Port Douglas, QUEENSLAND
Airing Date: Jul 8th, 2002
Located an hour north of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, Port Douglas has an average winter temperature of 26 degrees and makes for an attractive and affordable alternative to the south's chilly days.
Tens of thousands of sun lovers fly north to Port Douglas every winter - but the flying doesn't stop at the airport. Parasailing is a popular pastime in Port Douglas, and conveniently for tourists, both parasailing and jet skiing equipment can be found in the one spot - Get High Parafly. Adventurers will also be impressed by a guided tour of Mossman Gorge, a short distance from Port Douglas.
The main street in Port Douglas is Macrossan St, and it's lined with restaurants and cafes.
On the Inlet at the marina serves beer and a bucket of prawns, and guarantees diners a super cheap meal during happy hour. Left overs are never wasted either - they'll be fed to George the groper.
The warm days in Port Douglas extend to pleasant evenings, allowing you to enjoy outside activities after dark as well.
A unique entertainment option is the Twilight Cinema, held from June to October at the Rydges Reef Resort. Moviegoers sit outside under the stars and can bring their own chairs, picnic and blanket or hire a chair and purchase refreshments.
Alternatively, if you have some spare time on Tuesday or Thursday night, head down to the Iron Bar, where the winter toad racing gets the whole place jumping.
Beaches in Port Douglas is one of only three properties right on the beautiful Four Mile Beach. A cheaper option for holidaymakers in Port Douglas is Port O'Call, a hostel offering standard rooms.
The facts
Two bedroom apartments at Beaches start from $270 per night.
Beaches
Tel: 07 4099 4150
Standard double rooms at Port O'Call start from $89 per night.
Port O'Call
Tel: 07 4099 5422
Parasailing and half hour Jet Ski rides cost $70 each.
Get High Parafly
Tel: 07 4099 6366
On the Inlet at the marina serves beer and a bucket of prawns for about $15
On The Inlet
Tel: 07 4099 5255
Twilight Cinema tickets cost $14 for adults and $10 for kids. BYO blanket or hire a chair from $5 and purchase refreshments.
Rydges Reef Resort
Tel: 1800 445 644
Ironbar Restaurant
Tel: 07 4099 4776
Day trips head out of Port Douglas daily and cost around $22.
Port Douglas Daintree Tourism Association
Tel: 07 4099 4588
Queensland Travel Centre
Tel: 13 88 33
