ISSADA APPROVED TRAVEL BLOG SERIES: Port Douglas

In this heat, we’re dreaming of a summer escape! High on the local bucket-list is Port Douglas. This stunning coastal resort town is the perfect gateway to The Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, and equally fantastic as a relaxing international holiday destination in its own right. In the 80s and 90s, Port Douglas was a haven for celebrities like John Travolta, Tom Hanks, Mick Jagger and Claudia Schiffer who have all been spotted enjoying the pristine beaches and frolicking on super yachts. After a wane in tourism in tropical north QLD in the 00s, today Port Douglas is enjoying a stylish resurgence! Our CEO/Founder Fiona recently spent a long weekend there with her partner and son, and shares with us her favourite ‘Issada-approved’ places to stay, eat, sip, shop, swim, play and relax.

STAY

ISSADA APPROVES: Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas

Port Douglas Road, Port Douglas QLD

This 5-star resort was built by Christopher Skase in 1988 for over $100million dollars and was the jewel of Port Douglas’ crown, before tropical north QLD tourism quietened, leaving the extravagant resort in need of a facelift. Enter a spectacular $43 million dollar renovation, just completed this year, which has restored the Sheraton Mirage to its 5-star former glory. The property is the only Port Douglas resort with direct access to popular Four Mile Beach and it boasts 2 hectares of saltwater lagoon pools, pumped ecologically from the ocean.

EAT

ISSADA APPROVES: Watergate

Shop 5, 31 Macrossan Street, Port Douglas

Watergate is a must-visit for delicious modern Australian cuisine and an amazing cocktail and wine list. Grab a seat at the bar for a sunset sip and a delicious light bar bite, or book a table for a sumptuous meal utilizing local, fresh seasonal produce. Chef Lee Neate has designed an innovative menu that reflects contemporary trends in Australian cooking and, as is to be expected, the fresh caught seafood is incredible. Issada recommends the Grilled Snapper, and the Geisha Girl cocktail.

SIP

ISSADA APPROVES: Barbados

44 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD

The perfect afternoon or sunset cocktail spot, Barbados’ cocktail menu is to die for and offers spectacular views over the Dickson Inlet, Coral Sea, Mossman Ranges & Daintree National Park. The menu specializes in fresh, light starters and share plates, with some delicious salads. From the cocktail list, Issada recommends The Garden of Eden and the Mimi Mimosa, and for a bite, the lime and coconut prawns and rainbow tomtato salad.

PLAY

ISSADA APPROVES: Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

Captain Cook Hwy, Wangetti QLD

The best way to spot a croc in Port Douglas! And plenty of other wildlife – with over 2100 metres of timber boardwalks and pathways leading you on a journey of discovery through woodlands and rainforest where you can see tropical birds, reptiles, insects and other native fauna. Enjoy Hartley’s entertaining and educational wildlife presentations, including snakes, cassowaries, koalas, crocodiles, quolls and much more. Take a boat cruise on Hartley’s Lagoon to see crocodiles and other wildlife on our melaleuca wetland, and learn about sustainable use and conservation on our Crocodile Farm tour.

ISSADA APPROVES: Sheraton Mirage Country Club and Golf Course

Port Douglas Road, Port Douglas QLD

Bordered by the Coral Sea and a panoramic mountain backdrop, the Sheraton Mirage course is a golfer’s paradise. Challenge yourself to a combination of 6 par 3, 6 par 4 and 6 par 5 holes all within two quite different 9’s. Also at the country club, a tennis court, designer pro-shop, gym and lap pool for all your recreational sporting needs!

SWIM

ISSADA APPROVES: The Sheraton Mirage Pool

Port Douglas Road, Port Douglas QLD

The pool is definitely the best option for swimming, unless you want a run in with the crocs! With 2 hectares of saltwater lagoon pools, pumped ecologically from the ocean, there is no shortage of spots to have a relaxing dip.

SHOP

ISSADA APPROVES: Seafolly

14/56 Macrossan St, Port Douglas QLD

We love the Seafolly Concept Store on Macrossan street – a comprehensive range of this Australian swimwear empire’s designs, and fantastic staff who make the sometimes daunting prospect of swimwear shopping enjoyable.

RELAX

ISSADA APPROVES: Spa Q at Hotel QT – Issada Stockist!

87-109 Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas QLD

Experience the art of unwinding at Spa Q! We recommend the Metamorphosis Treatment Package: A Warm Oil Back Massage + Uspa Concept Facial + Mini-Manicure & Pedicure. Don’t forget your post-treatment Issada mineral makeover before you leave!