by Les Scammell

Created on: October 21, 2010

When it comes to travel destinations, the name Port Douglas doesn't really conjure up anything special - yet it should. Port Douglas is located in far north Queensland Australia, just over an hours drive north of Cairns. Port Douglas brings to a traveler one of those rare moments that can't be seen anywhere else on earth - a heritage listed coral reef touching a heritage listed rain forest. That's Port Douglas. To the east is the heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, said to be the largest living organism on earth. To the west is the heritage listed Dainteee National Park.

Strangely, for decades Port Douglas was a sleepy little village, slowly dieing as its youth moved further south to the larger cities. Then, one day it woke up and, almost overnight, became the mecca for the rich and famous. President Clinton has holidayed there as have many other movie stars, singers, and yes, politicians. Today, Port Douglas has settled into a more relaxed and open tourist area.  There is holiday accommodation ranging from six star $2000 a night to backpacker friendly, albeit not as cheap as some areas, but then, very good quality for backpacker style accommodation. In the middle sits the more traditional family style accommodation at reasonable rates for families.

Because of Port Douglas' location, it is a launching pad for many an adventure. Some travel east to explore the Great Barrier Reef and the hundreds of tropical islands that can be found up and down the coast. Others travel west to the Daintree and further north to Cape Tribulation, Cook Town, and eventually Cape York, one of Australia's northern most points. Along the way there is rain forest, desert, beautiful beaches and saltwater crocodiles - or salties as the locals refer to them as.

Of course, there are many that take on both adventures, using Port Douglas as their base. The weather in Port Douglas is tropical meaning rain in summer ( the wet season) and wonderfully warm and dry conditions in winter (the dry season). With frequent monsoonal storms including cyclones (hurricanes) in summer, winter has become the most popular time to travel to this region. In summer, particularly after heavy rains, many of the roads surrounding the area become flooded, often stranding unwary tourists.

One of  the best times of the year to visit Port Douglas and the surrounds is in mid April, after the floods have started to subside, and the wonderful native forests come to life. Native flowers put on a show, as do the native animals and birds. Out to see, the coral takes on a new life with turtles looking for nesting areas, dugong grazing on sea grasses, and if you're lucky, you may even spot a giant groper looking for its next meal.

Port Douglas, once a sleepy town that became a hide-away for the rich and famous. Now it's open for everyone who wants the combination of a little luxury, and the opportunity for a little adventure.

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