We are planning a two week trip to OZ in April 2001. Several days in SYD then flying to Cairns. We had reservations in Port Douglas at the Sheraton Mirage but now we are concerned that it is two far away from the fun in Port Douglas. We are traveling with our two "children" who are in their early twenties. We want all of us to get the most out of the experience. We were even considering Silky Oaks Lodge until we found out how secluded it was. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Also, does anyone have first hand experience with Poseidon Dive Tours?

The Mirage is a good walk out of Port Douglas township, although "fun" isn't the best description. Its more of a sleepy town, although there are a couple of pubs and plenty of restaurants. I would recommend staying adjacent to the town, rather than the Mirage. You're closer to shoopping, dining, drinking, the Marina, etc. There are loads of smallish, low-rise 4 to 5 star apartment blocks in this area. Try www.pddt.com.au or www.great-barrier-reef.com/ for some options. <BR>We used Poseidon and were very happy with them. The people were very firnedly. Their boat was fast but not too big (abt 40 passengers). They visit about 3 sites on the day and the food was good.

Did not stay in Port Douglas (stayed in Palm Cove), but did uses Poseidon Dive Tours. We were really impressed by them! The company is owned by a very nice couple and staffed by amazing dive masters (much better than the company we used in Cairns). <BR> <BR>It is still worth considering Silky Oaks - not to see Port Douglas, but to enjoy the rainforest. It is a wonderful property!

Four of us (Mom, Dad, 2 teens) stayed at the White House. Had a lovely Apartment, is walking distance easily to town and the beach. Also used Poseidon, try the introductory dive. Well worth it. Recommend the Sanctuary also for seeing wildlife. <BR> <BR>

Just got back. Stayed at the Mirage for 4 days and would NOT do it again. Very beautiful but too far from anything and cabs can get pricey. There are many charming small hotels on the beach in Port Doug. Some have kitchens as well.

hi, we stayed at the boathouse, a fully accommodated apartment on the main street in port douglas. it's a beautiful place, tastefully decorated and plenty of room for 4 people. <BR>as for the dive tour, we went with the aristocat. it was great. a fairly new boat and holds 40. if you are there a few days, check the water conditions before you book. it would be a real drag to go on a day when the water's really rough.

Liz we have stayed at Marina Terraces a few times, it is handy to the centre of PD and has well appointed apartments. Here is the URL with more info and prices. <BR>http://www.great-barrier-reef.com/marinaterraces/ <BR>Peg.

Just got back from Port Douglas. We stayed at the raddisson treetops and found it to be convienent and a good value. They are remodeling the treetops restaurant and it is temporarily closed, but the other two restaurants are open. Because of the renovation, we got a good rate thru our travel agent. Radisson is not walking distance from Macrossan street in Port Douglas but there were local buses every 20 minutes that picked up and dropped off in front of the hotel. The buses were very cheap and easy, since taxis are hard to come by. <BR> Port douglas is a very small town, not much action there and everything closes up pretty early. You will find that you spend all day on a tour and then just come into town for a meal before returning to you hotel.<BR> If I had it to do over again I would have stayed in Palm cove for 3-4 days and at Silky oaks for 3-4 days. Palm cove is smaller than Port Douglas and closer to Cairns, but it is really beautiful with a lovely beach. All the same tours can be arranged from anywhere you stay. I'd do my reef and Atherton tablelands/Kuranda tours from Palm cove and my Daintree rainforest, mossman gorge, Cape tribulation tours from silky oaks. <BR> There is really alot to see in that area. You could spend weeks there and not see it all. <BR> Note: all tours can be arranged from whatever hotel you stay at. Wait till you get there to make tour plans because you will want to see what the weather is like.