Verandahs, Port Douglas

Advantages: lots to do, great beach
Disadvantages: box jellyfish in the hot wet season

...Someone asked me yesterday whether they should stay in Cairns or Port Douglas and I had no hesitation in recommending the latter. It is much smaller than Cairns and far more attractive. There is loads to do in PD and surrounding area eg the Daintree River where you can take a trip to see crocodiles and other wildlife, visit the rainforest, Mossman Gorge, drive to the Atherton Tablelands where you can go hot air ballooning and of course you can do the Quicksilver trip out to the Reef. The beach at PD is superb so it's best to build a few lazy days into your schedule. There are many good restaurants in PD, a favourite of ours being the Starfish which specialises in shellfish.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Friendly staff and fantastic location close to the town centre and beach
Disadvantages: none

...We stayed at this hotel twice and can honestly say that it is without doubt one of the best hotels we have ever visited. The staff are fantastic. All tours can be booked directly by the hotel and they offer advice as to which operators to use. We booked a day out on the Reef with HABA and it was brilliant. The hotel staff even checked the weather forecasts to find the best day to go. Our nine year old daughter loved the 2 swimming pools. The hotel has a real leisurely, laid back feel to it and it never felt crowded. Breakfast is available at the poolside (try the happy eggs!) and is excellent value. The barbecue facilities are really useful for families for both lunch and dinner options although you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants in Port Douglas (our favourite is 'On the Inlet'). We will definately... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Quiet, relaxing and the reef is very accessible
Disadvantages: Poor TV reception?

...A very nice village about 1h north of Cairns. The population is about 3000, built on a peninsular it gets nice cooling sea breezes compared to the surrounding rainforest. And all buildings must be no taller than the Palm trees. Your hotel can arrange a pick-up from the airport, a car is not needed. We have stayed at both Radisson resorts that have free shuttles into town. The main road in has the hotels and leads on to the main street with the shops, verandahed restaurants and pubs. Over the last two years it has grown (it now has two supermarkets!) but the character remains The marina has a number of snorkeling and diving boats leaving practically everyday of the week at about 9am but usually 10am. You can go out all year round, we have been there in August and the temperature was in the 80s. The operator will arrange the hotel pick... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful