Port Douglas, Australia

Mar 24th 2006
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Port Douglas was somewhere highly recommended to us on our last visit to Australia, but sadly we didn’t have time to visit. This time, we made sure we paid it a visit, with the added advantage of it being away from the effects of Cyclone Larry.

On our way, we drove past Hartley’s Crocodile farm and we just couldn’t resist stopping to look. And boy were we glad that we did! It was so well organised, and the shows going on – including the highlight of a crocodile attack – were very informative and interesting. There was also a boat trip around their lagoon which was full of crocs who were fed before our very eyes.

The town itself is quite spread out, and it builds out to the point of the coast. One of the main sites is the 4 mile beach, which I’m not going to make any obvious comments about. But it was all beautiful, and we had a very relaxing few days here. Actually, we ended up spending a few days longer as we couldn’t get past Innisfall.

We also decided to take a day trip to Mossman Gorge and the Cape of Tribulation. Mossman Gorge is part of the tropical rainforest, and contains a fast flowing river which you can swim in. I didn’t as the previous day some thieving [censored] stole both pairs of swimming shorts and some of my t-shirts (can you tell I’m angry about that?). Wandering through the forest was like being in another world. It was so peaceful, and everywhere you looked just made you want to stay there forever.

Getting to the Cape of Tribulation involves using a rather unique ferry guided by cables on either side of the river. Once over, the roads are nice and twisty as they work their way over the mountain – my boy racer side comes out on such roads. There’s an amazing feeling of tranquility up there, with very little traffic or people to be seen. One of the highlights, which I wasn’t expecting at all, was the ice cream factory. Then there was the nature trail where a raised walkway has been built through the rainforest enabling you to see it at all levels.

We did enjoy Port Douglas, but I think it was a bit to laid back for us as we started to feel slightly bored after a few days. But, it’s well worth the trip though if your in that neck of the woods. Just keep an eye on your clothes if you hang them out to dry!