{"id":4482,"date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-12-25T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/?p=4482"},"modified":"2020-05-01T13:59:54","modified_gmt":"2020-05-01T03:59:54","slug":"locals-guide-to-port-douglas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/tropical-north-qld\/tips\/locals-guide-to-port-douglas\/","title":{"rendered":"Live like a local in Cairns and Port Douglas"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to travel recommendations, no-one knows a town better than the people who live there. If you have a holiday to Tropical North Queensland coming up, you\u2019re in luck! On a recent trip to the region, I spoke to some locals to get their tips for the best places to eat, drink, stay, and play in Cairns<\/a> and Port Douglas<\/a>. You\u2019re welcome.<\/p>\n

Where to stay<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Mantra PortSea<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n

I\u2019ve stayed at Port Douglas\u2019s Mantra PortSea myself and can vouch for its great value and handy location. According to Michelle Spinks, Mantra PortSea\u2019s General Manager, the resort is particularly popular with families, especially over the school holidays, so it\u2019s a good idea to book ahead if you want to stay during those times.<\/p>\n

Michelle says, \u201cDual-key units are fantastic for families and groups, as they can be opened up to make one two-bedroom unit or closed off to make a one-bedroom unit and a studio. This allows for both communal space and privacy \u2013 always important, even while on holiday.<\/p>\n

\u201cMantra PortSea\u2019s best features, though, have to be our multiple pools, one of which has a waterslide, and the fact that it\u2019s only a 10-15-minute walk from Macrossan Street, the main Port Douglas drag,\u201d<\/p>\n

Mantra PortSea, Port Douglas.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Where to eat, drink, and play<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Drew Hamilton (Down Under Tours Sales Manager), Daniel Cox (Down Under Tours Tour Guide), and Justin Whyte (Sun Palm Transport Operations Manager) gave me their local Cairns and Port Douglas tips.<\/p>\n

Best Coffee<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Enjoying the blend at Origin Espresso<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Origin Espresso<\/strong><\/h4>\n

21-23 Warner St, Port Douglas
\n<\/strong>\u201cBeanhunter says Origin has the best coffee in Port Douglas, which is a pretty big call. They also have excellent thick shakes \u2013 perfect for kids and non-coffee-drinkers.\u201d \u2013 Daniel.<\/p>\n

Cafe Ziva<\/strong><\/h4>\n

20 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
\n<\/strong>\u201cCafe Ziva do great brekkies, gourmet burgers, and fantastic coffee, all in the heart of Port Douglas. It\u2019s the perfect pit stop during a day of retail therapy.\u201d \u2013 Drew.<\/p>\n

Sipping Duck Coffee<\/strong><\/h4>\n

29 Johnston St, Stratford (Cairns)
\n<\/strong>\u201cA specialty roaster, wholesaler, and caf\u00e9, the Sipping Duck not only has coffee, but organic teas, raw honey, and sparkling cold-brew coffee.\u201d \u2013 Drew.<\/p>\n

Bang and Grind<\/strong><\/h4>\n

8\/14 Spence St, Cairns City
\n<\/strong>\u201cGreat coffee, sandwiches, and all-day breakfast in the heart of Cairns city. They also do a mean toastie.\u201d\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Justin.<\/p>\n

Best restaurant for families <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Siam Orchid Spicy<\/strong><\/h4>\n

21 Kamerunga Rd, Stratford (Cairns)<\/strong>
\n\u201cDelicious, authentic Thai cuisine, just a 10-minute drive from Cairns City. Siam is famous for its friendly service and fantastic value.\u201d \u2013 Justin.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Mexican<\/strong><\/h4>\n

4\/43 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
\n<\/strong>\u201cThe Mexican offers a unique TNQ twist on classic Mexican dishes and has a dedicated kids\u2019 menu, which includes DIY tacos. It\u2019s very popular, so make sure you book ahead!\u201d \u2013 Daniel.<\/p>\n

Villa Romana Trattoria<\/strong><\/h4>\n

99 Esplanade, Cairns City
\n<\/strong>\u201cYou can\u2019t go wrong some classic Italian, especially when it comes with ocean views. The kids\u2019 will love the pizza and spag bol, while mum and dad will love the seafood platter for two.\u201d \u2013 Drew.<\/p>\n

Mondo on the Waterfront<\/strong><\/h4>\n

34 Esplanade, Cairns City
\n<\/strong>\u201cMondo is located in the Hilton Cairns<\/a> and offers Mexican, South-East Asian, and seafood classics, all served al fresco by the Trinity Inlet. The kids can run around on the grass while you enjoy a cocktail.\u201d \u2013 Daniel.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rattle N Hum<\/strong><\/h4>\n

38 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
\n<\/strong>\u201cA family-friendly pub in the heart of Port Douglas and another local favourite. It\u2019s got a reliaxed vibe, huge meals, and the food is delicious. Make sure you leave room for a slice of their signature cheesecake!\u201d\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Justin.<\/p>\n

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Port Douglas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Best restaurants for a romantic night out<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Salsa Bar & Grill<\/strong><\/h4>\n

26 Wharf St, Port Douglas
\n<\/strong>\u201cWhat\u2019s more romantic than gourmet food in a nice old beach house? Salsa Bar & Grill has been around for over 20 years. It\u2019s an institution!\u201d \u2013 Justin.<\/p>\n

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Salsa\u2019s famous (and huge!) Daintree Estates chocolate & Cointreau souffl\u00e9<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n

2 Fish Restaurant<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Coconut Grove Complex, 11\/56-64 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
\n<\/strong>\u201c2 Fish is an innovative and multi-award-winning seafood restaurant that\u2019s just a five-minute walk from Four Mile Beach. It\u2019s a beautiful restaurant with even more beautiful dishes \u2013 perfect for special occasions.\u201d\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Drew.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Iyara\u00a0by Sakare<\/strong><\/h4>\n

91 Esplanade, Cairns City
\n<\/strong>\u201cDelicious Thai cuisine served with flair. Ask for a table on the balcony to enjoy beautiful ocean views, and make sure you try the oysters!\u201d \u2013 Daniel.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Waterbar & Grill <\/strong><\/h4>\n

1 Pier Point Rd, Cairns City
\n<\/strong>\u201cWaterbar & Grill is Cairns\u2019 ultimate steakhouse. It\u2019s famous for meat, but they also do a mean vegie burger. Make sure you try the pork ribs, marinated in Waterbar\u2019s special Lekker sauce.\u201d \u2013 Justin.<\/p>\n

Best bars<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Central Hotel<\/strong><\/h4>\n

9 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
\n<\/strong>\u201cBuilt in 1878, the Central Hotel is Port Douglas\u2019s oldest pub and a big local favourite. It has three bars, live music, and its own cinema with free movies every Tuesday.\u201d \u2013 Justin.<\/p>\n

Hemingway\u2019s Brewery<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Reef Marina, 44 Wharf St, Port Douglas
\n<\/strong>\u201cHemingway\u2019s is a waterfront microbrewery with their own craft beer and great gastropub food. It also has a dedicated function space, perfect for weddings, birthday parties, and events.\u201d\u2013 Drew.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Conservatory Bar<\/strong><\/h4>\n

12\/14 Lake St, Cairns City
\n<\/strong>\u201cThe Conservatory is an elegant caf\u00e9\/bar with creative cocktails, tasty grazing boards, and live music every Saturday. It\u2019s a bit more sophisticated than some of the usual Cairns party clubs.\u201d \u2013 Daniel.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Three Wolves<\/strong><\/h4>\n

32 Abbott St, Cairns City
\n<\/strong>\u201cThree Wolves is a local secret. Hidden down a laneway, it specialises in wine, cocktails, and dark spirits\u2013 especially whiskey. Get the Mad Hatter\u2019s Teapot \u2013 it\u2019s very cool.\u201d \u2013 Drew.<\/p>\n

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Cairns Esplanade.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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More TNQ tips from me<\/strong><\/h3>\n