With regards to journey suggestions, no-one is aware of a city higher than the individuals who reside there. You probably have a vacation to Tropical North Queensland arising, you’re in luck! On a current journey to the area, I spoke to some locals to get their suggestions for the most effective locations to eat, drink, keep, and play in Cairns and Port Douglas. You’re welcome.
The place to remain
Mantra PortSea
I’ve stayed at Port Douglas’s Mantra PortSea myself and might vouch for its nice worth and helpful location. Based on Michelle Spinks, Mantra PortSea’s Normal Supervisor, the resort is especially fashionable with households, particularly over the college holidays, so it’s a good suggestion to e book forward if you wish to keep throughout these occasions.
Michelle says, “Twin-key items are incredible for households and teams, as they are often opened as much as make one two-bedroom unit or closed off to make a one-bedroom unit and a studio. This enables for each communal house and privateness – all the time vital, even whereas on vacation.
“Mantra PortSea’s greatest options, although, need to be our a number of swimming pools, considered one of which has a waterslide, and the truth that it’s solely a 10-15-minute stroll from Macrossan Road, the primary Port Douglas drag,”
Mantra PortSea, Port Douglas.
The place to eat, drink, and play
Drew Hamilton (Down Beneath Excursions Gross sales Supervisor), Daniel Cox (Down Beneath Excursions Tour Information), and Justin Whyte (Solar Palm Transport Operations Supervisor) gave me their native Cairns and Port Douglas suggestions.
Greatest Espresso
Having fun with the mix at Origin Espresso
Origin Espresso
21-23 Warner St, Port Douglas
“Beanhunter says Origin has the most effective espresso in Port Douglas, which is a reasonably large name. In addition they have glorious thick shakes – good for youths and non-coffee-drinkers.” – Daniel.
Cafe Ziva
20 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
“Cafe Ziva do nice brekkies, gourmand burgers, and incredible espresso, all within the coronary heart of Port Douglas. It’s the proper pit cease throughout a day of retail remedy.” – Drew.
Sipping Duck Espresso
29 Johnston St, Stratford (Cairns)
“A specialty roaster, wholesaler, and café, the Sipping Duck not solely has espresso, however natural teas, uncooked honey, and glowing cold-brew espresso.” – Drew.
Bang and Grind
8/14 Spence St, Cairns Metropolis
“Nice espresso, sandwiches, and all-day breakfast within the coronary heart of Cairns metropolis. In addition they do a imply toastie.” – Justin.
Greatest restaurant for households
Siam Orchid Spicy
21 Kamerunga Rd, Stratford (Cairns)
“Scrumptious, genuine Thai delicacies, only a 10-minute drive from Cairns Metropolis. Siam is legendary for its pleasant service and incredible worth.” – Justin.
The Mexican
4/43 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
“The Mexican gives a singular TNQ twist on traditional Mexican dishes and has a devoted children’ menu, which incorporates DIY tacos. It’s extremely popular, so be sure you e book forward!” – Daniel.
Villa Romana Trattoria
99 Esplanade, Cairns Metropolis
“You may’t go incorrect some traditional Italian, particularly when it comes with ocean views. The children’ will love the pizza and spag bol, whereas mum and pa will love the seafood platter for 2.” – Drew.
Mondo on the Waterfront
34 Esplanade, Cairns Metropolis
“Mondo is positioned within the Hilton Cairns and gives Mexican, South-East Asian, and seafood classics, all served al fresco by the Trinity Inlet. The children can run round on the grass when you get pleasure from a cocktail.” – Daniel.
Rattle N Hum
38 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
“A family-friendly pub within the coronary heart of Port Douglas and one other native favorite. It’s obtained a reliaxed vibe, big meals, and the meals is scrumptious. Be sure you depart room for a slice of their signature cheesecake!” – Justin.
Port Douglas
Greatest eating places for a romantic night time out
Salsa Bar & Grill
26 Wharf St, Port Douglas
“What’s extra romantic than gourmand meals in a pleasant outdated seashore home? Salsa Bar & Grill has been round for over 20 years. It’s an establishment!” – Justin.
Salsa’s well-known (and large!) Daintree Estates chocolate & Cointreau soufflé
2 Fish Restaurant
Coconut Grove Complicated, 11/56-64 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
“2 Fish is an revolutionary and multi-award-winning seafood restaurant that’s only a five-minute stroll from 4 Mile Seashore. It’s a lovely restaurant with much more lovely dishes – good for particular events.” – Drew.
Iyara by Sakare
91 Esplanade, Cairns Metropolis
“Scrumptious Thai delicacies served with aptitude. Ask for a desk on the balcony to get pleasure from lovely ocean views, and be sure you attempt the oysters!” – Daniel.
Waterbar & Grill
1 Pier Level Rd, Cairns Metropolis
“Waterbar & Grill is Cairns’ final steakhouse. It’s well-known for meat, however additionally they do a imply vegie burger. Be sure you attempt the pork ribs, marinated in Waterbar’s particular Lekker sauce.” – Justin.
Greatest bars
The Central Lodge
9 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
“In-built 1878, the Central Lodge is Port Douglas’s oldest pub and an enormous native favorite. It has three bars, reside music, and its personal cinema with free films each Tuesday.” – Justin.
Hemingway’s Brewery
Reef Marina, 44 Wharf St, Port Douglas
“Hemingway’s is a waterfront microbrewery with their very own craft beer and nice gastropub meals. It additionally has a devoted perform house, good for weddings, birthday events, and occasions.”– Drew.
The Conservatory Bar
Three Wolves
Cairns Esplanade.
Extra TNQ suggestions from me
- In the event you’re not a fan of warmth and humidity, go to throughout the winter months of June to August, when the climate is at its mildest – usually across the mid-20s. It’s additionally NOT stinger season (bonus!), making it safer to swim
- In the event you’re visiting throughout faculty vacation durations, e book each your lodging and your excursions as early as attainable, as they have an inclination to replenish rapidly
- Keep away from swimming in secluded seashores close to river mouths, as crocodiles use them to maneuver from river to river
- Regardless of the college holidays, the most effective offers can be found in November to February – the peak of summer time. The warmth (sure, it’s HOT!) turns many guests off, which suggests resorts have extra availability and cheaper charges
- Tropical North Queensland is wealthy in Indigenous tradition. The Mossman Gorge Centre is a incredible gateway to each the Daintree Rainforest and TNQ’s distinctive Indigenous heritage, whereas Tjapukai Cultural Park combines tune, dance, and multimedia theater to create a very immersive cultural expertise
Escape to Tropical North QLD,
