Port Douglas is a popular tourism town about 1hour12mins drive north of Cairns. Port Douglas is about 23mins drive south of the service town of Mossman. Originally a fishing port, Port Douglas is now home to a large number of luxury resorts and tourist attractions and accommodation options. The marine national park of Low Isles on the Great Barrier Reef is about 45mins by boat off Port Douglas. Port Douglas has a reputation for VIP guests including Bill Clinton and a number of Hollywood movies have been made in the area. Port Douglas is a popular weekend destination for Cairns residents and throws and annual party, the Port Douglas Carnival, which features fine dining.

The people

The majority of the Port Douglas population work in tourism related industries or are wealthy retirees or visitors staying in luxury holiday homes. The nearby town of Mossman acts as a dormitory town for lower level hospitality staff. Port Douglas is considered to be one of the ‘poshest’ addresses in the Cairns region, however the quality of the homes often don’t match the high prices. Scarcity of affordable housing is why many people who work in the village commute from Mossman or the surrounding beach suburbs of Wonga Beach, Newell Beach or Cooya Beach. Mossman is about 23mins drive north of Port Douglas.

General facilities

Port Douglas has a number of government services, a library, a post office and a police station. Port Douglas also has a museum and the Clink Theatre as well as a number of pubs, clubs, bars and two golf courses connected to luxury resorts. Port Douglas also has a helipad and a marina that both tour boats and fishing boats operate out of. There are a number of parks, a stinger net and life guards at the popular Four Mile Beach, and a sporting ground with staged seating. Port Douglas runs community cotters markets every Sunday and there is a number of churches including a Chapel on the seaside which is popular for weddings. Port Douglas also has a thriving spa industry.

Medical

There are a number of medical practitioners in Port Douglas but major medical, dental and pathology services can be found in Mossman, about 23mins drive north of Port Douglas. The nearest hospital is also at Mossman. For serious surgery and emergency medicine residents travel to Cairns Base Hospital or Cairns Private Hospital, about 1hour 12mins drive south.

Shopping

Port Douglas offers a wide range of retail shopping including fashion, jewellery and arts & crafts. There is a grocery store, takeaway food outlets, a music store, newsagent, a butcher and a bakery. There are a lot of cafés and restaurants, fashion retail outlets and dive shops catering to the high-priced tastes of the numerous visitors to the village. More shopping for general services and products can be found in Mossman, about 23mins drive north.

Childcare

There are a number of child care centres and family day care available in Port Douglas including a community kindergarten but there is more choice available in Mossman, about 23mins drive north from Port Douglas.

School

General schooling is available in Mossman, about 23mins drive north of Port Douglas, which has a state primary and state high school as well as a Catholic primary school. There is a sailing school in Port Douglas and a number of dive schools for private pupils.

Public transport

The Sun Palm Express Coaches travel twice daily from Port Douglas to Cairns and there are a number of limousine services available in Port Douglas. The Mossman taxi service also travels to and from Port Douglas. Cairns taxis will travel to Port Douglas if booked in advance or picked up at the Cairns airport. There is a school bus service and some busses travel to Mossman.

Source- Cairns.com.au