Port Douglas
Kitesurfing at Port Douglas, Australia
Is a town in Far North Queensland, Australia, approximately 70 km (40 mi) north of Cairns. Its permanent population was about 3000 residents in 2006. The town’s population can often double, however, with the influx of tourists during the peak tourism season May–September. The town is named in honour of 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 occurring in the area surrounding the Daintree River and with settlement starting to occur on lots around the Mossman River by 1880. Previous names for the town included Terrigal, Island Point, Port Owen and Salisbury. The town is situated adjacent to two World Heritage areas, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Port Douglas was No. 3 on Australian Traveller magazine’s list of 100 Best Towns In Australia.
History
The Port Douglas township was established in 1877 after the discovery of gold at Hodgkinson River by James Venture Mulligan. It grew quickly, and at its peak Port Douglas had a population of 12,000 and 27 hotels. With the construction of the Mulligan Highway it serviced towns as far away as Herberton. When the Kuranda Railway from Cairns to Kuranda was completed in 1891, the importance of Port Douglas dwindled along with its population. A cyclone in 1911 which demolished all but two buildings in the town also had a significant impact. At its nadir in 1960 the town, by then little more than a fishing village, had a population of 100. In the mid-1980s, tourism boomed in the region after investor Christopher Skase financed the construction of the world-class Sheraton Mirage.
Significant events, visitors and residents
On 5 July 1943, a RAAF Vultee Vengeance (Serial Number A27-217) crash landed on the beach near Port Douglas. In November 1996 United States President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton chose the town as their only vacation 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 11 September 2001, the then ex-President was again dining at the Salsa Bar and Grill, a local restaurant, when he was advised of the September 11 attacks. He returned to the United States the following day. The town has enjoyed a steady influx of full-time residents since its ‘rebirth’, with most newcomers arriving from Australia’s south, namely Victoria and Tasmania.
On 4 September 2006, entertainer a.k.a. “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin died at Batt Reef, off Port Douglas, after a stingray barb went through his chest into his heart while Irwin and his crew were filming a documentary called The Ocean’s Deadliest. Irwin was filmed snorkelling directly above the stingray when it lashed him with its tail, embedding its poisonous barb. Irwin died almost immediately. This event was widely reported both in Australia and overseas. Every year Port Douglas attracts tourist and locals alike to two significant festival
Four Mile Beach
periods. The Port Douglas Carnivale is on around the end of May and runs for 10 days over two weekends beginning with the Macrossan Street Parade attracting over 10,000 people. The second festival period is held late October and November and begins with the Go Troppo Arts Festival, The Sunset in the Park Music Festival & Porttoberfest North Queensland’s own Beer Festival.
In November Port Douglas turns into an athletes’ village to host The Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival. Steve Moneghetti is the event ambassador and competitors get the chance to race against the Marathon Olympian in the Steve Moneghetti Invitational Half Marathon. Both periods celebrate and embrace the regions unique tropical island like lifestyle. In 2012, Port Douglas will be the pole position for a Total Solar Eclipse. This phenomenon will take place at 6:38 am on November 14, 2012. The total eclipse will be visible from approximately Innisfail in the south to Cedar Bay National Park in the North. Port Douglas is right in its path. Thousands are expected to converge at this unique destination to see the event. The first ever Solar Eclipse Marathon is being organised in Port Douglas to coincide with the Total Solar Eclipse in November 2012. This 42.195 km Marathon will race over 2,000 competitors starting at 6:41am on the morning of November 14 as the first rays of the sun re-emerge from behind the moon thus incorporating the Eclipse as the worlds first intergalatic starting gun.
Flames of the Forest Cultural Experience
Flames of the Forest Cultural Experience
Flames of the Forest has to be felt… Ten minutes from Port Douglas, 50 minutes from Cairns and a world away from the everyday. Flames of the Forest transports you into a world beyond your imagination so relaxing and uplifting for your soul you will never want to leave. A completely intimate, natural experience without compromising on comfort or safety. Flames is also a magical, private and very exclusive venue for weddings, private parties and corporate groups with tailor made event theming, entertainment and menu design from our award winning catering. An Ancient Culture in a Timeless Spiritual Setting. The evening features two local indigenous brothers sharing some of their remarkable culture with you during the evening, in a setting where they adventured as children.
The rainforest setting is the natural, authentic backdrop for this spiritual and mystical culture, a performance unique to Flames of the Forest, where you will learn about their timeless oral traditions in an intimate and personal setting. This evening of theatre, tropical dining, authentic Aboriginal culture explored through story telling and music is a must-do for anyone interested in history, Aboriginal culture, the rainforest, meeting new people and great Australian food!
Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Port Douglas
Cruise from Port Douglas
Great for beginners, non-swimmers and first-time visitors to Tropical North Queensland cruise to Agincourt Reef from Port Douglas. You can watch fish feeding, go on a snorkeling expedition, try scuba diving, view the coral and marine life on a semi-submersible submarine, and enjoy a tasty buffet lunch. Agincourt Reef sits at the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef, a ribbon reef running parallel to the Continental Shelf. Clear water provides great underwater visibility and encourages rich coral growth which supports a wide variety of fish life, both large and small. Schools of damsel fish, solitary clown fish and small reef sharks are common visitors to this part of the reef, along with some brightly-colored parrotfish and elegant angel fish. Departing from Port Douglas, your 90-minute high speed catamaran takes you directly to Agincourt Reef. The permanent pontoon moored here provides a sheltered base. During the trip a snorkeling demonstration will get you ready for your adventure, and the staff will take you through your options for the day.
You’ll have around 3.5 hours to enjoy the reef at your leisure. Grab a snorkel and fins and hit the water on your own, or join an optional guided snorkeling tour with a qualified marine biologist. Snorkeling is a great way to explore the Great Barrier Reef, and there are friendly staff on hand to show you how. Prefer to stay dry? You can explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible submarine.
Agincourt Reef
You’ll take a leisurely cruise through colorful coral gardens, giving you a snorkeler’s view of the marine life without getting wet. For a little more adventure, why not try an introductory scuba dive. or a unique Ocean Walker Helmet Dive – no diving experience necessary.
Agincourt Reef
Agincourt Reef, off Port Douglas on the Great Barrier Reef, is a series of many smaller reefs with at least 16 different dive sites. The Channels offer interesting swim-throughs and caves, while The Gardens are renowned for their exceptional abundance of brightly coloured reef fish. Blue Wonder is a breath-taking wall dive to beyond 40m while Nursery Bommie is a spectacular pinnacle where pelagic fish gather to feed.
Australian and Oceanic Art Gallery
Australian and Oceanic Art Gallery has a diverse and comprehensive range of contemporary and traditional artwork, including paintings, sculpture, glassware, artifacts and jewellery. Australian and Oceanic Art supports and exhibits work from Aboriginal Communities including Lockhart River, Mornington Island, Torres Strait and Western Desert. They feature Lockhart River Artists, Rosella Namok, Samantha Hobson, Fiona Omeenyo and Silas Hobson and Torres Strait Artist Dennis Nona (winner 2007 Telstra National Aboriginal and Islander Art Awards).
Open from 0930 to 1730 Monday to Friday and 1000 to 1700 Saturday and Sunday. There are facilities for guests with a disability.
Des Spencer Galleries
Des Spencer Galleries
Des Spencer Gallery is located in the main foyer of the Sheraton Mirage Hotel, Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland. The gallery exclusively features the fine art of Des Spencer. Des is renowned for his vivid, vibrant and vivacious images of the world around him. His landscapes and cityscapes, floral, underwater and abstract scenes explode with pulsating colour, conveying all the energy and passion of life. His imagery dances on the canvas, reminding us that our world is joyous.
Des’ paintings feature a highly distinctive paint application that allows him to create depth and movement through the combination of vibrant colours and varying textures. Des’ art works are invitations to join him on a fantastic journey through his personal perceptions and his belief that all things inherently have effervescent life and ultimate purpose. Des sells original paintings as well as giclée limited edition prints of his most popular images. Des’ art has been sold to collectors on every continent around the world. He has successfully exhibited his art in many galleries around the world including Hawaii, Scotland, England, throughout Australia and the United States cities of New York, The Hamptons, Carmel, Phoenix and Naples. The art of Des Spencer is on permanent open display at the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas seven days a week.
Salsa Bar and Grill
Salsa Bar and Grill
As a multi-award winning restaurant, Salsa Bar and Grill has developed a reputation for having great food and fantastic service. Chef Goran Zonai and his team are committed to serving mouth watering and eye-catching dishes. The menu is a wonderful combination of simple fresh ingredients sourced from the freshest local produce, accompanied by an extensive wine list of quality Australian and New Zealand vintages. Inspired by the bountiful produce of the tropics and described as Tropical Modern Australian Cuisine, a visit to Salsa Bar and Grill combines the best the Tropics has to offer and epitomises Port Douglas’ reputation of a destination that offers world class cuisine. Located in a traditional wooden Queenslander with views to the Coral Sea and Daintree Rainforest – a quick bite can turn into a long lunch, it is no wonder locals and tourists return again and again. Just ask any local walking down the street – you will hear ‘got to go to Salsa!’ more than once! You can now create some of the dishes featured on past and present menus at Salsa Bar and Grill, by owning your own copy of Salsa’s Cook Book. Order it now online.
Monday: 1200 to 2400. Tuesday: 1200 to 2400. Wednesday: 1200 to 2400. Thursday: 1200 to 2400. Friday: 1200 to 2400. Saturday: 1200 to 2400. Sunday: 1200 to 2400. Christms Day: Closed. Open seven days a week 1200 to midnight. Closed Christmas Day.
Sea Temple Golf Club
Sea Temple Golf Club
Sea Temple Golf Club, Port Douglas is situated at the entrance to Port Douglas, a unique tropical resort village 65 kilometres north of Cairns, international gateway to the Tropical North Queensland region. Carefully crafted across the landscape by world-renowned design architects Thomson, Wolveridge and Perrett, the Sea Temple Golf Club, Port Douglas opened on 1 July, 2000. Comprised of an 18 hole championship golf course and club house, the facilities available offer a world-class golfing experience. Lush rainforest pockets nestle throughout the course with magnificent water features providing brilliant colour relief from the many shades of green.
Tee times available from 0630 to 1600 every day except Christmas Day. Club House open 0600 to 1800. Reduced rates are available for children up to 17 years of age. Children are welcome at the club when accompanied by an adult. Reduced rates are available for children up to 17 years of age. Children are welcome at the club when accompanied by an adult.
Split Bommie Dive Site
Split Bommie, off Port Douglas o the Great Barrier Reef, has an array of colourful marine life from colourful flat worms and Nudibranchs to sleepy turtles and hungry hump headed parrot fish, putting on a show for the snorkeller and divers alike. The marine life thrive on two parallel Bommies, offering bright shallow conditions for snorkelling and a figure eight adventure for the curious divers. Commonly known for its beautiful schools of small fish blanketing the coral rises, or the friendly white tip who might pop in and say hello
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