Port Douglas is a short one hour drive north of Cairns along one of the most scenic coastal roads in Australia. Home to some of Tropical North Queensland’s most exclusive resorts, golden beaches, award winning restaurants and the world famous “Toad racing” at the local pub there’s plenty of reason’s why Port Douglas is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations.

Life in Port Douglas is a blend of sophistication and relaxed village life, from the moment you arrive you’ll  feel that relaxed, tropical oasis vibe that the township is famous for. Macrossan Street is the central hub of this beautiful village, take a stroll and enjoy the variety of world-class restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques, bookshops and galleries.

The magnificent palm-fringed Four Mile Beach is located at the southern end of Macrossan Street; meanwhile Anzac Park is located at the Inlet end of Macrossan Street where the picturesque St Mary’s by the Sea Chapel is situated, and the weekly Sunday markets are held.

Dining

Explore award-winning restaurants and chic cafes along the Macrossan, Wharf and Grant Street. Here you will find a variety of cuisine types within easy walking distance of your Port Douglas accommodation.

Our top picks are – The Nautilus Restaurant, which is probably the most famous of all Port Douglas restaurants. Offering the ultimate outdoor dining experience, entry is along a secluded pathway from Macrossan Street, which opens into a beautiful lush tropical garden setting with palms overhead. Nautilus is sure to exceed all expectations with five star food and service.

Salsa Bar & Grill is situated in a traditional weatherboard Queenslander with louvered windows that gives you that unique North Queensland holiday environment. The menu features an abundance of flavour and spectacular eye catching dishes, sourcing as much local produce as possible. Salsa is extremely popular with locals and visitors, so it is highly recommended to book in advance.

On The Inlet Seafood Restaurant is situated overlooking Dickson Inlet with sweeping views across the Coral Sea to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree. It’s a great place to enjoy lunch or dinner with an open plan alfresco dining area where you can relax and enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail from the decking. For the true connoisseur of fresh seafood, a live mud crab or crayfish / lobster from the live seafood tank is a must! Also On The Inlet has a resident fish called ‘George the Groper’ who visits regularly in the afternoon at approximately 5pm. George weighs about 250kg and is one of the largest fish that inhabits our waters, his favourite delicacy is a tuna frame and he delights the crowd as he performs his dinner routine most evenings!

Getting to Port Douglas

Most people will arrive at the Domestic or International terminal at Cairns airport. You can choose to transfer to Port Douglas by coach, private limousine or rent a car.

Coach Transfer
Coach transfer is the most economical way to travel which is a a door to door service. Your driver will meet & greet in the arrivals terminal, and transfer you directly to your resort.The trip from Cairns Airport to Port Douglas normally takes around 60 minutes. We recommend Sunpalm Transports, with transfers to your accommodation costing $35 each way for an adult and $17 for a child under 11.

Click here for more info on transfers to Port Douglas

Car Hire
There are a number of car rental options to choose from with the ease and convenience of collecting and returning at the Cairns airport.Self driving gives you the opportunity to explore the region and all its hidden secrets at your own pace. Give us a call on 1300 788 553 and we can help book you a hire car for your holiday.

Things to do in Port Douglas

Port Douglas is the perfect place to getaway, unwind and relax. Take advantage of the boutique shopping, pamper yourself at one of the day spas, enjoy sunset on Four Mile Beach and casually explore the Sunday markets. Port Douglas can also be a family holiday filled with adventure, reef to rainforest activities and resort fun.

Reef trips depart daily from the Marina Mirage, with sites visited considered to be amongst the best and most pristine along the Great Barrier Reef. Visit the Low Isles on a stunning sailboat or cruise to the outer reef on a luxury yacht. Dive, snorkel, swim, paddle the choice is yours.

Port Douglas is also in a great location for easily accessing the Daintree National Park area. Mossman Gorge is one of the most visited spots in the Wet Tropics, located just a 20 minute drive north of Port Douglas. Croc Spotting at the Daintree River is a popular activity and the beautiful Cape Tribulation area is not to be missed. The Cape Tribulation ferry crossing is an experience in itself!

Weather in Port Douglas

Port Douglas has a tropical climate with hot summers and warm winters. Between the months of November to May our temperatures are warm to hot with high humidity.

The rainfall peaks in the months of Feb, March and April, with the wettest month of the year typically being February. Although its wet, it brings relief from the humidity and the rainforests are just spectacular with waterfalls in full flow.

The winter months are what we call “high season”. Generally they’re dry and clear and a popular time for visitors from down South who need a break from the cold.

Does this sound like your type of holiday? If so give us a call on 1300 788 553 or click here to check out some of the amazing accommodation options available in this amazing part of the world.

What makes the Breakfree Alexandra Beach Resort so popular? It could be the family-friendly atmosphere with it’s amazing lagoon pool, swim up apartments, water slides and heated spas, or perhaps the location? With a patrolled beach literally across the road, the local restaurant strip a 2 minute walk away and theme parks and attractions such as Australia Zoo and Underwater World only a short drive away your perfectly located for whatever style of holiday you’re looking for.

I think it’s all of the above and more. There’s not many resorts in Australia that offer as much as the Breakfree Alexandra Beach. Studios, one, two and three  bedroom self contained apartments are all available with a choice of pool or ocean views, there’s even rooms on the ground floor with direct pool access so you can have nibbles and a drink in your private outdoor area while watching the kids swim (these are on request basis and aren’t guaranteed, so if you’re booking make sure you request one!).

Alexandra Headlands is world famous for it’s surf and the Surf Club is right across the road from the Breakfree Alexandra Headlands. Take the family for a meal and sit back with a drink while appreciating the amazing view or pack a picnic and head down to the flags for a swim and a family day at the beach.

• This voucher is available for purchase until 5.00pm (AEST) Friday 15 February 2013.
• Valid for travel from 1 Mar – 19 Sep 2013.
• The travel period has black-out dates: 15-17 Mar, 29 Mar – 1 Apr & 13-15 Sep 2013.

For more info on the family friendly Breakfree Alexandra Headlands Resort give us a call on 1300 788 553 or  Click here to send in an enquiry.

Daydream Island, Whitsundays

The Daydream Island Resort and Spa is the perfect island getaway for families. Located just off the coast of Airlie Beach, this award winning resort features it’s own man made reef with fish feeding, outdoor movie theatres, loads of watersports and activites, rainforest walks, kids playground, day spa, restaurant and more!  By far one of the best family holiday locations in the Whitsundays, Daydream Island Resort is a holiday you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Hamilton Island, Whitsundays

With direct flights from Brisbane to Hamilton Island is the central location for a number of tour companies and boat cruises, making it a perfect home base if you’d like to see more of the Whitsundays. If you’d like to check out the reef, eat at amazing restaurants and do a few more tourist activities on your island escape then why not stay at the Whitsundays Apartments? With the world famous Catseye Beach located directly across from the resort you’ll be spoilt when it comes to snorkeling or diving. All rooms feature a full kitchen and large northerly facing balconies giving you one of the best views you can find in the Whitsundays.

Magnetic Island, North Queensland

“Maggie Island” as it’s commonly referred to is just  a short 25 minute ferry ride from Townsville. The Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island is a 4 1/2 star luxury resort located just by the ferry terminal. Featuring 1, 2 and 3 bedroom beach-house style apartments this is the perfect spot for those with larger families or traveling in a group. Magnetic Island is a great location if you’re after that secluded island getaway while still being close to a main city for shopping or dining.

Fitzroy Island, Cairns

Fitzroy Island is one of the most beautiful Islands I know of. A 1 hour ferry ride from Cairns brings you to this amazing part of the world located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The island is a listed National park and with sparking blue water, golden sandy beaches and deep green rainforests, you’re in for a real treat if you choose to holiday here. The Fitzroy Island Resort is another 4 1/2 star luxury island resort, with spacious one and two bedroom apartments (able to sleep up to 6 people). There’s so many features about this place to list you’ll just need to check it out yourself.

Herron Island, Great Barrier Reef

Are you after the ultimate Great Barrier Reef holiday experience? Heron Island is like no other, this isn’t a base camp for you to travel out to the Great Barrier Reef, this amazing little Island is ON the reef. Located 90kms off the QLD coast (a 2 hour ferry trip) you can’t get much better than this gem of an island if you’re after a peaceful, romantic and nature filled holiday. With guided reef walks, snorkeling lessons, beach picnic hampers, a luxury day spa and loads of nature tours and trips this really is the best place to experience why the Great Barrier Reef is one of natures most marvelous creations.

I love visiting Paradise Resort. As you walk into the reception area the atmosphere reminds me of lunch time on a school playground, the whole resort hums like a bee hive and that energy and excitement is a great feeling when you’ve been hanging out for a holiday. The bubbly staff are also some of the best in the hospitality industry, they’re great with kids, always smiling and can point you in the right direction for some great shops, restaurants and attractions which is an important part of your holiday experience.

While you’re in the reception area this is the perfect time to book the kids in to the Z4K kids club for the next day. All kids under 12 years get 4 hours in the Kids Club included in every booking through Discover Queensland. This is a great opportunity for you to get some shopping in, a romantic dinner (there’s a late night session on certain days) or a few hours time out at the beach or by the pool.

There are qualified child care staff in the kids club to cater for all ages. Kids under 2 get their own special play area with great activities such as art and crafts and “Superhero Day”. Kids aged between 3 & 12 have a much bigger area with organised games and activities that will keep them entertained and burn off loads of energy. Hide and seek, arts and craft, pyjama parties and loads more are all part of the weekly schedule at Z4K kids club.

As well as the Kids Club, Resort staff organise games and activities for the whole family (and some adult fun such as Trivia and Casino Nights). Here’s a list of just some of the fun things to do while staying at Paradise Resort:

If this isn’t enough to burn off the holiday energy then head out to the pool area and get into the amazing million dollar Z4K Waterpark. Again access to the water park is included with every Discover Queensland booking and this is where you’ll probably spend the majority of your time while you’re at the resort. As well as two different water parks (one for the little ones, and a larger one for the bigger kids) the pool area also features a large lagoon pool, swirling spa pool and sunbathing area. Resort staff are scattered through this area making sure the kids are safe and playing games with them.

When it comes to the rooms there are a number of different options available. One key feature to remember about Paradise Resort is that the rooms don’t contain full kitchens. This has caught a few people out and can be a slight inconvenience if you’re planning on cooking during your holiday. The Family Resort Room and Bunk rooms have a kitchenette (microwave, small fridge, toaster etc.) which does the trick for breakfast and small meals and the standard resort rooms are a little more basic with just a fridge and tea/coffee making facilities. Microwaves are available to hire from reception if you need them.

Don’t despair about not having a kitchen though! The resort features an amazing bistro right next to the water park which offers affordable meals right throughout the day (The pizzas are amazing!). There’s also an on-site convenience store full of snacks, treats and necessities such as bread, milk and cereals but if you after something a little more substantial, Woolworths and the Surfers Paradise restaurant strip is only a 5 minute walk away.

The Resort room features a Queen bed, 1 single bed and roll away for the 2nd child, with an ensuite bathroom/toilet and shower. The Bunkhouses have all been newly renovated and features a set of colourful bunk beds separated by a wall for more privacy and a space. The kids get there own tv and Playstation to play games when they need a bit of quiet time. Family Resort rooms are a standard resort room with a second bedroom which is great if you’ve got older kids who can’t fit into bunks and want a bit of privacy or you’re a larger group and need extra bedding.

• Resort
• Bunk
• Family

Are you looking for a special deal at a family resort on the Gold Coast? Give us a call on 1300 778 553 or click the button below to send thru an enquiry

Click here for more info or to make a booking

Paradise Resort on the Gold Coast is one of Australia’s top family resorts located in the heart of Surfers Paradise. What makes Paradise Resort stand out is it’s amazing child friendly facilities and staff, with the impressive Z4K Waterpark, Kids Club, rock climbing and organised games and activities your kids will be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do while staying at the resort. It’s not all about the kids though, with a large sunbathing and pool area for the adults and an on site sports bar there’s still plenty of things for the adults to do when the kids are worn out from tearing around the place all day.

This amazing prize includes:

• 3 nights accommodation in a Resort Room for 2 Adults & 2 Children (0-12 years)
• Unlimited access to Zone 4 Kids Waterpark
• One Zone 4 Kids Club session per child per day
• Continental breakfast daily
• Family pass to ice-skate at the new “Planet Chill”

To enter simply click the button below.

To double your chances of winning use the unique code you’ll be given on the next screen and share it with friends and family. If three of them also enter the competition you’ll get a second entry!

  CLICK HERE TO ENTER

• CLICK HERE FOR A THE FULL COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• The Promoter is LeisureCom Group Ltd, 79B Scarborough Street, Southport Qld 4215 ABN 84 143 885 367 Phone: 1300 788 553.

As a kid one of the fondest memories of the Christmas holidays was playing games in the car on the way to our usual holiday spot so I thought I’d share with you these fun games to play with the kids in the car these holidays (much more fun than just putting on a DVD or giving them a computer game to play).

Car cricket

There’s lots of different ways to play car cricket, this is how we played it as kids but we’d love to hear your version.

For each vehicle that passes on the other side of the road you get a certain number of runs:

• Car: 1 run
• Van or 4×4: 2 runs
• Vehicle towing a trailer, caravan or boat or a small truck (no trailer): 4 runs
• Semi trailer or Bus: 6 runs
• Police car, fire truck or ambulance: 8 runs

The “batter” gets a certain time period to collect runs (10 minutes is a good time) or when a red car passes they’re out!

This game really only works on narrow roads (Highways make counting a bit tricky) and when you’re driving thru town it’s “tea break” till the open road begins again.

I’m going on holiday…

This one might be a little trickier for younger kids but is a great way to involve everyone in the car.

Someone starts by saying “I’m going on holiday and I’m taking a…” and then they pick something to take with them eg. a towel. The next person starts “I’m going on holiday and I’m taking a towel and a esky (or whatever they choose to take).

Each person has to add something to the holiday but remember all the items in the order they were added. If someone forgets an item they’re out, and the winner is the last person left.

The alphabet game

This one’s heaps of fun. You pick a topic, for example fruit, and you go thru the alphabet naming a fruit that starts with your letter eg. 1st person apple, 2nd person banana, 3rd person carrot and so on.

You can mix this one up and keep playing by simply changing the theme, some great ones examples are countries, animals and vegetables.

Do you have another game you like to play in the car? We’d love to hear about it, share it on our Facebook page here for all the Discover Queensland fans to play these holidays!

Need some ideas for a great family holiday location in Queensland?

When it comes to luxury five star accommodation, the Gold Coast has some of the best resorts in Australia. From romantic hinterland retreats to modern ocean front hotel suites and apartments there’s a resort to suit everyone’s 5 star taste.

Hilton Surfers Paradise

Hilton Surfers Paradise

Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise the Hilton is unique for the fact that it offers both hotel suites as well as self contained apartments. Featuring the famous Hilton beds, bathrobes and slippers the rooms are spacious and luxurious, with a clean white, stainless and glass look that gives the room a really elegant feel.  Inside the Hilton you’ll find the world famous Luke Mangden “Salt” Restaurant, Endotta day spa, a cocktail bar, deli and coffee shop. The facilities are also top notch with 3 outdoor pools (including a kids wading pool) an indoor pool, spa, sauna, two gymnasiums and a private movie theatre.

Click here for more information or to book the Hilton Surfers Paradise

Palazzo Versace

Palazzo Versace

Winner of “Australasia’s best luxury Hotel” , the Versace boasts a guest list including Pink, The Rolling Stones, Kate Hudson and Owen Wilson just to name a few. If it’s high class European elegance you’re after you really can’t go past the Versace. The entire decor has been designed by the Versace house of fashion, from furniture and fabric right down to the cutlery and cups. Room types range from one bedroom suites right up to 3 bedroom roof top condos. Boasting 3 restaurants and a lounge bar you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to meals and other facilities include the famous Aurora Spa Retreat, water salon (pool bar), spa, sauna,  fitness and well being centre and the popular lagoon pool looking out over the Marina.

Click here for more information or to book the Palazzo Versace

Peppers Broadbeach

Peppers Broadbeach

If you’re after a modern 5 star resort away from the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise why not try Peppers Broadbeach. One, two and three bedroom self contained apartments are available, with the latest state of the art appliances and tasteful furnishings. The Peppers Broadbeach has some of the Gold Coasts most popular local restaurants and cafes on the ground level and also has a super market and shopping centre across the road making it perfect for those looking for a longer stay or travelling with kids.

Click here for more information or to book the Peppers Broadbeach Resort

Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa

Peppers Ruffles Lodge and Spa

When it comes to romantic and remote resorts you can’t go past the Peppers Ruffles Lodge and Spa. Located at Mount Tamborine in the hinterland of the Gold Coast the Ruffles Lodge is perfect for a couples retreat, honeymoon or romantic night away. Built on 50 acres of pristine rain forest the Ruffles Lodge features a luxurious on site day spa, the infinity outdoor pool with amazing views of the hinterland and Gold Coast, an award winning 5 star restaurant and heated outdoor pool.

Click here for more information or to book the Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa

Surf some of the best breaks in the world

Coolangatta is the closest main centre to some of the worlds best surf breaks including Kirra, Snapper Rocks and Duranbah. As well as these amazing breaks there’s some smaller beaches such as Greenmount and Coolangatta beach itself that are perfect for beginners. With all this amazing surf there’s some equally amazing surf shops, Kirra Surf is definitely worth a visit for discount clothing and boards.

Get the best view of the Gold Coast with a Sky Dive adventure

If the theme park rides can’t get your heart rate high enough why not jump out of a plane? Gold Coast Sky Dive are located by Coolangatta Airport and can take you on a trip you’ll never forget.  Take a tandem jump from 12,000 feet and get the best view of the Gold Coast as you gently float over some of the best scenery Queensland has to offer.

Put your feet up and relax!

Coolangatta is one of those amazing holiday locations where you can check in, drop your bags and instantly feel that holiday buzz. All the locals, shops, restaurants and the entire area has this relaxed, cruisy vibe that makes you want to slow down and take in the breathtaking views. Our number one suggestion for things to do in Coolangatta?  Turn your phone off, grab a drink, find a sunny spot on the balcony or by the pool and make the most of your holiday!

For the rest of November we’ve got an amazing deal at the Grand Mercure Coolangatta, one of our most popular 4 1/2 star resorts on the Gold Coast. Stay 7 nights in a deluxe 2 bedroom apartment from as little  as $995, a saving of over 40%. Rooms are very limited at these prices, click here to check availability.  If you’d like to look at more accommodation options in Coolangatta click here or give our friendly reservations staff a call on 1300 778 553.

The Oaks Seaforth Resort in Alexandra Headlands is one of the hidden gems of the Sunshine Coast. “Alex” as it’s known locally is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular surf beaches and only a 2km walk from Mooloolaba Esplanade and Underwater World. The patrolled area of the beach is literally across the road from the front door of the resort, making it the perfect spot for those after a relaxing, beach front holiday.

The Oaks Seaforth is one of those rare resorts that suits all ages and groups. With spacious two and three bedroom apartments there’s plenty of room for larger families, and the on site restaurant and bar, tropical lagoon pool and ensuite spa bath make it the perfect location for a romantic weekend away.

The main feature of the resort is its large lagoon style pool located in the centre of the property. With it’s sandy base, flowing waterfall and tropical landscaped gardens it’s the prefect spot to put your feet up, relax and get into that holiday mood.

As well as the amazing lagoon pool the Oaks Seaforth boasts a large lap pool, kids wading pool, spa, sauna, outdoor BBQ area and comprehensive gym. If you don’t feel like cooking the on site restaurant, deli and bar all do tasty and affordable meals and snacks and if there’s nothing there that tickles your fancy it’s just a 5 minute walk to the local restaurant strip.

When it comes to the apartments they’re just as feature packed as the facilities. All rooms are fully self contained with open plan kitchens,  laundry, air conditioning,  spa bath, huge balconies with lagoon pool or ocean views and secure underground car parking. One, two and three bedroom apartments are available, with the three bedroom sleeping up to 7 people, making it perfect for large families or groups.

If you’d like to know more about the Oaks Seaforth or would like to check pricing and availability give us a call on 1300 788 553 or click here to send in an enquiry!

Are you looking for child friendly accommodation in Surfers Paradise? The Towers of Chevron Renaissance Resort is one of those memorable Gold Coast Icons alongside the Q1 building, Meter Maids and the golden beaches. Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise the building itself consists of three different towers with a huge outdoor area located on the 4th level connecting everything together. With a Coles supermarket, bottle shop, day spa, chemist and numerous cafes, restaurants and shops all located on the ground level it really has absolutely everything you need. The Surfers Paradise bus stop is literally across the road making theme park and airport transfers a breeze, otherwise the resort can organise your own transfers from the tourist desk located at reception.

The Chevron offers a number of different self contained room types, from one and two bedroom apartments through to larger 2 bedroom 2 bathroom deluxe and three bedroom apartments. They all feature full kitchen and laundry facilities as well air conditioning and balconies with either ocean, city, hinterland or pool views.

As well as large self contained apartments and a great location, the main reason the Chevron is so popular is it’s amazing facilities and in particular the lagoon swimming pool. Known as the “Beach in the Sky” the pool spreads over 600m2 and has two shallow sand based areas perfect for the younger kids. The tropical gardens, palm trees and large grassed area add to the peaceful feel of this inner city oasis and the fact it’s four levels up mean road noise is nearly non-existent. As well as the main pool there’s a second outdoor pool, large rock pool spa bath, a heated indoor lap pool and if that’s not enough the beach is only a 4 minute stroll away!

Other facilities include a comprehensive gymnasium, sauna, private theatre (great for a quiet family movie night), indoor games room and kids jungle gym.

If you’d like more info on the Chevron or would like to check pricing and availability give one of our friendly reservations staff a call on 1300 778 553 or click here to send in an enquiry!