GENERAL INFORMATION  - 

 

Port Douglas is a town in North Queensland, Australia, approximately 70km north of Cairns. Its permanent population is approximately 1287 residents. The town's population often quadruples, however, with the influx of tourists. The town is named in honour of former Premier of Queensland, John Douglas. Port Douglas is part of the magical Douglas Region which includes the pioneer town of Mossman and the spectacular Daintree Coast.

 

Port Douglas developed quickly based on the mining industry; other parts of the area were established with timber cutting occurring in the area surrounding the Daintree River and with settlement starting to occur on lots around the Mossman River by 1880. more . .

Previous names for the town included Terrigal, Island Point, Port Owen and Salisbury. The town is the town in the world situated adjacent to two World Heritage areas, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

In November 1996 United States President Bill Clinton and the First Lady chose the town as their only vacation stop on their historic visit to Australia. When dining at a local restaurant they witnessed a couple's wedding certificate who had just got married the same day. On a return visit on September 11, 2001, the then ex President was again dining in a local restaurant at which he signed and dated a plate.

Recently the newly elected President Barack Obama was invited to the region in light of President Clintons love of the area.

Enjoyed by many as a romantic honeymooner’s paradise or child friendly family destination the Port Douglas Region offers both worlds the ultimate in relaxed tropical getaways.

52 restaurants line the Macrossan Street accompanied by restaurants in the suburbs of Four Mile, Mid Town and Mossman.  You will never need to eat in the same place twice however the quality of this towns restaurants may have you stuck with loyalty.

Live Music is the soul of the Port Douglas Region with 10's of venues every night providing entertainment for an international level.  Port Douglas is a little Italy at night.

THE DOUGLAS' TROPICAL SEASONS  - 

 

Port Douglas' Attributes are very strong with the traditional Reef and Rainforest jewels being world renowned.  These World heritage listed areas are at the demand of tourists all year round but we believe some times are even better than others.  

Waterfall Season | January to March | Watch and enjoy and immerse yourself as waterfalls deliver the worlds most romantic venues everyday.

Great Barrier Reef Season | All year round.  Visibility most months providing for the brochure days.

Rainforest / Sailing Season |  June & July are our 2 windy months providing great sunny weather for getting away to the Tablelands or Daintree Rainforest as well as making great use of the Sailing and Kitesurfing facilities Port Douglas offers.  The Rainforest is also very good in the Waterfall season as you can probably imagine.

Entertainment Season |  Everynight !

IMPORTANT INFORMATION -                                          

 

Jellyfish: 

Marine Stingers such as the Box Jellyfish and the Iriganji are found inthe tropical waters of North Queensland over the summer months. Drags are conducted from early October on the beaches daily to best indicate their arrival. During this period it is imperative that swimmers swim inside the purpose built enclosures.

 

Sun:

Although it sounds obvious please ensure children and yourselves are protected if in the sun for long periods of time. The tropcial sun is is very strong between the hours of 10am and 2pm. Full sun suits are recommended for children.

 

Cone Shells:

The waters and beaches around Port Douglas are home to the Coneshell, a poisonious marine animal. Please leave any shells with a cone appearance where you find them to best protect the environment and yourselves.

 

Passports and Quarantine Regulations for Queensland Australia For all non Australians and non New Zealanders 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

Where is the Port Douglas Region?

Port Douglas is located on Australia's east coast in Far North Queensland, about an hours drive north of the City of Cairns.

Click here to see on a Google Map.


Climate of the Port Douglas Region

The end of May until the beginning of August is winter in Australia.
Not so in the Port Douglas Region. The humidity is relatively dry. Rainfall is very rare. The day time temperature is around 28°C and at night the temperature can drop to 15°C.

Water temperature is around 25

Full year average temperatures: www.weatherzone.com.au/port_douglas

 

Scuba Diving on the Great Barrier Reef - Port Douglas Region

Certified divers need a log book and diving certificate to dive unsupervised.
Those who want to learn diving need a medical certificate Australian standard 4005.1

The diving centre where you want to learn the skills will organize this for you.
More about this in the "Tours & Activities" section under "Great Barrier Reef".


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

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.


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 Australias 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

Over a month - perhaps buy a car - click here
Less than a month - Car Rentals or Buses
Less than a week - All tours will pick you up from your accommodation.
Click here

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION  - 


Peak Sunsets & Sunrises for Port Douglas Region

Winter (July) Peak 

Rise	6:47am
Set	5:59pm

Summer (Nov) Peak

Rise	5:35am
Set	6:28pm

Weddings in Port Douglas

Port Douglas is Australia's most indulged wedding destination. Click here for more information. 

AUSTRALIAN HOLIDAY DATES  - 

 

School holiday's generally means that pre-booking accommodation and some tours is important. Please check the school holidays below to ensure if this is your travel time you make your enquiries and bookings in advance.

 

Australian School & Public Holidays (vacations) 2010

Major Public Holidays in Australia for 2011

New Year's Day		Friday, 1 January
Australia Day		Wednesday, 26 January
Good Friday		Friday, 22 April
Easter Saturday		Saturday, 23 April
Easter Monday		Monday, 25 April
Anzac Day		Monday, 25 April
Labour Day		Monday, 2 May (QLD)
Queen's Birthday		Monday, 13 June
**Bank Holiday		Wednesday, 11 August
Christmas Day		Tuesday, 28 December
Boxing Day		Monday, 27 December

Please note, Australian States may celebrate different public holidays such as Labour Day and the Queen's Birthday.

State:  School Holiday Dates for 2011

State	Term	Start	Finish
A.C.T
	1	15 April	1 May
	2	9 July	24 July
	3	31 September	16 October
	4	22 December	2 February 2012
N.S.W
	1	09 April	26 April
	2	02 July	17 July
	3	24 September	11 October
	4	21 December	27 January 2012
N.T
	1	4 April	8 April
	2	27 June	22 July
	3	3 October	7 October
	4	17 December	29 January 2012
QLD
	1	16 April	26 April
	2	25 June	10 July
	3	17 September	2 October
	4	10 December	22 January 2012
S.A
	1	16 April	1 May
	2	9 July	24 July
	3	22 September	7 October
	4	17 December	29 January 2012
W.A
	1	20 April	4 May
	2	9 July	25 July
	3	1 October	17 October
	4	15 December	2 Feb 2012
VIC
	1	9 April	26 April
	2	2 July	17 July
	3	24 September	11 October
	4	23 December	1 February 2012
TAS
	1	4 June	19 June
	2	3 September	18 September
	3	22 December	15 Feb 2012

travel insurance 

You can buy, extend and claim online even after you've left home. Recommended by Lonely Planet, World Nomads travel insurance is available to people from over 150 countries and is designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and activities such as scuba diving.