After leaving our gorgeous Daintree lodges, we did not have far to drive to Port Douglas. We have been a few times now and always love it here. It’s a gorgeous place and even better in July which is such a lovely reprieve from our winter. The weather is almost perfect.
We did not book accommodation until after we left home, and decided to splurge on nice accommodation noting we really like being on or near Macrossan Street within walking distance of bars, restaurants and supermarkets. So we booked Coconut Grove which is a little closer to the beach than where we have previously stayed although still on Macrossan Street. After booking, the guy sent me an email stating he was from Coffs Harbour!
Anyway, we arrived about 11am and found that in addition to our room being available for checkin, we had been upgraded!! Oh wow this apartment was sensational. It was 5 bedroom (with 3 bedrooms locked which was fine) but a massive kitchen (with 2 double fridges) and lounge room and 2 master suites. And a massive terrace with BBQ area, our own heated splash pool and spa. We were in heaven! It’s a really nice apartment.
We went into town and so sadly, many places still closed including the Courthouse Hotel - devastated - we love it there! Anyway, we had a few drinks at the outdoor bar on Macrossan near Coles, got some groceries and headed back to our gorgeous apartment to enjoy the facilities. Whilst we have done this many times, we booked a sunset cruise which was just lovely but it was a rough ride.
Actually quite a few people were very seasick and plenty of others got absolutely soaked with freak waves (pretty sure my sisters would not have coped well at all with this trip) and even a light popped out overhead so the boat was definitely flexing more than normal.
And then we went to an old favorite - Salsa. Still a lovely night in a beautiful building but with tables further apart. Other favourite restaurants here are either closed or only open a few nights a week. But the ones that are open are busy to the capacity that they can be. They are all very very focussed on social distancing rules and I have had my temperature taken more in more life these last few days then ever before - but it’s all part of the current normal.
And then our planned day to relax! The boys played golf whilst the girls did a hot stone/aromatherapy combo followed by lunch by the beach, and an afternoon in our pool with a cheese platter.
We have been watching NSW Covid numbers closely as NT is quick to close access to hotspots with no notice, so we haven’t booked anything to the NT. Anyway, as a result the flights we wanted yesterday were no longer available today. This meant we had to get serious and book some stuff in advance (albeit only a few days).
Flying from Cairns to Darwin is currently quite challenging with limited flight options. Pre Covid - there were easy direct flights but not these days! There are options of flying via Sydney (not only is this a lot of unnecessary flying time, but we were trying to avoid the impacts of being delayed in Sydney with current restrictions), we could fly via Brisbane (shorter flying time but having to overnight in Brisbane on the way which would be annoying).
Or third choice being a direct flight from Townsville but this flight only operates a few times a week. And it was this flight on Friday which was now sold out so we needed to book the flight on Monday before it was also booked out.
So we spent some time pushing our plans back and that meant we can stay in this amazing place for 2 more days! Coconut Grove have let us stay in this apartment for another 2 nights at the date we paid so that was awesome. And we had booked a few things on the QLD itinerary in the last day or so and were able to adjust them by 2 days without too much pain.
Our dinner tonight was coral trout in our apartment - we always have this up here and it was amazing.
Our third day was quite relaxing. We could not extend our car hire any further so annoyingly had to get the car back to Cairns. And to do this, we hired another cheap car to do this. We had a lovely lunch by the water at the Tin Shed and again enjoyed our apartment - unfortunately I was a little sunburnt (my poor winter skin is not prepared for this warmth haha). Followed up with dinner at Watergate as Melaleuca was booked out. Followed up with a cocktail at Jimmys on the way back.
And our final fourth day even more so. It was a day by the pool with a cheese platter. We also checked out the penthouse apartment here but ours is much nicer! Our final dinner was booked for Tapas which was amazing but a little cool tonight with the wind.
We have eaten well here, but have also done plenty of walking so it’s not too hideous!
It is certainly a lovely part of the world here.
Suey
2020-07-31
I love Port Douglas as well!! Such a great place, especially during our winter!! Keep enjoying your trip!!