

to

Port Douglas

For more information on the Port Douglas region, please visit www.visitportdouglasdaintree.com. Alternatively, drop into the Port Douglas Tourist Information Centre at 23 Macrossan Street.

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Port DouglasPORT DOUGLAS

Botanical Park

LAKESIDE AVE

Sea Temple

To Cairns

To Mossman

Cape Tribulation &

Daintree

SportingComplex

SugarWharf

See and DoThingstoPort Douglas is a tropical oasis that boasts a diverse range of things to see and do.• Exploring the reef has never been so easy with 15 tours

departing daily to the reef, plus a range of livaboards and yachts to charter for fishing and snorkelling expeditions.

• Explore the beauty, history and local gossip of Port Douglas from the comfort of an electric bike. Finish off the tour with an ice cold drink in one of the historical pubs.

• Don’t miss the Port Douglas Carnivale in May! Sink your teeth into iconic gourmet events such as the Longest Lunch, and enjoy watching the Macrossan Street Parade and fireworks.

• Ever seen an albino whale? Port Douglas is lucky enough to have its very own Migaloo migrate north every season.The winter months are when whale watching and reef tours go hand in fin.

• Take on an epic mountain bike race or marathon festival including an ultra marathon for running enthusiasts.

• Want to experience the reef, but only have a half day? Jump on board a jet boat tour and in 40 minutes you will be snorkelling in the pristine reef and home for lunch.

• If you feel like a sleep in, enjoy the serenity of Low Isles and a majestic sunset sail on board a luxury sailing catamaran providing an ‘adults only’ afternoon tour.

• Experience the age, diversity and beauty of the Daintree Rainforest as you climb the spectacular Mt. Sorrow on a guided trek.

• Venture into the world of an ancient indigenous culture with a guided rainforest walk at Mossman Gorge, private art class or spearing for mudcrabs.

• Feast on delicious local delicacies, tropical fruits, sumptuous local seafood and divine cocktails at one of the town’s many awarded Chef Hat restaurants.

• Immerse yourself in the Daintree, the oldest living rainforest in the world and experience this adventure at your own pace - in a hammock, zip line, horseback or kayak!

Port Douglas is a world class destination for foodies with top restaurants rivalling any of those in the capital cities across the county.Port Douglas dishes up a sumptuous array of gastronomical options for visitors. Buy fresh local seafood direct from the trawler. Taste award winning tropical fruit wines and ports at a tropical fruit winery. Enjoy a range of eateries serving up fresh local produce.

DINING OUTFlames of the Forest The Rainforest • Ph: 4099 3144

Lure Restaurant & Bar The Reef Marina, Port Douglas • Ph: 4099 5201

Mayi Café Mossman Gorge Centre • Ph: 4099 7000

Mango Jam 24 Macrossan Street, Port Douglas • Ph: 4099 4611

On the Inlet Seafood Restaurant & Bar 3 Inlet Street, Port Douglas • Ph: 4099 5255

Palmer Sea Reef Restaurant Old Port Road, Port Douglas • Ph: 4087 2222

Salsa Bar & Grill 26 Wharf Street, Port Douglas • Ph: 4099 4922

Sassi Cucina e Bar Corner Wharf and Macrossan Streets, Port Douglas Ph: 4099 6744

Siam by the Sea Shop 2/ 28 Wharf Street, Port Douglas • Ph: 4099 4384

Star of Siam 12 Macrossan Street, Port Douglas • Ph: 4099 6912

The Beach Shack 29 Barrier Street, Port Douglas • Ph: 4099 1100

The Original Mocka’s Pies & Bakehouse 9 Grant Street, Port Douglas • Ph: 4099 5295

Dining OutFoodand

George the Groper is On the Inlet’s resident giant groper. George has been visiting for the past 15 years, delighting the crowd with his immense proportions and frenzied feeding action. George is a wild groper, weighing in at around 250 kilograms, and is one of the largest fish to inhabit the waters.

Unlike his less sizeable colleagues, George the Groper has his own Facebook page, Instagram tag and Youtube channel.

At 5pm daily an intrepid staff member offers up George’s favourite delicacy, a tuna frame, from the waterside deck at On the Inlet.

George’s feed is always fabulous entertainment, and The George Show is recognised by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council as a tourism asset for Port Douglas and one of the 5 best free things to do in Port Douglas.

On the Inlet serves sunset specials between 3.30pm and 5.30 pm daily, with George invited in at 5pm. You are welcome to pop in with your kids and camera, enjoy a bucket of chilled local prawns, an icy drink, a panoramic view over the water and mountain ... and all the action of George wrestling for his very own sunset special.

George the GroperMeet

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RegionREGIONAL AREA

History Port DouglasPort Douglas was founded in 1877 to give the gold miners in the western outback a good seaport within reasonable distance to import their equipment and provisions, and export their bounty. A few miles from Port Douglas, the Bump Track was blazed, plunging steeply down behind Mt Molloy to Mowbray. Soon pack-horse teams were straining to haul heavy mining equipment up to the Hodgkinson goldfields and the tin mines further away near Herberton. This busy track connected the people of Port Douglas to the inland and Cairns, and it was not until 1933 that the present Capt. Cook Highway was built, sweeping north along the Great Barrier Reef coast from Cairns.

Businessmen came from Cooktown during the late 1870s and soon built stores and wharves in Port Douglas. Named after the Premier of Queensland, John Douglas, the town flourished during the 1880s

of on the wealth of the inland mining fields. The Court House, still standing in its original position, was built in 1879 and is the second oldest court house in Queensland. It is infamous for the committal trial in 1887 of Ellen Thomson, who was the only woman hanged in Queensland for the murder of her husband at Mossman. You can sit in the old jury bench and see a video re-creation of her trial at the Court House, which is now a Museum in Wharf Street.

The school house in Owen Street, now private tourist accommodation, also began in 1879 with 55 children enrolled on the first day. It closed in 1962 because of a lack of pupils.

The beautiful little white timber church by the market park, St Mary’s By the Sea, began in 1880 in Grant Street, but was destroyed in the 1911 cyclone, and much of the town suffered a similar fate. Unlike many other buildings, the church was rebuilt and served the community well for decades.

When the 1911 cyclone hit, it devastated most of the timber buildings of Port Douglas. By then the population had dwindled because it was decided in the 1890s that the new railway from the inland should terminate in Cairns and so businesses moved away.

For decades, Port Douglas was a sleepy fishing village until 1984 when an international airport opened in Cairns. Two years later Christopher Skase built the Sheraton Mirage, a glitzy five-star resort, and the town experienced a buzz that had not been felt for 100 years. This was stalled by the 1989 pilots’ strike, when suddenly no-one came. Eventually Port Douglas recovered, and has been a proud host to many visitors ever since.

Your holiday would not be complete without pampering your body and indulging the senses.The Port Douglas region boasts some of the best spa facilities in the world with a range of treatments that are designed to relax, de-stress, energise and rejuvenate your body for the ultimate relaxation. Unwind with a massage or luscious facial set in a natural theme park of cooling rainforest with crystal streams to soothe your soul.

Indulge yourself in a shopping spree at the town’s central shopping hub along Macrossan Street. The precinct is f lush with boutique shopping, indigenous arts, gift shops, jewellery and crafts. Venture down side streets for hidden treasures and then over to the Reef Marina for some souvenir shopping.

Port Douglas features a plethora of cafes and lunch time eateries for visitors wanting to take a break from shopping or merely wanting to treat themselves to some sumptuous fare. Try Macrossan Street, Grant Street and the Reef Marina for delicious dining options.

Discover the essence of Port Douglas with a morning stroll along the famous golden sands of Four Mile Beach before heading off to the Sunday craft and produce markets for a coconut cocktail.

LOCAL MARKETSThe Port Douglas Sunday Market is a popular attraction for locals and visitors, alike, with an enormous array of locally grown produce and hand-made products made by the stallholder or their immediate family. The market is located at Rex Smeal Park on Wharf Street and runs from 8am to 1pm.

The Mossman Market is held on Saturday morning from 7am to midday under the beautiful shady raintrees in the grounds of St David’s Church. Goods offered for sale are fresh produce such as tropical fruits, preserves, second-hand items, plants and crafts.

For more information on indulging yourself in Port Douglas, visit www.visitportdouglasdaintree.com.

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Snorkel or dive from the reef’s closest town, Port Douglas. Escape to a new world under the water full of vibrant colours, corals and curious fish. The Great Barrier Reef was World Heritage listed in 1981 to preserve what is known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Boasting over 3,000 individual reefs and around 300 islands, the reef is home to a spectacular array of coral and marine life, which is why so many people travel to the region to bear witness to this national living treasure.

For those choosing an aquatic adventure, tours operate daily with a range of options available including half and full day tours.

Treat yourself to a snorkel or dive tour available through Quicksilver. Quicksilver offers both introductory and advanced tours to suit differing requirements. For more information on tours and reservations, call Quicksilver on 4087 2100.

Why not combine a Great Barrier Reef experience with a deserted island stop over via a luxury helicopter? Alternatively, greet the sunrise via a hot air balloon sailing over the enchanting Tablelands and then embark on an outer reef tour. Then again, you can always take a 2 Day Outer Barrier Reef and Cape Tribulation Tour to experience two national treasures in just two days.

Fishing enthusiasts can take home the ultimate fishing story from on board a light or heavy tackle fishing charter. Fishing Port Douglas offers full day reef tours, among other tours such as game and river fishing expeditions. For a local touch, call Heff or Jill on 0409 610 869 for bookings.

Exploring and snorkelling the reef is an experience of a life time, one you’re not likely to forget for many years to come. Enjoy!

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Enjoy the island life on Low Isles. Laze the day away on the sandy beaches, snorkel to inner coral reefs, and explore the history of the island and the lighthouse.

Low Isles was sighted by Captain Cook back in 1770 who described it as a ‘small low island’ in his log book. Low Isles, located just 15kms from Port Douglas, is in fact made up of two small islands, Low and Woody Islands. Due to their proximity, they form a protected lagoon which is perfect for snorkelling ventures.

Woody Island, the largest of the two islands, boasts a historical lighthouse built back in 1878, which has functioned as a research and weather data base. The island also plays host to a number of migratory bird species such as sea eagles, ospreys and kingfishers throughout the year.

Sailaway offers five star reef and island cruises to Low Isles on its modern sailing catamarans. Guests are invited to explore this protected coral cay and snorkel the stunning coral landscapes that surround it. For more information and bookings, please contact Sailaway on 4099 4200.

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North of Port Douglas explore the beautiful Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and historical Cooktown. If you are looking to remain dry during your visit, an assortment of land based adventures are available.Daintree is known today as the oldest surviving rainforest in the world, demonstrated by its plant species that are said to be millions of years old. Extending 900,000 hectares, the rainforest comprises of mostly tropical vegetation but also features mangrove and eucalypt forests, and wetlands.

Marvel at the giant bull Kauri pines and the King ferns that help to furnish this natural oasis. There’s plenty of fauna to spot here including the endangered cassowary and other stunning bird species. Likewise, visitors can cruise down the Daintree River, which snakes 140kms, and look out for crocodiles or take in a fishing adventure.

A 1.5 hour drive from Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation is a township renowned for its unique geography in that it is the point where two national treasures meet - the

Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Cape Tribulation, like the Daintree Coast, offers many activities for visitors, including bush walking, diving, snorkelling, horse riding, river cruises, zip lining through the rainforest, and more.

Small or large group tours to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation are a must, with a wildlife cruise on the Daintree River keeping a close eye out for the elusive crocodile the perfect companion tour.

Cooktown, named after Captain Cook, is a town steeped in both Indigenous and European history. Be sure to embark on a rock art site tour with a Nugal-warra elder and check out the James Cook Museum to explore the town’s rich past. One to three day Cooktown 4WD Adventures are available to experience a first-rate scenic coastal drive and the 4WD only Bloomfield Track.

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Visit Mossman Gorge and meet the first people of our land, the Kuku Yalanji, for a guided walk through the rainforest. Refresh with a swim in the crisp rainwater streams of the gorge.Mossman Gorge, located in the southern section of the Daintree, holds a cultural significance for Indigenous people who have long had a strong connection to the land. Visitors can learn about the indigenous heritage while traversing this magnificent and lush region.

The Mossman Gorge Centre offers guided walks through the Mossman Gorge. The concept of the Mossman Gorge Centre was born out of a conversation Roy Gibson had with the Bama Rangers over twenty years ago about educating and creating jobs for their people. Raising funds to drive the initiative, Gibson and his supporters eventually realised their dream of opening the centre.

The centre preserves indigenous culture with its informative and experiential guided walks through the Mossman Gorge.

The centre offers Dreamtime Gorge Walks, which run for approximately 1.5 hours departing daily at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 3pm. Visitors are privy to indigenous stories, a traditional smoking ceremony, a soap and ochre painting demonstration, bush tea and damper, and more. For bookings, call the centre on 4099 7000.

For the walk, remember to pack insect repellent and sunscreen, and it’s recommended you wear light cotton apparel and comfortable shoes for walking. The centre also boasts an art gallery featuring indigenous art and a cafe for refreshments.

There are also four self-guided Mossman Gorge walks available to visitors. Be sure to stop for a picnic at one of the swimming holes where the pristine Mossman River f lows over granite rocks.

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BeSunsmartWhen planning a day outside, Cancer Council Australia recommends you take five steps to protect against sun damage:Extra care should be taken between 10am and 3pm when UV levels reach their peak.

• Slip on some sun protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.

• Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF+30 sunscreen; put in on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun.

• Slap on a hat, broad brim or legionnaire style to protect your face, head, neck and ears.

• Seek shade.

• Slide on sunglasses; make sure they meet Australian Standards.

For smartphone users, a free SunSmart app is a great way to check the UV Alert when you are out and about.

Kuranda

Atherton TablelandsThe Atherton Tablelands is a lush region boasting rugged hinterland and emerald plains. Whether you’re keen to relax or embark on an adventure, there’s plenty to see and do here.The Atherton Tablelands offers a well rounded holiday experience, from hiking to hot air ballooning to tasting the gourmet local produce. Experience the Atherton Tablelands from a bird’s-eye view in a hot air balloon. Tours depart daily from Port Douglas with pick up from accommodation. For more information on tours, please call 4039 9900 or visit www.hotair.com/portdouglas.

For active pursuits during your visit to the region, guided hiking, kayaking and cycling adventures are available through Tableland Adventure Guides. For bookings, call Peter on 0448 517 979.Embark on one of the five Food Trail Tours available in the region. For more information, download the Taste Paradise App from www.tasteparadise.com.au, which outlines each food trail with recommended itineraries. The app also includes great information on local eateries, producers and markets.Alternatively, taste the delights of the tropics through Brett’s Outback Tasting Adventures, which provides guided gastronomical tours. Departing Port Douglas at 9am (returning 5.30pm) every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, for bookings call Andrea on 4098 5059. Kuranda is a quaint mountain township known for its wildlife, bushwalking, shopping, galleries and natural attractions. The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary on Rob Veivers Drive boasts over 1,500 tropical species of butterflies. The sanctuary is open daily from 9.45am to 4.00pm (excluding Christmas Day and limited hours on ANZAC Day) for you to come and marvel at these stunning creatures. The Kuranda Koala Gardens is home to a myriad of wildlife which includes koalas, crocodiles, wallabies and more; while at Birdworld Kuranda, visitors can feed the stunning birdlife in its f light aviary.Kuranda has a couple of markets that are well worth checking out. Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets have been operating since 1978 and offer beautifully crafted art, jewellery and leather work. Located on the corner of Therwine and Thoree Streets, the markets are open 9:30am to 3pm. The Kuranda Heritage Markets on Rob Veivers Drive is f lush with local handcrafts, art, gifts, refreshments and entertainment. Open daily between 9:30am to 3:30pm, it’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir to take home with you.Be sure to take a trip on the spectacular Skyrail Rainforest Cableway while you’re in Kuranda! For more information on the Atherton Tablelands, visit www.athertontablelands.com.au.

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CalendarofEventsJANUARY• Port Douglas Sunday Market (held every Sunday)

• Mossman Market, Mossman (held every Saturday)

MARCH• Rugby 7s International Competition, Port Douglas

MAY• Port Douglas Carnivale, Port Douglas

JUNE• Cairns Airport Adventure Festival, Cairns & region

• Coral Coast Triathlon 5150, Port Douglas

• RRR Mountain Bike Challenge, Port Douglas

• Hekili Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge, Port Douglas

JULY• Mossman Show, Mossman

AUGUST • Taste Port Douglas, Port Douglas

• Mareeba Multicultural Festival, Mareeba

SEPTEMBER• Glengarry’s Annual Music Muster, Port Douglas

• Tablelands Crane Week Festival, Atherton Tablelands

OCTOBER• Portoberfest, Port Douglas Marina

• Whitelion Cape Tribulation Jungle Ride

• Rock the Yacht Port Douglas

• Crocodile Trophy Mountain Bike Stage Race, Cairns to Port Douglas

NOVEMBER• Melbourne Cup Celebrations, Port Douglas

• Marlin Coast Challenge, Port Douglas

• Marlin Challenge, Port Douglas

• Yungaburra Triathlon, Atherton Tablelands

• Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival, Port Douglas

• Ports Shorts Film Festival, Port Douglas

DECEMBER• Carols by Candlelight, Port Douglas

• New Year’s Eve Celebrations

For more information on what’s on in the Port Douglas region, please visit www.visitportdouglasdaintree.com.

Port DouglasPOLICE/ FIRE/ AMBULANCE 000

Ambulance (non-emergency) 131 233

Port Douglas Police Station 4087 1999

Mossman Police Station 4098 2177

Poisons Information Service 131 126

Bureau of Meteorology 4035 9777

HOSPITAL / MEDICAL

Cairns Hospital 4226 0000

Mossman Hospital 4084 1200

Port Village Medical Centre 4099 5043

Dr John Archer, Port Douglas 4099 5276

Mossman Medical Centre 4098 1248

BUS / COACH TRANSFERS

Airport Shuttle 4098 2800

Coral Reef Coaches 4098 2600

Sun Palm Transport 4099 1191

Taxis 131 008

CHURCHES

St. Mary’s by the Sea, 8 Dixie Street, Port Douglas

Christian Church, 2 Endeavour Street, Port Douglas

Anglican Church, St Crispins Avenue, Port Douglas

ServicesEssential

The information contained in this publication is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, John Batman Group disclaims any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising material appearing in this publication is supplied by the operator or service provider and John Batman Group is not responsible for the accuracy of advertising content.

This guest services room publication is compiled and produced by John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, publishers of specialist room directories and magazines. John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, and Just Brilliant Guides are trademarks of Binders Compendiums Menu Covers Pty Ltd. © Copyright all rights reserved. JBG–P John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket.

PO Box 726, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia 3134.Tel: (03) 9879 8588 Fax: (03) 9879 8688Email: info@johnbatman.com.auWeb: www.johnbatman.com.au

Compiled with the assistance of Tourism Port Douglas Daintree.

Images courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.

Managing DirectorJarrod La Canna

Advertising SalesAnnika Turpie

Graphic DesignCarolyn Tellus

Design Assistance Kelly Irish Leeanne Lisle

Studio EditorKarla Dondio

Operations ManagerEleanor White

Accounts & AdministrationRebecca Zalavary

DistributionMichael McDonaldDeborah Harris

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