My family will be in Port Douglas for a week in July. We have been advised not to rent a car since everything is handy and within walking distance. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? We want to take a tour of the rain forest and snorkel. Will we be able to get tours easily from Port Douglas? Do any of you have favorite activities, companies, restaurants, etc. Our 12 year old son will be with us. Thanks.

Mary -<BR>Having spent a week in Port Douglas last August, I will agree that you don't need a car. Everything in town is in walking distance - grocery stores, restaurants, shops, etc. I would recommend you stay in an apartment close to the north end, which will be convenient to the beach and the main drag (Macrossan Street). All the tour operators pick up people from either where they are staying, the marina, or at a location along the main drag.<BR>Martha<BR>

Hello there, I live and work in Port Douglas... if you plan to take tours you will find that you do not need a car. If you are staying in a large resort like Treetops or the Sheraton, you will be able to catch a local bus into and out of town. Or you can hire bikes and ride around Port.<BR>The best reef tour to go with if you are just snorkelling is Wavelength.They do not take divers and they focus on the needs of snorkellers. Their website is www.wavelength-reef.com.au<BR>The best restaurants are On the Inlet ( a seafood restaurant right on the water, which has a giant groper feeding at 5.pm daily), Salsa Bar and Grill, Sardis Italian Restaurant and Michaleagelos Pizzeria. You will also enjoy the Rainforest Habitat as well.<BR>A great rainforest tour is BTS. They have a great rainforest billabong as a lunch site and offer canoeing as well, this would be fun for your son and for you!<BR>If you need any help, or advice, please feel free to contact me.<BR>Cheers<BR>caro

Take David Armbrust's tour. Check out his website at www.anhs.com. Can either do a 1/2 day or full day tour. Half day tour is in his own private rainforest property. Very nice day.

We went to Port Douglas last March.<BR>We rented a car at Cairns Airport.<BR>By doing this you will be able to have a good look around Cairns, then drive 70.klm. to Port Douglas on the way you could check out the little beach resorts, take the chair lift or train up to the markets. (or come back another day.)<BR>Yes there are tours everywhere at Port Douglas, but if you have a car you will do everything at your pace, you can visit Mossman Gorge, the fruit farm, Daintree & river cruise drive up to Cape Tributation. (all in one day.)<BR>Maybe one day go up into the Atherton Table lands for a day.<BR>Another day out on the Reef.<BR>I have found with a twelve year old they seem to get restless on bus tours.<BR>Plus if there are 2 or 3. the cost of the hire car is very little compared to the coach tours. <BR>You will find you will be able to wander behind the tour groups & here what the guide has to say about the area anyway. <BR>The Chinese rest is also very good. I don't remember the name of the hotel in the main street but it has Toad racing everynight, the food there is very good, the decore is very outback Australian.<BR>It is not hard driving around this part of the country.<BR>Enjoy

Hi Mary,<BR><BR>We were staying down at Trinity Beach a few years ago and took a day trip to Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, and the Daintree. The Daintree was great - we took a boat to go spot fresh-water crocs. (I think your 12-year-old would love it!)<BR><BR>In Port Douglas itself, make sure to wander through the open air market. I can't remember which day it takes place, but it is one of my favorite memories, mostly due to this great old guy with an enormous beard who was selling fruits and jams. He had us sample just about everything he had to offer. Fresh papaya, topped with fresh passionfruit and a squirt of lime - DELICIOUS!<BR><BR>Enjoy!<BR>-Mia