Family Sunday Funday

WORDS by Stacey Brown

7am: If your fam is anything like mine, they’re up NIIIIICE and early whether you like it or not. So get the kettle on and get ready for a day of family fun. Get sunscreen on the kids and get out the door.

Hit the famed Port Douglas Sunday markets to fuel up. Unique and handmade gifts abound from jewellery to clothes and there’s also a myriad of foods at your fingertips.

8am: Grab a coffee from the Vietnamese coffee stall for an iced caffeine hit and some of the famed Dukes donuts before popping down to Rex Smeal Park. Grab a spot in the shade and enjoy the stunning view of the boats heading out as the kiddies run off some energy and sugar on the playground.

10am: Time to cool off after all that exertion. Grab your cozzies and hit beautiful Four Mile Beach. A shovel and spade will go a long way with the kids or hire a SUP or kayak right off the beach from Port Douglas Watersports. If Dad has the kids entertained, mum might want to hire a sun lounger too and put her feet up.

12pm: If all that swim and play has left you famished, we’ve got the recommends for lunch. Try locals haunt the Tin Shed for stunning views over the Coral Sea, with a kids menu and a great relaxed vibe on the open air deck with live music on Sundays from 1pm

2pm: Now depending on your energy levels, it may be time to retire to your accommodation for a few hours of chill time. If the kiddies are not that way inclined, and they still have energy to burn, try the Wildlife Habitat for an immersive experience with all the furry, scaly and feathered creatures FNQ has to offer. Walk amongst cockatoos and frogmouths, feed the kangaroos and wallabies and watch the croc show, all five minutes from the centre of town.

5pm: You must be ready to unwind. An early dinner in a breezy spot near the beach is just what the doctor ordered. The Beach Shack is a 20 minute walk from the Wildlife Habitat in locals enclave Four Mile. An icon of the Port Douglas dining scene, it pairs it’s casual vibe with fantastic Italian food and pizza.

6:30pm: Time to relax. A cosy movie with the kids and an early night will put the perfect cap on your perfect family Sunday!

Early Birds Indulgence Sunday

6am: Up and out! You don’t want to miss possibly the best sunrise in Australia! Get yourself down to Four Mile Beach for the morning show, head north towards town and straight up and enjoy the scenic headland walk. Keep going up and be rewarded with a spectacular view over town and Four Mile.

8am: Yoga on the Beach is an unmissable way to spend the morning. Do your sun salutations overlooking the Coral Sea daily at 8am. Book online ahead of time.

9am: With the blood pumping and the downward dogs done, you will be ready to breakfast. Take a meander down Macrossan Street for a coffee. For a light and refreshing breakfast try Nectar Acai Bar for fresh smoothies, bowls and juices that will set you up for the entire day. The ‘Queenslander’ is like FNQ Sunshine in a bowl.

11am: Located 20km north of Port Douglas, the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre is a must visit. Soak in the local culture and enjoy a genuine Indigenous experience. Take a self-guided walk through the Daintree Rainforest and visit the Cultural Centre for local history. You can self drive or book a shuttle from Port Douglas. Visit their website for more info.

1pm: For a light and refreshing lunch a stone’s throw from the beach, Nourish Cafe (as well as an adjacent Yoga studio, for those that can’t get enough)

2pm: For the ultimate in wellness and indulgence Niramaya Spa should be on your list. With an extensive menu of facials, body treatments and massages, the Day Spa is an oasis in the lush and tranquil surrounds of Niramaya’s tropical gardens. Pure bliss.
If warming up for the afternoon is more your style, Deep Retreat in the centre of town offers a Sento-style bathhouse, reformer and Barre pilates, massage and rooftop pool access. A one stop shop for an afternoon of self-care. Sweat it out then cool it down.

4pm: Surely even the most health conscious need to let the hair down a little. After all that fresh air and exercise, hit Barbados at the Marina for one of the most iconic views in Port Douglas. Watch the sun sink over Dickson Inlet from one of their luxe day beds, with something cool and refreshing in hand. With an all-day share menu, a cheese or seafood platter is the perfect accompaniment for one of their signature Tiki Cocktails

7pm: If your cheese platter piqued your appetite for something a little more, turn it into a roving degustation and stroll up to Seabean Tapas Bar and Restaurant. Chill vibes and fantastic food, share a paella or tuck into their revolving daily menu of P
pintxos, small finger food snacks, perfect with an icy Spanish beer or traditional Sangria. Ole!

9pm: Well, you’ve been up since dawn, so retire relaxed and sated after a picture perfect Port Douglas Sunday

Night owls and Party Animals

7am: Pfffft are you serious? Roll over, go back to sleep and catch at least another hour of Zzzzs, it’s Sunday morning!

9am: Start your day off with a bang with breakfast at Cafe Fresq, psssst did somebody say bottomless brunch? Treat yourself to a mimosa with your eggs benny or if Saturday night was a little wild maybe a delicious Bloody Mary?

11am: After a gentle start to the morning, some leisurely shopping might be in order. Whether it’s a bit of vacay fashion (Tshinta, Jungle Road), maybe a holiday read (Whileaway Cafe and Bookshop), a little bit of bling (Wicked Willies), some gifts for the fam at home (With Sugar) or some art to remember your FNQ sojourn (Yalanji Arts, Sea Gallery), you will find it all within strolling distance on Macrossan Street.

2pm: Long late lunch on the cards? Try the breezy beach end of Macrossan for some fresh air and fine food. With gorgeous surrounds, a dazzling wine list and modern Australian fusion cuisine, from Burrata to confit pork belly, Zinc ticks all the boxes.

If flavours of the sea float your boat, Wrasse and Roe is Port Douglas’ premiere seafood destination. Think freshly shucked oysters, kingfish carpaccio, seared scallops. Paired with a fresh ocean breeze, this is heaven. Both open from 2pm.

4pm: With the sun starting to sink, take a stroll to Crystalbrook Marina and jump aboard one of the spectacular vessels for an iconic sunset sail. There’s no better way to watch a sunset on the Coral Sea, looking back at the spectacular mountain ranges. Sailaway Port Douglas will take you in high style on one of their luxury high performance sailing catamarans or take a romantic sunset sail on the iconic Shaolin, a unique Chinese Junk. Sunset sails commence at 5pm

6:30: Arrive back on dry land just in time for a spot of dinner, Hemingways Brewery is located right on the marina. As well as offering flights of their award winning craft beers and guest spirit tasting paddles, they serve up hearty snacks, burgers and pizzas to satisfy the hungriest sailor.

8:00 Heading back up through town you will find Macrossan Street in full swing. The Courthouse Hotel features live music five nights a week in the beer garden, the Central is the home for live sports on the big screen and from 8:30 on a Sunday YOU can be the star at Paddy’s Irish Pub with their popular Karaoke.

10:30pm: Cap off a brilliant Sunday with a nightcap at the luxurious Jimmy Rums cocktail bar. With an extensive and intriguing menu, exotic tunes, just the right amount of red velvet and expert mixologists, you’ll wonder if you just wandered into another time and place. The Gingerydoo is a big favourite, or famous Lava Chill cocktail for two will impress even the most discerning imbiber.