The countdown is on to one of Port Douglas’ most anticipated annual events with the 2025 Port Douglas Carnivale program officially released today Port Douglas Carnivale will feature 10 days of festival fun culminating in a full weekend of celebrations from 23 to 25 May New highlights for 2025 include Savannah Sounds a three-day music festival at Rex Smeal Park presented by Douglas Shire Council with major sponsor Newsport and Makers Tropic Lights – a colourful new projection show at the Sugar Wharf and along Macrossan Street Maho Magic Bar will be lighting up Dixie Park from 16 May Long-time favourites such as the Macrossan Street Parade and fireworks art and photography exhibitions and the Sunday Markets will once again bring colour and energy to the Carnivale program there is the Port Douglas Carnivale Classic golf tournament Even dog lovers are catered for with the Pooch Party Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said she looked forward to welcoming visitors and locals to experience this year’s expanded program “There is a lot to look forward to in this year’s program with over 20 different events Partnering with Sound Australia to deliver an event of Savannah Sounds’ calibre at Rex Smeal Park is also a significant addition to Port Douglas Carnivale,” Cr Scomazzon said “I am confident visitors and locals alike will love the Carnivale 2025 program and regionally it will resonate and attract even more people to experience everything our incredible destination has to offer Cr Scomazzon also encouraged local businesses and community groups to get involved in the Macrossan Street Parade “The Street Parade is always a Carnivale highlight and a great way to be part of the celebrations I encourage everyone thinking about it to jump online and register – it is not too late to get involved.” For more information on Port Douglas Carnivale and to book tickets visit the website www.carnivale.com.au is bringing a world-class line-up of hospitality talent to Far North Queensland putting on a menu of unparalleled dining experience Taste Port Douglas sees the return of its stand-out signature events as well as brand-new additions to the line-up Local hotspots welcome the ‘Takeover Series’ presented by Singapore Airlines including the sell-out long seaside luncheons whilst the Daintree Rainforest comes alive with Night of Fire: ‘Flames of The Forest’ a spectacular fire-licked feast that immerses diners in FNQ’s natural beauty As well as drawing Australia’s very best talent from across the country three international chefs take to the Taste Port Douglas kitchens Patissier extraordinaire and executive head chef at Fortnum & Mason flies in from London; re-creating his ground-breaking tarte tatin The dish was created whilst working as head pastry chef for Marco Pierre White at the very time the restaurant earned three Michelin stars – a moment that helped establish Pizey’s own legendary status in the industry Chef-patron of Singapore’s Michelin-starred Marguerite restaurant bringing his ‘Creative Cuisine’ from the iconic Flower Dome at Gardens By The Bay Chef Consultant for The Cave in Bali and Chef and Owner of one of Singapore’s oldest cocktail bars bringing his avant-garde and innovative expertise A high concept drinking and dining institution The Tippling Club was a regular on The World’s 50 Best Bars list with Clift recently raising his glass to its last service after 17 successful years of operation “We have been running Taste Port Douglas for nearly a decade now and we’re overjoyed to see what our home-grown festival has become,” Taste Port Douglas co-founders “Every year it gets bigger and better with a spectacular lineup of events and masterclasses hosted by Australia’s own impeccable culinary talent – both chefs and producers – as well as international chefs of Michelin-Starred pedigree “We hosted more than 15,000 visitors last year many of whom travelled from overseas to feast with us and we can’t wait to welcome both returning and new faces this year.” Taste Port Douglas will invite subscribers to sign up for pre-sale tickets on Thursday 8 May while Tickets to the general public go on sale on Thursday 22 May Help Preserve Independent Local Journalism Every dollar contributed will be matched until June 7th Early polling began today in the Douglas Shire as we close in on Federal Election day this Saturday Voting opened at Port Douglas Community Centre on Mowbray Street allowing residents and visitors to cast their votes early Early Voting will be open from Monday to Friday from 8:30am-5:30pm Voting on Saturday the 3rd of may will be held from 8am to 6pm This is the only early polling centre in the Douglas Shire Other locations where people can vote early throughout the Federal Seat of Leichhardt are: Send a news tip or submit a letter to the Newsport Editor here Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication Location: Wonga Beach is an extensive beachside suburb 17 kilometres north of Mossman and 20 minutes south of Daintree Village This suburb has one of the longest stretches of sandy beach in the area The adjacent locality of Bamboo is located west of Wonga Beach and has 129 inhabitants (2016 census) with a surface of 20.5 km2 (7.9 sq mi) 4873 Area: 21.4 km2 (8.3 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 1,042 Living in Wonga Beach: Peaceful Wonga Beach is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the tourists in Port Douglas while still being able to live amongst the stunning surroundings This suburb has a beautiful lush backdrop of huge Calophyllum trees interspersed with Coconut palms Looking south from Wonga Beach you can see Island Point which shelters the harbour entrance of Port Douglas Behind the coastal vegetation is an extraordinary array of architecture From the quaint owner built holiday and fishing shacks of the 1930s to the newer multi million dollar homes For families with children there is Wonga Beach State School a government primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls Wonga Beach facilities include a service station and pharmacy Median House Price: Approximately $443,500, based on 20 sales in the preceding 12 months. (Source: Property) Annual Growth: The area has experienced a -10.3% change in median house prices over 12 months leading up to January 2025. (Source: Property) Lake Barrine is a freshwater lake on the eastern part of the Atherton Tablelands The lake and surrounds are protected within the Crater Lakes National Park and are accessible via the Gillies Highway Nestled in the heart of the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland Lake Barrine offers a serene and picturesque setting for those seeking a tranquil lifestyle amidst nature's beauty Living in Lake Barrine means waking up to the lush greenery of tropical rainforests and the tranquil waters of the lake itself Residents here enjoy a close-knit community atmosphere with a strong emphasis on outdoor living The lake has a day use area on Lake Barrine Access Road off the Gillies Range Road It has a teahouse and is the departure point for lake cruises It is the start/end of the lake circuit walk which has two lookout points one of the western side of the lake and the other on the southern side of the lake The nearest government primary school is Yungaburra State School and the nearest government secondary school is Malanda State High School located in the Tablelands Region of Queensland reflecting a slight decrease from 147 in 2016 The predominant age group remained 60-69 years the area continued to be characterized by a high rate of owner-occupied dwellings with 74.2% of homes owned outright or with a mortgage The majority of households were childless couples and mortgage repayments predominantly ranged between $1,800 and $2,399 per month one 3-bedroom house in Lake Barrine sold after a median of 21 days on the market (Information retrieved from Property.com.au) Location: The coastal village of Cooya Beach is just 5 minutes from Mossman and approximately 10 minutes north of Port Douglas A residential area popular with local families and a beautiful beach suitable for walking and exercising dogs The adjacent locality of Bonnie Doon is located southwest of Cooya Beach has 327 inhabitants (2016 census) with a surface of 20.55/km2 (53.23/sq mi) 4873 Area: 8.8 km2 (3.4 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 1,046 Living in Cooya Beach: Living the coastal dream Cooya Beach is a quiet residential community a family friendly area with a genuine community feel There is a great cross section of residents from singles and young couples to families and retirees It also offers new-build options (Ocean Breeze) and beautiful beachfront options (Bougainvillea Street) Mud-crabbing is one of the go-to activities on Cooya Beach Because of the close proximity to the mouth of the Mossman there are numerous forms of life that relish the muddy waters and the change from freshwater to saltwater surroundings boating is a popular sport amongst visitors and locals The pristine coastline promises spectacular views and peaceful waters to peruse with an annual capital growth of 19.22%  (Source: Yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au) Location: Cape Tribulation is located 35 kilometres north of the Daintree Ferry in the heart of the prehistoric Daintree Rainforest The locality contains a small number of bed and breakfast eco lodges 4873 Area: 125.6 km2 (48.5 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 123 Living in Cape Tribulation: Cape Tribulation is the epitome of a tropical paradise: serene and secluded relax and enjoy a refreshing swim after a toasty day’s rainforest exploring This extraordinarily pretty stretch of the Daintree National Park with its dramatic headland and lush unspoiled rainforest makes for some exquisite surroundings The remote headland of Cape Tribulation is where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites meet – the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef Australia's richest diversity of flora and fauna is found in this region Location: Cassowary is located 18 kilometres from Port Douglas and 7 kilometres from Mossman 4873 Area: 24.9 km2 (9.6 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 119 Living in Cassowary: Cassowary is home to many rural farming properties The north-western part of Cassowary is low-lying coastal plains and is used for farming sugarcane The eastern and southern parts of the locality form part of the Cassowary Range The nearest primary schools are Mossman State School and Port Douglas State School The nearest secondary school is Mossman State High School Real Estate Statistics: The majority of properties in Cassowary are large rural holdings The median price for houses in Cassowary is approximately $1.15 million (as of late 2024) (Source: realestate.com.au and domain.com.au) Location: Palm Cove is situated on the Coral Sea with a long sandy beach that is lined with palm trees The suburb is located between Cairns and Port Douglas and is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest It is situated approximately 27 kilometres north of Cairns and about 40 kilometres south of Port Douglas and is a popular tourist destination and offers a range of amenities 4879 Area: 6.8 km2 (2.6 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 2,450 Living in Palm Cove: Palm Cove is a tiny beachside village centred around an esplanade lined with 500-year-old melaleuca trees with a focus on outdoor activities such as swimming The suburb is home to a mix of locals and tourists with a friendly and welcoming community.The suburb is home to a mix of locals and tourists There are also several resorts and hotels in the area offering accommodation for tourists and locals alike Location: Port Douglas is a laid back tropical coastal town on the Coral Sea approximately 60 km north of Cairns It's known for its beach resorts and it’s a getaway to two UNESCO World Heritage-listed natural wonders; the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree National Park The adjacent locality of Craiglie is 6 kilometres south of Port Douglas and has 954 inhabitants with a surface of 65.34/km2 (169.2/sq mi) It is the access point to Port Douglas and it functions as a service centre for businesses serving the highway and Port Douglas as well as being an extension of the suburban areas in the south of Port Douglas 4877 Area: 18.0 km2 (6.9 sq mi) Population: (census 2021) Port Douglas: 3,650 (The town's population can often double with the influx of tourists during the peak tourism season from May to September) Craiglie: 1,062 Living in Port Douglas: If you're looking for a laid back lifestyle then Port Douglas is the right place The town has been designed to alleviate as much stress as possible for its residents The main street is lined up with inviting restaurants the weather is (almost) always warm and the tree-fringed sands of Four Mile Beach give you an all-year-round holiday feeling Superyachts from around the world berth at Port Douglas’s CrYstal Brook Marina where tour boats depart for sightseeing cruises to nearby coral cays and expeditions to spectacular diving- and snorkel spots on the outer reefs Port Douglas is a desirable place to relocate for many Older couples love to spend their retirement years in this tropical paradise adventurers couldn’t ask for a better place to live away from the hustle and bustle of the city and some families prefer living in the quieter streets of Port Douglas while making the one-hour commute to Cairns for work Units: The median property price for units is $410,000, showing an annual capital growth of 7.54%. Units have a gross rental yield of 5.92%, with a median weekly rent of $550. (Source: Yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au) Houses: The house market decreased by 3.61%, with a median sale price of $894,000, and a total of 17 houses were sold. (Source: Coronis) Units: The unit market increased by 0.84%, with a median sale price of $422,500, and a total of 202 units were sold. (Source: Coronis) The Daintree region generally refers to the area surrounding the Daintree River stretching from Lower Daintree in the south to Cooktown in the north the Greater Daintree encompasses a larger area extending from Mossman Gorge in the south to Cooktown in the north Lower Daintree Upper Daintree (+ Stewart Creek Valley) Daintree Village Cape Kimberly Forest Creek Cow Bay (+ Diwan) Cape Tribulation Location: The Daintree Village is located about 12 kilometres upstream from the Daintree ferry crossing and 56 kilometres from Port Douglas situated on the southern bank of the majestic Daintree River 4873 Area: 6.3 km2 (2.4 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 170 Living in Daintree Village: Daintree Village is a laid-back town and an unspoilt oasis in the midst of some of the most varied scenery in the far north of Queensland The surrounding hills and valleys provide a mix of landscapes combining pristine agriculture pastures with tropical lowland rainforest The Daintree River flows past the Village Beyond the Village are scenic drives along winding valley trails which follow the courses of the upper reaches of the Daintree and into the valleys of Stewart Creek and Douglas Creek You’ll find low-impact tourism and sustainable cattle- and tropical fruit-farming in the beautiful valleys beyond the Village The Village hosts a number of restaurants locally-created souvenirs and picnic areas complete with free electric BBQ and picnic table The Daintree Village region is a world-renowned birdwatcher's paradise and there are several specialist guides Daintree State School is located in the village and is a government primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls.In 2017 the school had an enrolment of 15 students The median value for houses in Daintree is approximately $427,000 (Source: propertyvalue.com.au)  In the past 12 months, there have been 3 house sales in Daintree. (Source: propertyvalue.com.au) Over the past year, house prices in Daintree have experienced an increase of approximately 8.9%. (Source: PropertyInvest Australia) Location: Forest Creek is located in the Daintree National Park 32 kilometres north of Mossman and 52 kilometres north of Port Douglas The Daintree River forms the southern boundary of the locality 4873 Area: 22.9 km2 (8.8 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 84 Living in Forest Creek: Tucked away deep in the rainforest Forest Creek is the perfect place for an off-the-grid lifestyle with maximum privacy and peace and quiet The World Heritage Daintree Forest is an amazing place to live with forest Just 2,6 kilometres from the Daintree Ferry With a population of 103 people in Forest Creek 16.98% of its occupants live in rental accommodation The permanent creek situated in the area provides a natural and soothing ambience with the sound of trickling water The median value for houses in Forest Creek is not currently available due to limited sales data (Source: Yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au) The median gross rental yield for houses is estimated at 5.14%. (Source: Yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au)​​​​​​ Properties in Forest Creek have an average time of 252 days on the market before sale. (Source: Yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au) Location:Julatten is a small rural town located in Far North Queensland approximately 20 kilometres southwest of Port Douglas The suburb is known for its lush rainforest and stunning views of the Great Dividing Range.LGA & Postcode:Shire of Mareeba 4871Area:154.0 km2 (59.5 sq mi)Population (census 2016):1,091Living in Julatten:The town has a close-knit community feel and farms selling fresh produce.The climate in Julatten is tropical with hot and humid summers and mild winters The area receives an average annual rainfall of around 1,800mm with most rain falling during the wet season between December and April.Julatten is located in close proximity to a number of popular tourist destinations It is also a popular destination for birdwatching with a number of species of rare and exotic birds found in the area.Overall Julatten offers a peaceful and picturesque lifestyle in a stunning natural setting with easy access to a range of outdoor recreational activities and tourist attractions.Real estate market statistics: The predominant age group in Julatten is 50-59 years Households in Julatten are primarily childless couples and are likely to be repaying $1000 - $1399 per month on mortgage repayments people in Julatten work in a trades occupation 83.7% of the homes in Julatten were owner-occupied compared with 84.5% in 2016 Currently the median value of houses in the area is $478,861.(Information retrieved from CoreLogic) Location: Kewarra Beach is located approximately 20 kilometres north of Cairns and 33 kilometres south of Port Douglas 4879 Area: 883/km2 (2,287/sq mi) Population (census 2021: 6,113 Living in Kewarra Beach: Kewarra Beach is a family-friendly suburb Whether you are looking for absolute beach front the space that acreage offers close to the ranges elegant easy care homes ideal for retirees affordable homes on compact lots and older homes on larger blocks ideal for renovating The beach at Kewarra is a favourite among locals to walk their dogs or to fish directly from the beach the beachfront Kewarra Beach Resort serves pizza tapas and drinks on the sand several nights of the week you’ll also find a fine-dining restaurant which operates year-round set among the eucalypts and palm forest The median property price for houses in Kewarra Beach is currently $700,000, with an annual capital growth of 5.15%. (Source: ​​​Yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au) The suburb comprises approximately 92.5% houses, with an average of 2.5 bedrooms per dwelling. (Source: Microburbs) Lower Daintree is situated 45km north of Port Douglas and 26km north of Mossman. The Daintree River forms its southern boundary The area starts at the turn-off from the Captain Cook Highway to the Daintree Ferry with Mossman-Daintree Road running from south to northwest through the region Area: 66.6 km2 (25.7 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 83 Living in Lower Daintree: Soak up the carefree tropical lifestyle in Lower Daintree you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy the Village's cafes galleries and primary school that typically caters to less than 20 students natural surroundings and properties with options for personalisation Lower Daintree provides something a bit different from typical suburban living The area predominantly features separate houses, with an average of 3 bedrooms per dwelling. Many homes are owned outright by couples with children. (Source: Property & Land Data Online In One Place) 5 kilometres from Newell Beach and 10 kilometres from Wonga Beach Miallo is perfectly located in between everything the region has to offer with natural beauty right on your doorstep and an abundance of space Area: 28.0 km2 (10.8 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 406 Living in Miallo: With rural residential zoning in place Miallo is the perfect for those wanting to get away from it all – and live the life that all dream of – but few attain Perfect for those wanting to build a weekend getaway or take the plunge and have a complete life change There is a cane tramway system through Miallo to deliver sugarcane to the sugar mill at Mossman The nearby Miallo State School is a government primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls at Miallo Bamboo Creek Road the school had an enrollment of 179 students with 16 teachers Miallo is a rural locality situated approximately 7 kilometres from Mossman making it an ideal location for those seeking a serene lifestyle Local Government Area (LGA) & Postcode: Mapcarta Miallo offers a rural residential lifestyle perfect for those seeking to escape urban living The locality features a cane tramway system that transports sugarcane to the Mossman sugar mill a government primary school located on Miallo Bamboo Creek Road serves the educational needs of the community The median value of houses in Miallo is approximately $626,561. (Source: Yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au) Mission Beach is located approximately 139 kilometres south of Cairns and 28,5 kilometres north of Townsville is a haven of tranquillity and natural beauty Named after the endangered Southern Cassowary it's a peaceful destination that attracts those seeking a serene lifestyle or a connection with nature Mission Beach is the closest point on the mainland to the Great Barrier Reef This coastal gem boasts a 14 kilometre stretch of pristine sandy beaches linking three beautiful beaches and four charming villages: Garners Beach You can unwind at coastal cafes or explore hidden waterfalls and swimming holes in the nearby hills a ten-minute water taxi from Wongaling Beach South Mission Beach offers the convenience of a shopping centre for your daily needs Mission Beach State School is conveniently located at Wongaling Beach here is an updated overview of Mission Beach Mission Beach is a coastal locality situated approximately 139 kilometres south of Cairns and 240 kilometres north of Townsville It encompasses a 14-kilometre stretch of pristine sandy beaches Allhomes Mission Beach is renowned for its tranquil lifestyle and access to Dunk Island via a ten-minute water taxi from Wongaling Beach South Mission Beach provides the convenience of a shopping centre and Mission Beach State School is located at Wongaling Beach These statistics reflect market activity over the 12-month period leading up to January 2025. (Source: Coronis) Location: Located 15 minutes north of Port Douglas Mossman is a thriving township known for its sugar cane and exotic fruit farming The Mossman River flows through the locality from west (Finlayvale /Mossman Gorge) to east (Newell Beach/Bonnie Doon) LGA & Postcode: Shire of Douglas Area: 12.1 km2 (4.7 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 1,942 Living in Mossman: Mossman is a picturesque little township nestled at the foot of the mountains among bright green fields of sugar cane It is a friendly town with country stores and historic pubs along the wide tree-lined main street Five minutes west of Mossman you’ll find Mossman Gorge a popular attraction with a beautiful stretch of tropical rainforest where local Aborigines can tell their tales and introduce visitors to traditional Aboriginal life The town offers a high school and primary school Mossman State School is a government primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls at 30-34 Front Street and Mossman State High School is a government secondary (7-12) school for boys and girls at 46-62 Front Street Mossman has a number of sporting clubs such as the Mossman Sharks rugby league club Douglas United Dragons Football (Soccer) Club Mossman Gymnastics and Bodies in Motion Dance School The median listing price for houses in Mossman is approximately $504,500, showing a 1.10% increase over the past year and a 20.11% increase over two years. (Source: PropInvest Australia) Over the past five years, Mossman has experienced a compound growth rate of 2.8% for houses. The median price for a 3-bedroom house is currently around $420,000. (Source: Homes Australia) Location: In the foothills of the Macalister Range and the Wet Tropics Mowbray National Park the Mowbray Valley lies 12,7 kilometres south of Port Douglas Most of the terrain in Mowbray is mountainous and the Captain Cook Highway passes through the locality from south to north 4877 Area: 97.3 km2 (37.6 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 317 Living in Mowbray: Escape to a calmer lifestyle The picturesque Mowbray Valley is a highly sought after and attractive location for Port Douglas locals because it offers magnificent just a 10 minute drive from town and less than an hour to Cairns International airport Mowbray offers an enviable lifestyle with a clean and green environment and lack of traffic In mowbray you have the best of both worlds lifestyle but still in reach of all the ‘must haves’ with larger blocks for more privacy The median value of houses in Mowbray is approximately $1,165,945. (Source: Yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au) Location: Mount Molloy is situated approximately 76 kilometres north-west of Cairns and 30 kilometres west of Port Douglas It is situated in the picturesque Mount Lewis National Park area The town itself is located on the eastern edge of the Atherton Tablelands and is surrounded by pastoral lands and bushland 4871 Area: 252.9 km2 (97.6 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 266 Living in Mount Molloy: Living in Mount Molloy offers a rural lifestyle with a strong community spirit Residents of Mount Molloy enjoy a peaceful and tranquil environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city The town offers a quiet and relaxed atmosphere making it an ideal location for those looking for a slower pace of life The town is home to a primary school and a local pub that serves as a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike Mount Molloy is also well-positioned for those who enjoy outdoor activities with hiking trails and camping sites nearby living in Mount Molloy offers a serene and close-knit community lifestyle with easy access to nature and outdoor recreation The main industries in Mount Molloy are agriculture The median property price in Mount Molloy is approximately $477,000, with prices ranging from $95,000 to $1,681,000. (Source: Residz) Location: Tucked away between glamorous Port Douglas and the vast wilderness of the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park is the sleepy beachside community of Newell Beach Newell Beach is only one and a half hour’s drive north of the Cairns International Airport and just 10 minutes from Port Douglas The adjacent locality of Rocky Point is located south of Newell Beach and has 129 inhabitants (2016 census) with a surface of 20.2 km2 (7.8 sq mi) 4873 Area: 15.0 km2 (5.8 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 327 Living in Newell Beach: Newell Beach's iconic palm tree-lined shore is loved by visitors and locals alike spread along the coastline with most houses only two streets from the beach a very popular holiday spot enjoyed by many Approximately 20 minutes north of Port Douglas this peaceful beachside suburb oozes old world charm The town boasts spectacular views to Port Douglas in the south and the lighthouse on Low Isles to the east The two and a half kilometre beach is clean and pristine and is bordered to the north and south by estuaries Not far to the west you’ll discover the crystal clear rock pools of Mossman Gorge National Park and the ancient world of the Daintree Rainforest Fishermen are well catered for with boat ramps at the northern end of the beach and at Saltwater Creek. Newell Beach has a convenience store and for groceries the sugar town of Mossman is just minutes up the road It offers many different property options from beach shacks to standard housing and high end properties (beachfront) for a lower price compared to Port Douglas The median house price in Newell Beach is approximately $598,000. This reflects a compound growth rate of 30.6% over the past year. (Source: Allhomes) Location: Only 10 minutes from Port Douglas Oak Beach is a sleepy beachfront haven with luxury beachfront homes and villas which stretches 1.5km with an inner coral reef at one end Oak Beach is bounded by the Coral Sea to the east and completely surrounded by the locality of Mowbray on all its land boundaries Area: 6.9 km2 (2.7 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 186 Living in Oak Beach: With 1.5 kilometres of unrivalled coastal views and an inner coral reef right at their doorstep Oak Beach is the perfect beachfront haven in a paradise away from the excitement of the town Pebbly Beach in the northern part of the locality and the eponymous Oak Beach in the southern part of the locality Over the past year (January 2024 - January 2025), the median house price in Oak Beach is approximately $690,000, reflecting a median price change of 12.4%. (Source: propertyvalue.com.au) Location: The turnoff to Shannonvale is 12 kilometres before Mossman and 19 kilometres from Port Douglas The stunning locality of Shannonvale is surrounded by the Great Dividing Range 4873 Area: 84.7 km2 (32.7 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 194 Living in Shannonvale: Shannonvale is one of Douglas Shire’s hidden gems with its own freshwater swimming hole down the road and picturesque countryside to be enjoyed all around Shannonvale offers an ever-changing tropical landscape of waving cane-fields while being treated to the unlimited backdrop of the jungle-clad misty mountains of the Great Dividing Range The Shannonvale Tropical Fruit Winery offers delicious wine tastings and the Shannonvale Swimming Hole is the perfect place to cool off with the whole family during the hot days Location: Trinity Beach is located approximately 20 kilometres north of Cairns and 42 kilometres south of Port Douglas. The suburb is situated on the Coral Sea and features a long sandy beach that stretches for approximately one kilometre 4879 Area: 2 kilometres wide Population (census 2021): 6,594 Living in Trinity Beach: Trinity Beach is just as beautiful as the other northern beaches that line the Cairns Coral Coast but with a more down-to-earth and laid back casual atmosphere amongst classy surrounds The surroundings of Trinity Beach are dominated by lush tropical rainforest which offers residents and visitors access to a range of natural attractions and outdoor activities The nearby Kuranda National Park and Barron Gorge National Park offer opportunities for bushwalking the surroundings of Trinity Beach offer a mix of natural beauty making it an ideal location for those seeking a tropical lifestyle with easy access to a range of amenities and attractions As of April 2024, the median house price in Trinity Beach is approximately $697,500, while units have a median price of $390,000. (Source: cairns beaches) Location: Wangetti is located on the coast of the Coral Sea and is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest It is situated on the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas The locality of Wangetti is located approximately 40 kilometres north of Cairns and approximately 35 kilometres south of Port Douglas 4877 Area: 71.7 km2 (27.7 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 68 Living in Wangetti: Wangetti is known for its beautiful beaches There are limited amenities in Wangetti itself it is located within easy driving distance of larger towns such as Cairns and Port Douglas which offer a wide range of services and facilities Wangetti is a beautiful and peaceful suburb that offers a relaxed tropical lifestyle with easy access to the amenities and attractions of larger towns The median house price is approximately $575,000, based on one sale in the preceding 12 months leading up to January 2025. (Source: Property) the turnoff to the small community of Miallo leads to the beautiful Whyanbeel Valley Most of the locality is undeveloped heavily forested mountainous land with elevations of typically 200 metres above sea level within the Daintree National Park 4873 Area: 55.1 km2 (21.3 sq mi) Population: (census 2021) 172 Living in Whyanbeel: Whyanbeel is nestled at the base of the majestic Dagmar mountain range in the Whyanbeel Valley and less than 45 minutes from Port Douglas The area is surrounded by many croc safe freshwater creeks and offers absolutely privacy while still being close to town which allows for hobby farms or semi commercial farms with tropical fruit such as mangosteens The area offers opportunities to keep your own bees chicken or cultivate rare plants and you can make an income through retreat style guest accommodation The median property price is approximately $1,313,000, based on three sales in the 12 months leading up to January 2025. (Source: Property) Council contractors will be carrying out essential drain cleaning on Murphy Street Due to limited access during the week and Saturdays READ THE STORY How about a heap of windmills on the range as well Mmmm...on a coastal floodplain vulnerable to impacts of cyclones...probably not a good site Great idea and the land underneath can likely be used for growing crops and sheltering animals I also agree with new agriculture initiatives including hemp/ cacao ( longer term) Helen Killen and the owner will be responsible for cleaning up the mess when they're damaged bees etc die as they fly over and just drop to the ground We need to transition from fossil fuel generated power ASAP and solar panels on farms work really well in conjunction with grazing livestock If people are worried about how it looks it is not hard to screen them with wildlife corridors etc I can just see our international & Australian tourists scrambling to get to what is supposed to be a World Heritage listed area of lush tropical rainforest only to find a sea of glass ...sorry but Australia's deserts are a more suitable site !! An insult to our beautiful piece of paradise Oh that would look soooooooo pretty along the sides of the road That smart farmer who planted the Taro up in his block is on the right track Solar belongs on roof tops and garages etc Why the hell would you take up lush ex rainforest land and do that It would be better left for nature to take over again ,but we all know that won't happen READ THE STORY Always a very small few who ruin things for everyone what is happening here atm?So much vandalism Just totally abhorrent and disgusting behaviour Vandalising a church brings nothing but bad karma Churches—no matter what religion you follow—are about connection and community READ THE STORY It was a Liberal seat and they are saying back on track You would not have got a minority government without him Keeps banging on about an issue that is State Govt's matter to address and deal with I'd cast him in the lead male role in a stage production or film remake of "Psycho" in a flash voting is slavery and too many people are asleep or don’t care to even notice Help us to continue covering local stories that matter Newsport is powered by the generosity of readers like you who support our mission to produce independent journalism The dawn service at the Mossman Cenotaph on Front St will begin at 5:15 AM with official proceedings starting at 5:25 AM and the Douglas Shire Council will be present to honour the fallen and those who have served people will gather at Port Village in Macrossan Street from 10:00 AM and begin the march towards the cenotaph at 10:15 AM The official proceedings will then commence at the cenotaph in ANZAC Park at 10:30 AM attendees will meet at My Pathways car park (1475 Cape Tribulation Road) at 5:00 AM and march to the Cow Bay Cenotaph Official proceedings will begin at 5:25 AM and sporting clubs are welcome to attend the services We kindly request that you be mindful of the space at the cenotaphs and the space required for each group To accommodate those wishing to attend the services the Daintree Ferry will begin operations from 4:00 AM let us remember the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women and the enduring legacy they have left behind Their courage and dedication continue to inspire us and remind us of the importance of unity and resilience We look forward to seeing you at the Anzac Day services and standing together as a community to honour our heroes A car has rolled over at the roundabout on Captain Cook Highway at Craiglie with the accident described as “serious” on online traffic-report sites a fire truck and two police cars attended the site on the main turn-off into Port Douglas at Port Douglas Road with a dark-coloured four-wheel drive vehicle in a ditch on the side of the road near the IGA shopping centre but it was unclear whether there were injuries Department of Transport and Main Roads will be resurfacing the ramp reinstalling the floating walkway and undertaking some asphalt correction works at the approach 29 April (weather and conditions permitting) One lane will remain open whilst works are taking place For more information on the closure contact TMR’s Maritime Safety Queensland Branch on (07) 4052 7400 or e-mail cairns.maritime@msq.qld.gov.au The excitement is building with only 150 days to go until the 4th edition of the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival which will be held September 12-14th 2025 Festival Director Bade Stapleton was excited to announce a new Gold Partnership with the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas “Our new RUN PORT DOUGLAS event is an awesome new addition to the event program this year and the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas are an important partner in helping bring this event to life,” Mr Stapleton said “The RUN PORT DOUGLAS 5km and 2km events will take runners through the Sheraton passing the spectacular resort pools as they head towards Four Mile Beach and the run down to the finish This event simply couldn’t happen without them!” RUN PORT DOUGLAS is a new addition to the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival in 2025 and includes a 21.1km Half Marathon and 10km 5km and 2km run events on Saturday 13th September Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas general manager Steve Molnar said the resort was pleased to be a Gold Parner for this year’s festival “This event is a fantastic visitor and community opportunity to showcase the beauty and vibrancy of our region The new RUN PORT DOUGLAS event will offer participants a unique gathering experience running through our stunning resort and along the iconic Four Mile Beach We look forward to welcoming runners and spectators to the resort and supporting this exciting addition to the festival,” Mr Molnar said Douglas Shire Council Deputy Mayor Roy Zammataro said the event continues to go from strength to strength “The addition of the new RUN PORT DOUGLAS event will bring even more energy and visitors to our beautiful region It’s a great opportunity to showcase the natural beauty of the Douglas Shire while supporting local businesses and encouraging active healthy lifestyles,” Cr Zammataro said The main events of the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival will continue with the Hartley’s to Port MTB Race also finishing on Four Mile Beach on Saturday 13th September 2025 60km Semi Fondo and 48km Medio Fondo will all happen on Sunday 14th September 2025 The Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival now has an event for everyone whether you are a cyclist or just enjoy getting outside for a run or walk Entries for all events are now open! Our Early Bird Discount ends 30 April 2025 so enter now and save! Visit www.portdouglasgranfondo.com.au to enter the ride events and www.runportdouglas.com.au to enter the running events The 2025 Port Douglas Gran Fondo is proudly supported by Douglas Shire Council Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas and Triple M Cairns A new sewer system will be installed at the Port Douglas Splash Park later this month contractors will be sucking ground moisture from the site between April 11 and April 21 a stretch of Garrick Street will be closed Douglas Shire Council Mayor Lisa Scomazzon apologised for the inconvenience during this time “Council has already contacted businesses and residents directly impacted by the closure we ask for patience as we take this critical next step in the Splash Park’s development,” Mayor Scomazzon said the contractor has been working on excavating and installing balance tanks to store the water needed for the splash park the completion date for the project is expected to be in late July to early August Exciting new twists and treasured traditions mark the return of Port Douglas Carnivale this May featuring a lineup that promises a little magic a whole lot of crazy and a splash of tropical flair over three event-filled days In a first-of-its-kind spectacle for the region Port Douglas Carnivale welcomes Maho Magic Bar an event that is set to redefine entertainment in Tropical North Queensland Maho Magic Bar created by Broad Encounters will light up the palms of Dixie Park with its electrifying pop-up venue plenty of sake and an atmosphere brimming with mischief and mayhem as Carnivale goes international during its four-week season from 14 May to 8 June said the concept behind Maho Magic Bar was to bring some of Japan’s “crazy fun” to Australia and give audiences an experience unlike anything they have had before “Seeing close-up magic really does inspire awe finesse and personalities of these master magicians is mind-blowing and Maho Magic Bar is the ultimate Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said Maho Magic Bar added a new twist to the Carnivale program The Longest Lunch return to the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Kicking off the Carnivale weekend festivities on Friday 23 May guests can anticipate a three-course meal that celebrates the bounty of Tropical North Queensland from fresh seafood to local tropical produce all set against the Sheraton’s iconic backdrop of palms and beach “The Longest Lunch is not only a celebration of our region’s fantastic culinary offerings but also a time-honoured tradition that sets the tone for the weekend to come,” Mayor Scomazzon added returning in 2025 with a Tropical Treasures theme will also celebrate the unique natural beauty culture and community spirit of the Douglas region and we strongly encourage the entire community to be involved we saw one of our largest crowds ever gather to enjoy the Street Parade “The enthusiasm and involvement from the community truly underscore how much this event is loved and celebrated highlighting all that makes our region such a wonderful place to live and visit.” Tickets are now on sale for the Maho Magic Bar, priced from $62.10 (plus booking fee). For more information and to book tickets visit the website www.carnivale.com.au Details: Evening shows are recommended for ages 12+ with parental guidance Family-friendly performances suitable for ages 6+ are available on weekend afternoons Tickets: Starting at $62.10 (plus booking fee) Bookings: Tickets are available now (as of February 11) at www.carnivale.com.au Presented by: Broad Encounters Productions and Douglas Shire Council Details: The Longest Lunch makes its anticipated return to the Sheraton in 2025 Guests will enjoy an exquisite three-course lunch framed by the resort’s iconic palm trees Bookings: Tickets to go on sale in March at www.carnivale.com.au Presented by: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Theme Details: Celebrate the “Tropical Treasures” theme and vibrant community spirit of the tropics Tropical North Queensland is a treasure trove of wonders to be cherished and enjoyed For more Port Douglas Carnivale events, please visit www.carnivale.com.au Taking over Rex Smeal Park during Port Douglas Carnivale in May the three-day event delivers a powerhouse lineup featuring Sheppard Max Jackson and legendary Australian singer-songwriter – now proud Port Douglas local – Glenn Shorrock Savannah Sounds Port Douglas is set to bring a fresh wave of live music and entertainment to this year’s Port Douglas Carnivale will feature an impressive lineup of world-class performers Presented by Douglas Shire Council and major sponsor Newsport Savannah Sounds Port Douglas promises to be an unforgettable weekend for music lovers the festival will see the best of live music at the Savannah Sounds Park Precinct before headline events across Saturday and Sunday Director of Sound Australia and Savannah in the Round said with such a diverse lineup and strong community support he is confident Savannah Sounds will be a key event for music lovers and a major tourism draw for Tropical North Queensland “We are more than excited to bring Savannah Sounds to Port Douglas as part of Port Douglas Carnivale This festival is a fantastic opportunity to showcase amazing musical talent and celebrate the region’s vibrant energy.” attendees can look forward to a range of live performances across the three days The festival kicks off with DJ Sounds on Friday 23 May where the Savannah Sounds Park Precinct will come alive with performances from electronic artist Zoe Badwi and Andy Van Saturday kicks off with a ‘Beach Party’ at Four Mile Beach The music then moves to Savannah Sounds Park Precinct where an exciting lineup includes Kairos Kin closing out Port Douglas Carnivale with an all-day music program kicking off from 12pm through to 8.15pm with the last day of the music program at Savannah Sounds Park Precinct The day will start with The Katie Richards Band and beloved local act Roadtrippers to finish off on a high note Building on the success of Savannah in the Round which generated over $9.4 million in direct economic impact in 2024 Savannah Sounds Port Douglas is set to similarly boost tourism and local businesses while highlighting world-class musical talent including the full lineup and ticket details Following a huge successful 2024 Port Douglas Carnivale we need to maintain the momentum and present an event that really drives visitors to the region After partnering with Savannah Sounds and the inclusion of the amazing Maho Magic Bar this year’s Carnivale is already shaping up to be another great event it’s important we attract as many visitors to the region as we can to get the town humming Carnivale is the largest event in the Douglas shire and a great incentive for visitors to return It’s also a great event for locals to enjoy also and provides an opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate where they live Carnivale continues to present a quality program that stacks up against other regional events of a similar size and budget A part of this is the events long and continued history and the hard work of locals going back 30 years who pioneered the concept and had the vision to develop a reason for people to visit outside of the usual season Our region needs Carnivale to be as good as it can be given the importance of the event as a promotional vehicle for what it  brings to the community and from an economic standpoint We need business leaders and  community focused partners to embrace the Carnivale so the event can improve each year and continue to wave the flag for our region We have another terrific Carnivale planned and ready to go again for this year a new look to a few favourites some new events and the return of old ones But we have some other things in the works that require some extra funding support to turn into reality All eyes will be on the region and we are working hard to ensure our promotions will have a wide reach into the southern states It’s going to be a lot of fun and certainly something to be a part of and of course we would be delighted if you wanted to be part of the journey this year If you’d like to show your support for this much loved event and really contribute to the community please have a read of the prospectus and get in touch if you wish to take part We’re happy to discuss all and any ideas you may have from a partnership perspective we would dearly appreciate any support as every little bit will help us present another Carnivale that highlights our wonderful region don’t hesitate to get in touch and hope you have a happy Carnivale in 2025 Visit the prospectus here: https://pdcarnivale.my.canva.site/port-douglas-carnivale-sponsorship-prospectus-2025 Port Douglas Carnivale will welcome an exciting new addition to its 2025 program with the team behind Savannah in the Round curating a weekend of live music and entertainment at Rex Smeal Park presented by Douglas Shire Council and major sponsor Newsport followed by a headline music event on Saturday before wrapping up with a local’s day on Sunday Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the collaboration with Sound Australia was a great opportunity for Port Douglas Carnivale and the region “We are delighted to be partnering with the Sound Australia team to deliver this program in what we hope will become a Carnivale highlight for years to come,” she said “We know the success of Savannah in the Round the quality of what they do and the acts they attract is a great fit for Carnivale and the future of event tourism in the region “Savannah in the Round has proven to be a major economic driver generating over $9.4 million in direct and incremental expenditure for Queensland in 2024 Port Douglas Carnivale is set to benefit from the same high-quality music experience that draws visitors and boosts local economies.” chief executive officer of Tourism Tropical North Queensland said Savannah Sounds Port Douglas would give interstate visitors another exciting reason to visit Tropical North Queensland in May “This nationally visible event will reinforce the region’s back in business messaging to bring visitors to Port Douglas during the shoulder season when they can experience the festivities of Port Douglas Carnivale,” he said Port Douglas Carnivale delivered a significant economic boost generating over $5.7 million in direct and incremental expenditure across Queensland with $5.09 million spent in the Douglas Shire The event attracted strong intrastate and interstate visitation reinforcing its value as a key tourism and economic driver for the region Savannah Sounds joins a packed Carnivale weekend which includes The Longest Lunch at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas For more information on Port Douglas Carnivale and to book tickets visit the website www.carnivale.com.au Anzac Day is a time for us to come together as a community to honour the bravery and resilience of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) who landed at Gallipoli 110 years ago This day holds a special place in our hearts as we remember those who have served and continue to serve our nation we have several services planned to commemorate this significant day We invite everyone to join us in paying tribute to our heroes and reflecting on the values of courage and perseverance that define the ANZAC spirit Get ready for a spectacular New Year’s Eve in Port Douglas with a dual fireworks extravaganza lighting up the waterfront Kick off the celebrations with family-friendly fireworks at 8pm followed by the much-anticipated midnight show at Dickson Inlet enjoy a Free Kids Disco featuring the incredible DJ Cody The evening culminates in a dazzling Fireworks Display making it the perfect family outing that wraps up at a reasonable hour experience the thrill of the traditional fireworks display welcoming 2025 with all the excitement and joy of a brand-new year Please remember to close the lids of the bins that contain the sand bags Council is advocating for a $6.6m water reservoir expansion which will increase Port Douglas’ water storage capacity The Crees Road reservoir expansion would increase the site’s capacity from 20 to 30 million litres Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the upgrade is part of Council’s overall plan to improve the region’s water security “This essential project will improve our resilience during natural disasters and enable opportunities for both residential and no-residential development,” Mayor Scomazzon said “The project will also create additional jobs during construction.” Council is continuing its advocacy for the water security upgrade negotiating with local members and other candidates in the lead-up to the federal election Douglas Shire Council has responded to an urgent call for assistance from communities affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred with members of Council’s Disaster Management Unit (DMU) to complete a seven day deployment to support the Redland City Council will provide specialist disaster management support to the City of Logan and are due to arrive on Monday afternoon Douglas Shire Council Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said she was proud of the support that Douglas Shire Council is providing and the dedication of the DMU team members “Council’s experienced and specialised team will assist with disaster operations logistics and recovery at Redland’s Local Disaster Coordination Centre,” Mayor Scomazzon said “The Redland City Council team are working long hours and will no doubt appreciate the assistance and skills our DMU team will bring to their response and recovery efforts I know our Council benefited greatly from outside support in the wake of Cyclone Jasper.” the generosity and willingness of Councils to roll up their sleeves and work together for disaster affected communities is on full show I’m confident our DMU team will provide valuable support and will represent Douglas Shire Council proudly.” with intense rainfall and flooding expected to continue over the coming days Picture: Disaster Management Unit members Shane Brumby and Natascha Schwarzer Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time When I first visited Port Douglas in the 1980s the late – and later disgraced – property developer had turned the cute Far North Queensland village into a tourist mecca by developing the sprawling Sheraton Mirage resort along Four Mile beach the tropical gardens of Nautilus restaurant and Mocka’s pie shop Nautilus and Mocka are still there but tourist booms and busts have changed the town’s character The streets are now lined with shops selling gaudy kaftans and swimwear and busy with minibuses shuttling tourists back and forth to resorts and motels That long beach and the Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas.Credit: care for both the Madja (rainforest) and the Jalun (reef) The Sheraton Grand Mirage has existed for just a second of the rainforest’s 180 million years It opened about the time that the Daintree became a sanctuary when it was given World Heritage Area status A 45-minute walk along Four Mile Beach from the town itself the resort is set in two hectares of artificial saltwater lagoon with a manicured 18-hole golf course and 147 hectares of gardens blooming with 400 species of plants but it also takes seriously its responsibility to the extraordinary natural environment that surrounds it in line with parent Marriott’s commitment to having 100 per cent of its hotels achieve a recognised sustainability certificate by 2025 the resort has invested more than $9 million in sustainable initiatives resulting in a 22 per cent improvement in energy use This includes the use of electric vehicles a filtration system that allows treated saltwater to be used in swimming pools and the introduction of energy-efficient laundry systems – behind-the-scenes stuff that guests rarely notice I’m staying at the resort on a Green Getaway a special package designed to connect guests with the region’s most lauded natural experiences while offering all the restful qualities one expects from a tropical resort such as cocktail sipping in poolside cabanas and massages in the small but excellent Kaia day spa The getaway includes deals for sailing and snorkelling on the reef with Sailaway Port Douglas drifting through the Daintree on rafts with Backcountry Bliss and a Dreamtime Walk with an Indigenous guide from the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre I’ve checked in to a king suite directly on one of the saltwater lagoons allowing me to “swim up” to my on-water balcony There’s a bottle of pink organic wine waiting for me as part of the “green” welcome I can refill the glass water bottle in my room from dispensers near the elevators in each bank of rooms The resort creates a strong sense of place Food and produce leans into the local in both fine diner Harrison’s restaurant and the Lagoon al fresco restaurant and bar by the pool That translates to dishes such as citrus-cured reef fish and betel leaf barramundi with desserts inspired by Aussie classics the Iced VoVo and Cherry Ripe guests can sample a flight of different rums from the FNQ Rum Co The first is a meander through part of the rainforest with guide Trevayne which starts at the nearby Mossman Gorge centre Climate-conscious Sailaway Port Douglas’ wind-powered catamaran on the Great Barrier Reef After an aromatic smoking ceremony in the bush we head off on a track to hear about traditional medicine and ceremonial rituals If I ever brush up against the painful stinging nettle I now know how to make a soothing paste from its roots I’m at the Port Douglas marina boarding a beautiful wind-powered catamaran operated by Sailaway Port Douglas The winner of a National Sustainability Award for best practice this small company employs marine biologists who not only educate guests but actively monitor reef health and take part in initiatives such as coral planting which has a working lighthouse and a small museum and is one of 900 islands across 3800 reefs off Far North Queensland It is desperately sad to see that most of the coral is grey after successive major bleaching events consistently warming waters and heavy rains and tourism operators recognise they must not only preserve but heal their exquisite natural environment for Port Douglas to remain a truly green getaway StaySheraton Green Getaway rates start at $409 a night, with a minimum four-night stay, including breakfast daily, full-day use of the poolside cabana, a daily credit of $50 for use across the resort’s seven restaurants and bars, and exclusive offers with popular eco-tour operators. Until March 31, 2025. See marriott.com The writer was a guest of Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now the late \\u2013 and later disgraced \\u2013 property developer the tropical gardens of Nautilus restaurant and Mocka\\u2019s pie shop Nautilus and Mocka are still there but tourist booms and busts have changed the town\\u2019s character the world\\u2019s largest coral reef system The Sheraton Grand Mirage has existed for just a second of the rainforest\\u2019s 180 million years in line with parent Marriott\\u2019s commitment to having 100 per cent of its hotels achieve a recognised sustainability certificate by 2025 and the introduction of energy-efficient laundry systems \\u2013 behind-the-scenes stuff that guests rarely notice I\\u2019m staying at the resort on a Green Getaway a special package designed to connect guests with the region\\u2019s most lauded natural experiences while offering all the restful qualities one expects from a tropical resort I\\u2019ve checked in to a king suite directly on one of the saltwater lagoons allowing me to \\u201Cswim up\\u201D to my on-water balcony There\\u2019s a bottle of pink organic wine waiting for me as part of the \\u201Cgreen\\u201D welcome Food and produce leans into the local in both fine diner Harrison\\u2019s restaurant and the Lagoon al fresco restaurant and bar by the pool I\\u2019m at the Port Douglas marina boarding a beautiful wind-powered catamaran operated by Sailaway Port Douglas StaySheraton Green Getaway rates start at $409 a night a daily credit of $50 for use across the resort\\u2019s seven restaurants and bars and exclusive offers with popular eco-tour operators Monsoonal weather has pushed back the completion date of the Port Douglas Splash Park to August as work takes place to install a new sewer system at the site later this month we ask for patience as we take this critical next step in the Splash Park’s development,” Mayor Scomazzon said Saturday will see riders take on the Hartley’s to Port mountain bike race, the Lexus of Cairns Criterium and Wharf Street Sprint events in Port Douglas on Saturday afternoon, whilst families can come down and enjoy the Choo Choos FREE Family Ride on a safe, traffic free circuit on closed roads around the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina. On Sunday, the Gran Fondo event will be held on a combination of roads that are open to other road users and some roads that will be closed to vehicle traffic. This will be managed by qualified Traffic Controllers and Queensland Police. The ride (which is not a race) will also be monitored by a professional medical team with dedicated services from Queensland Ambulance Service. Saturday 7 September 2024 – Port Douglas Only Sunday 8 September 2024 – Port Douglas, Captain Cook Hwy & Palm Cove Great Barrier Reef Drive (Captain Cook Highway) will be closed in both directions from Port Douglas Rd to Palm Cove Blvd, Palm Cove for the duration of the Gran Fondo event on Sunday 8 September. The details of which streets and roads and their closure times are listed here. Emergency services vehicles maintain full access on all roads, including Great Barrier Reef Drive throughout the event. © 2025 Douglas Shire Council. All Rights Reserved A $650,000 water security project has been completed in Port Douglas. The recently-constructed Grant Street water main has been connected into the major Macrossan Street pipeline, which feeds up to the Flagstaff Hill reservoir. Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said she was pleased the major upgrade had been completed. “Contractors have replaced some very old pipe sections during this project and as a result the reliability of the water network will significantly improve,” Mayor Scomazzon said. “The design also provides an alternate water supply configuration for the Port Douglas business district. The water main upgrade, with the final pipework connected offers redundancy within the water network for the business district within Macrossan St, Grant St & Wharf St” Mayor Scomazzon said it had been challenging time for both the Grant and Macrossan Street traders while the works were completed. “I would like to thank local businesses for their patience during this time. The new and improved pipeline will mean there will be less unplanned repairs required in the years ahead,” she said. The project was completed by Cairns-based civil contractors FGF Developments. passport office bureaucrats were travelling on the taxpayer dime to tropical North Queensland All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueTens of thousands of dollars were spent on hotels and flights for five bureaucrats and two contractors on multi-day trips to the resort town of Port Douglas costing an additional $104,196 in cancellation fees The Australian passport is one of the most expensive in the world Similar travel documents from countries such as New Zealand which have near identical security features The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is yet to answer questions about why two in-person trips needed to be made to Far North Queensland to prepare for an upcoming conference between the Five Eyes countries and Ireland about technical passport issues A spokesperson said the department accepted all the recommendations in the ANAO report which first revealed the trips "The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) accepted all of the recommendations of the ANAO report into Australian Passport Office procurement and is taking a wide range of actions to strengthen the integrity of procurement processes," the spokesperson said "DFAT is also investigating the extent of any wrongdoing by staff in relation to ethical and integrity concerns raised by the ANAO audit." The Canberra Times has obtained the itinerary for the two trips the acting assistant secretary and acting director were joined by an APS-6-level staff member for five days Further details about this trip are unknown The Canberra Times requested a full itinerary but was informed that such a document for the first trip does not exist that involved two APS-6 bureaucrats and two contractors the tour sampled the best of what the region had to offer including staying at the Sheraton Port Douglas The group dined at Michelin-starred chef Spencer Patrick's restaurant within the resort while experiencing beachfront dining at Nu Nu Restaurant in the exclusive Palm Cove hamlet helmed by Masterchef guest chef Nick Holloway One of the sites the delegation visited was Hartley's Crocodile Adventures digitally alteredTo ensure the upcoming conference had everything foreign passport bureaucrats could want the itinerary also included a lunch at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures a walk through Mossman Gorge - also with lunch - and hours set aside to explore local shops and galleries to stock welcome baskets and thank you packs for arriving dignitaries According to the audit office report the travel costs for the two trips amounted to $31,422 Neither were compliant with the department's travel policy and "do not represent a proper use of public resources" "It was not appropriate for four officials on the second trip to have accepted complimentary entry to a tourist attraction and this hospitality was not appropriately reported or approved," the report states Ticket prices to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures cost $45 per person the department said the choice of Port Douglas was that it would "benefit the regional economy"; however there was no evidence of how it would do so A contract was signed with the resort venue in January 2023, prior to the second trip, but shortly after the group returned, deputy secretary, international security, legal and consular group Craig Maclachlan nixed the idea, determining it would be more appropriate to hold the conference in Canberra. Newly appointed head of the passport office, Lucelle Veneros, agreed and, on her second day on the job, tasked her division to move the event to the capital. Unfortunately for the taxpayer, this late change cost the department $104,000 in a forfeited deposit and cancellation fee. During Senate estimates, Mr Maclachlan declined to go into depth about the conduct of some of the senior bureaucrats involved, noting there was an investigation underway. The audit office report found 18 department employees were persons of interest, with code of conduct investigations on foot. It is not known if any have been finalised. Today's top stories curated by our news team Don't miss updates on news about the Public Service Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters Your exclusive preview of David Pope's latest cartoon Join our weekly poll for Canberra Times readers We've selected the best reading for your weekend Get the latest property and development news here tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert Your digital replica of Today's Paper Test your skills with interactive crosswords The contractor tasked with building Port Douglas’ new $4.75m Splash Park will be arriving next week with work to begin on the highly-anticipated project by mid-March Townsville-based JMac Constructions has confirmed it will “mobilise” at Jalunbu Park Preliminary works will include bulk earthworks and installing plumbing and electrical components Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the anticipated completion date was in late July “The progress of this project is weather dependent but Council is confident the community will see this amazing new park operating in the second half of this year,” Mayor Scomazzon said “I can’t wait to see the project completed – the new splash park is poised to become a social hub for young families Council has received grants totalling $2.53m from the Queensland Government Our top recommendations for places to stay in Port Douglas takes into account all types of travellers and a range of options to suit different budgets From swanky hotels and resorts to campgrounds here is our list of the best Port Douglas accommodation Oaks Port Douglas Resort is paradise found for a lot of people from honeymooners who want to drop and flop to families who want to keep the kids occupied while in relaxation mode Dive head first into that relaxing tropical beach vibe with a sunrise stroll along Four Mile Beach followed by a swim in the sprawling lagoon Enjoy pizzas by the pool from The Little Pizza Co. and swim a length or two in order to earn those cocktails at the swim-up bar Oaks Port Douglas Resort is paradise found for a lot of people Each Balinese-style pavilion at Niramaya Villas and Spa has its own plunge pool and there is a 30-metre infinity-edge pool and day spa for those who want a wellness weekend Balinese-style pavilion at Niramaya Villas and Spa On a sunny day, when the water and sky are a clear sharp blue, Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa is a veritable oasis as the sprawling resort is located a short stroll away from Four Mile Beach and surrounded by palm trees bent into the wind But the lagoon-style pool is also part of the allure and it has to be in the running for one of the best in Port Park yourself by the pool for a leisurely lunch and then escape to Vie Spa for the arvo Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa is a veritable oasis Peppers Beach Club feels positively presidential. In fact, it’s somewhere former US president Bill and Hillary Clinton might have stayed during one of their jaunts to Tropical North Queensland. Again which is large and tinted the right shade of turquoise Get yourself a poolside lagoon suite so you can bombie off the your own private pontoon and sit by Koko Poolside Bar & Kitchen for all-day snacks such as soft-shell crab bao buns and a bucket of prawns Peppers Beach Club feels positively presidential. While the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas Resort put the sleepy seaside town on the map back in the 80s a $43 million refresh has ensured the resort will continue to turn heads Facetime your friends while reclined on your day bed overlooking the lagoon swimming pool while tucking into line-caught coral trout at Harrisons by Spencer Patrick or playing a round of golf at Mirage Country Club The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas put the sleepy seaside town on the map This eco accommodation is located on a private headland boho dresses and your best crochet bikini and book a stay at the Boho Beach Apartment so you can test-drive your much-dreamed-about Port Douglas sea change This tropical-inspired two-bedroom retro Port Douglas Airbnb which can sleep four guests and has a pool on site The smartly curated apartment is filled with mid-century furniture all about the toes-in-the-sand luxury of living beachside just moments from Four Mile Beach and the main strip of Macrossan Street The average year-round temperature of Port Douglas is about 26ºC so the plunge pool and private al fresco area make the three-bedroom home popular with families Live beachside just moments from Four Mile Beach Plantation Retreat is a one-bedroom unit with views overlooking a tropical pond where you can enjoy the evening symphony from the resident frogs with the al fresco kitchen area offering guests a taster of the lifestyle enjoyed by residents of Tropical North Queensland We love this Port Douglas Airbnb because it’s in the thick of it: wander down to the Courthouse Hotel for a pub lunch and then park yourself beside the pool Plantation Retreat houses views overlooking a tropical pond If the thought of unzipping your tent and being surrounded by a tangle of lush tropical rainforest appeals then your go-to will be Glengarry Big 4 which is located in the Mowbray Valley on the outskirts of Port Douglas Nudge your kids toward the bouncing pillow to flip and somersault to their heart’s content before cooling off in the water park and lagoon pool The holiday park has villas and cabins as well as powered and unpowered grass sites Glengarry Big 4 is surrounded by a tangle of lush tropical rainforest Stay in one of two private fully self-contained guest houses at Port Douglas Sunrise Retreat located in the midst of the neon-green hills of the beautiful Mowbray Valley just a 10-minute drive from the Port Douglas town centre and its famous Four Mile Beach Add an al fresco spa bath and an infinity pool with magnificent ocean and mountain views and immerse yourself in the landscape Stay in one of two private fully self-contained guest houses Pandanus Tourist Park is a 10-minute walk to the marina The tourist park has a lot to offer families and has a mix of powered and unpowered camping sites for caravans as well as fully self-contained cabins and units you’ll find children splashing about in the pool and making friends while parents mingle around the tidy barbecue area Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller and International Traveller for more than a decade where she works as both a writer and a sub editor and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Australian Traveller Media acknowledges the traditional custodians of the Country on which we live and work He is known as the “man who shaped Port Douglas” but who actually knew the real person behind the iconic Port Douglas property empire Tony McGrath Real Estate Always larger than life in his loud purple shirts and colourful braces Tony could captivate a room effortlessly with his stories of Port Douglas characters and big-game fishing as well as his dreams of one of his many horses one day winning the Melbourne Cup But son Cam McGrath says one of his most enduring memories of his big-hearted dad was of Tony simply sitting behind his office desk.  where he won a host of national awards as one of the best real estate agents and property developers the business has ever seen “He loved more than anything putting deals together for people,” Cam says And what big deals he did across the past few decades in the developing Port Douglas market with high-level negotiations involving a host of resorts Tony was still doing deals right up to a couple of months ago before ill health eventually caught up with him But he did not retire before setting up his second-in-command Heather Carle to take over the business and in the process ensuring his name would live on for many more years The real-estate trade was so ingrained in the McGrath family that son Cam and younger sister Heidi remember all sorts of side effects felt at home such as Tony naming one of his boats “The Agent” “We remember building cubby houses out of real estate signs,” Cam says Tony McGrath’s parents moved to Sydney when he was very small his father signed up to fight in World War II but never made the front line - he was run over by a truck and killed on the Sydney wharf before setting sail for Europe Tony made his name in real estate while in NSW but after numerous holidays to Far North Queensland to help fulfill another of his passions He originally started an LJ Hooker franchise in Port Douglas but went out on his own into other businesses then eventually settled down into the company which now carries his name Cam says one of the keys to his father’s success was his big personality “There’s no such thing as a two-minute chat with Tony McGrath,” he says Tony would talk for hours with clients and friends about horseracing and fishing he ran his boat aground on the Great Barrier Reef or when he reeled in a marlin somewhere out past Lizard Island And there was the time when a horse he part owned but ended up finishing second last in front of a horse that pulled up lame which won and placed in group one races and earned more than $2m for its owners He even had a stake in a horse called Port Douglas but showed how much he cherished his adopted home town And many townspeople also had great respect for Tony who dedicated a chapter to him in her book Beneath Tropic Skies in which he talks at length about all the characters that made Port Douglas what it is today Characters such as the former Warner Street "servo" owner "Stretch" and advertised his business on the radio as having "topless service attendants" But when the truckies arrived from the highway on a special mission to fill up what they discovered was Stretch with no shirt on and a petrol pump in hand Tony was certainly one of those many Port Douglas characters who will also go down in local folk law as much as his name will live on in the real estate industry Tony McGrath is survived by children Cam McGrath and Heidi Bresler and step-son Shane Morris at 11am at St Mary’s by the Sea on the Port Douglas waterfront to celebrate his life Port Douglas is hoping to attract locals and international visitors alike by adding a new running event to a much-loved cycling festival Please call us on 1800 070 535 and we’ll help resolve the issue or try again later Any Questions? Please call 1800 070 535 Saturday & Sunday 7:00am – 11:30am (AEST) A multi-million dollar expansion of a key Port Douglas reservoir is being considered by the major political parties in the lead-up to this year’s federal election Council wants to build a new 10 million litre tank increasing the Crees Road site’s capacity to 30 million litres LNP candidate Jeremy Neal said he had already held talks about the project with Douglas Shire Council “They essentially had to turn their water off during the Jasper period at Port Douglas,” Mr Neal told Seven News “When they (Douglas Shire Council) came to me and asked for a $6.6m commitment I was very supportive and I am working hard on it to get it through.” Labor candidate Matt Smith told Seven News “I will advocate for anything that is important to the region and I will have further discussions with Douglas Shire about what this is going to look like” Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the project was essential to boosting the region’s resilience during natural disasters working on water security for the shire,” she told Seven “The extra water will be a bonus for Port Douglas because when we had Cyclone Jasper water was a big issue.” Residents are encouraged to contact Mr Neal and Mr Smith if water security is an important issue for them in the lead-up to the election Power supplies across Port Douglas have been cut off this morning after a gas leak in the Paradise Links Resort area Fire trucks and police descended on the Nautilus Street region following a car accident shutting off roads and cutting essential services in the district Ergon Energy put out a warning on its communications platforms that power had been cut “for public safety as emergency services respond to a gas leak associated with a vehicle accident at Port Douglas” “Our crews will restore power when it is safe to do so,” Ergon stated From its humble beginnings on Macrossan Street to becoming a beloved Port Douglas institution Salsa Bar & Grill has officially turned 30 and the milestone was celebrated in true Salsa style with a spectacular ‘Angels and Devils’ themed night at the Sugar Wharf co-owner Rhys Bawden said reaching 30 years in hospitality was both humbling and a testament to the team's hard work and community spirit and delivering consistently year after year is hard.  Being able to support our community and to be supported by our community is incredible.” The Salsa journey has been marked by big risks and bold moves back when the site was little more than a collapsing picket fence and evolving the restaurant space over the years.  From a courtyard with a pond and makeshift sails for roofing to major upgrades in 2015 that included a permanent roof and shutters “Bill’s vision of launching a restaurant that delivered consistently good food and fun vibes for everyone still drives us today," Rhys said lively music’ has been at the core of everything we do.” “Our staff have always been friendly yet professional and our menus keep pushing boundaries while staying true to the comfort dishes we all love “I mean who can go past a Thai Chicken Spring Roll or Linguini Pepperincino!” and the connection with the community that keeps Salsa thriving “We believe in taking care of those who take care of you,” Rhys added The 30th birthday bash at Sugar Wharf was a fitting tribute to this legacy and Salsa family members coming together for a night to remember.  “Celebrating with our community was absolutely incredible,” Rhys said and it was such a joy to see so many familiar faces One of the most special moments was gathering all the past and present staff for a group photo Salsa has released limited edition “Bringing the vibes since 1995” T-shirts and stubby coolers available online and at the restaurant.  “And… we’ve got one more exciting project in the works for 2025 but you’ll have to follow us on socials to be the first to know!” The team behind Savannah In The Round festival is back, this time in Port Douglas. More Savannah In The Round Any North Queensland punters in the know would recognise the name Savannah In The Round. After all, the festival was just honoured with the prestigious Outstanding Commitment to the Industry award at the 2024 Tropical North Queensland Tourism Industry Excellence Awards And now the team behind the award-winning event is coming to Port Douglas bringing Savannah Sounds to the Port Douglas Carnivale the Savannah Sounds Port Douglas program will kick off with a Friday night party if we’re going off Savannah In The Round’s line-up last year punters can expect some musical heavyweights to appear in Port Douglas The 2024 event locked in Kip Moore and Tyler Hubbard from the US and Jon Stevens also took to The Cape stage Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon says she’s excited for Savannah Sounds to hit her area: “We know the success of Savannah in the Round - the quality of what they do - and the acts they attract are a great fit for Carnivale and the future of event tourism in the region Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter Savannah In The Round isn’t the only big name in this collaboration Port Douglas Carnivale delivered a significant economic boost to the area Chief executive officer of Tourism Tropical North Queensland Mark Olsen also anticipates the tourism impact of the festival to be huge: “This nationally visible event will reinforce the region’s ‘back in business’ messaging to bring visitors to Port Douglas during the shoulder season when they can experience the festivities of Port Douglas Carnivale.” Held at Rex Smeal Park on May 23-25, Savannah Sounds is sure to be a hit. Find more information here. Lees Bridge was a single lane timber bridge on Douglas Creek Road Daintree that was severely impacted by Cyclone Tiffany on 10 – 11 January 2022 Council successfully sought funding through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DFRA) for a replacement concrete bridge Cyclone Jasper in December 2023 further hampered efforts to build the new bridge A new design has been finalised and tenders released February 2025 The cost to replace the bridge is covered by the Australian Government’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) The DRFA is joint Commonwealth and State government funding providing financial assistance in this instance to help communities recover from TC Jasper which occurred in December 2023 For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Gaye Scott on 0418 793 009 or email gaye.scott@douglas.qld.gov.au There’s been a concerning spike in vandalism at Port Gardens and Craiglie and Council needs your help to stamp out this anti-social behaviour Hutchings Park is a particular area of concern There has been a series of vandalism attacks there in the past two months Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the thoughtless actions of a few people were frustrating locals and wasting Council resources limits the availability of public amenities and restricts the capacity of Council staff to complete work that is more beneficial to the community,” Mayor Scomazzon said “Vandalism has a very real follow-on effect as costly repairs clean-ups and monitoring eat into ratepayer dollars that could be spent elsewhere “Our parks and amenities contribute greatly to the liveability of our region and our crews work proudly to make these spaces enjoyable and inviting for locals and visitors but that does not mean that we should accept it here in our shire.” Information can be given to Policelink (131 444) or Crimestoppers (1800 333 000) Kyle Sandilands has finally sold his North Queensland hideaway It came after the Vaucluse-based couple cut $350,000 from its initial $2.9m asking price in August Just two weeks later, it has now gone under offer after 106 days on market through Barbara Woolveridge at Sotheby’s International Tropical North Queensland MORE: My ‘LSD’ walk through: Secrets of Crowe’s $42m pad Kyle and Tegan Sandilands have sold their holiday house at Port Douglas The retreat sits at the highest point of the holding surrounded by tropical rainforest with views from the entertaining deck PropTrack puts the median time on market at 100 days There are just 200 properties in Mowbray with sales hitting $2.8m in 2021 so the property ranks as its second priciest Bought by Sandilands for $1.3m during the late 2020 pandemic the secluded 2000-built retreat sits at the highest point of the holding surrounded by tropical rainforest with views from the entertaining deck MORE: ‘Sucks’: Block’s real estate guru lashes Aus agents RELATED: Kyle Sandilands’ huge plans for $14m mansion It was marketed as being “truly fit for a king” a nod to Sandilands’ nickname of King Kyle Sandilands said on its listing that the couple would look for a weekender closer to Sydney the place was absolutely perfect for us because of its private and tropical location overlooking the water,” Sandilands said MORE: Albo’s plan to siphon profits from your home Kyle and Tegan Sandilands list their holiday house at Port Douglas “Our two-year-old son Otto loves the beach which can be difficult to go to up around Port Douglas due to the crocodiles “We’re going to relocate somewhere a bit closer to Sydney where we don’t have to worry about hungry reptiles.” Sandilands and Kynaston paid $14m for a four-bedroom Vaucluse home last year MORE: Infamous Aussie spy home’s mind-blowing reveal MORE: Luna Park’s surprise new owner third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it completeness or reliability of the information nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to our Terms of Use. “This festival is a fantastic opportunity to showcase amazing musical talent and celebrate the region’s vibrant energy.” Just weeks after announcing that the 2025 edition of Savannah Sounds would be held in Port Douglas this year the festival has dropped a double-whammy; unveiling both its artist lineup and set times in one fell swoop the event will launch its first night with DJ Sounds boasting Zoe Badwi and Madison Avenue’s Andy Van on the bill with Jolyon Petch closing out the party with Sheppard and The Black Sorrows staying on until close you can catch an eclectic lineup featuring Eddie Skiba and Little River Band's own (and Port Douglas local) Glenn Shorrock Sound Australia and Savannah In The Round Director James Dein said he feels that the diverse lineup and strong community support will turn it all into key event for music lovers and a major tourism draw for Tropical North Queensland “We are more than excited to bring Savannah Sounds to Port Douglas as part of Port Douglas Carnivale,” Dein said Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon says she’s excited for Savannah Sounds to hit her area: “We know the success of Savannah in the Round – the quality of what they do – and the acts they attract are a great fit for Carnivale and the future of event tourism in the region Tickets to the event are on sale from 10am, on Wednesday, March 12th, with registration available now. Set times are also available via the official website now. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Savannah Sounds (@savannah.sounds) Kairos KinMax JacksonThe Wolfe BrothersSheppardThe Black Sorrows Eddie SkibaKatie Richards BandEl MothLittle Steely BrothersRoadtrippersGlenn Shorrock A tropical escape in a luxury resort doesn’t need to be an eight-hour flight away as Travel Weekly found during a recent Far North Queensland weekend away at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas It’s often the little things that count during a resort stay The small touches that may go unnoticed by some they are the elements that are the difference between a room stay and a fondly-recalled holiday A poolside waiter checking in to see that you have everything you need; an extra beach towel in the bedroom; chef coming over to say hi and check that your meal is just right; and those little trips outside your resort: Tech-free forays drifting down a river past centuries-old trees or listening intently as the Indigenous guide lets you in on a little secret about how life was once lived in the rainforest They are the things that matter when you just want to switch off Flying to Cairns via Port Douglas typically take about 2 hours 15 minutes and when you are taking the kids that time-saving can make all the difference it effectively offers you extra time on any short getaway meaning less time spent in international airport lounges and on land transfers Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort’s relationship with SR Coaches means the shuttle service is waiting there for you when your Virgin flights lands in Cairns is still recovering from last wet season’s devastating floods with sections of the road washed away and one-way sections still in place cool foyer is accessed from a porte-cochere driveaway and despite its age over freshwater ponds – one featuring and barramundi – past manicured tropical gardens the resort encompasses 147ha of lush tropical gardens 2ha of sparkling lagoons and an 18-hole golf course across the road Plus there has also been a focus on sustainability in recent years with significantly less impact to the environment when it comes to water use you can wander the corridors and paths and dive into any one of the eight pools without feeling overcrowded despite the healthy number of patrons you see at the vast buffet breakfast we didn’t see the same person twice during our stay The eight pools are obviously a major attraction or read a book in a deck chair and watch the kids The cabana also comes in handy if guests want to enjoy Sheraton Sunset Sessions on the resort’s Main Beach with a DJ spinning discs as you indulge in a platter of treats from Lagoon House which recently picked up a Bronze award for Best Hotel/Resort Restaurant at the 2024 National Hostplus Restaurant and Catering Awards for Excellence This poolside diner offers an inventive pan-Asian menu using loal ingredients such as Daintree barramundi mud crab and produce sourced from the resort’s gardens there are seven restaurants and bars at the resort and apart from Lagoon House Restaurant Named after Patrick’s now 16-year-old son the restaurant has garnered a well-deserved culinary reputation and I’d return just for the crusty charcoal bread Patrick also celebrates a decade of Taste Port Douglas in 2025 which attracts big name chefs from down south Massimo Mele and Mark Best to the shores of Four Mile Beach Here guests enjoy a day on the grounds at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort and attend an often sold-out program of live cooking demonstrations pop-up food and beverage stalls and chef masterclasses There is also a cafe in the foyer for light meals and a nearby pool table where the kids can try their skills while drying out from the pool Australia’s first eco-certified destination is a laidback tropical town and gateway to two UNESCO World Heritage-listed natural wonders – the Great Barrier Reef and the expansive 180-million-year-old Daintree Rainforest SR Coaches runs a shuttle service to and from any destination within Port Douglas with guests able to purchase one-way or return transfers with multi-day passes also available Shuttles also arrive at the resort around every 7-10 minutes on this brief trip it is well worth booking a local excursion say to Mossman Gorge or the Daintree Rainforest Transportation is usually included in the costs and for our Backcountry Bliss for Riverdrift Tour we drive around half an hour north out of town looming storm clouds and jungle green hills A quick left off the highway takes you to a converted shipping container and the beginning of the river walk where you are kitted up with a river sled filled with centuries old granite sediment washed down from the mountains during the floods And you are completely enveloped by rainforest warned of two particularly nasty plants but also appreciate the evolution that has taken place to get them there many of the features apparently inspired James Cameron before he created Pandora It’s a unique journey that allows guests to traverse the river’s former course on foot before dipping into the shallows and sliding down the cool river on your sled belly first or eyes to the canopy of rainforest way above your head Five minutes afloat on this Mossman River tributary will wash away six months of stress – and we get two hours’ worth comfortable room and delicious food in the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort this is Kuku Yalanji country the home of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people who have lived married and shared stories here for millennia Their country extends from near Cooktown to Port Douglas and the natural features of the landscape have spiritual significance for these people, plus it offered a rich array of plants and animals that provided a reliable food source for them as guide Trevayne Pearce, from Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre explains on our Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk Tour after a short bus trip takes us to the top of the hill while explaining the Indigenous use of tree leaves and bark including banging the trunk of a hollow tree to “text” his mate One particular 16-year-old was thoroughly engrossed in Trevayne’s stories and kept close asked many more questions than we’d heard in a long time Port Douglas is the closest land point to the Great Barrier Reef via Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina Guests can embark on a journey to discover the magic of our beautiful coral reef with some boat rides taking just 45 minutes to their destination Covering 1200sq km between the Mossman Gorge and Bloomfield River the Daintree is one of the most complex ecosystems on earth the Daintree Rainforest is tens of millions of years older than the Amazon and contains living examples of unique ancient plants as well as thousands of species of birds After a couple of less than stressful tours it’s also great to crash back at the impeccable 294 resort rooms which offers 55 villas all with views of tropical gardens or lagoon pools and 53 rooms feature balconies with swim-up entry The must-haves are also there too, Sheraton Signature mattresses and feather and down pillows 55-inch LCD television with Chromecast capabilities (not that we used it), spacious marble bathrooms and Gilchrist & Soames amenities It also offers 18 flexible indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces the largest catering for up to 1,000 conference delegates with plenty of rooms and villas to accommodate them too accessible via mobile and a touch screen kiosk located in the Resort Business Centre Other aspects we also need to explore on our next trip include Daintree Bar with rum tasting flights and cocktails that hero the locally distilled FNQ Rum made from local sugarcane and the Charming Chapel where many a couple tie the knot in bare feet This is what confronts people who walk along the waterfront next to one of Port Douglas’s biggest tourism drawcards The marina has lived through several unrealised redevelopment plans across the past decade dating back through two separate ownerships and tourism operators spoken to this week by Newsport say another one is needed soon for the town to keep moving was unveiled by current owner Crystalbrook Collection in 2019 with then Port Douglas Shire mayor Julia Leu celebrating its arrival “They have a really exciting vision for the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina that has the potential to revitalise Port Douglas and stimulate the local economy,” she said at the time Crystalbrook was reportedly working on a $100m development in 2017 which included a 100-room luxury hotel more shops and restaurants and a 24-berth marina expansion said at the time the company believed it could "redefine the Australian marina experience and ensure Port Douglas is an essential-visit location for high-end global travellers" former owners Andrew Hooper-Nguyen and Chris Ellis - who sold the marina to the Australia-wide high-end accommodation chain in 2017 - had council-approved plans for a new hotel and apartment complex many Port locals were surprised when the marina was placed on the market by Crystalbrook An expressions of interest campaign to buy the site closed on May 1 representatives of international commercial real estate company CBRE told Newsport it was continuing “to engage in discussions with prospective buyers” But one property-industry insider told Newsport this week market speculators have valued the marina at less than what the seller wants to be paid but that could not be independently verified The site is Queensland’s northernmost marina with 135 berths available for permanent and visiting vessels five fisherman berths and a fuel wharf.  the marina takes up 10ha of freehold and “seabed lease” land at 44 Wharf Street and is one of Queensland’s main access points to the Great Barrier Reef Newsport has reached out to both Crystalbrook and CBRE in an effort to find out more about what is now happening with the marina sale with a CBRE agent confirming the property was still on the market And some local tourism operators have said privately there is a pending mystery announcement due to be made soon - perhaps before the May 3 Federal Election Enter your details below to become a Port Douglas VIP Become a Port Douglas VIP today & WIN a Weekend Escape Winner packages announced by email every month Request a direct rate from the property and save per night.  Free cancellations available Select from the Port Douglas resort and hotel accommodation providers below Use the 'FILTER' to select options best suited for your stay Request a better rate by using the green tick Explore the finest Port Douglas hotel accommodation options From boutique hotels to luxurious beachside resorts Port Douglas offers a range of choices to suit every traveller's preference Port Douglas boasts some of Australia's premier resorts including the renowned Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas and 5-star amenities at Pullman Sea Temple Port Douglas and Peppers Beach Club Ideal for discerning travellers seeking relaxation and luxury For families seeking convenience and comfort Port Douglas presents spacious self-contained units and apartments Choose from dual-key apartments or family-friendly resorts with amenities like kids' clubs Port Douglas caters to all tastes and budgets Plan a romantic escape to Port Douglas and experience secluded rainforest retreats or private bed and breakfast sanctuaries with Coral Sea views Enjoy the luxury of 5-star hotel rooms or exclusive island resort bungalows last minute accommodation and limited access experiences by joining VIP the first living coral biobank of its kind is returning to its Port Douglas roots with a brand-new centre at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina Newsport has spoken with Great Barrier Reef Legacy director Dr Dean Miller the driving force behind this ambitious project as he brings the world’s first living coral biobank back to where it all began Dr Miller has dedicated his career to protecting the Great Barrier Reef he co-founded Great Barrier Reef Legacy in 2016 to bridge the gap between research and real-world conservation the Forever Reef Project has preserved numerous Great Barrier Reef coral species securing their future for research and restoration The decision to relocate to Port Douglas was driven by the project’s rapid growth and need for more space Dr Miller said the larger centre will allow them to house more coral fragments and refocus on collecting all 415 Great Barrier Reef coral species by 2026 The biobank will soon include two new tanks This move marks a homecoming for the project as Port Douglas has always been its operational and spiritual base “Port Douglas has always been Great Barrier Reef Legacy’s physical and spiritual home - we’ve launched research expeditions from here engaged with local schools and tourism operators and grown our organisation with the support of this incredible community,” Dr Miller said “Bringing this world-class conservation initiative back is immensely rewarding as it is now one of the most significant coral conservation projects globally Advancing research and community engagement The expansion strengthens collaborations with Traditional Owners “We work closely with the Jabalbina and Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporations and are developing a First Nations Forever Reef 'Hub' to protect coral biodiversity on Country,” Dr Miller said “Scientists are increasingly interested in our one-of-a-kind living collection and this new facility will only deepen our partnerships with conservation groups locally and nationally.” The centre also introduces dedicated tourism reconnecting the project with the Port Douglas community “Having our ultimate holding facility allows us to stretch our wings and maximise the impact of this project on multiple levels,” Dr Miller said the Forever Reef Project will begin offering guided tours from March 17 Guests will go behind the scenes with expert guides to see how corals are collected and preserved in the world’s only living coral biobank “We encourage everyone to experience this one-of-a-kind conservation effort and see first-hand how we’re protecting the Great Barrier Reef,” Dr Miller said Support for these expansions has been tremendous with a Newsport 4planet cooperative and UniSports Australia contributing $10,000 and $12,000 “This generosity is what makes the Forever Reef Project thrive and we couldn’t be more appreciative,” Dr Miller said Help us continue to bring you stories that resonate with your community the Stinger Pool was made by the community to swim in,” said former property developer Tony McGrath in the book Beneath Tropical Skies by local historian Pam Willis Burden it appears that the stingers still got in between the rocks and got in the pool and got bigger,” McGrath said which only stands to illustrate the long history of the Port Douglas community’s desire to build some sort of Cairns-style “lagoon” near the beach Reader Cheryl Wellham has even spoken of a time when “my mother-in-law helped with lamington drives back in the late ’60s to get a stinger pool” This history was further underlined after hundreds more people commented last month on a Newsport story about boat builder and author Peter Sayre releasing a new design for a lagoon pool near the Sugar Wharf to rub more sea salt into those old wounds Sayre’s fresh lagoon plan is the latest in a long line of pool ideas for the waterfront of the town dating back decades to the original failed Stinger Pool One design involving local architect Gary Hunt culminated in a long 2011 open letter published on Newsport objecting to the then-council’s consultation process over more than four years a “grand vision to build Australia’s first chemical-free public swimming hole next to Four Mile Beach” was unveiled by Douglas Shire Council World-renowned landscape designer Phillip Johnson delivered the most grandiose of designs multiple lifeguards and kids jumping off huge boulders - which would surely contravene all sorts of Oc Health and Safety rules these days.  This plan eventually morphed into the latest scaled-back $4.7m Port Douglas Splash Park design - a water park without lifeguards which was reported less than a year ago to be costing ratepayers about $2.8m The council has now started building this splash park at Jalunbu Park behind the surf club but will this be enough to satisfy those wanting to see a Cairns-style lagoon in Douglas Shire?  had a permanent population of less than 13,000 people Tony McGrath used to talk of a time when Port Douglas people just built it themselves when they wanted something but much financial help from state and federal governments will likely be needed to afford anything bigger than a splash park now