Page 117 - Port Douglas Magazine 38

TIPS FOR THOSE TRAVELLING Daintree River Cruise
WITH A FURRY FRIEND Go spotting crocs with your pooch from
the safety of a Daintree River cruise boat. PAWS & CLAWS (P&C)
A PLACE TO REST Daintree River Cruise Centre offers 60- ANIMAL SHELTER

YOUR WEARY PAWS 90 minutes cruise, just call beforehand on When the original local shelter closed to make way for a
07 4098 6115 to check there’s room and it’s petrol station in 2016 there was a void left for the region’s
Looking for a place to stay? A popular choice ok to bring your pet.
are caravan and camping grounds and there Creek Swimming abandoned and homeless animals.
are a few to choose from in Port Douglas, After a few futile attempts to secure the next site, a suitable
Mossman, Newell Beach, Wonga beach and Shannonvale swimming hole is a favourite site at Craiglie, Port Douglas was chosen. Despite being
the Daintree. Alternatively, accommodation for locals and their dogs. When the seas are in the middle of a commercially zoned industrial estate,
experts such as Executive Retreats and Port as warm as pea soup and its stinger season, neighbouring companies were concerned about the
Douglas Accommodation are a great place the cool rainforest rains that feed this local noise aspect. So, with the help of engineers, one of the
to start if you are looking for something a creek (croc free) is a welcome activity to most advanced state-of-the art animal shelters was built
little more unique. cool down in. Only 20 minutes from Port incorporating all the latest in noise reduction architecture.
Douglas, it is also a perfect picnic spot. Engineers (Sequel), Hydraulics (Gilboy), GMA
DINNER TIME! Certification, Building Consultants, Therian Vet, and

Many restaurants and cafes welcome canine WHAT IF TOURS & ACTIVITIES animal husbandry specialist (Danny Vos) were brought
customers with open arms. Many sell DO NOT ACCEPT DOGS? together to ensure that the new strict assurances of
doggy treats alongside their culinary treats Good news you do not have to miss out compliance were met. Monetary assistance came from the
for humans and most will supply a bowl of on that bucket list trip to the Great Barrier State and Federal funds along with years of fundraising.
cool water to help cool them down in the Reef, a day’s fishing, or enjoying ziplining Opening in August 2022 after years of work, the state-of-

tropical heat allowing you time to enjoy a through the Daintree Forest - there are the art facility passed the stringent decibel tests, and the
leisurely breakfast, a pint at the pub or your carers who can doggy sit: doors were opened, providing accommodation for 38 dogs
daily caffeine fix. Paws and Claws Animal Shelter (including boarding dogs) and a cattery.

And a worthy mention - If your pet happens $33 to $40 per day/night.
to be a parrot on your shoulder, a cat in a Madpaws offers day care from HOW CAN YOU HELP?

pushchair, a tucked-up wallaby in a body $28 per day and $69 per night. Donations are always welcomed.
sling or a dangling bat off your lapel, the Dog Direction offers day care. For those Purchase pre-loved clothes from their charity shop.

local establishments seem just as welcoming. Another great option and one that I personally love is to
considering a long stay (a month or more) volunteer.

A SELECTION OF PET they now offer a Dog Country Club! Simply call P&C on 07 4098 5721 (ideally 24 hr notice,
LOVING SPOTS Yes, you read it here. so they can prepare) and become a volunteer dog walker.

Cafe Fresq TO LEASH, OR NOT TO LEASH The Shelter encourages and loves it when the local

Cafe Dulce When it comes to public areas, it will be no community (and visitors) offer a helping hand. They are

Epicurean surprise, dogs should be always kept on a flexible and you can take a doggy any time from 9.00am.
Black Sesame leash. Depending on your schedule you can enjoy their company
Toast Sandwich Bar until the doggy curfew time of 4.00pm. All you need is
The Little Red Kitchen It is also essential to keep dogs back from some sunscreen and water and P&C will supply the lead,

Whileaway Bookshop & Cafe the water’s edge when walking past lakes doggy bag and furry companion.
Chilly’s Pizza and Trattoria and rivers/boat ramps. Please be croc aware
Lure Restaurant and prevent any unnecessary harm coming CONSIDERING ADOPTION?
Hemingway’s Brewery to your loved ones, being mistaken for a There are many reasons why this a great idea:

Choo Choos doggy croc treat! 1. Save a life: When you adopt from a shelter, you
St. Crispin’s Cafe We understand that many owners will be are giving a second chance to a dog that may have
Kai Port Douglas keen to let their furry companions run free been abandoned, lost, or surrendered by its previous
Central & Courthouse Hotels with the wind in their ears! owner.
Barrier Reef Tavern There are plenty of designated areas in

Rattle & Hum the Douglas Shire so please be mindful of 2. Wide selection: Shelters have a wide variety of dogs

Temptations Café, Mossman others, set the example and enjoy these free of all ages, breeds, and sizes. This means you can find

the perfect dog that fits your lifestyle and personality.
Beechwoods Café, Mossman spaces. It’s a great way to meet some of the 3. Health benefits: Dogs provide numerous health

EXPLORING: local community too and they are a friendly benefits, including reducing stress, improving mood,

THINGS TO DO bunch and encouraging exercise. Improve your overall well-
The off-leash dog areas: being.

A loyal companion, whether guarding your • Southern end of Four Mile Beach.

gear or acting as a willing accomplice for Cowrie Street entrance has doggy bags, 4. Cost-effective: It is typically less expensive than
lounging and reading a book, man’s best and hose to rinse sand off afterwards. buying a dog from a breeder. Many shelters will also

friend simply loves spending quality time • Northern end of Cooya Beach provide initial medical care and spaying/neutering

with you. They also provide the perfect • Diwan Reserve Mossman 5. services, saving you even more money.
Support a good cause: Many shelters are non-profit
excuse to get out and about and explore the
DOG DAY local region. • (behind Douglas Shire Council Depot) 6. organisations that rely on donations and adoption
Foxton Avenue, Mossman
fees to provide care for their animals.

Flagstaff Hill
Northern end of Newell Beach
•
Already trained: Many dogs in shelters are already

This is a stunning coastal trail that hugs the
•
North Wonga Beach
housebroken and have some basic obedience

AFTERNOON peninsula of Port Douglas. The bigger the • Cow Bay beach, Daintree Run by a non-for-profit team of dedicated animal lovers,
training. This can make the transition to your home

dog the better on this activity as you realise
much easier and less stressful.
Coconut Beach, Cape Tribulation
•
why 4 legs running upstairs are so much

more efficient than 2 legs. A larger dog
can help to pull you up! This 1.5 km trail this is a great local facility.

takes you up about 200 steps to an elevation

Whether you are travelling with or without your trusted four-legged friend, of about 80m. A detour of 175m will take pawsandclaws.org.au
Port Douglas is a great spot to enjoy some much-needed R&R of the furry kind! you to the stunning view from the Flagstaff
Hill Lookout across the whole of Four Mile
Beach - just like being in a postcard.
WORDS by Rosie Wang