Our TA is suggesting 3 hotels in Port Douglas: Mirage, Peninsula and Mandalay apartments. (They are all pretty much the same ballpark pricewise).<BR><BR>We're 2 fun-loving young adults that are looking forward to diving 4 days on the GBR; and having fun/nightlife with other young people when we're not on the reef.<BR><BR>Have any of you stayed at these places? I have looked up all of them on the web and they look great. PLUSES for each:<BR>Mandalay looks great, -roomy, though it may be a bit too serene, but the location fantastic - beachfront. <BR>Peninsula Boutique is a bit closer to town, and on a netted beach. Breakfast included.<BR>Mirage - seems perfect with all the insite amentities such as pools, lagoons, bars, restaurants, and they say beachfront? - But far from town? Too many families with small kids?<BR><BR>Would welcome any suggestions. <BR>Thanks.<BR>Mike

Hi there,<BR>I would suggest the Peninsula as it is funky and new and close to town and overlooks the beach. The Mirage/Sheraton is not close to town. Mandalay is nice but isnt right on the beach. The Mirage is also a walk fromt he beach.<BR>None of these properties have mightlife suitable for young groovers, so I think to be close to town is the best bet.. then you can go out and play at the Iron Bar, Cactus Bar and all the other fun places.Best Wishes<BR>Caro

Many thanks for the suggestion.<BR><BR>Appreciate your advice.<BR>Mike

I recommend the Peninsula also. Great staff and wonderful amenities. Very eclectic place.<BR>The Mandalay is beachfront but actually farther from the water than the Peninsula.<BR>The Mirage is way too far from town and unless you like to be dependent on shuttle buses or rent a car then stay elswhere.<BR>The Peninsula isn't as "nice" and luxurious as the other two but the location, free breakfast and free washer/dryer and very personal service make up for it.

I stayed at the Mirage and it was wonderful. What town do you want to walk to? I found it convenient for all excursions.And Luxurious. I guess it depends what you like and plan to do . The rooms are amazing. Stayed in lagoon room, first floor and were able to swim right into the lagoon.

Thanks for all the feedback. I appreciate you all taking the time to respond.<BR><BR>Fran, to answer your question, I think the town, I guess, is 2-3 streets in the heart of Port Douglas with the pubs, restaurants and nightlife.<BR><BR>The Mirage may offer us a bit more to do on site, when we decide to just hangout and have a beer by the pool/lagoon, adn perhaps meet up with some other young adults. Maybe play a round of golf in the late afternoon, but we get pretty tired after scuba diving.<BR>The Peninsula sounds lovely, location is terrific, but may be a bit too serene for us.<BR>If we decide on the Mirage, do the shuttles/transportation to town run in the evening from and to PD's downtown/restaurant/pub area?<BR><BR>From what I'm reading, taxis are scarce, and the walk back would be too long. Am I correct?<BR><BR>Thanks so much.

Mike, we were there 4 years ago and i do remember taking the shuttle even during the day to walk around for awhile.It was very hot when we were there. Never had to wait for the shuttle. I think you can walk it, I actually dont remember. I will ask my husband .It it one fantastic hotel. Make sure you get a driver in advance for the ride to the hotel. I think it was costly, 90 dollars.We love the area so much that we will be going back on a cruise and will be trying the Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast to end our vacation/

Thanks, everyone, for all the accommodations advice.<BR><BR>Now for water tours leaving from PD. Do they have half day or afternoon GBR tours, or do all of them begin at 8:00am and last 8-12 hours? The reason I'm asking that if arriving to PD late morning or early afternoon do I have time to go out and dive and/or snorkel?<BR>(The popular Quicksilver and Poseiden tours seem to all be full day events commencing early in the morning.) <BR> <BR><BR>If there is such a thing, can you provide me with contact information/name, and, will I need to book these in advance? <BR>Thanks much. <BR>Mike

Hi again Mike,<BR>From what I saw, all the trips to the outer reef were full day outings that lasted about 7-8 hrs (that's from PD, add 2hrs from Cairns). I'm not positive, but am pretty sure you'll be able to do a half day snorkle in the Low Isles. I also remember looking into a half-day trip to Green Island (that left out of Cairns) but the weather crapped out so I didn't book it and now I can't remember which operator offered it.<BR><BR>Hope this helps,<BR>Debbie

I was in Port Douglas in July 2002 and heard about a 1/2 day afternoon snorkeling trip to the low isles that leaves at about noon from the mirage marina. Other tourists said that it was a nice trip. I think the boat is called Laoshin (sp?).