Port Douglas

Continuing from my travel in Cairns....

From Kuranda we drove down to Mossman Gorge which lies 77 kms north of Cairns and 20 kms away from Port Douglas.  

It is an interesting journey into the lush rainforest to experience the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest with pristine waterfalls, mountains and vivid flora. Here you get connected to the lives, culture and beliefs of local Kuku Yalanji community which has lived here for thousands of years till Europeans came in 1870. The first mention of this place is in Captain James Cook’s records of his exploration of Australian coast line in 1770.

He was the one who thought of the name of Cape Tribulation because it was here that his troubles began when his Endeavour stuck a reef, about 40 kms north east of the cape. Eventually he climbed to the top and saw the Great Barrier Reef for the first time.

In 1877, Port Douglas was formed by gold miners who discovered a passage from the inland fields to the Island Point while searching for a suitable port to transport their gold. This passage is now called the Bump Track, a historical and very picturesque track. A number of adventure races are held every year.

Oldest Port Douglas building restored 

After the early years when gold fever was at its peak this town flourished but as the gold fever died down so did the town. In the heydays this town had 27 pubs but only 12,000 residents. The present day Court House on Wharf Street is Port Douglas’ oldest building.

Every Sunday for the last 20 years a market held in Port Douglas. This is as popular with tourists as it is with locals. You can sample handmade products and locally grown produce such as Lychees and mangoes or else sip sugar cane juice or chutney made with plum tomatoes.

The port

For lunch we stopped at the Court House Hotel, one of the oldest buildings in Port Douglas which has been restored. We sat in the verandah and had Barra chips, Courty Garlic Prawns and Rice naturally accompanied by Beer on the tap. It was an awesome meal and a perfect way to spend a hot afternoon.

Later we drove back To Cairns.