Discover Paradise 2022

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YALADA Welcome to Port Douglas and the Daintree, the traditional country of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people, custodians of this region. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging, acknowledge these First Australians, and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship with this land.

YOUR TROPICAL PARADISE AWAITS It might be the warmth of the sun gently touching your skin, or that familiar sweet scent of the tropical air. Your shoulders loosen a little, your breathing slows down, and shoes are but a distant memory as you feel the sand between your toes. The allure of Queensland's Port Douglas and the Daintree region is simply intoxicating.

Rainforests, reefs, ancient culture, tantalising tropical foods and outback adventures – welcome to paradise.

Enter for your chance to win your very own tropical getaway to discover paradise in Port Douglas and the Daintree. Scan the code or visit the website to enter. The prize package is valued at $5,566 and includes: » 5 nights at luxury ReNewell beachfront house at Newell Beach, $3900 » A reef trip for 2 with Sailaway » A full day tasting experience for 2 with Brett's Outback Tasting Tours » $150 dining voucher at The Tin Shed » $500 towards flights

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WIN A 5 NIGHT TROPICAL GETAWAY

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Discover Paradise is a special publication of The Cairns Post and Tourism Port Douglas Daintree with support from Tourism Tropical North Queensland and Cairns Airport. Images courtesy of Tourism Port Douglas Daintree and their members, Tourism & Events Queensland and Tourism Tropical North Queensland.

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PORT DOUGLAS Port Douglas is a place that will charm you with its quintessentially Queensland energy, and a place that takes relaxation very seriously. The jewel in the crown between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas is a lively seaside village that breathes the essence of barefoot sophistication. Averaging 26 degrees year-round, Port Douglas and the Daintree is the ideal mix of laid-back sophistication and dramatic natural beauty.

Whether you're adrenaline-hunting adventurers, amorous honeymooners, on a family getaway, or a cheeky weekender, Port Douglas ticks all the boxes.

PLAY

STAY

Whilst swanning poolside is pretty good, there's nothing like an adventure to get your spirits soaring. Hikes, trails, and waterfalls by the dozen, river drifting, island SUP-ing, mountain biking at midnight or greeting the sunrise atop a giant rock? We've got that. Explore ancient rainforests, conquer those hiking goals and be rewarded with epic ocean views while you deep dive the coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef – the options for you to get adventurous are endless.

Welcome to your holiday. In a town where flashy and fun are found in equal amounts, Port Douglas has something for everyone. From luxe-living villas to budget backpacking options, private homes and resorts that deserve their own postcode, you'll have no trouble finding a suitable place to rest your weary, adventuring head.

Wherever you stay, we'll bet you'll want to stay that little bit longer.

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EAT

RELAX

With more deliciousness in Port Douglas than you can shake a sugar cane stick at, food lovers will rejoice with all the choices. Salsa Bar & Grill with its local tropical produce and killer cocktails is popular, while La Cucina e Bar takes a very convincing trip to Italy via the tropics.

Seabean Tapas & Bar is the perfect spot for Spanishinspired snacks and sundowners, while Zinc takes it up a notch in a town where seafood is king. The Central Hotel and The Tin Shed are excellent spots for something a little more casual.

Cue the whale music, rainforest sounds, and pan flutes – relaxing and Port Douglas are basically the same thing.

While leisurely walks on the beach or in the rainforest are excellent bliss-out activities, there's a lot to be said about deep tissue massages, vichy showers, hot stone therapies, seaweed wraps and coconut coffee scrubs. If you do prefer something a little more at-one-with-MotherNature, a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mossman Gorge is something your soul will thank you for.

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BUCKETLIST ESSENTIALS 1. GO SEE WHERE THE RAINFOREST MEETS THE REEF How does an ancient rainforest fringed by beaches and crystal-clear waters sound for your next adventure? Disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature when you explore the breathtaking Cape Tribulation.

Flanked by reef, enveloped by rainforest, Cape Trib is home to one of the few places on Earth where two World Heritage-Listed areas gently nuzzle each other side by side: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

2. EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH THE TROPICS Our advice? Arrive hungry – you're going to want to shoehorn all of the holiday feasting in during your stay. And everyone knows holiday calories don't count. Full of mouth-wateringly good restaurants, bars, cafes, roadside stands and market produce, the Port Douglas and Daintree region is literally a stock pot full of delicious adventure.

3. EXPLORE EARTH'S LARGEST LIVING THING Mother Nature in all her shimmering, bedazzled glory – the Great Barrier Reef. And the only living thing on the planet that can be seen from outer space! Snorkel, sail, dive or swim the best spots on the Great Barrier Reef with more than 15 tours leaving daily from Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation.

Prefer some island time? Check out islands Snapper and Low, or coral cays Mackay and Undine.

4. GET GORGE-EOUS Visiting the Mossman Gorge is like getting a giant hug from Mother Nature.

Discover the wonder and magic of this culturally significant and spellbinding spot that sets the scene for the beginning of the Daintree Rainforest. A lush, tropical location to swim, walk and explore, this beautiful beast is looking good for around 140 million years in the making.

5. HIT THE ROAD ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF DRIVE Pop on your sunnies, pull the top down and put the music up - this worldclass scenic road is a ribbon that weaves between the rainforest and the Coral Sea for nearly 150 kilometres from Cairns to Cape Tribulation. Green and blue separated by a line of black and white - a glorious welcome to the tropics, and the kind of view you'll want to keep on your screensaver.

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EXPLORER ESSENTIALS Port Douglas is a great launch pad for day tripping the diversity of the tropics. Within a short drive you can find yourself in the middle of the most ancient rainforest on Earth, stumbling upon freshwater swimming holes, or initiating that 4WD dream off the beaten track. Itching to explore? Here are five of the best self-drive day trips from Port Douglas (and what to look out for along the way). Fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride!

1. COASTAL CRAWL There are plenty of small townships along the Great Barrier Reef Drive well worth stopping into. Wangetti is the home of Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, and Rex Lookout for spectacular coastal views. Get your Instagram ready for Thala Beach Nature Reserve at Oak Beach– the most photographed coconut plantation in the country! Cooya Beach, Newell Beach and Wonga Beach round out the coastal communities that are small in size but large in charm. Pack your fishing rods.

2. MOSSMAN Explore the country stores and historic pubs along the wide tree-lined main street of Mossman, the picture-perfect little township nestled at the foot of the mountains among green fields of sugar cane. Only 10 minutes from Port Douglas, this friendly town is also home to the Mossman Gorge where crystal-clear waters tumble over ancient granite boulders, and the Kuku Yalanji people happily share their stories and legends through Dreamtime walks and tours.

3. DAINTREE VILLAGE The Daintree Village was originally a settlement created in the 1870s as a base for timber-cutters who came to log the red cedar which once flourished in the area. These days, the Village is an unspoilt oasis in the midst of some of the most unique and breathtaking scenery and is a great place to spot a croc, try some tropical fruit ice cream and feel the tranquillity.

4. CAPE TRIBULATION Once across the mighty Daintree River, the wide-open spaces all but disappear, and you'll find yourself surrounded by an ancient rainforest canopy. From the north shore of the Daintree ferry crossing, the bitumen kicks on for another 35km past the Alexandra Lookout (Walu Wugirriga) to Cape Tribulation. Cape Trib is a worthy spot to stop, the picturesque location where the rainforest kisses the reef.

5. BLOOMFIELD AND BEYOND The Bloomfield Track is one of the most scenic short 4WD drives in Queensland and a must-do for experienced and aspiring 4WD travellers. The coastal drive to Wujal Wujal on the Bloomfield River and beyond is full of spectacular views, creek crossings, and secluded beaches. For the more experienced, check out the CREB Track - one of the country's most challenging four-wheel-drive adventures, traversing spectacular World Heritage-listed rainforest and on to Cooktown.

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SUSTAINABLE LIVING As Kermit the Frog has been saying for years, “It's not easy being green.” However, as the world's first destination to achieve Ecotourism Australia's Eco Destination Certification, Port Douglas and the Daintree are here to make sustainable travel easy.

We've been at the green game for a long time here - the bulldozers were literally stopped in their tracks in 1984 when protestors chained themselves to trees during the Daintree Blockade. While the road between Cape Tribulation and Bloomfield ultimately went ahead, the efforts of the protestors were what led to the region becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

In 2019, the region was awarded Australia's first Eco Australia ECO Destination certification. Port Douglas Daintree has since been consistently recognised as one of the Top 100 Most Sustainable Destinations in the world by the Global Green Group since 2018. With two incredible natural assets and 80% of the region being protected under World Heritage listing, the centre of everything we do is about being sustainable across the environment, economy and culture while sharing inspirational experiences.

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WHAT CAN YOU DO? 1. BEACH CLEAN UP: Add a little conservation to your holiday with a beach clean-up with Tangaroa Blue.

2. REDUCE PLASTICS: Where you can, avoid straws, use reusable water bottles and recyclable shopping bags.

3. PLANT A TREE: As the old Chinese proverb says, 'The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now.' Daintree Life is a revegetation project focused on planting 500, 000 trees by 2030, and you can plant with them.

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LIFE’S A BEACH With its cerulean waters, golden shores and hardly a hint of civilisation in sight from the sand, the beaches of Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation are among Australia's most beautiful and pristine. From the popular Four Mile Beach to the more secluded spots Oak, Newell, Myall, Pretty, Cow Bay and Cape Tribulation, as well as the island delights of Low Isles and Mackay Cay, it's not a holiday without the sun and salty air kissing your skin whilst strolling along coconut palm-fringed coastlines. Fire up the Instagram!

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DAINTREE DREAMING PROFILE

James Boettcher MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FNQ NATURE TOURS ANY ORDINARY DAY: A nature and wildlife tour is an adventure, so there's just no ordinary day for me at FNQ Nature Tours. Ultimately this is my backyard and I want to create the most exciting, memorable, and educational day possible. I love to ask for a wildlife wish-list so I can best tailor the itinerary with my local knowledge. We talk and talk about all things WILD while learning about the amazing evolutionary history of the Daintree National Park and its inhabitants. The Daintree is a hidden world, a place to hear ancient stories and fulfil your own.

WHAT I'M PASSIONATE ABOUT: After years of exploring and falling in love with this rainforest wilderness, I feel tourism is the key to the protection and conservation of this World Heritage Area. From these amazing native species such as Southern Cassowaries, Tree Kangaroos, and Forest Dragons, it would be impossible to witness countless magical wildlife moments without becoming an ambassador for its longevity. My passion, through tourism, is to inspire unforgettable and life-changing connections with the natural world and inspiring our visitors to develop a passion for its preservation and protection.

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DAINTREE ESSENTIALS DISCOVER IT The Daintree Rainforest is the land that time forgot – at 135 million years old, it's a living, breathing museum of evolution and home to the Kuku Yalanji Indigenous custodians. Be dwarfed by king ferns, cruise the river for prehistoric crocodiles, and watch for the flash of blue that gives away the cassowary roaming the evergreen forest.

HIKE IT Whether you're an expert hiker who's up for the long haul or a Sunday stroller looking for something more casual, there's a range of walks in the Daintree to suit every desire and ability.

RELAX IN IT Be soothed by the sounds of nature in stereo in rainforest day spas, sip tropical fruit cocktails poolside, and enjoy being removed from the world amongst the wonder of the wild. Stay more than a day in an intimate retreat, luxury home or camping beside a campfire.

GET AMONGST IT At its very core, the Daintree is all about discovery, adventure, and Mother Nature. There's several natural (and safe!) swimming waterholes for you to take a refreshing dip, as well as coral garden explorers, beach horse riding, and nature spotting. The Daintree Discovery Centre is an interpretive facility where you can experience the rainforest from the forest floor to the upper most reaches of the canopy.

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YOUR 72 HOUR

ROMANTIC MINI BREAK With luxury nooks for your nookie and plenty of space for your romance to roam, love is certainly in the air here in the tropics. And what better way to show your favourite squeeze you care than by taking off on a romantic getaway? With rugged rainforests and secluded beaches, restaurants, bars, waterholes and spas, Port Douglas and the Daintree is the ideal destination for a romantic rendezvous. Let's turn up the heat!

DAY 1 Settle into your tropical surrounds before boarding your sunset sail in paradise. Sit back and sip champagne while taking in magnificent views of the Daintree Rainforest and the Coral Sea. Once disembarking your boat, Barbados Port Douglas is the ideal spot to take in the tropical evening overlooking Dickson's Inlet for a pre-dinner cocktail. From there, take a gentle stroll down Macrossan Street, lined with fairy lights, before indulging in a dining experience to start your weekend in style.

DAY 2 Start your day on the water with a kayak or paddle watching the sunrise over Four Mile Beach.

Choose how you explore today! Join local food tour Port On A Plate collecting ingredients along the way before returning to take a culinary cooking class with your hosts. If you're looking for a more active adventure, board a private vessel and spend the day exploring the world's natural underwater playground, the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a sundowner waterside for a casual end to a day exploring.

DAY 3 Switch off and relax completely with a couples spa treatment at Balineseinspired Niramaya Villa & Spa, surrounded by the sounds of flowing water before indulging in lunch and cocktails from their restaurant. For the more active lovers, lace up you are hiking boots to take on the historic Bump Track. While this is not for the faint hearted you will be rewarded with breathtaking views over the coral sea and a cooling dip in the Mowbray falls when you make it to the top!

In the evening, head down to Rex Smeal Park to watch the sunset together over a picnic, then drop into Salsa Bar & Grill for a tropical cocktail nightcap, planning your next romantic getaway to the tropics.

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GREAT BARRIER REEF An unparalleled wonder of nature, the Great Barrier Reef is the only living thing on the planet you can see from outer space. In this underwater wonderland, your senses will go into overdrive as you swim among giant clams, rays, green turtles, hundreds of fish species, and exotic coral formations that look like mythical cities.

PROFILE

Federico Vitelli MARINE BIOLOGIST AND ECO MANAGER AT OCEAN SAFARI ANY ORDINARY DAY: I spend my days on Ocean Safari on the spectacular Mackay Reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef. As we leave the beautiful Daintree Rainforest from Myall Beach in Cape Tribulation, the view is just incredible. As a Master Reef Guide, I take snorkelling tours, telling the stories of this underwater paradise. I also lead the monitoring program 'Eye on the Reef', a great initiative from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. I monitor Mackay Reef weekly, studying any anomalies or significant events and reporting straight to the GBRMPA. I am literally blown away every day by the incredible biodiversity of the reef!

WHAT I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT: I'm a marine biologist specialised in fish biology/ecology and have been researching reef health for the last 8 years.

After the massive bleaching that happened in 2016-17, I did a lot of monitoring on different coral reefs around Australia and experienced that devastation firsthand - this was one of the reasons why I moved from Western Australia to the Great Barrier Reef. I am now working full time on the biggest coral reef in the world with Ocean Safari. My job is a perfect combination of ecotourism, which gives me the opportunity to educate people, and conservation work, and my aim is to do my best to preserve coral reefs for the future generations.

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REEF ESSENTIALS If you ask Google for 'Great Barrier Reef tours' you'll possibly fall down a rabbit hole of choices. To take the stress out of which reef trip is best for you, we've put together a backpocket list for you to try, no matter what your experience.

SKIMMING THE SURFACE If the thought of going deep isn't your thing but you still want to see the beauty of a coral garden, snorkelling is for you.

Sailaway Port Douglas offer full day trips to the Outer Reef.

For something truly unique, the glorious Shaolin with her fiery red sails is an incredible ride to the reef around Low Isles, Windswell offer epic SUP tours around Snapper Island, spotting turtles and rays from your board.

TAKE A DEEP DIVE Silversonic and Calypso are just two of the many excellent options that can take you to the diving depths of the Great Barrier Reef. Agincourt, Opal and St Crispin's reefs are popular spots, and for the more experienced divers, head to The Nursery, Barracuda Bommie or Point Break.

IF YOU'RE A LANDLUBBER The Quicksilver Pontoon is for you! The Quicksilver vessels will have you out to Agincourt Reef pontoon where you can see under the sea in their semi-submersible and underwater observatory from the comfort of a dry seat.

TAKING IN A BIRDS EYE VIEW For the very best view from above, Nautilus Aviation will take you over the reef to marvel at both its beauty and its vastness. From 10-minute flyovers to a full hour in a chopper, you'll see the blue hues without even needing a snorkel and fin set.

BUDGET OR LUXE Splurge or save? Both can be done without sacrificing quality.

Make mermaid memories for less clams with Ocean Safari from Cape Tribulation, heading out to Mackay and Undine cays. Alternatively, charter that private yacht like the rock star you are with Beluga Expeditions, Monsoon Charters or Indigo Port Douglas.

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CULTURAL IMMERSION The Port Douglas and Daintree region has an extremely rich Indigenous culture. Here is the home to the Indigenous custodians of the Mossman Gorge and Daintree, the Kuku Yalanji people, as well as several other Aboriginal communities and the Torres Strait Islander people. These communities are all rich with distinct cultural stories, histories and languages. By visiting this region, people are able to learn about country and cultures that thrive in these remote and regional communities through immersive experiences that include art classes, Dreamtime storytelling, hunting for and eating bush tucker, and visiting culturally important sites.

INDIGENOUS ESSENTIALS 1. DREAMTIME WALK AT THE MOSSMAN GORGE Join traditional guides as they lead Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul) – the stories and legends from a long time ago in the traditional language. Starting at the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, guests are welcomed by a traditional smoking ceremony to cleanse and ward off bad spirits, followed then by a gentle walk through the ancient rainforest of the World Heritage listed Daintree and finishing with traditional medicinal and nutritional plant use, and damper and bush tea.

2. HUNTING & GATHERING WITH WALKABOUT CULTURAL ADVENTURES This is a cultural immersion journey like no other. Taking you from coast to rainforest, the Kuku Yalangi people (traditional owners of the Port Douglas Daintree region) welcome you to their lands.

Learn traditional hunting and gathering skills as you're shown first hand how to search for a bush tucker of mud crabs, fish and mussels before tasting and sharing the day's bounty.

3. LEARN TO DOT PAINT AT JANBAL GALLERY Janbal Aboriginal Art Gallery is believed to be the only 100% Indigenous owned art gallery in North Queensland, but what makes the hands-on painting and storytelling experience extraordinary is that owner and local Elder of the gallery, Brian 'Binna' Swindley was born deaf. This Kuku Yalanji man teaches Aboriginal art classes and shares Indigenous culture by lip reading his students.

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TASTE THE TROPICS Along with rainforests, cane fields and a world-famous reef, the region is also dubbed the 'Northern food bowl of Australia'. A treasure chest of wild, weird and wonderful flavours, the tropics has an endless bounty of delicious delights designed to whet the appetite and leave you hungry for more. Here's your taste of the tropics.

FARMERS MARKETS Whether it grows on trees, under the soil, or comes from the sea, you can get it at the farmers markets in Port Douglas and surrounds. The Sunday Port Douglas Markets is a traditional Cotter's market where stalls are all run by the people who make the goods. The Saturday morning Mossman Farmers Markets under the raintrees have an excellent selection of local produce and homemade treats. Scommazon's Farm Store is a marketplace you mustn't miss. All produce here is grown on their own farm, and then boosted with delicious artisan products like Duke's Doughnuts, Kefir Queen, and Gallo Cheese.

RESTAURANT EATS Whatever you do when you visit Port Douglas, arrive hungry.

Food lovers will rejoice with all the choices, the hardest being where to sate your appetite. For a fishing town, Port Douglas does seafood extremely well – Zinc, Melaleuca, La Cucina e Bar being notable stops. Caught your own? Head to Seabean Tapas Bar Restaurant and the chefs will cook your catch for you. Salsa Bar & Grill, Harrisons at the Sheraton, and Osprey's Restaurant are ones for the taste memory bank, and if you're still hungry don't miss Kai, The Mexican, The Surfy and Koko Poolside Bar + Kitchen.

FOOD TRAILS If you love to eat and wander and talk and travel, these trips are made for you! Be guided around the region with Brett's Outback Tasting, sampling the tastiest treats the tropics makes. If you prefer to discover deliciousness at your own speed, head to the Daintree Food Trail website and download their map, guiding you through gelato to microgreens, barramundi to breadfruit, chocolate and chorizo. Wander and learn, cook, and feast. For a liquid flight, the Brewers and Distillers Trail showcases locally crafted tipples inspired by our unique region.

CAFÉ CULTURE Port Douglas is apparently the most northern suburb of Melbourne, so it seems fitting that good coffee is basically a religion. Toast, Origin, Sparrow, and Captain & Co will sort your caffeine hit right out, while Café Fresq will double down with a breakky menu so good you'll be there until dinner.

Mocka's Pies will satiate your hunger with its famous crocodile laksa pie, and Grant Street Bakery will sort that sweet tooth out with brownies the size of your head.

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PROFILE

Pete Davidson OWNER OPERATOR OF PORT ON A PLATE ANY ORDINARY DAY: The food scene in this region is incredible, and I'm lucky to be able to share that with visitors to the region. I take guests for a leisurely drive around Port Douglas and Mossman, telling them all about the rich diversity of tropical foods grown here. We stop at Scomazzon's Farm Store and Daintree Saltwater Barramundi where we sample locally grown produce and collect ingredients for our three-course lunch. We then travel to Shannonvale Tropical Fruit Winery, where guests sit down for a wine tasting while I cook them lunch served overlooking the orchards.

WHAT I'M PASSIONATE ABOUT: The natural beauty of this area is insane. As someone who loves fishing and diving as much as food, I am never finished exploring. And with food being such an important part of our community, I think it's important to support our local producers and showcase their high quality products. I love that the farms I work with use sustainable and organic practises which gives an opportunity to pass on awareness. And it's exciting to see my guests challenge their tastebuds, trying things they never have before and enjoy the experience. There are so many unique flavours here, although seafood will always be my personal favourite.

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ULTIMATE FAMILY ESCAPE Port Douglas and the Daintree is nature’s playground, the ultimate spot for a family getaway. A week is perfect to explore all sides while taking it at an easy pace. So, pack the sunscreen and a sense of adventure and rack up those gold stars for the best family holiday ever.

DAY 1: SETTLE IN Kick off with a wander down to Four Mile Beach to explore the shallow rock pools or take a dip in the warm waters, just be sure to swim between the flags.

Macrossan Street is the main shopping strip to scope out places to eat, and grab a scoop from an ice creamery enroute to Rex Smeal Park with its enormous fig trees, playground and palm-fringed outlook over the Coral Sea.

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DAY 2: GET WILD Kids are often up with the birds, so why not breakfast with them? Wildlife Habitat is the place to nibble on pastries and tropical fruits while meeting locals like lorikeets, parrots and curlews. 'Walk the Plank' over crocodile-filled waters, handfeed kangaroos and wallabies, spot a cassowary up close, and cuddle a koala. Settle into the holiday vibe with an afternoon by the pool, basking in the tropical surrounds.

DAY 3: EXPLORE A GREAT NATURAL WONDER No matter your age or swimming ability, there's a familyfriendly Great Barrier Reef experience for everyone. The Quicksilver Cruises pontoon on Agincourt Reef is ideal for families with snorkelling platforms, fish feeding, an underwater observatory and semi-submersibles excellent for spotting tropical fish. If your kids are really young, Low Isles is the perfect intro to the reef with a calm beach to play on.

DAY 4: CROC SPOTTING It's a short trip to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures where you can watch a crocodile feeding show, and wander the boardwalks amongst a vast array of Australian wildlife. End the day on the iconic Lady Douglas riverboat as she glides along the Dickson Inlet, where you'll spot crocodiles lurking or sunning themselves on the banks.

DAY 5: DREAMTIME Mossman Gorge is an area of huge spiritual and cultural value to the Kuku Yalanji people. Join a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk from Mossman Gorge Centre where guides share their fascinating, ancient knowledge of this area. Back Country Bliss Adventures is a river snorkelling tour on the Mossman River where you glide through crystal clear waters surrounded by the life of the rainforest.

DAY 6: DEEP INTO THE DAINTREE Head north and cross the mighty Daintree River where you'll be captivated by the immense rainforest and unspoiled beaches. Visit the Daintree Discovery Centre for access to every level of the rainforest; from the forest floor to the upper most reaches of the canopy. Cool off at Mason's Creek, stopping at Mason's Café for their famous jackfruit burger. Wander the boardwalks dotted along the drive to Cape Tribulation.

DAY 7: TILL NEXT TIME Make the most of your last day with a visit to the bustling Port Douglas Sunday Market. It's the perfect spot to pick up a final souvenir (and plenty of tasty, sweet treats!). Take in the last of the Port Douglas vibe with a walk up the Flagstaff Hill Walkway, taking in the final views of Four Mile Beach, the Coral Sea, and Cape, mentally planning your next trip back to paradise.

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WHAT WE LOVE

NAME & ROLE

WHAT WE'RE PASSIONATE ABOUT

Kate & Lucas Agrums & Flynn Bickford: Owners of Lady Douglas Paddle Steamer and Shaolin Chinese Junk

Flynn, Lucas, and I all love what we do, and we pour our hearts into showing Port Douglas visitors our beautiful region, the ecology, wildlife, landscape and history of our spectacular area. Flynn and Lucas are the captains of the vessels, and genuinely love sharing their knowledge and stories… with a healthy dose of that very dry Far North Queensland humour that people know and love.

GROWING UP TROPICAL My brother Flynn and I spent our childhood growing up in the Mowbray Valley near Port Douglas. Our parents fell in love with the natural beauty of the place, and were very active within the community, especially when it came to conservation. With their close friend, John Rumney (an original pioneer in reef conservation), they helped create the Low Isles Preservation Society for the environmental and wildlife study of the island, as well as the 'Crew Club', a junior reef education program. They were also relief caretakers on Low Isles, so Flynn and I literally grew up with the Great Barrier Reef as our backyard.

My first job at 16 years was as a deckhand on the Shaolin, and our Dad used to play music on the Lady Douglas Paddle Steamer. In 2015, My husband Lucas and I bought the Lady Douglas, and Flynn nabbed the Shaolin a year or so later. It's rather serendipitous, and quite wonderful, that those two iconic vessels have ended up in our family.

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Port Douglas is our home. It's where we were born and bred and where we feel connected. Whenever I drive back up that spectacular coast road after being away, I wind the window down and breath in that that heavily scented, salty, tropical air. With the rainforest slopes on one side of me and the sparkling blue Coral Sea on the other, it immediately reminds me again of what this unique and amazing region has to offer and why I always come home.

Now our children are experiencing that similar life too they get to ride their mountain bikes through our lush green valley just out of town, they go fishing, crabbing, horse riding, swimming in creeks, hiking up waterfalls, exploring nature and growing up in a tropical heaven, breathing fresh air. Quite simply, it's paradise.

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LIVE LUXE DAY 1 Embrace the sultry air as you step off the plane at Cairns Airport, your private car is awaiting departure. You will be treated to stunning coastal views of lush green mountain ranges and the sparkling, azure blue of the Coral Sea as you weave up the Great Barrier Reef Drive. Check into your luxe villa, spacious resort, or rainforest banyan.

Enjoy the quintessential taste of the tropics at one of our many restaurants, celebrating local produce and skilful chefs. Salsa Bar & Grill, La Cucina e Bar, and Seabean Tapas Bar Restaurant are good places to start your northern culinary adventure.

DAY 2 Enjoy the quiet of daybreak with a private yoga class before a tropical breakfast overlooking the sweeping vistas. Set off for the Great Barrier Reef from the Crystalbrook Marina on your luxury and arrive at the so-pretty-it-can't -be-real Mackay Cay, ready to explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with colourful fish and expansive coral gardens.

Make the most of your gourmet kitchen with a private chef showcasing local seafood, Tableland beef and locally grown vegetables. Magic Mouthfuls offer an exceptional in house dining experience.

DAY 3 A chopper ride to the top of a Jurassic Park-esque waterfall in the Daintree Rainforest is a truly magical experience. Take the afternoon to truly relax in a rainforest spa at the Daintree Eco Lodge Wellness Spa, where indigenous botanicals harness the rainforest essence.

For an exquisite, offsite experience, Nautilus Restaurant – arguably Port Douglas' most famous rainforest dining experience - the walk up its tiki torch-lined pathway from Macrossan Street is only the beginning.

DEPARTURE DAY Embrace the day starting with a sunrise SUP along Four Mile Beach before indulging in a gourmet breakfast by the pool.

Tranquil time poolside is your final indulgence before heading home.

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WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS The rainforests and underwater gardens of Port Douglas and the Daintree are the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, home to more unique species of flora and fauna than anywhere else on earth. The most famous locals, the cassowary and the saltwater crocodile, have been loitering around these parts since the dinosaurs roamed.

Those two aside, this region is teeming with extraordinary wildlife unique only to this area. Many of these creatures are either notoriously shy so you'd better have your camera at the ready! Snap tree kangaroos hanging from branches, fish darting in and out of coral, or glorious electric-blue Ulysses butterflies fluttering by. Want to get a little closer? Head to many of the region's wildlife parks or wildlife tour guides to get as up close and personal as you can.

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FISHING ESSENTIALS Fishing has always had a certain romantic allure —casting your cares on the open waters, sipping a cold one, all while playing hooky from the 9-5 grind. If you're an avid angler, you'd already know that Port Douglas is one of the best spots in Far North Queensland to throw a line in. From a catch and release fishing experience for beginners to estuary and creek fishing with barramundi, and reef and game fishing on sections of the Great Barrier Reef, there's plenty of opportunity to catch the biggest dinner you've ever seen.

HOOK-A-BARRA Head north to Wonga Beach to Hook-a-Barra! This land-based sustainable fishing experience with Barramundi in tropical saltwater from the pristine Daintree River is waiting for you to try your luck. This is an exciting way to practice your angling, have fun flicking lures and ultimately bring home a delicious dinner. Hook-a-Barra is one of the top options that kids can get involved in.

REEF FISHING Get set for an epic day with shared reef fishing charters. Common catches of the reef fishing fleet include mammoth Gold Spot Cods, Chinaman fish, Red Emperors just to name a few – Coral Trout is another beautiful (and delicious) fish you're likely to come across!

INSHORE REEFS The fishing can be just as fierce on inshore reefs and up the estuaries, with the best part being that fish are up close without having to travel to the Outer Reef, giving you more fishing time. Perch, mackerel, coral trout, sweetlip can be found on the inshore reefs, with barra and mangrove jacks in the estuary.

Throw the crab pots in for a little extra excitement to your catch.

ESTUARY FISHING The best part about inshore reef and estuary fishing is the fish are right there, you don't need to travel to the Outer Reef as you can catch plenty on a halfday charter. You only need to go out the front of Port Douglas to get onto perch, mackerel, coral trout, sweetlip, there's more than 40 different species patrolling a small area. Head up the creeks for some big barra lurking around the snags or mangrove jacks in the estuary and throw in some crab pots, the possibilities are endless.

ARE YOU GAME? More than 80 per cent of 1000-pound-plus marlin are caught here in the waters off Far North Queensland. It's the Formula 1 of fishing, with the ultimate in big game vessels, the best fishing gear and operators who know where to find the big boys. Marlin tend to be most active in the afternoon, in the mornings you're better off rigging up light tackle to chase wahoo, dolphin fish, tuna and mackerel for some exciting sports fishing.

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HIKING ESSENTIALS There are some places only your feet can take you. Whether you're an expert bushwalker looking for a hamstring-hammering hilltop or a leisurely Sunday stroller, the scenery of the Port Douglas and Daintree walking and hiking trails will tick every box.

The terrain in this region ranges from tropical lowland boardwalks, dense rainforest hikes, cloud-catching mountain treks, or visually breathtaking coastal walks.

FLAGSTAFF HILL LOOKOUT That breathtaking view! This 1.3km walking trail wraps itself around the pinnacle point of Port Douglas and provides a link between Four Mile Beach and Rex Smeal Park. Complete with a viewing platform that hovers over the Coral Sea, this walk guarantees magnificent views out towards Low Isles, Snapper Island and the Daintree Rainforest.

THE BUMP TRACK & MOWBRAY FALLS Want to feel virtuous after your walk? The historic Bump Track loop is for you. This 12km return track was a crucial link between Port Douglas and the hinterland for settlers and miners during the goldrush. This walk requires a solid level of fitness, as it's a 370m steep incline.

MOSSMAN GORGE RAINFOREST CIRCUIT The Mossman Gorge Circuit takes in the natural beauty of the rainforest. The first part of the walk is on an easy elevated boardwalk that follows the river. The 'Rainforest Circuit' is a well-signed track that will get you up close and personal in this spectacular rainforest world.

DAINTREE BOARDWALKS Elevated boardwalks thread their way through ancient rainforest allowing you to really experience this unspoiled wilderness all while protecting the fragile rainforest environment. There are strategically placed viewing platforms situated around the boardwalks to sit and enjoy the ambience of the rainforest at your leisure.

BIKING With its pristine coastline and majestic hills, on a bike you'll see more than you would on foot travelling at an ideal pace to soak in the views of the tropics.

BUMP TRACK TO PORT DOUGLAS (16km) Pick up speed as you hurtle through rainforests down the Bump Track on a mountain bike. This track is recognised as a serious MTB trail for experienced riders, but there are also guided tours available for those who want to give it a go.

MOSSMAN AND SHANNONVALE (40km) Heading out of town along Port Douglas Road with smooth tarmac and a wide bike path, the ride is a pleasure. Turn off the highway into the Shannonvale area, riding over rolling hills and through creek crossings, cane fields, fruit farms, and green vistas.

PORT DOUGLAS TO DAINTREE VILLAGE (110km) From Port Douglas, ride through the township of Mossman and under the glorious raintrees. Follow coastal roads for the next 30KM, meandering past roadside fruit stalls and small suburbs Rocky Point, Miallo and Wonga Beach until you join the Daintree River and cruise through to the Daintree Village for scones and jam before the return journey.

DEVIL'S THUMB AND MT SORROW Heading north from Port Douglas, if you look up, you'll see Devil's Thumb (Manjal Jimali), with Mt Sorrow further north again in Cape Tribulation. Both these hikes are for the experienced only – the paths are tough, the rock scrambling and vine pulling will test the best, and although each hike itself is 'only' 10km return, they'll feel like a billion at the end.

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WEDDED BLISS It's no surprise that Port Douglas is a popular place to get hitched, thanks to the diversity of our landscape - we're home to tropical islands, rainforest hideaways, spectacular natural spaces, and secluded beaches. A wedding soiree in the tropics is perfect to evoke that sweet summer lovin' vibe. Whether you're luxury lovers planning a gala event, an eloping beachside boho couple, or you've arrived with your closest for an intimate micro-wedding, Port Douglas is a place simply made for the wedding of your dreams.

You're welcome, lovebirds.

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HONEYMOONER’S ESSENTIALS

As everyone knows, the honeymoon is the best part of a wedding celebration. The aisle has been walked, the rings exchanged, the dancefloor boogied upon, and everyone grateful your second cousin on your Mum's side wasn't the MC. Port Douglas and surrounds are an absolute goldmine for a romantic honeymoon destination – from secluded islands, to private infinity pools, outdoor adventures, waterfalls and day spas, Port Douglas and Daintree is the perfect spot for that post-wedding recovery.

BARE IT ALL IN A RAINFOREST SPA Grab your significant other for a cheeky couples' rainforest spa date to get those love chemicals a-brewing. Take in those sights, smells and sounds of nature, and relaaaax.

GET HIGH TOGETHER … in a helicopter that is. Take in the birds-eye view of where the rainforest meets the reef from high in the sky before landing on a private sand cay for a swim and lunch. Spoiled?

Absolutely. And thank you.

FEED EACH OTHER'S BODY AND SOUL Take a spiritual, life-enriching walk along the banks of the Mossman Gorge with a local Kuku Yalanji guide learning about local rainforest flora and fauna. Jump into the crystal-clear waters for a swim that will cleanse the soul. A leisurely, long lunch at Silky Oaks' Treehouse Restaurant will dial up the romance.

FIND OUT IF YOU'RE MORNING PEOPLE Hold hands and make googly eyes as you chase the sunrise on any number of pristine beaches while the tropical sky is painted with the hope and glory of a new day in the north.

OR NOT… Grab a blanket and an ice bucket and settle in to watch the golden hour as the sun sets her final rays of the day over the majestic Daintree Rainforest background at Rex Smeal Park.

Cue the swoon.

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RETAIL THERAPY Just because it's beachside, it doesn't mean shopping gets left behind. With everything from chic resort wear, on-trend Australian and European labels, exquisite, handcrafted jewellery, kitsch homewares or a forever-reminder Aboriginal artwork, Port Douglas is a shopping utopia. Weekend markets in Port Douglas and Mossman add to the experience with unique and handcrafted goodies found only in this northern corner of paradise. Your credit card can thank us later (or not…).

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ROAD TRIPS BEYOND While the Port Douglas and Daintree region is famed for its palm-fringed beaches, natural wonders and village lifestyle, there is a whole world of beauty just waiting to be explored. Postcard perfect coastlines, scenic country roads with green rolling hills, glorious waterfall circuits and rugged Savannah beauty – there's no end to the road trips beyond.

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PALM COVE Nestled between Port Douglas and Cairns, this little ridiculously photogenic town is famous for its coastline, jetty, Instagram-worthy palms and more cocktail spots and acai bowls than you could imagine. Waterfront dining takes a whole new meaning in Palm Cove – overlooking the Coral Sea and Double Island, your table is so close you'll be tipping sand out of stilettos before main course.

KURANDA You could believe that Kuranda is a place where magic happens. A charming spot for locals, holiday-makers and honeymooners, Kuranda is also a melting pot of creative arts. Famous for the quirky Kuranda Markets, it's also the spot to view the Barron Falls – a 260m granite-faced waterfall, best viewed in full flight during the wet season.

While there, take a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to experience the sensation of gliding just metres above the rainforest canopy.

ATHERTON TABLELANDS Up in those hills (about 800m up) where the air is a little bit crisper, the vibrant green grasses and rolling roads of the Atherton Tablelands holds an abundance of natural beauty and delicious treats.

From quaint villages and waterfalls to volcanic lakes alongside cheese farms, chocolate makers and coffee plantations, the area has a rich diversity of nature and fun.

COOKTOWN The historical town of Cooktown is most famous for being the spot where Captain James Cook docked the Endeavour for repairs in 1770 after giving the ship a nasty run in with the Great Barrier Reef. During this repair time, botanist Joseph Banks discovered over 200 new species of plants, and young artist Sydney Parkinson was the first British artist to portray Aboriginal people from direct interaction. Today, it's a thriving fishing village and extremely proud of its colonial heritage – check out the numerous historical monuments and buildings depicting its unique history and colourful past.

CAPE YORK PENINSULA Welcome to the remote, unspoilt beauty of Cape York Peninsula. A nature-lover's paradise, Cape York is one of the great wilderness areas of Australia. It is a vast and remote region, but one with extraordinary beauty and history. Amongst incredible natural experiences on deserted beaches and unspoiled national parks, make sure you feel the satisfaction of standing at the most Northern Tip of Australia.

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Sugar Wharf/ St Marys Chapel

Rex Smeal Park Flagstaff Hill

Marina

Four Mile Beach