Port Douglas, Australia – Discover Tropical Queensland

Australia’s idyllic Port Douglas is justly renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful places to relax, unwind and cast your worries to the sea. This unique tourist destination sits adjacent to Tropical North Queensland’s two World Heritage Sites — the fabled Great Barrier Reef, and the majestic Daintree Rainforest. As home too to Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas boasts one of Australia’s most picturesque locations for sailing, wind surfing, kite-boarding, and surfing.

The pristine surroundings of Port Douglas were originally settled thousands of years ago by the Kuku Yulanji tribe. The English first encountered its astonishing beauty when Captain James Cook was mapping the eastern coastline of Australia in 1770, during his initial voyage to the continent. In fact, Port Douglas was an unexpected stop for Cook and his crew, for they ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef, and had to delay their voyage for more than seven weeks in order to repair their ship, the Endeavour. Cook thus named this bay Cape Tribulation, because, he noted in his journal, “here began all of our Troubles”.

These days, such troubles are no more than poignant history in Port Douglas, with the Reef now well-marked and carefully conserved. Its protection allows visitors a unique and breathtaking opportunity to experience an incredible underwater world. Discovering the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system — its 35 million hectares embracing 900 islands and 3000 individual reefs — is one of the hallmark travel opportunities of a lifetime. This is an organic structure so large that it can be seen from outer space – composed of billions of coral polyps, it is home to an extensive variety of underwater wildlife including whales, sea turtles, starfish, eels, and dolphins. It is, quite possibly, the best place to go diving or snorkeling in the world.

Back on shore, the Daintree Rainforest rivals its aquatic counterpart for beauty and mystery – a fascinating, immaculate ecosystem that is home to 430 bird species, giant tree frogs, sugar gliders, bandicoots, and estuarine crocodiles. Here you will find the largest range of plants and animals in the world, all within easy access of the Port Douglas beachfront. In the mood for a swim? The forest’s cool, green Mossman Gorge, a series of freshwater swimming holes in its midst, represents the perfect photo opportunity. Explore the history and depth of the Daintree by taking a jungle tour, riding horseback, or a river cruise.

The highlights of Port Douglas, however, go well beyond natural wonders, outstanding though they are. Macrossan Street, bisecting the heart of the city, boasts a range of great restaurants, cafes and shops, as well as a fun nightlife scene. Four Mile Beach, which is conveniently just a few meters southeast, is a stunning sandy coastline — ideal for indulging in a wide range of water sports, or simply a leisurely bike ride.

The adventures and sights of Port Douglas though will no doubt take their toll, and the Rydges Sabaya Resort provides you with a tranquil haven to unwind and rejuvenate. Newly redeveloped in 2007, the resort features fresh, well-appointed guest rooms and apartments, a lagoon-style pool, tasteful new restaurant, and large banquet facilities. Offering a warmth of service that reflects both the relaxed Port Douglas lifestyle and Rydges’ sense of fun and energy, the hotel is just a stone’s throw from the southern rim of Four Mile Beach – making it all the easier to start relaxing on your Port Douglas vacation.

Queensland Holidays- Sights to See and Things To Do

Queensland is regarded as being the top tourist destination in all of Australia. It has a host of tourist icons including the world famous Great Barrier Reef, the Surfers Paradise Gold Coast and a variety of world class zoos and theme parks. Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo, Sea World, Dreamworld and Movieworld are amongst the most popular of these. Add to these the renowned Australian landmarks such as Port Douglas, Cairns, Fraser Island, Noosa and Whitesunday’s. Interested individuals will be able to find a variety of Queensland tours to accommodate the kind of trip they are looking for.

Must Visit Regions of Queensland

Along with all the above mentioned itineraries another intriguing aspect that attracts globetrotters to the region of Queensland are the multitude of islands that surround the region. These islands are home to some of the finest island resorts that you will be able to find anywhere in the world. Amongst the top notch Queensland resorts that you will have the opportunity to explore are Green Island, Bedarra Island, Dunk Island, Orpheus Island, Hayman Island, Hamilton Island, Brampton Island and Daydream Island. These are just a few names from amongst the collection of magnificent island hotels that Queensland has to offer.

Queensland holidays are not restricted to what has been mentioned above. Rather the areas in and around Queensland are surrounded by a host of holiday escape destinations which offer an exotic and intriguing experience to any adventure seeking tourist. Cape Tribulation and Daintree rainforest are two such destinations located in the north of Queensland. Adventure seekers can also take a trip to Airlie Beach on Whitesunday’s which offers an excellent opportunity to engage in sailing activities by hiring bareboat charter. Nature lovers on the other hand will relish at the beautiful lakes and magnificent rainforests of Fraser Island. Similarly Hervey Bay offers a flabbergasting experience of whale watching on a guided tour across the Fraser Coast area. For those interested in engaging in shopping and dining experiences Noosa is definitely a must visit region of Queensland.

Best Queensland Accommodation Choices

There is no doubt about the fact that Queensland holidays are amongst the finest that you will get to experience anywhere in the world. When it comes to seeking accommodation during your trip the northern region of Cairns has some of the best resorts to offer. The capital city of Brisbane is another region where you will be able to find excellent Queensland accommodation. The strategic location of Brisbane places it smack in the center of Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. However hotels and resorts in this part of Queensland may be a tad bit more costly. On the other hand it has a variety of attractions close by including fine restaurants and shopping arcades as well as the opportunity to engage a multitude of other holiday activities.

Queensland is overloaded with sights to see and things to do for visitors. Hence it is advised that you take your time to plan your trip so that you can reap maximum benefits. You can opt to go for premade guided Queensland tours or have your travel agent create a customized package according to your preferences and budget limitations.

Queensland Overview. From Jellyfish to Giant Lizards

What is Queensland? One of the five Australian states, with a subtropical climate, long beaches, lights coming from the hotel windows, the noise of the ocean influx and an opportunity to plunge into real exotics. The capital is Brisbane.

Don’t break corals.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s wonders. It stretches from New Guinea to the southern tropics. This coral reef system is more than 2000 kilometers long. Most of the reefs are underwater, but some can be seen on the water surface during the low-tide.

To observe all this, first thing you have to do is to get to Port Douglas – a nice place with a spacious berth. Each morning there are high-speed Quicksilver catamarans heading for the reef. 1,5 hours of a light breeze – and there it is, in the horizon – a huge pontoon drifting on the ocean’s surface. Tourists spend the whole day here – but even 12 hours is not enough to swim around, make a helicopter flight over the reef and feed sea inhabitants. And don’t forget to have your meals – the company offers a good choice of delicious food, prepared by best Queensland cooks.

Divers plunge into a wonderful world of underwater caves, corals and sea plants moving their tentacles in an attempt to catch fish. The water is perfectly clear, which is good if you want to take pictures. The only thing you have to be beware of are jellyfishes.

Scientists say that it takes the corals extremely much time to grow, and the largest of them are more than a thousand years old. That is why tourists are not allowed to break any pieces off, or they will be charged with a fine.

Animal life.

There are various cars driving along Queensland roads, but most people prefer classic jeeps with steel grilles on their hoods, in case one runs into a kangaroo – the animal can jump in front of a car and collide into windshield. The variety of animals is endless – ostrichs, giant lizards, cute downy koala… or a termitary covered with down? The highway reaches the ocean and runs along the ocean front: this is the place to enjoy a magnificent panorama of the Queensland coast: white sandy bays, black rocks, slopes covered with green forests… The forest rests on a Daintree River, which flows into the sea. Be careful, you can meet sea crocodiles here: they live in half-salt water and have extremely strong jaws.

The Edge of the World.

Farther to the north, you will see funny palm-trees which are used to get water – this is usually done in the morning. There is only one place where these trees grow – and its Queensland. Those who love exotics will like a stay at Coconut Beach Resort (Cape Tribulation) – two dozens of pile houses, each furnished with wicker chairs and tables. Jungles contrast with hotel comforts.

The road runs further, from Cape Tribulation to Cape York. Better use two cars if you want to get there – it will take long the rescue team to find you if anything happens to one of cars.

Cape York is one of the least explored places on Earth, full of aboriginal history and legends. This is the land of adventures, a deserted place, inhabited with spirits and strange creatures.

What can be better than an active and impressive holiday? If exotic adventures is something you really like – welcome to Queensland!