Cairns has numerous great attractions within easy reach of the CBD but there are also loads of things to do in the surrounding area. In this post we'll cover things to do in Cairns first, then add nearby day trips from Cairns. We include reef trips, visiting the town of Kuranda, Northern Beaches, The Tablelands and things to do and see right up to Port Douglas and … [Read more...]
Cairns to Port Douglas. Drive, Transfers or Bus
The only way to get from Cairns to Port Douglas is by road ( unless you want to take a helicopter or charter a boat ). Travellers staying in Port Douglas, the picture perfect town, will arrive into Cairns by air, road or rail before making their way 65 kms north along the Captain Cook Highway. The Captain Cook Highway is a single lane winding road with two overtaking … [Read more...]
Car Hire in Port Douglas, Is it Necessary and Which Company to Use?
Hiring a car in Port Douglas can be quick and easy but during the high season the availability of cars will be limited so book ahead if you want a particular type of car. Cars available range from budget small hatch backs to convertible, 4wds and people carriers. There are far more car hire companies in Port Douglas than you would expect from such a small town. We live in … [Read more...]
Great Barrier Reef Tours From Port Douglas
If you're looking for Great Barrier Reef Tours from Port Douglas, congratulations, you picked a great place from which to explore the reef. Port Douglas Australia is a stunning holiday town in Far North Queensland, home to beautiful 4 Mile Beach, close to Mossman Gorge and the Daintree Rainforest as well as the cooler Atherton Tablelands, but the reef is a huge draw for … [Read more...]
Fresh Water Swimming Spots Around Cairns and Port Douglas
If you're visiting the Cairns and Port Douglas region is summer, you absolutely must check out some of our fresh water swimming spots as well as the iconic Great Barrier Reef. These are where the locals go to cool off and some, like Mossman Gorge, receive large numbers of tourists too. Families visit these jungle swimming holes because they are safe, there are no … [Read more...]
Visiting Port Douglas? Start Here.
Are you thinking of visiting Port Douglas? Good choice! Port Douglas is a beautiful part of the world and a top holiday destination. The town and region are rich in natural beauty, amazing wildlife and good hotels. There are dozens of diverse things to do in Port Douglas and surrounding area and we'll try to point you in the right direction from our Port Douglas travel blog … [Read more...]
Tips For Newcomers to Australia
If you are moving to Australia, welcome! We moved to Australia in 2007 from the UK. 2018 finds us travelling full-time but we're officially based in Queensland, we still own our house there. We want to put more information on our blog for wannabe immigrants and expats, we have lots of useful info to share. This is really our first post about the practicalities of moving to … [Read more...]
Port Douglas Accommodation. Best Hotels, Resorts, Rentals and Hostels
As a former long-term Port Douglas resident turned professional traveller, I know the local accommodation from hotels to hostels very well indeed. Readers often ask me 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 … [Read more...]
Things To Do in Port Douglas and Surrounding Area. Not The Usual Things.
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...]
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...]