helloworld Travel Westgate - Recent staff trips

During my stay, I based myself in the heart of Port Douglas, and I would highly recommend this location, particularly for travellers who do not intend to hire a car. While most tour operators provide hotel pick-ups throughout the area, staying in the town centre means everything you need is within easy walking distance.

Each morning, I could stroll to a local café for breakfast or coffee before heading off on a tour, and in the evenings, there was an excellent choice of restaurants, bars, and boutique shops just a few minutes from my accommodation. The relaxed village atmosphere makes Port Douglas feel welcoming and easy to navigate.

One of the highlights of the trip was a day tour to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. We cruised along the river searching for wildlife and were fortunate to spot several crocodiles as well as a stunning Azure Kingfisher. Even with a light drizzle falling, the tropical climate kept us comfortably warm and the cruise was fascinating.  At Cape Tribulation Beach, the scenery was spectacular, where the rainforest meets the reef. Visitors should pay close attention to warning signs though—saltwater crocodiles inhabit these waters. As our guide joked, "You might not be able to see the crocodiles, but they can certainly see you!" Needless to say, swimming was definitely not on the agenda.

Another unexpected highlight was a stop for locally made ice cream. Some of the flavours were quite unusual and featured tropical fruits I'd never tried before, but every one of them was delicious and well worth sampling.

Port Douglas is also an excellent base for exploring the wider region, with easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, Four Mile Beach, and numerous rainforest experiences.

One thing I did notice was that much of the accommodation stock in Port Douglas is showing its age. Terracotta floor tiles straight out of the 1970s were not uncommon, and some properties could certainly benefit from refurbishment. While we thoroughly enjoyed our stay, I would personally choose a newer or recently renovated property on my next visit.

Overall, Port Douglas remains a fantastic destination and an ideal base for exploring Tropical North Queensland. Its convenient town centre, excellent dining options, and proximity to some of Australia's most remarkable natural attractions make it a destination well worth considering for your next holiday.