As a former long-term Port Douglas residents turned professional traveller, we know the local accommodation from hotels to hostels very well indeed. Readers often ask where to stay, which is the best hotel in Port Douglas, what hostel is most affordable and what accommodation is best for families? They need recommendations for backpackers, family holidays, for budget … [Read more...]
Port Douglas and Cairns, Visiting Far North Queensland
Port Douglas was home to us and is a popular tourist town in Far North Queensland. Visitors head up here for the reef, the rain-forests and beautiful 4 mile beach along with our stunning wildlife, beautiful resorts and good food. Cairns is just up the road and has a whole bunch of unique things to do too. Things to do, places to see and go in the Port Douglas and Cairns region ( including Atherton Tablelands) along with blog post about living in Queensland's Far North as an expat or as a local.
We have posts on visiting the Great Barrier Reef ( Which can be done from both Port Douglas and Cairns) our local crocodiles, what to do and where to swim during stinger season, the drive through Cape Tribulation to Cooktown and more.
Things To Do in Port Douglas and Surrounding Area.
I get a lot of emails from people asking me for ideas on things to do in Port Douglas and trips to take from there. I lived there for 7 years, I know the area well and I own a travel blog. It's what travel bloggers do, help people with travel plans. So, rather than answer each email individually as I normally do, here are a few ideas on things to do in and around Port Douglas … [Read more...]
This is The Beginning. Port Douglas to Kuala Lumpur
It's been a very long two days, but we're here, safe, comfortable and looking forward to a good night's sleep. I've Learnt a Few Things. The rate at the Travelex counter at Gold Coast airport is negotiable. I wasn't impressed with the offered rate so she gave me a better one. Which was OK. You have to buy everything, even water and blankets on Air Asia. It was … [Read more...]
Port Douglas: Leaving it Behind.
This is my last week in Port Douglas, Queensland. Regular readers will know we are British expats and have been living in paradise here for almost six years. They will also know that it hasn't always been paradise for me. I suffered badly with culture shock and found it hard to adjust. But goodbye Port Douglas, hello new adventure, we're off to travel for a … [Read more...]
Is There a Beach in Cairns? Where to Swim or Cool Off.
Cairns, Australia, is one of the stepping off points for snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, but is there a beach in Cairns? No, actually, there's not. There is a pretty esplanade walkway and a narrow strip of sand but mostly Cairns has a busy estuary and salt water crocodiles, big ones. We also have stinger season in this part of the world, jellyfish visit our waters … [Read more...]
Great Food in Cairns! Rusty’s Market
Looking for a foodie treat in Cairns or this area of Far North Queensland? I've posted about London's Borough Market before, well this is our local version when we're at home in Port Douglas. Rusty's Market is not to be missed! It's fabulous, every type of fruit and veg you could possibly imagine, mostly tropical, mostly local, heavily Asian influenced and cheap. You could … [Read more...]
Crocodile Spotting in Port Douglas
Yes, we have saltwater crocodiles in Queensland and yes, they can eat you. But mostly they don't, which is good. Taking a boat trip to go crocodile spotting in Port Douglas is a lovely way to spend a few hours, I've taken the children many times and they always enjoy it. Each trip is different so it's always a fresh experience. A crocodile, not an alligator. We have a lot of … [Read more...]
Feeding George The Groper
Want to know what's top of my " Things to do in Port Douglas" list? Well, I always say that feeding George the groper is the most exciting thing that happens in Port Douglas. It's certainly not something you should miss if you are in the top right hand corner of Queensland or visiting Port for our beaches, rainforest and Great Barrier Reef access. It's a daily, … [Read more...]
Paleo Food In Cairns
Healthy, Delicious Paleo Food In Cairns. We've just been on a mission to try the new cafe serving paleo food in Cairns. It's an hour in the car from Port Douglas to Cairns, a long way to go for lunch, but I was really excited to try out the Paleo Cafe on Grafton St. Cairns. We've been dabbling in paleo for a few months, I've lost 4Kg and feel a lot healthier for it, we … [Read more...]
Gardening In The Tropics
I'm no expert on gardening in the tropics, I've lived here for 5 years, in tropical Queensland, I'm a British expat in Australia, I've made plenty of gardening mistakes, but I'm starting to see some good results in the tropical food garden. Check out our tomato crop. Our first major tropical gardening success with tomatoes, we picked over 500. Until a few years ago I … [Read more...]
A Tropical Christmas in Port Douglas Australia
Adjusting to Expat Life in Port Douglas Honestly , I'm confused, my head is a mess. I spent forty-two years experiencing Christmas in winter, December, in my mind, will always be cold, now, suddenly, our tropical Christmas is in summer, it's too weird! I find myself living in Port Douglas, Australia, in an alternate hemisphere, am I supposed to adjust to the idea of … [Read more...]
Total Solar Eclipse Port Douglas, In Photos
We've just got back from Four Mile Beach Port Douglas, the total solar eclipse was stunning! Dragging the kids out of bed at 4am didn't go down too well, but a Daintree ice cream and some celestial spectacularness soon perked them up. Part of Photo Friday on Delicious Baby. Today I am incredibly grateful to live in such a … [Read more...]