The Region
Getting married in Port Douglas and the Daintree area – also known as the ‘Reef and Rainforest Coast’ of Tropical North Queensland – will create amazing memories that will stay with you forever. Here you’ll discover the coast’s diverse natural treasures from the magnificent underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef to the lush tropical rainforests of the Daintree National Park that cloak the mountains and plains – two World Heritage ecosystems existing side by side.
Tropical palm fringed beaches tempt you to just relax and unwind or you can choose from a host of tours and action-packed adventure. As well as exploring the reef diving or snorkelling, you can take a rainforest walk or a 4WD safari, play a round of golf, go fishing or set off on a crocodile spotting cruise.
Dining in any one of the tantalising array of international restaurants, casual bistros, al fresco cafes or country style pubs is an experience to savour the delicious tropical flavours of the local cuisine, the freshest seafood and exotic tropical fruits. Soak up the friendly atmosphere at a lively village craft market or take a Shopping trip among the exclusive boutiques, galleries, speciality stores and gift shops. Port Douglas has it all as a favourite international holiday destination where a laid back tropical ambience awaits you.
Domestic & International Flights
Port Douglas is situated a breathtakingly beautiful one hour drive north of Cairns International Airport. A number of International and Domestic Airlines fly into Cairns International Airport. To access information visit the Cairns Airport website - www.cairnsairport.com.au
Easy Directions
The best way into this region is to arrive via the Captain Cook Highway from Cairns. The sinuous curves on the spectacular 70km coastal road from Cairns International Airport to Port Douglas will unwind you and the views will be your first glimpse of paradise. Take a helicopter, hire vehicle, luxury coach or limousine and don’t forget your camera!
Travel Smart
The rule is relax. The style is casual so all you need are comfortable, lightweight clothes. The climate is comfortable tropical all year with maximum temperatures of 31º C in the summer and 26° C in the winter. Most of all pack lightly – at 16 degrees south of the Equator, the climate here is like Tahiti. During the winter months, on very rare evenings, a wrap is required.
Getting Around
Coach and limousine transfers are available from Cairns Airport to Port Douglas. Local transport includes a local shuttle bus within the town and taxi’s at very reasonable rates. For those who prefer to make their own way around, there are several rental companies operating from Port Douglas offering everything from bicycles and scooters to cars, vans and 4WDs. Pick up cars at the airport or Port Douglas. Pre-Booking of rental cars is recommended.
Shopping
Shops are usually open 7 days a week, with banks operating Monday to Friday. There are 24 hour automatic teller machines available outside of these hours, and currency exchange facilities at hotels and tour desks. All major credit cards are accepted as well as traveller’s cheques. Electricity is 230/240 volts (50 hertz) in Australia and you may wish to consider bringing an adapter/converter for your camcorder or other equipment.
Markets
Every Sunday of the year, Port Douglas hosts its world famous Farmers Markets – don’t be fooled by the name, you can find art, books, jewellery, clothing, unique gifts and woodwork as well as tropical fruits and vegetables. You can even have your fortune read or dabble in a massage.
Accommodation
Accommodation in the region ranges from luxurious 5 Star resorts and exclusive rainforest lodges to apartments and more casual budget options. There is accommodation to suit every budget for you and your family and friends.
Port Douglas Village Carnivale
Port Douglas celebrates in style each year in the last two weeks of May with its award-winning festival, the Port Douglas Carnivale. Carnivale guarantees Port Douglas becomes a living postcard of tropical culture, where visitors and locals join in and celebrate life in the tropics, its pleasures, culture, wine and cuisine. For more information visit the Port Douglas Village Carnivale website - www.carnivale.com.au
