Port Douglas
In the Far North Queensland region in Australia can be found Port Douglas, a small town known for its laid-back and lush tropical oasis adorned with modern worldly comforts. The town is a small, yet, friendly village with a warm and hospitable village atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for holiday vacations.
The geographical features make Port Douglas a good vacation spot. It is the nearest mainland village to the popular Great Barrier Reef, the biggest coral reef system in the world, and the equally well-known Daintree Rainforest, a world heritage tropical rainforest. This undoubtedly makes Port Douglas a sure vacation destination hit among both local and international tourists.
Long before it was called Port Douglas, the town was known for many other names. Among those early and former names were Island Point, Salisbury, Terrigal and Port Owen. The name Port Douglas was set in honor of a former Premier of the state of Queensland, John Douglas.
Port Douglas' township started in 1877 upon the massive and fast development of its mining industry. Several parts of the town have also been good sources of timber. Early settlements and small freshwater fishing centers were put up around the vicinity of the Mossman River. Today, the mining and timber cutting industries are somehow still contributing to Port Douglas' revenue sources. However, tourism now serves as Port of Douglas' main income generating industry.
Interestingly, Port of Douglas has a very minimal population of just about 950 residents as of the 2006 census. However, the population normally jumps four to five times, especially when tourists flock the area from May to September, when tourism at the town is at its peak.
Kite surfing is one of the most popular recreational activities facilitated at Port Douglas' several beach resorts. The sport is most ideal on winter months as trade winds are actively blowing during these times from the geographical south. For divers, the Coral Sea's aquamarine reef water is a sure delight. Boating and fishing is popular at Mossman Gorge's crystal creeks. For tourists who love the beach, the Four Mile Beach surely is a paradise.
Other than those, at Port Douglas, you surely will be able to enjoy an amazing array of wildlife and nature. The Daintree Rainforest is both pristine and breathtaking. The Great Reef is simply irresistible. In simplest terms, Port of Douglas is a serene and fascinating place where the blue mixes in harmony with the glittering green.
Most of all, the climate is most ideal for holiday vacations. Tropical temperature is superb and is experienced across the town all year round. That makes recreational and outdoor activities more ideal, fun and satisfactory. On everyday basis, enjoy as balmy days slowly dissolve into spectacular tropical evenings, complete with velvet and beautifully starry skies.
