Port Douglas Tourism News
- Romance is always in the air, with close to 500 couples saying 'I do' here in 2011.
- You can view the biggest orgy on earth when the coral spawn occurs each year around November
- The tiny larvae of coral reef fish are faster than our best Olympic swimmers with a speed of 20.6cm a second. A human swimming at that rate would complete 100 metres in three seconds.
- Nature's masterpiece the Daintree Rainforest, is home to Australia's largest fern, the king fern (Angiopteris evecta) and world's smallest kangaroo, the musky rat-kangaroo.
- Prawns can be caught, sold and eaten on the same day in Port.
- Six of the world's seven turtles are found on the Great Barrier Reef.
- Indulge in a spa treatment at any one of the 10 spa resorts in the region, or have the treatment come to you.
- The Wet Tropics covers less than 0.1 per cent of the Australian continent, yet it is the country's most diverse region.
- It is the home of Australia's first and only origin chocolate made from locally grown cocoa.
- In 2012, it is the best place on the planet to witness the total solar eclipse as the central line crosses directly at nearby Oak Beach.
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Carnivale 2012 is loaded with exciting events!
- SHERATON MIRAGE PORT DOUGLAS LONGEST LUNCH
- DOMAINE CHANDON CARNIVALE LUNCH
- AUDI PALATES OF PORT
- CARNIVALE TENNIS CUP
- WINDSWELL FREERIDE SESSIONS
- AIRING OF THE QUILTS
- AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST MORNING TEA
- SEA TEMPLE COOKING MASTERCLASS
- CARNIVALE CLUB LAUNCH / WINE TASTING
- FOOD, WINE, A TASTE OF PORT
- YALANJI ARTS
- MERIDIEN SEAFOOD EXTRAVAGANZA
- THE CARNIVALE CLUB ART GALLERY
- THE CARNIVALE CLUB: LUSH CABARET/HEAVENLY BODIES
- NORTHERN FANTASY ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
- PORT DOUGLAS CARNIVALE GOLF TOURNAMENT
- THE CARNIVALE CLUB: BATTLE OF THE SPORTS
- THE CARNIVALE CLUB: NEPTUNE’S REALM
- EXEMPLAR CLIPPER CUP REGATTA
- THE CARNIVALE CLUB: 5SENSES
- THE CARNIVALE CLUB: SIT DOWN COMEDY CLUB
- SEA TEMPLE SIGNATURE DINNER
- PORT DOUGLAS CARNIVALE STREET PARADE
- STREET PARADE VIP VIEWING PARTY
- FOUR MILE BEACH DAY
- DAINTREE STATION BULLRIDE SPECTACULAR
- RIO CARNIVALE PARTY
See more information about all the Events or view the Program online now! www.carnivale.com.au
For those who prefer to make their own way around, most roads are sealed but travelers venturing off these must check road conditions before they leave, and make sure to let someone know where you are going and how long you expect to be gone. Pre-Booking of rental cars is recommended. 4WD travellers should take extra care in the more remote areas. Remember that creek causeways can quickly become impassable with heavy rain so don't cross unless you are sure that it is safe. A little patience spent waiting for the water to go down, usually at low tide, could prevent an accident. Always treat the road with the respect that prevailing conditions warrant.
In Port Douglas and Daintree, the rule is relax. The style is casual so all you need are comfortable, lightweight clothes. If you like, you can leave your jacket and tie behind, because they are not necessary even at formal restaurants. Don't forget to pack walking shoes, a hat, swimwear and sunglasses. Remember to minimize your sun exposure and bring a good sunscreen, or buy one locally. Don't forget your camera/video camera!
An exciting day for our Daintree Dreaming customers today with the commencement of a new tour guide Cris Wilesmith. A young enthusiastic Aboriginal guide who has completed stage one of his training, Cris will be complete his training in 6 weeks and will guide the tours each Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.
For keen golfers wanting a taste of adventure, Skysafari, in conjunction with Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club have created the ultimate day tour.
Taking in three of North Queensland’s courses, golfers will travel by helicopter to experience breathtaking views and 27 holes of golf at Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club, Sea Temple Port Douglas and Cooktown Golf Links at Walker Bay.
Guests will take to the skies from either Port Douglas or Cairns airfields, and flown in a state-of-the-art, five-seater, R66 Robinson Helicopter, to play nine holes of golf on three distinctly different courses. Des Shearer, the Director of Golf at Paradise Palms Resort & Country Club, described the experience as “extraordinary”. He said that he “has never seen North Queensland in that way. There are waterfalls that are absolutely breathtaking and we even saw a manta-ray and bull sharks around the Great Barrier Reef from the helicopter. The best thing is we got to see all this in between doing something we love, playing golf”.
“There were moments while playing the Cooktown Links that you could have been mistaken for being at La Perouse’s NSW Golf Club, one of the top 5 courses in Australia. I had to remind myself that I was in remote areas of Cooktown”.
Skysafari, together with Paradise Palms has made the perfect combination to showcase this amazing part of the world, where the rainforest meets the reef.
Based on a minimum group of three passengers, the day tour is fully inclusive and priced at $1440 per person. Terms and conditions apply.
Inclusions as follows:
- Return rainforest and Coral Coast helicopter scenic flight transfers
- Direct landing access to 3 unique courses
- Nine holes of Golf at each course
- Complimentary motorised golf carts, twin share
- Complimentary club hire if required
- Gourmet meals and refreshments
- Apres drinks at iconic Lions Den Hotel near Cooktown
- Departing from Cairns or Port Douglas
To book, email: sales@paradisepalms.com.au or call (07) 4059 9932
Article by: Ozgur Tore http://ftnnews.com/golf/16473-north-queenslands-first-golf-heli-tour-launched.html Saturday 14th April 2012
Time your visit to coincide with the 2012 Cooktown Discovery Festival which will take place from June 08-11, hop on board Adventure North Australia for a memorable weekend.
http://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/events/cooktowndiscoveryfestival
A fully costumed re-enactment of the landing of Captain James Cook and his first meeting with the local Guugu Yimithirr people.
Travel up with Adventure North on the 1 Day Cooktown Adventure (at $250per person) and Stay the entire weekend! Travelling up on Friday 8th June and returning on Monday 11th June 2012. Accommodation cost additional which we can assist you with.
See http://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/events/cooktowndiscoveryfestival for further informationion of all the celebrations throughout the weekend.
We're delighted to announce that The Cassowary e-book has been released!
All guests and friends of The Cassowary will receive a special edition book as a gift. This is our way of saying thank you for staying with us and becoming part of The Cassowary family!
Looking for a unique Aboriginal cultural experience in Tropical North Queensland, look no further than the 1 Day Daintree Dreaming Day Tour from Cairns and Port Douglas
Kubirri Warra brothers Linc and Brandon Walker of KuKu Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours and Adventure North Australia offer this exclusive tour each Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun.
Cooya Beach is a special place and is a traditional fishing ground of the Kuku Yalanji Bama people. This unique coastal place has three diverse eco systems - beach, mangroves and coastal reef, learn how to hunt and gather bush tucker and medicines.
Visit the spectacular Niau waterfall, lunch with magestic views of the Mossman River and rainforest at Silky Oaks, and enjoy an Aboriginal art class with a difference. See our facebook page for some amazing photos of recent tours. http://www.facebook.com/DaintreeDreamingDayTour
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Observing the June 6th 2012 Transit of Venus from Australia
"Within the area that sees the entire transit, Northern Australia stands out as possibly the clearest place to observe the transit of Venus. Viewing geometry is not ideal, but when general viewing conditions and weather prospects are taken into account north central Australia probably comes out on top. The only region in the world with very low levels of cloud cover and a view of the entire event is north-central and north-east Australia.
Observing and timing the 1769 transit was the main reason that Captain Cook and Charles Green were appointed by the Royal Society to travel to Tahiti in 1769 (After the transit on the return voyage, Cook searched the South Seas for months looking for the great southern continental land mass, Terra Australis, that it was thought was necessary to balance the great continental masses in the northern hemisphere. There was no such continent but in the process, he stumbled upon Australia." http://rses.anu.edu.au/~jcali/eclipses/PLANNING/ToV2012p/2012TransitOfVenus.html Want to know more about Captain Cook and the history of North Queensland, hop on board Adventure North Australia for a 1-3 day Cooktown Tour http://www,adventurenorthaustralia.com
After all the heavy rain early in the week and the Captain Cook Highway being closed at Buchans Point, just north of Cairns, we are now back and operating as of 22nd March, we are getting all the way through to Emmagen Creek north of Cape Tribulation with our high clearance 4WD vehicles and not having any problems. We are seeing lots of crocodiles, pythons, on the Daintree River Cruise and we are seeing a resident Male Cassowary and chick on our guided board walk.
Looking for something to do come and join us.
March 2012 – Events NQ is again proud to host the renowned Sheraton Mirage Longest Lunch to kick of Port Douglas Carnival 2012. One of the biggest and most stylish events on the social calendar will be held lakeside at the Sheraton Mirage’s Country Club overlooking the Daintree Mountains on Friday 18th May 2012.
The event welcomes locals, visitors from all over the world and celebrities to come and allow the talented Executive Chef, Klaus Keller, and his exceptional team tickle your taste buds with their culinary creations with wines to match into the early afternoon, all while making a charitable donation to a most worthy cause. Last year over $13,000 was raised for the Leukemia Foundation and this year we hope to raise even more to show our generosity & support towards such a wonderful charity. If you would like to purchase tickets for the Longest Lunch they are $150.
March 2012 – After winning the 2011 Queensland Hotels Association Awards for Excellence for Best Environmental Practice, the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort continues with their passion of sustainability by proudly supporting Earth Hour 2012. In Partnership with the McWilliam’s Wines Group, Chandon Wines, Cape Mentelle Wines, and Rant Clothing we are able to make a difference and contribute to the pertinent charity of The Australian Rainforest Foundation.
Hundreds of millions of people, businesses and governments around the world unite each year to support the largest environmental event in history – Earth Hour. More than 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide switched off their lights for Earth Hour 2011 alone, sending a powerful message for action on climate change. It also ushered in a new era with members going Beyond the Hour to commit to lasting action for the planet. Without a doubt, it’s shown how great things can be achieved when people come together for a common cause.
Join us in uniting people to help protect the planet for Earth Hour on Saturday 31st March. The fun all starts at the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas from 6pm, enjoy a special welcome mocktail and the delicious seafood dinner buffet while our roaming guitarist/vocalist entertains. Then at 8.30pm the lights will go out and the breathtaking fire dancers will illuminate the hour of darkness! During the course of the evening there will be raffles, lucky door prizes, a fashion show courtesy of Rant Clothing and even a goodie bag for the adults & kids to conclude the night. The Daintree lounge will be open from 9.30pm for those that wish to continue the Earth Hour festivity into the late hours.
Why not make a night out of the occasion? Check out our Earth Hour Specials!
Our Palm Cove Webcam which was located on cairnscam.info is currently being upgraded. It will be available again in a couple of weeks on the top of the weather page.
In the meantime, check out the Cairns Webcam at http://www.cairnsinfo.com/webcam.php
Cairns is featured in the tenth book of the Our Australia, an innovative series teaching students about the rich history, culture and geography of regional Australia.
The series is a collaboration between Australian Geographic magazine and award-winning author Phil Kettle, who also wrote the popular children’s series Get Real.
“This is a fantastic initiative for our kids and their teachers,” says author Phil Kettle. “It’s compelling, it’s fun and these books teach children about the rich and precious diversity of our country.”
The series follows Taha, a mischievous young boy, on his trip around Australia with his mum in their campervan, ‘The Southern Cross.’ The stories abound with quirky Aussie slang, jokes and Australiana facts.
In this edition, Taha and his friend Joel leave Canberra and travel 2069km up the coast of Queensland, driving along the Pacific Highway to Brisbane and catching the famous Tilt Train to Cairns.
On the trip the boys learn about the history of Cairns, go game fishing and visit the Cairns tropical zoo, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and the Great Barrier Reef.
Each book provides a fun way of learning about towns, cities and regions across Australia, including Broken Hill, Hobart, Byron Bay, Darwin and Canberra.
“This has been an exciting project for me to work on,” says Kettle. “I’m thrilled that schools, libraries and families now have access to this quality Australian resource.”
The books are a part of the new Australian Geographic Education range, a vital new resource for primary school teachers.
“As guardians of an iconic brand, the series is a significant development for us,” says Australian Geographic general manager, Jo Runciman. “We are tailoring our material to a new generation and providing a quality educational resource that is relevant to the country we live in and for the people who live here.”
To arrange an interview with Our Australia author Phil Kettle, call 0423 296 685.
To discuss the new Australian Geographic Education series or request a copy of Our Australia- Cairns contact Rebecca Baker on 02 9263 9825 or RBaker@acpmagazines.com.au.
Adventure North Australia celebrate taking over 10,000 customers on their 4wd Adventure tours to Cooktown. Now thats a lot of happy customers
The Sit Down Comedy Club opened the Cairns Comedy season for 2012 to a full house of 260 people and 13 fabulous contestants at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival's RAW COMEDY open mic competition.
All the upcoming shows at the Cairns Comedy Club are now locked in and ready for you amusement. Fiona O'Loughlin, Chris Franklin, Greg Sullivan, Nik Coppin and more...Check out whos performing at www.festivalsupnorth.com.
Did you know if your birthday is on a Cairns Comedy Club date that you can come celebrate your birthday with us for free? That's right, for a hassle free birthday with guarenteed laughs, grab your friends and head to the Sit Down Comedy Club. *Proof of id required for refund or free entry
Cairns Airport welcomes the return of Tiger Airways.
The airline announced today it will resume flights into Cairns with a daily Melbourne – Cairns return service, commencing 25 April 2012.
International Coaches & Tours can provide private transfers to your Cairns and Port Douglas Accommdation: http://www.internationalcoachesandtours.com.au/transfer.html
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Brown, said Tiger’s resumption of the busy Melbourne – Cairns route has been long awaited.
“That Tiger will again operate services into Cairns on what has been voted Australia’s fastest growing route just ahead of our peak season is very welcome news indeed.”
“Tiger commenced flights into Cairns in September 2010 and proved a popular airline even while operating on late night arrival and early morning departure times,” Mr Brown said.
“We also welcome the fact that Tiger is going to provide a daytime service, arriving into Cairns at 12:15pm and departing at 12:45pm, offering greater convenience for its passengers.”
“It is also excellent news for the regional economy with a daily domestic service calculated on average to provide an additional $75million per annum in gross regional product and generate 843 new jobs in the region.”
Today’s announcement comes after ongoing negotiations between Cairns Airport and Tiger Airways that commenced soon after services where withdrawn due to action by CASA in 2011.
“We have worked closely with Tiger Airways to find the right time to relaunch their Melbourne – Cairns service,” Mr Brown said. “With those flights set to recommence we will continue our negotiations and are confident we can work with Tiger to achieve further growth on Melbourne – Cairns as well as encourage them to introduce new routes.”
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On November 14, 2012 (Cairns time) a solar eclipse will be visible in Northern Australia and the Pacific Islands. Very few people have the opportunity to view a total solar eclipse as the shadow only covers a very small area of the Earth and you must be in a limited zone to see the moon cover the entire face of the sun.
Seeing a total eclipse is perhaps one of the most spectacular astronomical phenomenons that you will ever see. Being in the right spot is essential on November 14, 2012.
Port Douglas will be the best viewing for the 2012 Solar Eclipse.
Sun Palm Transport are taking all bookings for airport transfers, luxury sedans, stretch limousines and private transfers.
Make sure you make your booking soon to secure your transport.
Thanks to the generosity of our wonderful tourism industry, over $10,000 worth of food and gifts have been donated to The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul, Uniting Care (formerly Lifeline) and the Douglas Shire community - all recipients of the Quicksilver Group’s 8th Annual Christmas Charity Appeal.
“The overwhelming support and generosity of the local tourism industry and friends of tourism continues to amaze and impress us,” said Michael Healy Quicksilver Group Director Sales and Marketing. “It has been a tough few years for all industry in our region and the charities are in need more than ever. We hope we all can make a difference and everything donated will certainly help make this Christmas much happier for a lot of families and people in need.”
Quicksilver decided to once again to use the money they would normally contribute to buying gifts for agents and suppliers by instead purchasing goods for the local charities.
We would like to thank all the accommodation houses, tour desks, hotels, local suppliers and members of the community who have contributed to this year’s Appeal.
December 2011 – Award winning, environmentally conscious Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort alongside Mark Myers – Director of W & M Enterprises, are extremely excited to announce the first Eco Cab to be introduced to the roads of Port Douglas.
The Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas having recently won the ‘Best Environmental Practice’ award at the Queensland Hotels Awards for Excellence, enthusiastically seized the opportunity when Mark Myers presented the idea for advertising sponsorship of his product to General Manager, Lachlan Walker.
The Eco Cabs have an ultra modern look and the bodies are made up of a mixture of fibre glass and recycled plastic bottles. They have a 200 watt rechargeable front-motor, are pedal assisted and cost less than 2 cents per kilometre to run with 0% emissions. Complete with hydraulic disc breaks, indicators and break lights, the Eco Cab is extremely safe and comfortable to ride. The Eco Cab has received enormous acclaim and is hugely popular all across Europe, including major cities such asLondon andAmsterdam.
The Sheraton Mirage Eco Cab will be available for hire as of today to give locals or tourists a lift from one end of town to the other. A fun and economical savior to Christmas shoppers whose arms may be tiring of carrying all their new found treasures, or for those decadent, lengthy lunches that may continue on at another venue across town.
Lachlan Walker was particularly excited, stating “Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas is exceptionally proud to be supporting W&M Enterprises in establishing the new Eco Cab on to the roads around the village of Port Douglas. This Eco Cab represents our continuous efforts towards caring for the environment here locally with our breathtaking Reef and beautiful Rainforest, as well as being a step ahead in the campaign to tackle global environmental issues. We look forward to having the public get involved in supporting this, ensuring the Eco Cabs success.”
Mark Myers states, “With the battery currently being rechargeable, we are looking at installing solar panels in the future, using our plentiful natural resource - the sun - that we here in the Tropical North are so lucky to have readily access to. This will in turn dramatically lower the need for the use of electricity to recharge the battery, which will save further on the use of natural resources.”
Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort: Featuring 294 luxury rooms and suites with 100 villas, Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas is the only five star beachfront resort in Port Douglas. The resort is set in 147 hectares of lush tropical gardens and features an 18 hole championship golf course, award-winning restaurants and bars and 2 hectares of sparkling swimmable lagoons. Perfectly poised on Four Mile Beach, the resort provides an idyllic base to explore the natural wonders of tropical North Queensland. Its location only matched by the standard of indulgence, opulence, service and style that Sheraton Mirage is renowned for. The resort was awarded Queensland Hotels Association Awards for Excellence ‘Best Environmental Practise 2011’ as well as ‘Best Function/Operations Facility’ in 2010, Travel & Leisure Magazine have awarded the resort in the ‘Top 5 Resorts 2011, World’s Best Service’ for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, along with, ‘Best Family Resort’ and Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas has been named in Luxury Travel Magazines “Gold List” every year since 2005.
