Wednesday 11 May 2011

Cairns wallops Port in ratings

: A unique look at Four Mile Beach. Photo by Kelly Hough. Home page photo by signaturestaff.com.au.

Cairns has outshone Port Douglas as a preferred holiday destination in Trip Advisor's 'Traveller's choice 2011 - Top 25 desinations in South Pacific.'

In what clearly must be an error in the polling process, Port Douglas came in at number 16 while Cairns stormed into the top 10 at number 6.

Cairns is described as "the perfect city for merry revelers, passionate divers and adrenaline junkies, offering booming nightlife and heart-pounding adventure amid a vibrant, tropical setting. This friendly Queensland city of 130,000 is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Park, Cape Tribulation, Cooktown and the rest of Cape York Peninsula."

Meanwhile Port Douglas was recognised for its dining described as "the culinary gem of Queensland" and also a fantastic base to explore the reef and rainforest.

"...this Queensland town has an out-of-this-world setting," Trip Advisor states. "Sunbathe on the golden sands of Four Mile Beach, then melt into perfect pampering at one of Port Douglas’ glorious day spas for the ultimate in relaxation."

Regardless of result, I think we all know where we'd rather be.

Top 10:

1. Sydney, Australia
2. Queenstown, New Zealand
3. Melbourne, Australia
4. Perth, Australia
5. Byron Bay, Australia
6. Cairns, Australia
7. Auckland, New Zealand
8. Milford Sound, New Zealand
9. Papeete, French Polynesia
10. Christchurch, NZ

16. Port Douglas, Australia

Have your say!

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John White, 19-05-11 10:06:

Omid says it all ...
... and I would hate to be in the same comparison basket as Cairns, or indeed any of the other places in the list.
... we have it all and forgive me but I don't think we want those who want city life when we offer "paradise"

Rod Roberts, 16-05-11 12:56:

The old saying is sell the sizzle not the sausage and someone has done a good job on Cairns ''merry revelers, adrenaline junkies, heart pounding adventure'' indeed! Sounds good script writing?
Why would you come to Port when you can get all this?
You come for the the quirky village atmosphere, proximity to uncomparable rainforest and reef, famous beach blah blah - don't know who but some work needs to be done before the next Trip Advisor edition?

Mick @+Rita Mccall, 13-05-11 12:20:

What a crock. The only thing Cairns has got better than our home away from home is the airport..You have to land somewere..PS ..dont build the lagoon anywere near the St Mary,s...U have so many other spots that are just as beautiful..

Omid Master, 13-05-11 11:17:

Comparative thinking is an unfortunate part of today's world when in fact everywhere, everyone and everything has its own special offering. But when it comes to getting away to one of the best beaches, accommodation, retail, backpackers and natural habitats in the world Port Douglas has it all!

Gazza Tee, 11-05-11 18:44:

I shouldn't lose too much sleep over this survey if I were you? On the scale of things it's an excellent achievement to see Port up there with the "big players". For a town of the size Port Douglas and the manner in which it has maintained the balance between commercialisation and conservation, I reckon you guys have done pretty well. Don't knock what you have got, because what you have got, you sell very well.

The last thing you folks want to be is the second "Gold Coast" or to be like Cairns - the love-child of U.S. and British colonial cultures. The real charm of Port Douglas is the simplicity of day-to-day life, the magnificent natural resources and amazing countryside, a stunning unspoilt beach and water front and the amazing quality of service where ever you go. And.... folks, probably the best radio station in all of Australia! Now you can't buy that in the big places can you - unless you have a BIG FAT WALLET!

The only downside is .... getting regular and reasonably priced international flights to FNQ.... and that ladies and gentlemen is where things go against you in Port Douglas. Apart from Cathy Pacific flying directly to Cairns, what other carrier can bring the people from Europe to your wonderful town....?

Notwithstanding that whinge from this Pommie correspondent... you've really have got it made peeps!

Well done!