EDITOR'S COMMENT - An open letter to Australians and the world this Easter
BOOK THAT TRIP
Maybe you’re sitting with a coffee in an outer suburb of Melbourne or Perth, perhaps you’re in front of the laptop in a high rise dwelling in inner Sydney or Brisbane, or maybe you’re reading this humble little collection of words from abroad.
Wherever you read the words of this story – just know this – the amazing, the bucket list, the wonderous place we call home up here – the Douglas Shire, is OPEN and ready to show you our famous Far North Queensland hospitality this Easter and beyond.
Since Cyclone Jasper and an ensuing flood event punched us from pillar to post last December – it’s proved far from an easy ride.
But now, on the eve of Easter we are bursting to see you arrive in our Shire to take in every inch of our natural wonders that we have to offer.
I’m sure you’ve heard the rumours… the rumblings, the innuendo about the current water situation in our Shire, so allow me to clear that up for you to put your mind at ease.
Will you have drinking water when you get to your resort? Certainly. Will you be able to have a shower each night? Definitely.
Have we had ongoing issues with our water supply and security throughout the Shire since mid last December – Yes, we have – I believe in total and complete transparency and telling you anything else would be dishonest and misleading.
With that said, local authorities have worked tirelessly to get the water situation under control. It’s not perfect by any means but we’re getting there. Also, I need to clear this up – the water won’t be turned off at Easter, that is a complete fabrication, not true and not accurate - that information I can personally promise and guarantee you.
Take it from me you will have regular access to water during your trip to the Shire.
Now, the next question I’ve been asked the most by email and phone calls the past three months – I’m very, very pleased to reveal that just a short time ago it was confirmed that the main artery into Cape Tribulation, Cape Tribulation Road, barring any major weather event, will fully re-open to all motorists next Thursday, March 28, right in time for Easter.
The poor Daintree took a few serious whacks during Jasper and the rainfall event, but they are a resilient, determined group there and I know they are more excited than anyone to welcome you, our valued travel friends back to this amazing part of the country.
If you’re reading this, contemplating, thinking, should I, shouldn’t I, - this is your sign – yes, book that trip to the Douglas Shire. It will prove one of the best trips of your life.
Local resort outlets, café, restaurant owners, tourism operators cannot wait to see your smiling faces. I know Bryce at Cayman Villas is ready to welcome you with open arms.
When you get to Port Douglas, why not book a trip with Sailaway to Mackay Reef – where the bustle and hustle of everyday life feels a million miles away? Or does floating down the Mossman river inside the rainforest on a river drift tour sound more your style?
Perhaps you’ve always wanted to see a crocodile up close and personal – then why not jump in a cage and be within breathing range of a gigantic saltie during a ‘swim with the salties’ experience at Wildlife habitat.
Bursting to throw a line in? There are multiple fishing businesses just waiting to welcome you aboard. Whether you’re into deep sea, or inlet angling, give the locals a call – they’ll hook you up.
You’re craving a unique experience during your trip – I hear you. Ever considered kite surfing? Give Bretto a call – tell him Newsport sent you.
Ahh, you want something a little more leisurely? No worries – what about chilling out at Low Isles for half a day?
I know, I know you’re a little thirsty. So am I. After a day of exploring the legends at Hemingways Port Douglas will be more than happy to fill your glass up.
Keen to head a little further afield during your bucketlist trip? Of course you are – then be sure, whatever you do, to ensure you stop in and enjoy a few hours at Mossman Gorge – you’ll thank me later. Don’t you dare forget to visit Dukes in Mossman for a delicious doughnut – yes please, I’d love one too.
While you’re in the area, a stop in the Douglas Shire can’t be ticked off without a visit to the Australian chocolate farm – Take it from me Darryl Kirk’s chocolates are exquisite. Take a tour, enjoy a chocolate and please tell him to put one aside for me.
The day’s young and you still need to tick off the bucket list item across the river.
Let’s go! – Where do we start, you could try a Tropical Fruit tasting tour at the Cape Trib farm, stop in at Mason’s café for some tucker, or rainforest tour, or you can book yourself a trip with the legends from Ocean Safari who’ll have you enjoying the Great Barrier Reef in no time.
Make sure you take a stroll along Cape Trib beach, no visit to the Daintree is complete without putting your toes in the sand at that beach.
Need some further inspiration? - visit this incredible site for all of your options.
But seriously, we are ready, and we are open. Get yourself on that plane, make your away along the Captain Cook Highway and we’ll do the rest.
So what are you waiting for, the first beer is on me.
See you in paradise.
Michael - Ed
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