Port Douglas Region Information & Maps
Whether you are after an action packed trip away with friends and family, or a relaxing couples escape, Port Douglas in Tropical Far North Queensland is the place you have been dreaming of.
Port Douglas is a vibrant destination, which has held onto it's small town appeal, while also developing world class attractions and facilities. Plenty of resort shopping is available in the main village centre, and there are over 60 Restaurants, Bars and Eateries. No where else do two World Heritage Listed Assets lie Side by Side. 80% of the Douglas Shire region is World Heritage Listed as the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. View large map.
The list of activities available is endless, and the Lychee Tree Complimentary Tour Desk is able make use of extensive local knowledge and tried and tested experience to tailor the many activities and tours on offer to your own needs and requirements.
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Port Douglas Restaurants
Port Douglas boasts an exciting array of restaurants, ranging from budget eateries to fine dining. Styles to suit every taste include steak, Seafood, Thai, Indian, Mexican & Italian.
Lychee Tree has a number of options within a few hundred metres walk, including the 'Mediterrasian' Gone Bananas, Port O Call Bistro and Zai Japanese Restaurant.
Other amazing restaurants include Zinc, Salsa, On The Inlet and Soul & Pepper.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef extends for over 2000 kilometres along the North Eastern coastline of Australia. It covers an area larger than the size of Great Britain or Victoria, and approximately half the size of Texas!
The Great Barrier Reef is arguably the most diverse ecosystem in the world with over 1500 species of fish and 400 species of corals. With over 2600 individual Reefs and about 300 islands, it is also the largest complex or coral reefs in the world today.
Port Douglas is the closest town (with exception to towns on islands) to the Great Barrier Reef, with many people travelling from all over the local region to visit the reef from here. There are many marine Tour Operators which offer a range of reef experiences.
The Great Barrier Reef is a marine park with different levels of protection zones. This allows all sorts of activities to take place, while maintaining a high level of protection for this precious natural resource.
Diving and Snorkelling
Excellent diving and snorkelling may be had at the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs, Opal, Tongue and St Crispins Reef. A kaleidoscope of colour and life awaits you with an amazing array of spectacularly coloured fish hard corals and soft corals.
A number of different options are available for those with all levels of comfort in the water. From those not keen to get their hair wet, to families with young children, to snorkellers and experienced divers, a day to remember on one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World is on offer.
If you have always wanted to give diving a try, many operators offer Introductory Diving with the assistance of an experienced Dive Instructor. After passing a health questionaire, guests learn a little about the many aspects of diving before embarking on their very first dive, in both a safe and amazing environment.
The Reef Needs You!
Why not do your part during your day on the reef, and actively contribute to the World's largest coral reef conservation program! Reef Check Australia is part of the United Nations Official International Community Based Coral Reef Monitoring Program.
Using community involvement, Reef Check tracks the global trends in coral reef health and works to enhance the effectiveness of actions which are designed to ensure the ecological sustainability of Australia's reefs, and indeed those of the entire planet.
After purchase of a Underwater Reef Guide, you may not only enhance your knowledge and understanding of the reef, but the attached re usable slate allows you to record what you see. By then submitting your data online, you will be assisting Reef Check Scientists in tracking the health of Australia's coral reef, and also contributing to global coral reef status reports.
You can make a difference, while also learning about what you may see before your day on the reef!
Reef Check Underwater Guides are available for purchase from Lychee Tree Reception. Further information about this worthy organisation can be found in Lychee Tree Reception or through the Reef Check Website, www.reefcheckaustralia.org.
Port Douglas Fishing
With the opportunity to try your hand at catching some of the best eating and fighting fish in the world, fisherman visit Port Douglas from around the world to try their luck.
Species such as Coral Trout, Spanish Mackerel, Red Emperor, Giant Trevally, and Tuna can be caught in the allowed zones on the reef. Local streams and rivers are also home to fish such as the salmon, cod, mangrove jack and of course the Barramundi.
Several boats offer trips to the reef daily, from where there is nothing better than reeling in your evening meal. Your catch is cleaned and chilled on board your boat ready for cooking on the Lychee Tree Barbeque.
In order to maintain the delicate ecological balance of the inlet and estuaries, a catch and release policy is operated by estuary Fishing Tour Operators.
Boat hire is also available for those interested in exploring the 15 kilometres of estuaries themselves. A fantastic day can be had fishing while also keeping an eye out for birds and crocodiles who also inhabit this diverse ecosystem.
The Lychee Tree Tour Desk will not only help you choose the reef experience most suited to your interests, but shall also assess the ocean weather and wind forcast along with the tides to choose the best possible day for you to visit the reef.
The Daintree Rainforest
The pre historic rainforests of Daintree and Cape Tribulation National Parks cover 1200 square kilometres and make up the largest virgin tract of rainforest in Australia, and is the second largest in the world.
The Daintree, being over one hundred and thirty-five million years old is also the oldest tropical rainforest on earth and contains trees which have been present for over 3000 years. The ecosystem is considered to be one of the most biologically diverse and environmentally important areas in the world.
The Daintree Rainforest is home to the greatest concentration of plants and animals which are endangered in the world. If you are lucky, on your trip to the Daintree, you may come across the very special Cassowary, an endangered, flightless bird which stands to approximately 1.75 metres high.
A visit to this unique part of the world is high on the list of many visitor's itineries. a 45 minute drive from Port Douglas takes you to the famous Daintree River, where a number of excellent cruises may take you face to face with an esturine Crocodile, or where you may find a number of beautiful birds, frogs and snakes.
Once across the river by car ferry, the road is tar sealed and accessible by conventional vehicles up to Cape Tribulation. Beyond here, the Bloomfield Track, leading on to Cooktown is Four Wheel Drive only.
The choice is yours as to whether you would like to explore this area in the comfort of your own car, or if you would like to join one of the excellent small group tours which leave from the Lychee Tree front door.
The benefit of having a guide as you travel into the Daintree cannot be underestimated. There are many amazing plants, animals and insects which can be spotted and explained with the help of an experienced set of eyes!
If you choose to self drive, the Lychee Tree Tour Desk is able to assist with ideas for your day, from recommended Daintree River Cruises to some great walking trails, restaurants and picnic areas.
Why not try Jungle Surfing, or sample some Exotic Fruits or Daintree Ice-cream. Try Horse Riding through the Rainforest or you may choose to Kayak around the famous Cape Tribulation, spotting turtles, if you're lucky!
The Lychee Tree Tour Desk is able to help you decide how you would like to discover this unique environment. A personalised itinerary can be created on your arrival to allow you to make the most of your day in the Daintree.
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