Port Douglas, Australia 

The beachside town of Port Douglas is an ideal location for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the rich ecology of the Wet Tropics Area. You will also find some of the finest resorts in Australia here. The sophisticated and relaxed village atmosphere is sure to make you come here more often.

There is more to a Port Douglas holiday than just natural scenic beauty. Make sure to heck out the galleries, boutiques, wonderful bars and cafes. Make Port Douglas your base for holidays in Queensland as there is no shortage of tours departing from here every day.

Your P&O ship will anchor and a regular tender service will operate from the ship to the Marina Mirage dock at Port Douglas.

A taxi stand is located outside the Marina Mirage pier entrance. The Port Douglas town centre is within short walking distance from the pier.

Port Douglas is a resort holiday shopping mecca. It’s chic-central! The latest designer and leisure fashions, jewellery, traditional and contemporary art and crafts, souvenirs – just about anything you may want – is available.

Port Douglas has to be one of the best culinary centres anywhere in North Queensland. Seafood and Aussie bush tucker are, naturally enough, specialties, however cuisines from around the world can be enjoyed here. If you just want to relax over a cup of tea or espresso, you’ll find a café that perfectly fits your own style. Restaurants and cafés are clustered on and around Macrossan Street.

Tropical. Don’t forget, you’re well north of the Tropic of Capricorn and, in summer particularly, it can be hot and humid. Occasional rain showers and sea breezes provide welcome relief. Make sure you stay hydrated and sheltered from the sun.

If you’re pleased with the service you receive in a restaurant, a reasonable tip would be around five to ten percent of the bill.

Major credit cards and charge cards are widely accepted.

Public telephones are available at Marina Mirage and in the town’s centre.

To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, wear comfortable, flat soled shoes, lightweight clothes and a hat, and bring along some sunscreen, insect repellent and bottled water. It’s also a good idea to bring an umbrella and weatherproof jacket. Don’t forget your swimming gear! Snorkelling equipment is available for hire or purchase on board the ship.

There are a number of tours available for you to really get the most out of your time in and around Port Douglas. Subject to availability, tours may be booked onboard at the Shore Tours Desk. Passengers will meet at a specific location for each shore tour departure. Please refer to the daily onboard newsletter for the correct place and time. Your friendly Shore Tours staff will be at that location to assist you.

The season for box jelly-fish and stingers generally starts with the onset of the wet across the top of Northern Australia, usually around October and lasts until April.

In case of emergency while you are ashore please contact the nearest P&O crew member. Alternatively, P&O’s port agent representative in Port Douglas is:

Carter Marine Agencies
98 Jungara Road
Redlynch QLD 4870
Tel: (07) 4039 1046