Passports and Quarantine Regulations for Queensland Australia
For those visiting from outside Australia, you need a valid passport and visa. You must obtain them before you leave your country or you will be refused entry.
DO NOT bring any sort of food, plants, animals or anything that could carry bugs or disease into Australia. It is illegal and carries very heavy fines and confiscation. For more information on what you can and cant bring into the country please see www.customs.gov.au
Climate for the Port Douglas Region
Winter:
Winter is when Port Douglas shines (quite literally!) In Australia, winter is from the end of May until the beginning of August and our little town is a proven hotspot for all Australian tourists from the southern states trying to escape the cold. Winter here is when the humidity drops and becomes more pleasant, rainfall is rare and the day time temperature is around 25°C dropping to 16°C at night. Water temperature is around 23°C which is perfect for snorkelling but may require a wetsuit if diving.
Summer:
September through March are our are our tropical summer months with impeccable blues sky days and balmy nights up until until December. In December we usually experience the first of our summer rains during the nights. This releases much of the heat and humidity leading up until this time and is a welcome relief to many locals and tourists alike.
Summer is a very popular time for the North European and Northern American visitors escaping their freezing winters.
From January to March the region experiences many rain filled nights and majestic sun shower days with most visitors taking the time to go to the rivers and waterholes to experience a true tropical rainforest experience. Visitor also flock to the reef where the days are usually still in full sun due to the coastal weather patterns. The reef is at its best in these month with zero winds and the clearest visibility experienced over the entire year.
Scuba Diving on the Great Barrier Reef Port Douglas Region
There are a few scuba diving centres in town the offer Great Barrier Reef tours and diving. These are full day trips out to the reef and include all your equipment. These are popular amond certified and beginner divers and even if you have never dived before, there is an option for you!
For those wanting to get their Open Water or Advanced Open Water Certificate, Quicksilver Dive offer these courses through a mixture of reef dives and at their specialised training pool.
Health Risks for Port Douglas Region
There are no health precautions necessary for your stay in Australia. Please be aware of the strong tropical sun, wearing sun cream protection at all times is recommended. Also wear a sunhat and sunglasses.
To ensure you remain safe in the waters of Tropical North Queensland whether they be the water holes, the beaches or the reef, please seek local advices before any swimming. During the summer months, swimming at the beach is prohibited except for netted beach areas due to marine stingers that can be lethal. Please also remember to be CROC WISE when swimming in waterways, rivers and creeks.
Your Money | $AU - Currency | Port Douglas Region
Credit Cards and Travellers Cheques are widely accepted. Cash can be exchanged in nearly every bank. Eurocheques are not accepted.
Use your banks currency converter to access latest rates.
Power in the Port Douglas Region
Voltage in Australia is 240V AC. In most cases you will require an adapter which can be obtained (if not already bought at home) in every big Supermarket. Australian standard is plug I.
Telephone / Internet for the Port Douglas Region
+61 is Australia's international code. Then the State code is required eg 07 Queensland followed by the local number.
There are two different phone plugs available in Australia. These are the "Australian" and the "RJ11". Phone Cards are available at most News agencies.
Time | Port Douglas Region
Port Douglas time is UTC / GMT + 10 hours.
Transportation throughout the Port Douglas Region
Getting around Port Douglas is simple with the use of the local shuttle. Trips are $6 each way or you can buy day or multi-pass packs. There is no uber service in town and taxi's can be quite expensive unless travelling with a large group.
Getting to and from the airport can be arranged through the same local shuttle services or with a private transfer. There is no local public transport option between Port Douglas and Cairns Airport.
The best way to see Port Douglas and the region though, is by hiring a car! There is so much to see and do and plenty of secret spots to explore that the having the freedom of a car is bliss!
If you are doing a tour, the company will usually pick you up and drop you off from your Port Douglas Accommodation.
Cruise Ships
Port Douglas is a prime destination in today's cruise ship market. Passengers disembark just off the coast and are ferried safely to the Reef Marina. Port Douglas is one of the closest and remote locations visited on the east coast. Tours & Activities can be arranged on board but are often more expensive due to administration costs. These same activities can be access direct by passengers.
Passengers tend to just stroll around the town, parks and beaches either shopping or taking to the many unique restaurants and cafes available.
Port Douglas welcomes guest to the area by hosting markets and live music at the Reef Marina. Passenger an walk up into town and down to Four Mile Beach, with transport only required if heading out of town for other activities.
Disabled Cruise Information
Port Douglas offers a range of activities for all the family, including reef cruises, tours of the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest tours, scuba diving and golfing excursions. However, when traveling with a disabled family member, there's a lot more to consider than just the activities. Aspects of traveling, such as access, medical requirements and mobility issues are often taken for granted by able bodied travellers but to disabled travellers, particularly cruises, these components all need to be in place to ensure an enjoyable vacation.
The majority of cruises now have disabled access. This includes ramps and staff available to help at any time with boarding and departing the cruise, as well as getting around while on the ship. It's vital to check your cruise has this before booking. This should be easy to do as many cruises state this on their website, or a simple phone call can tell you.
Once access to the cruise has been established, it's important to research the activities you wish to take part in while on holiday and find out whether they cater to disabled customers or not. Many scuba companies, for example, now allow those with disabilities to take part by providing the correct equipment and trained help.
It's also crucial to tell both the cruise company and any other companies you may be using while on vacation about your disabilities, what you need to bring and the specific care you need to remain comfortable. If applicable, inform them about the type of medication you take so that they can store it for you, keep it safe and provide it to you when you need to take it. The majority of companies are incredibly accommodating and will be more than happy to help you to ensure your vacation goes perfectly.
Immigration and Visa Forms and Questions
Please visit www.immi.gov.au
Forms can be lodge over the net at www.eta.immi.gov.au
Distances and Travel Times from Port Douglas
Port Douglas to Cairns Airport 72km 50m
Port Douglas to Cairns City 80km 1h
Port Douglas to Daintree Village 55km 45m
Port Douglas to Daintree Ferry 60km 40 m
Port Douglas to Cape Trib. 85km 1h 45m
Port Douglas to Mossman Gorge 20km 15m
Port Douglas to Julaten 35km 30m
Port Douglas to Cooktown 400km 3h 30m
Sunsets and Sunrise times
Peak Sunsets & Sunrises for Port Douglas Region
Time Zone = AEST
Winter (July) Peak
Sunrise 6:47am
Sunset 5:59pm
Summer (Nov) Peak
Sunrise 5:35am
Sunset 6:28pm
