One week in Port Douglas
 

We are planning to visit OZ this December. We will be spending some time with friends in Sydney but going up to Cairns from Dec. 23 to the 30th. Having read tons of posts it looks like the best place to base our GBR trip is in Port Douglas. We are 2 adults and 2 kids (12 &14) as well as an adult friend from Sydney.
We would like to stay in an apartment (ease of meals), snorkel, see Daintree and ??? We are also good about just chillin' on the beach for a day or two.
Any suggestions for day tours, beach sites, condo or apartment to rent, etc. I am starting with nothing as far as suggestions so all is helpful!!
BTW- price range for us is all over the place. If it is worth it then we will pay:)

??? = Atherton Tablelands if you are into wildlife, history, art or scenery.

Or...If you want somewhere central, have you considered Palm Cove..?

It's about half way between Cairns & P.D..and can be cheaper than both. Not sure where you're from jeriog, but if you're happy with driving on the left hand side of the road, it'll be easy going for you.

Lot's to see and do here, but the kids, being teens may just have a different idea on what's fun for them. I have a 12 YO (female) nipper, and her idea of fun is a tad different to mine..go figure.

Anyway...if you need a hand with local advice, we're here for you mate.

Cheers,

Rick
Kaenz (that's how it's pronounced, trust me..) and Papua New Guinea

We run a small dive centre and specialise in exciting scuba day trips for private groups to the outer Barrier reef. And Port Douglas is a great town and full fo life...come and visit.
www.bluedive.com.au

Thx to all so far! Re-Rick, I may be hitting you up for some info in the future:)
We were hoping not to have to rent a car and thinking that most companies will pick up in PD or are in walking distance (snorkel boats etc.) But we will have an Aussie with us so if we need a car we have a driver:)
One of the things in that area that is concerning to me is the lack of beaches to hang out at. Is 4 mile beach a place to do that or are there others? I heard there really isnt anything in Cairns. We were thinking of doing that on Christmas day since most business' will be closed.
Thx!

Cairns city doesn't have a beach, but it does have a huge stinger and crocodile proof lagoon, right on its Esplanade. Free showers and bbq facilities. Cairns' beaches are to its north, Palm Cove, mentioned by Rick is the most northerly, Trinity Beach as well as Palm Cove has no lack of tourist accommodation. You will be here in stinger season, so no swimming off beaches unless in netted areas on lifeguard patrolled beaches, and this of course includes Four Mile beach at Port Douglas.

December can be too hot for spending a lot of time on beaches, more refreshing spots than beaches are found a little inland in rainforests, Crystal Cascades near Cairns has clear cool, flowing fresh water, there's Mossman Gorge near Port Douglas and to the south Josephine Falls and Babinda Boulders. No stingers or saltwater crocs, either.