Page 11 - Port Douglas Magazine 44

boutique shopping.

WORDS by Sara Mulcahy
Port Douglas’s main thoroughfare was named in the CLOTHING
1870s for John Murtagh Macrossan, MP for Kennedy Macrossan is a fashionista’s paradise with high street giants such as
— a post currently held by Bob Katter. Once the site of Ghanda, Tommy Bahama, Cotton On and Rip Curl sitting side by
multiple pubs, hardware stores, general merchants and side with family-owned and run boutiques that offer clothing and
accessories with a distinctly Port Douglas twist. Start at the southern
Chinese fruiterers, this picturesque street is now home end (near the markets), and wend your way up through town, taking
to a vibrant mix of cafés and restaurants, galleries and in the boho coastal vibe at Aloha Lucy (don’t miss the cute shorts-in-
boutiques. Stretching from Market Park to Four Mile a-bag) then pop next door for some Aussie-designed swimwear and
beachwear at Tahitian Lime. Carry on up the street past Tshinta with
Beach, it’s the perfect place to while away an afternoon, its kaleidoscope of colourful dresses and resort wear, and Jungle Road
soaking up the unique ambience of each locally owned where you can stock up on holiday classics such as sarongs, skirts and
business. Enjoy a friendly chat and some personalised vibrant wooden beads. Accessorise your new look with some laidback
kicks from Premium Footwear.
service while browsing resort wear, local crafts, souvenirs At the other end of Macrossan is the Coconut Grove dining and retail
and that all-important gift for the person who’s looking complex where you’ll find Bodypeace selling a range of clothes made
after your cat. from soft and cool bamboo cotton; and Okanui — the go-to for board
shorts and Ts.
GIFTS & BOOKS Gentlemen, take a small detour to Beau Gentry on the corner of Wharf
One of the locals’ favourite gift shops, With Sugar, celebrates its and Macrossan Street for a curation of international and Australian
12th birthday this year and prides itself on delivering an eclectic and labels combined with good old-fashioned customer service.
exquisite selection of homewares and gifts. With ever-evolving stock, For sporting apparel, including snorkels and reef shoes (plus an
and beautiful gift wrapping available (for even the smallest items), it’s awesome range of pool floaties), head to SportsPower at number six.
a treasure chest of sweet and stylish pieces. Owner Alison Kleyngeld
relocated from Tasmania to Port Douglas to launch the business and JEWELLERY
the main street was the perfect location. With a rich history of gold, silver and copper mining in the surrounding
“The breezy feel of Macrossan Street, leading down to Four Mile - this area — and a reputation in fossicking circles as one of the best places
was our place when we first saw it a dozen years ago! And we still feel in Australia to find topaz, aquamarine, citrine and smoky quartz —
exactly the same today,” she says. “Visitors often comment about the it’s perhaps not surprising that Port Douglas is something of a hub
energy of Port and the friendliness of those who live here. And how for purveyors of fine jewellery. There are half a dozen or so dedicated
lucky are we to open our shop every morning on such a beautiful jewellery stores in town, with many more local creators selling at the
street! So many independent small businesses bringing their best. Sunday markets. At Wicked Willies, right at the foot of Macrossan,
We’re proud to be a part of that.” you’ll find an Aladdin’s Cave of sterling silver and gemstone jewellery,
If books are on your holiday wish list, head across the road to including aquamarine, moonstone, amber and pearls presented in a
Whileaway Bookshop and Cafe for the latest blockbuster or a classic bright and airy space. There’s also a range of crystals and carved pieces
read. There’s also a range of cards and souvenirs and (arguably!) the such as coasters and candleholders that make a perfect souvenir for
best coffee in town. someone … or you.