Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
for a tiny Garden apartment with a patio; or upgrade to a Balcony or Seaview
apartment, both a bit larger and with private balconies. Seaview apartments are
quite roomy, and have side views of Four Mile Beach. Towels are changed daily
and linen weekly, but general servicing will cost A$20 (US$13) extra. There's no
elevator and no porter, so be prepared to carry your luggage upstairs. No chil-
dren under 3 permitted.
72 Macrossan St., Port Douglas, QLD 4871.
&
07/4099 5387.
Fax 07/4099 4847. www.archipelago.com.au.
21 units (all with shower only). High season (June-Oct) A$118-A$199 (US$77-A$129) double; low season
A$96-A$169 (US$62-US$110) double. Additional person A$20 (US$13). 3-night minimum stay applies. MC,
V. Free undercover parking.
Amenities:
Outdoor saltwater pool; nearby golf course; 6 nearby day/night ten-
nis courts; access to nearby health club; Jacuzzi; tour desk; coin-op laundry; laundry service; same-day dry
cleaning can be arranged; nonsmoking rooms. In room: A/C, TV, kitchenette, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer.
Port Douglas Retreat
This well-kept two-story studio apartment complex
on a quiet street, featuring the white-battened balconies of the Queenslander
architectural style, is a good value, because even some of the ritzier places in town
can't boast its lagoonlike saltwater pool surrounded by dense jungle and wrapped
by an ample shady sun deck that cries out to be lounged on with a good book
and a cool drink. The apartments are not enormous, but are fashionably fur-
nished with terra-cotta tile floors, wrought-iron beds, cane seating, and colorful
bedcovers. All have large furnished balconies or patios looking into tropical gar-
dens (some on the ground floor open onto the common-area boardwalk, so
maybe ask for a first-floor unit). Town and the beach are a 5-minute walk away.
No smoking indoors. The newer
Cayman Villas
(www.caymanvillas.com.au)
next door are run by the same management but are more expensive.
31-33 Mowbray St. (at Mudlo St.), Port Douglas, QLD 4871.
&
07/4099 5053.
Fax 07/4099 5033. www.
portdouglasretreat.com.au. 36 units (all with shower only). High season A$143 (US$93) double; low season
A$107 (US$70) double. Crib A$5.50 (US$3.60) per night. AE, MC, V. Security covered parking.
Amenities:
Outdoor saltwater pool; tour desk; car-rental desk; coin-op laundry. In room: A/C, TV w/free movies, kitch-
enette, iron.
INEXPENSIVE
Port O'Call Lodge
There's a nice communal feeling to this modest motel on
a suburban street a 10-minute walk from town. Backpackers, families, and any-
one on a budget seem to treat it like a second home, swapping travel stories as
they cook up a meal in the communal kitchen and dining room. The rooms are
light, cool, and fresh with tile floors, loads of luggage and bench space, and small
patios. The compact bathrooms are efficiently laid out with old but neat fixtures
(bring your own hair dryer). Only the deluxe rooms have a TV, clock radio, self-
serve tea and coffee facilities, and a minifridge. The hostel rooms have private
bathrooms and no more than five beds and/or bunks in each. A 26-bed
bunkhouse opened in 2001, and includes facilities for travelers with disabilities.
At night the lively poolside bistro,
Port O' Call Bistro
(p. 301) is the place to
be. Other facilities include free board games, a pay phone, Internet access, guest
safe, and a kiosk selling refreshments.
Port St. at Craven Close, Port Douglas, QLD 4871.
&
1800/892 800
in Australia, or 07/4099 5422. Fax 07/
4099 5495. www.portocall.com.au. 28 units (all with shower only). High season (June-Sept, Christmas, and
Easter) A$89-A$99 (US$58-US$64) double; shoulder season (May and Oct) A$79-A$89 (US$51-US$58)
double; low season (Nov-Apr) A$69-A$79 (US$45-US$51) double. Additional person A$11 (US$7.15). Hos-
tel rooms A$23 (US$15) or A$22 (US$14) YHA/Hostelling International members; bunkhouse A$21 (US$14)
or A$20 (US$13) YHA/Hostelling International members. Children under 3 stay free. MC, V. Free minibus to
and from Cairns Mon, Wed, and Sat. Free on-site parking. Bus stop at front door.
Amenities:
Restaurant; out-
door pool; 3 golf courses nearby; access to nearby health club; bike rental; tour desk; coin-op laundry; non-
smoking rooms. In room: A/C, TV, fridge (double motel rooms only).
