Page 35 - Port Douglas Magazine 40

Discover local gems! Road Tripping
Port Douglas and surrounds are the jewel in the crown of As a solo Port Douglas person, I love my road trips, taking off
Far North Queensland. From the shimmering turquoise spontaneously feeling the road under my wheels and the
water of the Great Barrier Reef to the shady canopy of wind in my hair (even if it is the A/C blower). My favourite
the ancient Daintree Rainforest, from freshwater creeks trip is the drive along The Great Barrier Reef Drive to Palm
to secluded beaches, solo travel in this paradise can be Cove (a fish taco or coffee at Chill Cafe) and then on to
discovered at your own pace. Kuranda (markets and Barron Falls). Also, I can recommend
the Tablelands - Crystal Caves in Atherton, the Waterfall
Taste bud explorations Circuit, and Granite Gorge in Mareeba. Heading north, Cape
For the solo traveller it’s not just the feast for the eyes Tribulation, freshwater creek swimming around Mossman,
but the taste buds too! A gin tasting at the local Devil’s Shannonvale and a lunch trip to Silky Oaks is a great day out.
Thumb Distillery or sampling a tasting paddle at the local
Hemingway’s brewery will enlighten and surprise you, as Explore New Experiences
you sample locally brewed and award-winning drops. A As a solo traveller, and master of your own itinerary, I find
day trip with Brett’s Outback Tasting Adventures will take it also presents the perfect opportunity to ‘give something
you on a foodie tour as you taste your way around the a go’, tackle a new experience, and who knows, maybe
region’s ‘food bowl’. Attend tropical fruit tasting tours in even find your new hobby. For me, Port Douglas presented
Cape Tribulation and taste fruit you’ve never heard of sailing, river snorkelling, golf, kitesurfing, and a chance to
before or tasted. Sample ‘chocolate pudding fruit’, ‘creamy develop my photography skills with the help of:
mamey sapote’ and pangium edule (football fruit) and River Snorkelling with Back Country Bliss - Kite Surfing
even better it’s 100% guilt free. and Stand Up Paddleboarding with Windswell - Palmer
Sea Reef & Mossman Golf Courses - Photography lessons
Cultural Immersion at your Pace with Perrin Clarke Photography - Port Douglas Yacht Club
Immerse yourself in the rich Aboriginal culture of the region … Free from 4pm, join a crew for a sunset sail (just the cost
and be taken on a Dreamtime Walk (at Mossman Gorge of drinks for skipper. Then why not stay and chat with other
Cultural Centre). Your guide will be from the local Kuku mariners at dinner. Always a winner!)
Yalanji tribe. You will be moved with respect and passion
as you learn about how they use the flora and fauna of the Solo Safety
rainforest and gain insight into their beliefs and traditions. For all solo travellers the functions of new technology
can be your life saver, so knowing the capabilities of your
A Personalised Retreat for Well-Being mobile phone are an essential.
Here in Port Douglas, it’s not only just a destination, but Know how to call SOS on your phone (and smart watch)
it is a sanctuary for well-being. It’s a place that has more (iPhone is pressing the side button 5 times, on Samsung
spas than bars! Solo travel allows you to design your it’s the power key).
own personal wellness and pamper activities. Yoga, spa,
pedicures, manicures, massages, anti-aging treatments, Make sure the emergency information on your phone is
pilates, hikes and walks - the choice is yours! Niramaya Spa, updated and you know the local emergency number (000)
Kaia Day Spa, and the team at The Deep Retreat can offer a in Australia.
host of beautiful experiences. Tip: If you buy a temporary SIM card here, Telstra One has
the widest coverage.
Solo Selfies And if you wish to go solo hiking, make sure you tell
You may be a solo traveller but letting friends and family someone where you going and estimated return time,
enjoy your travels vicariously is part of the experience (and carry plenty of water, ensure your phone is fully charged
for your souvenir photos for later reminiscing). Some prime and carry a personal locator beacon.
selfie spots locally - Viewpoint Port Douglas, halfway up
Flagstaff Hill Steps, sunrise from Flagstaff Sky Deck, sunset A Final Note
at Rex Smeal Park, an aerial shot from a helicopter over Solo travel in Far North Queensland is an invitation to
The Great Barrier Reef, sitting on one of the river boulders rediscover yourself amidst the splendours of nature, to
at Mossman Gorge and nonchalantly leaning against an savour the freedom of self-guided exploration and to forge
iconic palm on Four Mile Beach. connections that transcend cultural boundaries.

Connecting with Locals So fellow adventurers and travellers, pack your bags, step
Solo travel isn’t just about being alone; it’s about embracing into Port Douglas, and let the symphony of discovery and
self-realisation unfold. Your solo odyssey awaits, and it’s
those around you, and the world, with open arms. The bound to be an adventure of a lifetime. Gather your senses
Port Douglas locals are an eclectic and interesting mix, and prepare to have them sharpened! Safe Travels!
many of them landing here from far and wide and
interstate. Visiting the Port Douglas markets (Sundays and What the local girls suggest…
Wednesdays) and the local Mossman market (Saturdays) Sam, Sandy, Krissy & Amanda…. (and optional man, Darren)
will have you rubbing shoulders with artisans, locals, and
visitors alike. And if solo time is your jam, then you can’t go Amanda Trivia nights - join a team at Paddy’s on a Tuesday
past a great coffee and journal writing or the treat of a new or Central on a Wednesday
travel read from Whileaway Bookshop and Cafe. Sam Dougies Backpackers - great vibe with other travellers,
and everyone is friendly.
Sandy Tin Shed on a Friday night, with its welcoming vibe.
Darren A good place to meet people - Paddy’s, and the
Iron Bar (for a later experience after the bars close)
All Barbados between 3-4pm ‘Locals Hour’ for oysters and
bubbles