Page 55 - Port Douglas Magazine 45

48 HOURS in Port Douglas Short on time, but hoping to squeeze every last moment out of your time in Far North Queensland?

I get it. Whether you are simply passing through Port Douglas, let your type B friend do the
booking, or have a day or two to yourself either side of a wedding, sometimes you might only be left

with 48 hours in our coastal paradise. It’s sad, I know, but with limited time on the clock, here is a
handy guide to ensure you can experience the best Port Douglas has to offer!
WORDS by Sofia Cullen

DAY 1 DAY 2

MORNING COFFEE Otherwise from art galleries to artisan goods, EVENING MORNING WILDLIFE
homewares and boutique fashion, Port
Recover from the morning’s activity with a Douglas’ unique shopping scene begs for Keep your eyes peeled for cassowaries,
visit to one of Port Douglas’s many breakfast some extra suitcase room! TUNES take a croc-spotting cruise down the
and coffee hot spots. Swing by Origin Daintree River, and channel your inner

Espresso to try their signature in-house Once night falls, live music spills onto the David Attenborough as you wander among

roast or pair your morning brew with a AFTERNOON streets and locals and holiday-goers alike fill strangler figs and ferns.

browse through the latest bestselling books at the restaurants and bars that line Macrossan.
Whileaway Café and Bookshop.
YUMMY BITES TANTALISE LATE
If you are looking to tantalise your tastebuds, AFTERNOON
If you’re starting to feel the warmth, pop class dining options can be found at Lichi,
into Nectar for a tropical smoothie or La Cucina and Wrasse & Roe.
insta-worthy acai bowl to cool off. More of TASTE

a savoury soul? Choo Choo’s at the Marina
has you covered with eggs every way. Settle RELAXED Wind down your adventure-packed morning

in, sip your coffee and watch the boats Looking to keep it casual? n17 serves up with sunset bites and cocktails at Port
cruise through the marina – it’s a classic Port mouth-watering burgers, Grant street offers a Douglas icon, The Tin Shed — a perfect deck

SUNRISE Douglas vibe. range of good options both day or night and REEF for toasting to an epic 48 hours spent in Port
Port Douglas certainly has no shortage when Douglas.

While it may not be every holiday goer’s it comes to venues offering classic pub feeds. Day two is all about ticking off that Far

cup of tea, there’s something to be said for North Queensland bucket list. And BONUS EXTRAS
watching the sunlight skim the tops of the let’s be honest - nothing quite rivals the
mountain range that overlooks Port Douglas’ SUNSET VIEWS COCKTAILS vs. GELATO internationally acclaimed Great Barrier Reef.
iconic Four Mile Beach. Cocktail connoisseurs can spend the evening With this UNESCO World Heritage Site
No day in Port Douglas is complete without sampling signature beverages at Cosmos perched right on Port Douglas’s doorstep,
STROLL a sunset session. For front-row seats, wander Cocktail Lounge, and for dessert, there’s no it’s only a short boat ride with Quicksilver,
down to Rex Smeal Park, famous for its iconic Sailaway or Calypso to unlock an underwater
With no need to fear the cold that might beating a late-night gelato and a stroll under experience you’ll never forget.
accompany being up before dawn in other ring of palm trees. trees wreathed in fairy lights.
places, grab a takeaway coffee from a holiday Bring some nibbles or grab fish and chips for RAINFOREST

favourite like Captain & Co and wander along a laidback feast as the sky turns pink (fingers

the shoreline as the sun rises from the ocean. crossed!). Craving some alternative scenery? Book
EXERCISE a tour or follow a self-drive itinerary and
escape to the Daintree Rainforest – the
SECRET world’s oldest living rainforest (yes, right
If you fancy starting your day with a sweat, here in Far North Queensland!!).
the 1.5km Flagstaff hill track connects Four Want a local’s secret? Take the short climb

Mile Beach and Rex Smeal Park, snaking up to Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse and soak up

along the outside of the Port Douglas MID-DAY panoramic views as the sun dips below the
peninsula and providing breathtaking ocean mountains. Trust me, your camera roll will
views. thank you. MARKETS!
BAKE, DIP OR SHOP If you’re lucky enough to be in town on a
Sunday, don’t miss the Port Douglas Markets
It’s time to hit the beach! Snag a spot under at Anzac Park. From 8am to 1:30pm, you’ll
the palm trees and loose a few hours to the find everything from local fruit, fresh juice,

warm Queensland sun. Sand not your vibe? coffee and doughnuts to local artwork, crafts

Take a quick fifteen-minute drive north of and trip souvenirs. And if your trip includes
Port Douglas to Mossman gorge. A brisk a Wednesday visit the Marina Markets from
freshwater dip and wander through the PHOTO @larissadening 11am, meet the local artisans and soak up the
tranquil Daintree rainforest will have you arvo vibes as you score yourself a treat or a

recharged for the afternoon. fab present to take home as a gift.

54 Port Douglas Magazine & Travel Planner
PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 55