This Far North Queensland beauty offers chic dining, cafes and cocktail lounges plus year-round sunshine, making it the perfect winter escape.
Just one hour’s drive north of Cairns along pristine coastline, Port Douglas is a picture-perfect tropical paradise. Where rainforest meets reef, Port Douglas is a great base to explore some of Tropical North Queensland’s most spectacular natural assets.
Where to dine
Retaining its one hat in this year’s Good Food Guide, Harrisons is our pick for dining in style in the tropics. We’ve written about Harrisons here and were left swooning over chef/owner Spencer Patricks Daintree Rainforest Chocolate Marquise Raspberry textures and young coconut delicious dessert. The relaxed, yet stylish dining experience is one not to be missed.
Harrisons - 22 Wharf St, Port Douglas ph: +61 7 4099 4011
Take a detour off Hastings Street and immerse yourself in caffeine heaven at Origin Espresso. Filled with locals lined up for their morning fix, Origin Espresso source, roast and brew their own coffee under the Four Mile Roasters label, so you know they’re serious about coffee. Their “code of conduct” sign is a little unwelcoming (no mobile phones please), but look past this for a good brew.
Origin Espresso - Cnr Grant & Warner Sts, Port Douglas ph: +61 7 4099 4586
Technically in Mossman, it’s worth the short 15 min drive to this gem. With an unassuming entrance and quirky interiors this little find serves up some of the best breakfasts in North Queensland. With great Toby’s Estate Coffee and super friendly service, you’ll leave smiling and satisfied. Pop in next door to Memories n More and browse their retro, vintage and collectables.
The Junction Cafe - 1/5 Front Street, Mossman ph: +61 7 4098 3398
What to see and do
After breakfast at Junction Café, we kept heading north for our date with adventure at Jungle Surfing at Cape Tribulation, 2 hours drive from Port Douglas. Jungle Surfing involves flying through the trees on flying fox ziplines, stopping at 6 tree platforms to take in the breathtaking views of the treetops, down to cascading streams as you get more bold and adventurous with each zipline! Highly recommend and suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.
Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours - Cape Tribulation Road, Cape Tribulation ph: +61 7 4098 0043
The annual celebration in May continues to get bigger and brighter with a host of fun events. The longest lunch is the hottest ticket in town, the street parade is a heart warming local affair and Feast Port Douglas is a foodie favourite.
This new foodie event aims to champion the produce, restaurateurs, chefs and industry trailblazers to an international stage against a backdrop of tropical paradise and we can’t wait! Taste Port Douglas runs 21-23 August and is one to add to the food & wine festival calendar.
Where to stay
Niramaya is completely wow factor from the moment you enter your villa and explore your private pavilion. A luxurious, fluid space where indoors and outdoors are indistinguishable leading out to a private plunge pool and day bed. Fully self-contained with gourmet kitchen, BBQ, alfresco dining and lots of areas to lounge about you simply won’t want to leave.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, group getaway or family fun, we have the perfect Port Douglas accommodation selection for your next Tropical North Queensland holiday!
The writer was a guest of Niramaya Villas & Spa and Jungle Surfing.You Might Also Like: Noosa Dining Guide
