Winter is the best time to explore the tropics of Australia and with many resorts, eateries and boutiques opening up again post-lockdown, it’s even more enticing for me to jump in my car and head north to my favourite playground.

CAIRNS AND PORT DOUGLAS IN FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

From one tropical town to the next, I’m revisiting my favourite places on the Great Barrier Reef - the seaside havens of Cairns and Port Douglas - for some sunshine, shopping and a sneaky cocktail or two!

As the international arrival point for visitors from all around the world to the tropical north - and eternally green and lush thanks to high rainfall - Cairns is a sparkling fusion of culture and glorious geography.

Where are Cairns and Port Douglas?

The exotic, international hub of Cairns is on the eastern coast of the Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, Australia.

Port Douglas, considered the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, is an easy one hour’s drive north of Cairns.

WHAT TO LOVE ABOUT CAIRNS AND PORT DOUGLAS

Whereas Cairns is a modern, vibrant city, Port Douglas is its quieter, more chic, relaxed village style sister.

Blue skies, white timber ‘Queenslander’ style houses and vibrant birdlife pop against a backdrop of emerald green mountains filled with palm trees and rainforests.  It’s a dream for a shutterbug like me!

Between boutique browsing, gallery exhibitions, laneway whiskey bars, seafood sessions, resorts and botanical gardens, I’m stopping into some favourite places and discovering some new.

Where to Stay in Cairns and Port Douglas

Sheraton Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Five star luxury just one hour’s drive north of Cairns’ international airport and the only resort to claim absolute beachfront on a powdery white sand beach. The biggest lagoon pool you’ve ever seen surrounded by whitewashed pavilion style apartments surrounded by verdant gardens, lush palms and pink bougainvillea blooms.

Villa San Michele, Port Douglas

Boutique Mediterranean styled apartments in the heart of Port Douglas. Wander in to a discreet laneway entrance featuring a gorgeous mural leading to a maze of three storey private dwellings reminiscent of Tuscan cobblestone laneways. The perfect location from which to explore the Great Barrier Reef or the nearby World Heritage Listed Daintree rainforest.

Where to Drink + Dine In Cairns

Muddy's Café

Start your day with a long walk north along the Esplanade, then sip on an excellent coffee or fresh juice here with a bowl of gluten-free granola and coconut yogurt for breakfast, overlooking the islands in the distance.

Prawn Star

Perch yourself on board a fishing boat right in the harbour for lunch, and devour fresh, locally caught prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, salmon and more served with chilled white wine. The location is spectacular and the seafood platter for two to-die-for. Go on an empty stomach.

Noa

“Eat, Drink, Share” is their motto and that’s exactly what they serve up.  We enjoyed happy hour with large glasses of French rosé wine and plates of tantalising tapas.

Three Wolves Whisky Bar

Hidden down an alley in the heart of the city lies a dusky, dimly lit whisky bar which is hard to leave once seated. Breathtaking selections of whiskeys line the walls but my favourite is the Coco Chanel cocktail.

Ozmosis Café

If you’re feeling slightly the worse for wear after glasses of rosé the night before and/or whiskey cocktails, take yourself here for the quintessential Aussie breakfast - an almighty mound of eggs your way with a side of Vegemite. The pastries are wicked, too.

Where to Shop in Cairns + Port Douglas

Coast, Cairns

Beautifully styled emporium with gorgeously styled homewares and furniture, with inspirational settings such as Organic Coastal, Hamptons, Australian Tropical and Bahamas.

Tamar, Port Douglas

Beautiful, feminine and highly decorative artworks complement artisanal lifestyle wares and Australian gypset fashion in a chic, minimalistic boutique.
 

Galleria, Cairns

The only collection in Far North Queensland of luxury brands. Louis Vuitton has an entire boutique and you can shop a smaller selection of other luxe brands like Burberry, Chanel, Gucci and Polo Ralph Lauren in the complex as well. Don’t miss the Tommy Bahamas store right around the corner, for bright, tropical homewares and fashion.

What to Discover in Cairns + Port Douglas

Cairns Art Gallery

I enjoyed the current exhibition of Sidney Nolan’s iconic Australian ‘Ned Kelly’ works in this regional gallery featuring a permanent collection and regional tours. 

Flecker Botanic Gardens, Cairns

Wander through ancient fig trees, immense palm trees and exotic blooms. Be surrounded by multitudes of butterflies inside the Conservatory and marvel at hundreds of species of exotic plants and flowers including orchids.

St Mary’s By The Sea, Port Douglas

The prettiest little white timber church, complete with stained glass windows and an altar overlooking the Coral Sea.

Happy holidays | Bon vacance !