Port Douglas
May 31st, 2006 at 9:48 am by David FarrarI’m off to Port Douglas for a holiday at the end of June. Any suggestions for activities from people who have stayed there? I’ve been to Cairns before so have been to the rainforest (will probably visit it again) and some diving or snorkelling on the great barrier reef is mandatory of course.
Tags: DPF
May 31st, 2006 at 10:31 am
It’s lovely little town David enjoy. Couple of tips, the further north you go before you head out to the reef the better (it’s closer and more attractive), heading out from Daintree is particulalry good and the Daintree area is stunning (though is a few hours north of Port Douglas). There’s a fantastic seafood resturant slightly away from the main street, but near a larger shopping complex, that used to be a small port/fish monger, I can’t recall its name sorry. Another seafood place, called 2 fish, is good also.
Vote:May 31st, 2006 at 10:46 am
You have to do the Sky Train to Karunda and then catch the real train back down the canyon. This is south of Port Douglas. And if you are into holding bats and snakes there is a great up-close “zoo” at Port Douglas. Have a lovely time.
Vote:May 31st, 2006 at 12:43 pm
Agree with all the above. Also make sure you snorkel on the reef, get face to face with Nemo’s bros and cuzzys. The restaurants are great, just wander around and pick one. There are some choices of fish that are unique and delicious. Hire a bike and ride along the beach. Blob out on the beach. Good time of year to go too, water temp is perfect and no nasty jellfish things.
Vote:May 31st, 2006 at 1:48 pm
Finding a job and staying there seems to be a popular activity these days.
Vote:May 31st, 2006 at 1:56 pm
Mossman Gorge is worth a visit for a cooling swim in stinger free non toxic water though that won’t be an issue for you at this time of year. Cape Tribulation is a nice place to be – the reef trip that leaves from their has some advantages over the bigger flashier trips that leave from Port Douglas. The Sunday markets are a treat as well.
Vote:May 31st, 2006 at 2:12 pm
If you don’t already have accomodation booked…
…I spent three days diving from Cairns last month, staying out on a boat rather than returning to the city each day. 11 dives, food and boaty accomodation, all for $450. Bargain. And I got to see sharks and sea turtles.
Vote:May 31st, 2006 at 2:51 pm
I enjoyed going to a pistol range and squeezing off a few dozen rounds with the world’s most popular handguns, as an exotic experience. Must be my ‘inner rightist’. Damn that Magnum 45 is fun.
Vote:May 31st, 2006 at 2:59 pm
I got to see a shark in the South China Sea for free once.
The price may have been right but being in the water with it it still didn’t seem like a bargin at the time.
Vote:May 31st, 2006 at 6:27 pm
Some good pups there and plenty of pretty shelias.
Vote:May 31st, 2006 at 6:46 pm
1) Ballooning – Great fun, though an early start. Do it early on your stay while your still on NZ Time.
Vote:2) The Daintree(?) Ecolodge was a nice enough accomodation. But the restaurant was grand, and there was a great night excursion in a boat through the rivers. Much cooler than during the day, and a whole different set of life.
3) Lunch at the RSA
May 31st, 2006 at 7:15 pm
Swim at the Mossman Gorge – second that. Especially as you’ll swim with the (safe) crocs there. Really cool.
I never do a *guided* anything, but broke the rules and enjoyed the guided rain forest walk. Make sure you lick the ant’s butt. I dare ya.
Time of year sometimes spoils going out to the reef if you’re only there for a week.
I believe the aviary has closed? That was cool. Also enjoyed the croc farm. Never get tired of them sneaking up without a ripple anywhere.
Also to note:
butterflies as large as small birds hitting your windshield.
running over snakes
kicking over a few termite mounds.
annoying the green ants on purpose (a great around the hotel activity)
adopt a gecko. give it a name and make sure you can find it every time you get back to your room(s).
that sorta thing.
(Probably have the aussies rolling their eyes at those – but us Kiwis get all excited at wildlife that’s big and aggressive).
We rented a Jeep Wrangler for the week and had great fun making fools of ourselves.
Have a great time.
…oh and try not to walk into a Golden Orb spider’s web, occupied or otherwise. tee hee.
Vote:May 31st, 2006 at 9:32 pm
If you’re going to Karunda – as suggested by Lindsay – I’d recommend taking the train first, then the Sky Train back (just make sure there is transport). Actually, Karunda itself is rather trashy – fully of souvenir shops. Unless if that is what you are after.
Vote:May 31st, 2006 at 9:55 pm
I visited Karunda last time but will go again. Last time i took the train there and sky train back, so will do it in reverse order this time.
Vote:June 1st, 2006 at 6:45 am
Try a few days on Green Island, if you contact them directly http://www.greenislandresort.com.au/
Vote:you can ususally get a good deal. It’s isn’t often you can stay in a nature reserve and it is well worth the trip. It is not cheap, but worth ever cent, the facilities are top class and you can get some snorkling straight off the beach.
June 1st, 2006 at 7:37 am
My wife and I are going to be in Port Douglas at about the same time. Can anyone tell me how long it takes to get to Daintree from PD and if there are afternoon tours – not really practical to hire a car as we have morning business commitments.
Vote:June 1st, 2006 at 9:06 am
Make sure you spend some time indoors as well!
K
Vote:June 1st, 2006 at 10:30 am
I have the delight / joy of hosting David at my Treetops resort http://www.radisson.com/treetopsau
I will try to get some obscure grainy pics of him in compromising situations and email to his blog audience
You are right thou, there an a few kiwis that work up here… and it’s easy to see why.
Anyone wanting a good deal, or local advice, you are welcome to contact me at mmoore@radisson-resorts.com.au
And I will not release any more details when I worked in parliament with David years ago and when we were summoned to Court…
Mike Moore (Not the WTO or the fat film maker one)
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