This is our third visit to Port Douglas. With each visit we have stayed longer and arranged less activities. This time we visited in June with a trip planned in a couple of months for nearby Palm Cove.

On our first visit we had a day on the Barrier Reef, and visited the Daintree. Last year it was a day trip to Cooktown, an afternoon boat trip up the estuary to look for crocodiles, and a sunset cruise. This time it’s just been a sunset cruise, which was curtailed by the rough seas. In fact, on this trip it hasn’t been all blue sky days, rather,  it has been quite cloudy and windy, although still warm and we have had some rain. Definitely not what the ads say, but it’s been no less enjoyable than our previous stays.

I have generally been up early to watch the sunrise. We chose accommodation overlooking Four Mile Beach, which means seeing sunrise is just a walk to the balcony. 

Most mornings have started with a walk along Four Mile Beach or the coastal path, and sometimes both. The beach always offers something different. Because the weather has been less than perfect, the beach hasn’t been crowded, a few swimmers and a small number lying the beach. There is always quite a few people strolling along Four Mile Beach, which, as the name implies is a long stretch of sand. We walked the full length on one of the sunny days.

The coastal path is a mix of dense undergrowth and views out to sea. It’s hilly but not particularly strenuous.

One of the things I enjoy most about Port Douglas is the gym. It offers great membership options for visitors, from one off visits, to weekly, and monthly memberships. The gym is well equiped and generally busy. Training for most is serious, and unlike my gym at home, the age group is much younger. I can tailor my workout to suit how energetic I feel. 

A stop on the way back from the gym for some sushi or rice paper roles makes for a simple lunch. 

Then amazingly, I have been sitting and reading a BOOK! Until recently my reading has been confined to professional materials, academia and non-fiction. However, in recent times I’ve decided to read more for relaxation and enjoyment. So it has been into my favourite person’s extensive library for something to read. For as long as I have known her, she has read voraciously. As a result, there is no shortage of books to pick from. Accompanied by music in the background, it’s an easy way to spend an hour or two.

I am a fan of TV, but holidays invariably see me watching much less than usual. It’s pretty much just the football and soccer.

Late afternoons are a glass or two of wine or perhaps a Negroni. I also discovered a new cocktail on this trip a Nixon (bourbon, sloe gin and peach bitters). Hemingway Brewery on the marina is my favourite; there is always something happening. The boats are coming back from day trips to the reef or people are setting out for sunset cruises. It’s also pleasant taking in the view from The Tin Shed or just sitting opposite Anzac Park at La Cucina. On this trip my favourite person discovered the bar at Zinc. I’m not sure how we have missed this one as it is opposite the place we’d stayed on our two previous visits.

Sunday is market day. The market is pretty extensive and for those interested there is a church service in the delightful seaside chapel. The market is in Anzac Park which borders the chapel and sugar wharf.

With dining options a plenty, we are spoilt for choice, breakfast, lunch and dinner. We have usually opt ped for just breakfast and dinner. While Mexican hasn’t been our go to, it seems to be for a large number of visitors. It opens at 3.30 in the afternoon and it’s pretty much full from then until it closes. 

Port Douglas definitely fits my mantra of slow travel.