Port Douglas, Queensland

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Port Douglas
Queensland
Port douglas qld australia.jpg
Four Mile Beach
Port Douglas is located in Queensland
Port Douglas
Population: aprox 3000 [1]
Postcode: 4877
Elevation: 4 m (13 ft)
Location:
LGA: Cairns Region
State District: Cook
Federal Division: Leichhardt
Mean Max Temp Mean Min Temp Annual Rainfall
27.9 °C
82 °F		 20.6 °C
69 °F		 2,013.2 mm
79.3 in

Port Douglas is a town in Far North Queensland, Australia, approximately 70 km (40 mi) north of Cairns. Its permanent population was about 3000 residents in 2006.[1] The town's population can often double, however, with the influx of tourists during the peak tourism season May-September. The town is named in honour of former Premier of Queensland, John Douglas. Port Douglas developed quickly based on the mining industry. Other parts of the area were established with timber cutting occurring in the area surrounding the Daintree River and with settlement starting to occur on lots around the Mossman River by 1880.

Previous names for the town included Terrigal, Island Point, Port Owen and Salisbury. The town is situated adjacent to two World Heritage areas, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

Port Douglas was No. 3 on Australian Traveller magazine's list of 100 Best Towns In Australia.

Contents

[edit] Government

The town is within the Federal electorate of Leichhardt, and within the State electorate of Cook. At local level, it is part of the Cairns Region.

[edit] History

The Port Douglas township was established in 1877 after the discovery of gold at Hodgkinson River by James Venture Mulligan. It grew quickly, and at its peak Port Douglas had a population of 12,000 and 27 hotels. With the construction of the Mulligan Highway it serviced towns as far away as Herberton.

When the Kuranda Railway from Cairns to Kuranda was completed in 1891, the importance of Port Douglas dwindled along with its population. A cyclone in 1911 which demolished all but two buildings in the town also had a significant impact. At its nadir in 1960 the town, by then little more than a fishing village, had a population of 100.

In the mid-1980s, tourism boomed in the region after investor Christopher Skase financed the construction of the world-class Sheraton Mirage.

[edit] Significant events, visitors and residents

Kitesurfing at Port Douglas, Australia

On 5 July 1943, a RAAF Vultee Vengeance (Serial Number A27-217) crash landed on the beach near Port Douglas.

In November 1996 United States President Bill Clinton and the First Lady chose the town as their only vacation stop on their historic visit to Australia. When dining at a local restaurant they witnessed a couple's wedding certificate. On a return visit on 11 September 2001, the then ex-President was again dining at the Salsa Bar and Grill, a local restaurant, when he was advised of the 9/11 attacks. He returned to the United States the following day.[2].

The town has enjoyed a steady influx of full-time residents since its 'rebirth', with most newcomers arriving from Australia's south, namely Victoria and Tasmania.[citation needed]

On 4 September 2006, entertainer a.k.a. "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin died at Batt Reef, off Port Douglas, after a stingray barb went through his chest into his heart while Irwin and his crew were filming a documentary called The Ocean's Deadliest.[3] Irwin was filmed snorkelling directly above the stingray when it lashed him with its tail, embedding its poisonous barb. Irwin died almost immediately. This event was widely reported both in Australia and overseas.[4]

Every year Port Douglas attracts tourist and locals alike to two significant festival periods. The original and world renowned festival the Port Douglas Carnivaleis on around the end of May and runs for 10 days over two weekends beginning with the Macrossan Street Parade attracting over 10,000 people. The second festival period is held over two weekends in October and consists of the Footprints Music Festival an Eco / Arts Festival & 'Porttoberfest' a Far Northern Queensland Beer Festival. Both periods showcase and celebrate the regions unique tropical island like lifestyle.

In 2012, Port Douglas will be the pole position for a Total Solar Eclipse. This phenonemon will take place at 6:38 am on November 14th 2012. Only a small slither of land with witness the intergalactic event and Port Douglas is right in its path. Thousands are expected to converge at this unique destination to see the event.

The Solar Eclipse Marathon The first ever Full International Marathon running festival is being organised in Port Douglas to coincide with the Total Solar Eclipse in November 2012. This full adventure 42.195 km Marathon expecting over 2,000 competitors will start on the morning of November 14th as the first rays of the sun re-emerge from behind the moon thus creating the first ever intergalactic starting gun!

[edit] Geography

[edit] Climate

Port Douglas
Climate chart
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49
 
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108
 
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average max. and min. temperatures in °C
precipitation totals in mm

Port Douglas has a tropical climate with warm summers and warm winters, and rainfall mainly Jan through Mar.

[edit] Recreation

Kitesurfing is popular at the southern end of Four Mile Beach, particularly during the winter months when trade winds blow from the South.

Port Douglas is near the Great Barrier Reef. Numerous companies run daily trips from the marina to the outer reef and the Low Isles for scuba diving and snorkelling. Port Douglas is also well known for its many restaurants, golf courses, and five star resorts.

A number of private homes are available for rental year round, from simple budget-style accommodation to the ultimate in luxury living.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Australian Bureau of Statistics (25 October 2007). "Port Douglas (Urban Centre/Locality)". 2006 Census QuickStats. http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/ABSNavigation/prenav/LocationSearch?collection=Census&period=2006&areacode=UCL347200&producttype=QuickStats&breadcrumb=PL&action=401. Retrieved 2007-06-30. 
  2. ^ Interview With Bill Clinton, Bob Dole, Andrew McKelvey and Dan Rather, CNN, September 3, 2002
  3. ^ Jason Staines Crocodile man, Steve Irwin, dies, The Age, 4 September 2006
  4. ^ Death footage 'will never see the light of day', The Age, 7 September 2006

[edit] External links

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Douglas,_Queensland"