As grey nomads criss-cross their way across this magnificent country, just about everywhere has something of interest to offer … but there are a few destinations that just jump off the map the way Port Douglas does.
Just an hour or so north from Cairns along a spectacular coastal road, this Coral Sea paradise stretches along the gorgeous golden sands of Four Mile Beach. The spectacular setting, the relaxed village atmosphere, and the near-perfect dry season climate make this a grey nomad mecca. The town’s permanent population of some 3,500 all but doubles as tourists flood in during the May–September peak season.
The marina, filled with bobbing yachts, adds colour and interest to the fabulous natural harbour. This is a lovely place to stroll, as is Macrossan Street with its mix of shops, galleries, and interesting buildings.
An aerial of beautiful Port Douglas. PIC: Tourism and Events Queensland
The town was founded in 1877 and, while there are some historic structures to enjoy, there might well have been a lot more if a cyclone hadn’t demolished all but two buildings in 1911.
Events-wise, grey nomads will enjoy the lively Sunday markets and the Port Douglas Carnivale held at the end of May is a lot of fun, as are the Sunset in the Park Music Festival and Porttoberfest beer festival held later in the year,
Four Mile Beach, at Port Douglas. PIC: Tourism and Events Queensland
Of course, Port Douglas is also a great place to venture off to have a look at the underwater paradise that is the Great Barrier Reef.
A second, World Heritage area, the Daintree is also within easy reach. Most people simply can’t resist a stop at Mossman Gorge to cool off at the freshwater swimming hole there. But it is the rainforest itself – believed to be the oldest in the world – that is the star attraction. Its unique habitat means it is home to plants and animals found nowhere else on the planet.
If this whets your appetite, the two-hectare Wildlife Habitat exhibit back near town is a great place to learn more. Visitors can wander along elevated boardwalks, observing up close a huge range of flora and fauna as birds fly and roam freely.
Many artists and artisans have made their homes in this tropical paradise and there are some fascinating – and surprising – attractions to discover. For example, bordering on the Daintree World Heritage National Park is the Hoglund Art Glass which boasts an amazing collection of hand-blown glassware. Incredible.
While visitors to Port Douglas can certainly ‘expect’ to have a fabulous time in one of the most beautiful places on earth, they also quickly learn to ‘expect the unexpected’.
There’s a good reason not many grey nomads plan a short stay.
