Page 40 - Port Douglas Magazine 35

CREATE

IS THE NEW COOL

WORDS by Cassie Flinn
This eclectic coastal village has been welcoming travellers with open MAKER ARTISAN STORE
arms and open minds for decades. Those wanting to disconnect from
the hustle and bustle, seeking solace in the peaceful spaces and If you believe that what you buy can change the world, you’ll fit right in
inspiration from the area’s natural beauty. at Maker Port Douglas. This family-owned store was set up by 19-year-
old Raine Ward and her mum Donna and is dedicated to “all things
Soaking up the Tropical North Queensland feeling of freedom to focus handmade.” Maker is a prime example of good things coming out of
on individual artistic expression, supporting their lifestyle choices or trying situations, as the gallery was born in the middle of the pandemic.
simply doing what truly makes them happy. Today, Maker supports more than 100 different creatives from around
Port Douglas is famous for its iconic landscapes, wildlife and relaxed the country, while also hosting workshops and special events in the
way of life but perhaps just as worthy is it’s creative culture, a collective organic space.
of local artisans who proudly call this area home. It’s an authentic Visit Maker when you are in Port Douglas and discover an artisan store
movement that openly shares their love for the arts and whose passion with a sustainable focus and relaxed vibe. Celebrate the work of talented
is infectious when you take up the opportunities on offer for family artists and buy into some of that purposeful passion.
friendly immersive experiences. With hands-on workshops, galleries
and festivals where the entire family can learn how to paint, cook or
otherwise create and find out just how cool Port Douglas can be, you OAKS KITCHEN AND GARDEN
might even take home some great new skills or newfound artistic joy. If you love Southeast Asian cuisine, you must visit the acclaimed Oaks
Kitchen and Garden. Nestled in Oak Beach, just a 15 minute venture
SEA GALLERY away from central Port Douglas, is where you will discover a lush tropical
farm with an outdoor kitchen as its heart. It’s surrounded by a produce
Stephanie Elizabeth Cowley and Dave Lloyd are the passionate owners of plantation, with coconut palms swaying in the breeze. Here you’ll find
a gallery “filled with love, ingenuity, talent and energy.” This enthusiastic the founders Ben Wallace and Rachel Boon will be keen to welcome
couple came together on the shores of Port Douglas to share a common, you to their corner of paradise with farm tours and chef’s table dining
creative goal at the SEA Gallery. You can view their work on display in experience.
their Macrossan Street working studio space. Stephanie has a range of
beautiful watercolours and acrylic artwork on show, while Dave focuses And if you want to roll up your sleeves, Oaks offers weekly Southeast
Asian cooking classes as well, so you can take some secrets home to your
on his fine art prints.
kitchen table.
Stephanie also runs watercolour workshops for all ages and levels of
experience, so why not explore the artist in you too?