Tag Archive for: Far North Queensland

Oaks Port Douglas: A Stay in the Tropics

Family Wedding Stay at Oaks Port Douglas Resort

OCTOBER in Far North Queensland has a certain magic about it. The humidity eases just enough, the skies behave themselves (mostly), and the crowds thin as the annual tourist season winds down. It turned out to be the perfect time for a trip to Port Douglas — not just for a holiday, but for something far more special: my youngest son’s wedding.

Port Douglas is one of those Australian destinations that manages to feel both relaxed and special at the same time.

I spent four nights in there, staying at Oaks Port Douglas Resort, and from the moment I arrived, it felt like one of those trips where everything gently falls into place — even the small mishaps.

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The Long Road (and Air) to the Tropics

Getting there was an adventure in itself. After a long day bussing from Hervey Bay to Brisbane, flying north to Cairns, then hopping into a hire car for the scenic drive up to Port Douglas, I arrived well past “decision-making capacity”.

So when the friendly staff explained the layout of the resort at check-in, I nodded politely… and absorbed almost none of it.

Cue me wandering around the resort grounds shortly afterwards, luggage in tow, looking mildly lost and increasingly amused at myself. Salvation came in the form of a young girl — about ten — still dripping from the pool and heading back to her family’s room. She spotted my confusion and cheerfully gave me clear directions. A very Port Douglas welcome.

I finally hauled my suitcase up several flights of stairs, congratulated myself on surviving, and went to bed — only to wake the next morning and discover there was a ramp within about 20 metres of my room, making all that stair-traipsing completely unnecessary.

Doh. I should have listened. 😄

Oaks Port Douglas Room That Gets You Instantly

Inside the air-conditioned room, the TV was playing ABC Jazz when I arrived at the Oaks Port Douglas— a small touch, but such a good one. It felt welcoming straight away.

The room was spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully laid out, with a proper desk positioned right beside the balcony door. For a travel writer with a laptop, this was gold: natural light during the day, and a leafy outlook to rest tired eyes between sentences.

The room also included tea and coffee facilities, a mini-fridge, microwave and reliable Wi-Fi — everything you need if you want the flexibility of eating in or working a little while away.

The balcony quickly became my favourite spot. On my first morning, I had breakfast there, surrounded by lush tropical palms and greenery. From what I could see, most rooms enjoy similar garden or pool views, which gives the whole resort a calm, cocooned feel.

Poolside Lunches and Proper Unwinding

While waiting for family members to arrive in Port Douglas, I settled into holiday mode with lunch by the lagoon-style pool. The Pumpkin & Ricotta Arancini — served with turmeric mayonnaise and pickled onions — hit that perfect note between indulgent and light. Exactly what you want in the tropics.

Later that afternoon, I treated myself to a deep tissue massage, followed by a hand and foot manicure at the day spa. By the time evening rolled around, I was so relaxed I barely remembered what day it was — always a good sign.

That night, we gathered at the Court House Hotel, right in the heart of town. It’s a classic Aussie pub serving familiar favourites — unfussy, friendly, and ideal for a casual family dinner. Afterwards, we wandered down to take in the tropical sunset and peek at the wedding venue, just a short stroll away.

A leisurely poolside lunch — pumpkin & ricotta arancini with a tropical fruit drink.

Breakfasts, Wildlife and Family-Friendly Surprises

The next morning’s breakfast was at The Lilypad, where I sat alfresco surrounded by a tropical lily pond, listening to the cascading waterfall. As I was lining up photos, a young boy from the next table pointed out a snake resting on a lily pad and suggested I might want to capture that, too.

Naturally, I did.

It was one of those moments that perfectly summed up Port Douglas — relaxed, outdoorsy, and wonderfully family-friendly. The Oaks, in particular, seemed full of multi-generational groups, kids darting between the pool and their rooms, and parents actually looking relaxed.

Oaks Port Douglas - snake in the lily pond

Spot the snake on the lily pads!

Wedding Day at St Mary’s by the Sea

Wedding day arrived with clear skies, no rain, and just the right amount of warmth — a small miracle in the tropics. The ceremony took place at St Mary’s by the Sea, a beautifully restored non-denominational chapel overlooking the Coral Sea.

Built in 1914 and relocated to its current waterfront setting, St Mary’s is simple, elegant and full of history. The large doors open straight to sea breezes and views across the water, creating an intimate atmosphere without being formal. For a small wedding, it was perfect.

The reception followed at Hemingway’s Brewery, where craft beers, relaxed waterfront vibes and generous food made for a joyful, unpretentious celebration. It felt very “Port Douglas”: social, easygoing and quietly stylish.

Oaks Port Douglas - St Mary's by the Sea

St Mary’s by the Sea, Port Douglas, Far North Queensland.

Exploring Port Douglas at an Easy Pace

The following morning called for another breakfast at Lilypad (why mess with success?), before heading out to explore.

A stroll along the esplanade revealed kite flyers in the park, locals walking with dogs, and visitors soaking up the last of the dry-season sunshine. I paused at the war memorial, a peaceful spot that adds a reflective note to the seaside buzz.

Later, I enjoyed a drink at The Tin Shed, perched right on the water with uninterrupted views — the kind of place where one drink easily becomes two.

Lunch with family followed at Choo Choos at the Marina, a relaxed spot overlooking the boats, ideal for conversation and people-watching.

Oaks Port Douglas - setting at Choo Choos

Choo Choos at the Marina, Port Douglas.

A Farewell at Oak & Vine

My final evening brought things full circle back at the resort, dining at Oak & Vine Port Douglas. The semi-alfresco setting was perfect for a warm evening, and the à la carte menu struck that balance between fresh, local and comforting.

I chose the Lemon Pepper Barramundi, followed by a Trio of Sorbet — light, refreshing and exactly what I wanted on my last night. It was a calm, contented end to a stay that had been equal parts celebration and slow exhale.

Dinner at the Oak & Vine at the Oaks Port Douglas.

Final Thoughts

Oaks Port Douglas delivered everything it promised — beauty, ease, warmth and a sense of being properly looked after. Staying at the Oaks made the experience especially comfortable, whether I was working at the desk, relaxing on the balcony, or watching families enjoy the pool together.

If you’re planning a visit to Port Douglas — whether for a wedding, a family gathering or a well-earned break — consider Oaks Port Douglas Resort as a family-friendly, relaxed base that lets you settle in and truly enjoy the tropics. Sometimes, the best trips are the ones where even getting a little lost turns into part of the story.

Soft evening light at the resort pool, The Oaks Port Douglas.

Planning a trip to Port Douglas?

If you’re heading to Far North Queensland for a celebration, family getaway or relaxed coastal break, Oaks Port Douglas Resort offers spacious rooms, tropical gardens and an easy walk to the heart of town. It worked beautifully as a base for our family wedding — calm, comfortable and genuinely family-friendly.

👉 View Oaks Port Douglas Resort

21/01/2026/by Jocelyn Watts

FRASER COAST, Maryborough

Olds Engineering casts bell for Nuyina

Mary Bell for Nuyina, Australia’s new icebreaker

WHEN Australia’s new Antarctic icebreaker, the RSV Nuyina, makes its maiden voyage later this year, it will be carrying a bell made in Maryborough.

A team from the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (ANARE) made a special trip to Maryborough on 15 July 2021 to watch the casting of the ship’s bell at Old’s Engineering in North Street.

ANARE Club National Council president Richard Unwin said Nuyina was built in Romania to replace the Aurora Australis, Australia’s Antarctic flagship from 1989 until 2020.

“Aurora Australis has been retired and the new one (Nuyina) will be the main lifeline to Australia’s Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research stations,” Mr Unwin said.

“It is 160 metres long, weighs 25,500 tonnes, and will carry two million litres of fuel to restock all four (Antarctic) stations.”

Nuyina was almost complete in July 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed its last trials. It’s now expected to arrive in Hobart later this year.

Mr Unwin said the bell would be onboard Nuyina throughout its expected 30-year lifespan.

“It’s good to see tradespeople still around that can use traditional methods to make bells for ships such as the Nuyina.”

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Nuyina bell a link to the Antarctic’s past

Olds Engineering managing director Robert Olds said the bell would be a link to all people who have worked at Australia’s Antarctic research stations.

“This bell is made from a metal that’s known by several names, including Gun Metal No. 1 and Admiralty Gun Metal,” Mr Olds said.

“Queensland Rail uses the same composition (88 per cent copper, 10 per cent tin, and two per cent zinc) and calls it Steam Metal.

“This metal was used to make the guns that fired cannonballs in the early days of the British Admiralty when they fought against the French and Spanish.”

Ship’s soul

Often considered to be a ship’s soul, bells are used for signalling, keeping time, and sounding alarms. They’re also used for onboard ceremonies such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals.

“If you find an old ship’s bell, have a look inside – you may see engraved names,” Mr Olds said.

To make Nuyina’s bell, Olds modified an existing pattern, cast the metal in the sand and polished it with a lathe and hand-held sander.

ANARE Gratitude

ANARE National Council secretary Trevor Luff thanked Olds Engineering and Hayes Metals for the bell’s creation.

“We thank the Olds family for their most generous offer of casting the bell, and also to Hayes Metals, New Zealand, and Australia for their most generous offer to supply the metal free of charge,” Mr Luff said.

“We will never forget the experience. We were so excited driving home that the conversation never stopped,d and in a blink were out the front of our house in Cooroy.”

Olds Engineering apprentices Lachlan Hansen (left) and Calen Simpson, Olds managing director Robert Olds, Antarctic Engineer author Dale Jacobsen, ANARE Australian and Queensland secretary Trevor Luff, Peter Olds, ANARE Club National Council president Richard Unwin, and ANARE member Peter McKenzie.

Olds Engineering apprentices Calen Simpson (left) and Lachlan Hansen chip the remaining cast from the Nuyina’s new bell, watched by Doug Eaton (back left), Antarctic Engineer author Dale Jacobsen, ANARE member Peter McKenzie, ANARE Australian and Queensland secretary Trevor Luff and ANARE Club National Council president Richard Unwin, and Olds managing director Robert Olds.

Olds Engineering apprentices Lachlan Hansen (left) and Calen Simpson chipping remains of the cast from the bell.

Olds Engineering apprentices Calen Simpson (left) and Lachlan Hansen chip the remaining cast from the Nuyina’s new bell, watched by Doug Eaton (back left), Antarctic Engineer author Dale Jacobsen, ANARE member Peter McKenzie, ANARE Australian and Queensland secretary Trevor Luff and president Richard Unwin, and Olds managing director Robert Olds.

Peter Olds, Doug Eaton, Robert Olds, Calen Simpson, Lachlan Hansen, and Richard Unwin check the bell after being removed from its casing.

18/08/2021/by Jocelyn Watts

Australia, EXPLORE

Top 11 Things to do at Cooktown

Discover Cooktown in Far North Queensland

THERE’S no shortage of things to do at Cooktown, where in 1770 James Cook landed after his ship ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef.

The old adage “Seen one rainforest, seen ém all” certainly doesn’t apply.

Exploring Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula was just a blip on my travel radar until last December.

I’d already seen plenty of rainforests, so with many other exciting places beckoning, I figured if an opportunity arose to go to North Queensland, I’d go, but otherwise I wouldn’t make the effort.

An opportunity did arise after relatives moved to Cooktown in late 2014.

An airline company was offering cheap flights from Brisbane to Cairns, so that blip on my travel radar suddenly started beaming “visit me”.

I planned to make the trip before the 2016 wet season (January to March), but I’ve since learned the monsoon rains in summer renew wildlife spectacularly.

Waterfalls are also in full flow, so awesome photographic opportunities would have been greater than the month I chose, September 2015.

While Cooktown is accessible in a standard vehicle all year round, time was limited for my north Queensland jaunt, so I took a 45-minute flight from Cairns with Hinterland Aviation.

Cooktown is steeped in history dating from ancient Indigenous times, Captain James Cook’s landing on the bank of the Endeavour River in 1770, and the Palmer River Gold Rush of the late 1800s.

The town is located 28 kilometres north of Cairns.

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Top 11 things to do at Cooktown in pictures

1. Visit the botanic gardens.

2. Go crocodile spotting. The best time is during the dry season (July to December) on a low tide when they come out of the water to sun themselves on the river banks. Beware of venturing near the water on beaches and riverbanks where crocs view humans as prey.

Things to do in Cooktown - man at a waterfall

3. Visit the Trevathan Falls just south of Cooktown off the Mulligan Highway.

4. Enjoy spectacular views of Cooktown, the Endeavour River and the Great Barrier Reef from the Grassy Hill Lookout and Lighthouse.

Things to do in Cooktown - Cherry Tree Bay

5. Hike from the Grassy Hill Road to Cherry Tree Bay, Cooktown’s most secluded beach fringed by rainforest and large rock formations.

Things to do at Cooktown - visit Black Mountain

6. Visit the mysterious Black Mountains 25km south of Cooktown on the Mulligan Highway. The mountains of grey granite boulders are culturally significant for the Kuku Yalanji people, and tales abound of people, horses and cattle disappearing, never to be seen again.

Things to do at Cooktown - visit the Lions Den Hotel

7. Have a beer in the Lion’s Den Hotel, built in 1875 on the banks of the Little Annan River. Surrounded by mango trees and rainforests, the historic hotel, built of timber and iron, is famous for its quirky interior.

8. Take a sunset cruise along the Endeavour River.

9. Visit the James Cook Museum, located in the restored Sisters of Mercy convent school building, where artefacts from Captain James Cook’s ship Endeavour and diary extracts are housed. The museum also holds Indigenous Australian and Chinese displays.

10. See Indigenous Australian art, pottery and jewellery at the Wujal Wujal professional gallery near the Bloomfield River.

11. Take a walking tour of the town to see the water fountain, Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery, history centres, Milbi (story) Wall, a statue of Mick the Miner and the interactive Musical Ship. James Cook’s tributes include a statue, a cannon and a monument marking the spot where Cook beached his Endeavour in 1770. Markets are on Saturday mornings near the bowls club.

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30/09/2015/by Jocelyn Watts