Australia's Tropics - Queensland, January 2024

---

Queensland is Australia's take on paradise. Warm, laidback, and heartbreakingly beautiful, its sweep of pristine beaches, luxuriant jungle and ethereal peaks conjure a southern Shangri-La. Situated in the northeastern region of the continent, it is the 2^nd largest and 3^rdmost populous of all the Australian states. Due to its size, Queensland's geographical features and climates are diverse, including tropical rainforests, rivers, coral reefs, mountain ranges and sandy beaches in its tropical and sub-tropical coastal regions, as well as deserts and savanna in the semi-arid and desert climatic regions of its interior.

Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Far North Queensland lies the sultry haven of Port Douglas, and along with the city of Cairns (aka Yorkey’s Knob) - just 40 miles away – the gateways to two UNESCO World Heritage-listed natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef and the expanses of the Daintree Rainforest. I‘ll be spending time here soaking it all in. With a population of less than 4,000 inhabitants, Port Douglas frequently sees this number double, with the influx of tourists during the peak tourism season from May to September.

A Little Bit of History: The Port Douglas township was established in 1877 after the discovery of gold at Hodgkinson River. Once the first post office opened in September 1877 it grew quickly, and at its peak Port Douglas had a population of 12,000 and 27 hotels. When the Kuranda Railway in Cairns was completed in 1891, the importance of Port Douglas dwindled along with its population. A cyclone in 1911 demolished or severely damaged all but 7 residential buildings and 4 commercial buildings. At its nadir in 1960 the town, by then little more than a fishing village, had a population of 100. The town was named in honor of a former Premier of Queensland, John Douglas. Port Douglas developed quickly based on the mining industry. Other parts of the area were established with timber cutting in the area surrounding the Daintree River and with settlement starting on lots around the Mossman River by 1880.

This laidback tropical town is a popular resort destination in its own right, with the tree-fringed sands of Four Mile Beach stretching down the bay and a leafy, compact town center lined with hip cafés and bars. Super yachts from around the world berth at Port Douglas’s sheltered marina, where tour boats depart for sightseeing cruises to nearby coral cays and expeditions to spectacular diving spots on the outer reefs.

The best time to visit largely depends on your preferences and the activities you wish to engage in. But essentially it enjoys a tropical climate, characterized by two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The dry season, which runs from May to October, is generally considered the best time to visit. During this period, the weather is warm and pleasant, with lower humidity levels and minimal rainfall. It’s an ideal time for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, diving, exploring the rainforest and enjoying the beach. The dry season also coincides with the peak tourist season, so if you come at this time expect larger crowds and higher accommodation rates. It is also advisable to make reservations well in advance.

If you prefer a quieter and more budget-friendly experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons, which are the transitional periods between the wet and dry seasons. These are from April to May and September to November. The weather is still favorable during these months, and you can enjoy relatively lower visitor numbers and accommodation prices.

The wet season, from November to March, brings higher temperatures, humidity, and tropical showers. While the rainforest becomes lush and vibrant during this time, the Great Barrier Reef can experience reduced visibility due to runoff from rivers.

Getting to Port Douglas is relatively easy, thanks to its convenient location and various transportation options. The most common way for international and out of state visitors is by flying into Cairns International Airport. The airport offers both domestic and international flights, making it easily accessible from major cities in Australia and overseas. From Cairns Airport, you can choose between renting a car, taking a shuttle bus, or arranging a private transfer. For those lucky passengers arriving via cruise ship – you get to dock right in town and just walk off!

If you’re already in Queensland or planning a road trip, driving to Port Douglas is a popular choice. The town can be reached via the Captain Cook Highway which incorporates an incredibly scenic stretch of road that hugs the coast. For those who don’t fancy driving, several coach companies operate scheduled services between Cairns and Port Douglas. These bus services offer a comfortable and affordable way to travel between the two destinations. The journey usually takes around an hour, depending on traffic conditions. Once you arrive in Port Douglas, it’s easy to explore the town and its surrounding attractions on foot or by renting a car or bicycle. Many accommodations also provide shuttle services or can help arrange transportation for your sightseeing adventures.

Now it’s time to explore Port Douglas, which offers plenty of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. From exploring natural wonders to indulging in long beach walks, consider these suggestions for what to see and do in the town and the surrounding area. Needless to say, visiting the Great Barrier Reef is a must for anyone staying in Port Douglas. Located just off the coast, the reef is easily accessible from this tropical town, offering a range of options for exploration and adventure. Numerous tour operators offer day trips and excursions there, providing an opportunity to snorkel or dive amidst the vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life. These tours typically include transfers from Port Douglas to the reef, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.

Snorkeling is a popular choice for those seeking an up-close encounter with the reef’s remarkable ecosystem. Guided tours take you to prime snorkeling sites, where you can swim alongside colorful coral gardens, tropical fish and perhaps even spot sea turtles and rays. If you’re a certified diver, you can explore deeper sections of the reef and discover its mesmerizing underwater world in more detail. If you do visit the Great Barrier Reef, it’s essential to respect and protect this fragile ecosystem. Remember to follow responsible practices, including not touching or damaging the coral and using reef-friendly sunscreen to minimize environmental impact.

Situated about a 90-minute drive north of Port Douglas, the Daintree Rainforest is another must visit destination. One of the oldest and most diverse rainforests on Earth, it offers a remarkable opportunity to immerse yourself in a lush and ancient ecosystem. To explore the Daintree Rainforest, you can join guided tours or venture out on your own. Guided tours provide valuable insights into the rainforest’s flora, fauna, and indigenous heritage. They are also led by knowledgeable guides who will lead you through enchanting trails, pointing out unique plants, rare animals and sharing stories about the region’s rich cultural significance.

One of the highlights of a visit to the Daintree Rainforest is the chance to encounter its diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for iconic species such as the endangered Southern Cassowary, colorful birds, and playful tree-dwelling mammals. Along the way, you may come across sparkling streams, cascading waterfalls, and hidden swimming holes, providing opportunities to cool off and connect with nature.

During your time there, make sure to visit the Daintree Discovery Centre, which offers informative exhibits, canopy tower walks and elevated boardwalks that allow you to experience the rainforest from a different perspective. This center provides a wealth of knowledge about the rainforest’s ecological importance and conservation efforts.

For an interesting immersive cultural experience, consider joining an indigenous-guided tour that showcases the local Kuku Yalanji people’s traditional connections to the land. These tours provide insights into their rich cultural heritage, including bush tucker, medicinal plants, and the importance of maintaining the rainforest ecosystem.

Port Douglas is blessed with one of the nicest beaches in Far North Queensland – Four Mile Beach. So, any tourists to the town should incorporate a visit there. Providing a quintessential tropical beach experience, it stretches – as its name suggests – for four miles along the coastline. Offering a picturesque setting for relaxation, recreation and appreciation of the natural beauty that surrounds it.

With its crystal-clear waters and gentle waves, Four Mile Beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing and beach strolls. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards and has a stinger net, ensuring a safe environment for swimming. You can also try your hand at beach activities like beach volleyball or simply unwind with a good book while soaking up the sun. The palm-fringed shoreline provides plenty of shade and there are picnic areas and barbecue facilities available for use. It is great for walking on and is a particularly good location to be at sunrise, when the sky blazes with vibrant colors.

Macrossan Street is the main thoroughfare in Port Douglas and features a good selection of shops, restaurants, cafes, and galleries to explore. Overall it has a nice, relaxed atmosphere which creates a delightful experience to browse its various fashion boutiques, handmade craft stores and souvenir stores. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, don’t miss the Port Douglas Markets. There you can browse through a diverse range of stalls and immerse yourself in the local community.

Far North Queensland is croc country. So why not take the opportunity to go on a crocodile spotting tour during your visit to Port Douglas? Providing an exhilarating and educational experience that allows you to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, crocodile spotting tours typically depart from the Daintree River, which is conveniently located near Port Douglas. On these tours, knowledgeable guides navigate the river, sharing fascinating insights about the crocodiles’ behavior, habitat, and conservation efforts.

As you glide along the waterways, keep your eyes peeled for the telltale signs of these prehistoric reptiles, such as their eyes, snouts, or backs protruding from the water. Crocodile sightings can be thrilling, as you witness these ancient predators in their natural environment, often basking on the riverbanks or silently gliding through the water.

Crocodile spotting tours are not just about crocodiles though. The Daintree River is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including a myriad of bird species, tree-dwelling mammals, and other reptiles. The guides provide valuable insights into the local ecosystem, pointing out various flora and fauna along the way. It’s worth noting that crocodile spotting tours priorities safety and adhere to strict guidelines to ensure a secure experience for visitors. Guides are trained to maintain a safe distance from the crocodiles, respect their natural behavior and minimize any impact on their environment.

Need to Know:

US citizens are required to obtain an Australian ETA prior to entering the country, and no, you can’t get this upon arrival. The ETA is generally valid for 12 months from the date it's issued or until the traveler's passport expires, whichever occurs first. It also permits multiple visits within the one-year period, so long as each visit doesn’t exceed a maximum of 90 days. It's important to note that the ETA is not a work visa, so travelers are not allowed to work in Australia while on an ETA. They can only engage in tourism or business-related activities, such as attending meetings or conferences, or participating in trade fairs or exhibitions. It’s a relatively simple process to obtain this online, and 90%!o(MISSING)f applications are approved within 24 hours. You are required to upload a clear scanned photo of your passport, along with at least one “selfie” taken within the past six months. Download the Australian’s Government app to facilitate this process – I did, and had my credentials verified and ETA visa issued in less than 36 hours.

Did You Know?

· The music video for Kylie Minogue’s 1988 single “It’s No Secret” was filmed in Port Douglas.

· In November 1996, Bill and Hillary Clinton chose the town as their only holiday stop on their historic visit to Australia. When dining at a local restaurant they witnessed a couple's wedding certificate.

· On a return visit on September 11, 2001, Bill Clinton was again dining at a local restaurant, when he was advised of the terrorist attacks in New York. He returned to the United States the following day.

· On September 4, 2006, television personality and conservationist Steve Irwin died at Batt Reef, off Port Douglas, after a stingray barb pierced his chest during filming of a documentary.

· Most of Queensland gets between 8-9 hours of sunshine each day.

· There are more than 200 national parks in Queensland.

· Queensland is the 2^nd largest state in Australia, nearly 5 times the size of Japan, 7 times the size of Great Britain, and 2.5 times the size of Texas.

· Queensland has 5 of Australia's 11 World Natural Heritage areas.

---

Comments

[D MJ Binkley]

The joys of Australia
I never grow tired of reading people's adventures while traveling in Australia. Thanks for taking us along.