St_Piter

Hi:

Heading there in mid-April. There will be three of us---college friends, mid 30's. Looking for something mid-priced and more funky/individual than a "family" resort. Any ideas on a hotel or reef excursions would be most welcomed, too. Thanks!

BigVolcano

Gidday St Piter

Cyclone Larry (cat 5) made landfall in the region last week, Cairns dodged a bullet, but other areas are still without power and other essential utitilties, for example, major resort islands are re-opening on April 1st, not sure about other areas.

So depending on what you're going for (reef or rainforest) it might be a different experience than the one you are anticipating.

Here though, are a few local web sites - some on a "business as usual" footing, others on a "here's the latest after Larry" basis, which may be useful.

Usual disclaimer - No endorsement of or support for an individual or organisation is implied by me. I have no relationship with the web sites etc. mentioned.

http://www.portdouglasinfo.com/news.asp

http://www.accomportdouglas.com.au/

http://www.barrierreefaustralia.com/

http://www.cairnsconnect.com/

Hope this is useful.

Cheers and Hooroo
Big Volcano

pat_woolford

AS LizF and I have mentioned several times recently, there was no damage to Port Douglas from Cyclone Larry. Not a leaf was lost. Port Douglas is north of Cairns which suffered only some minor fallen tree damage and Cairns is well north of Innisfail which was badly affected. There's also substantial crop loss and tree damage to parts of Atherton Tablelands, Mission Beach and nearby Dunk and Bedarra Islands, nowhere near Port Douglas.

Was just speaking to a friend in Ravenshoe, on Tableland, he has 60 trees down, but the native birds have returned, including species he's not seen there before, and platypus are doing fine.

St_Piter, if you do a search here for Port Douglas you're sure to find accommodation to suit as well as reef and Daintree trips.

BigVolcano

Good to hear pat,

Thanks for the update. I'm sure many folk, locals and visitors alike, are breathing a sigh of relief.

As already mentioned on other threads, the reef seems to have been spared any major damage as well, and might actually be postively influenced, reducing the chance of coral bleaching occuring.

Heartbreaking for the areas directly affected, good news otherwise.

Cheers

St_Piter

Thanks, Pat---I did search on this subject, but I didn't find anything that seemed to fit what I am looking for. Looking for a more unique, cooler experience than a family thing. Maybe someone has an idea for me?

Lizzy101

We have stayed at Omkara - a self contained apartment a five to 10 minute walk from the main street of Port Douglas.Just across the road from the beach.

We liked it very much because it was private amd had it's own pool and lovely courtyard to laze in or have a barbie. Are you after quiet and private?

The decoration of the apartment in on an eastern theme and the furnishings etc were of a high standard. Plus, the owner Sue is a wonderful host.

Anyway - have a look:
http://www.omkaraportdouglas.com/

Lots of suggestions of reef trips on this forun, but we have always enjoyed Wavelength out of Port Douglas.

St_Piter

Thanks, Lizzy. Looks like the coolest place I've seen there yet. I'll give em a call and check on availability.

Karen246

Go Wavelength - smaller and more personalised and crew is young. Have been on Quicksilver and it is very commercial - though good. My recommendation would definately be Wavelength. If you are looking for somewhere really nice try "Verandas" just down from main street, could be pricey in high season but great value out of season. Try eating at Mango Jam or the pub right down on the corner - great upstairs view.

cactuslady

Another vote for Wavelength here! They cater to snorkelers not divers so take you to more shallow areas of the reef. We bought the CD of underwater photos, and it was well worth it. Super guides!

I like the Raddison Treetops in Port Douglas. It isn't funky, but I've never seen kids there other than my own. My husband and I went alone the first time and thought it was rather romantic to eat dinner in their outdoor restaurant when it was 20 F at home!

Here is another recommendation from a friend, but I have no personal knowledge: "Outrigger Hotels & Resorts – Outrigger Beach Club & Spa, Palm Cove
We liked it, we got an upgrade for free to a suite which had a washer/dryer, microwave, and cooking utensils(no stove or oven), toaster, and a spa on the balcony! It was fairly new and the people again were great. They had a swim up bar and a beach type pool with sand on one side. Across the street on the water was a swimming area with a stinger net to protect you. We just used the pools which was fine with us."

We like Tony's Tropical Tours for a Rainforest Tour.

Also, On The Inlet restaurant is great! Every night at 5pm they feed a 500 pound groper. It is really something to see! And the food there is good too. Mal is the owner and quite a popular character.

Hmmm ... I wonder when I can start planning my next trip ...