Port Douglas is Far North Queensland’s most coveted and sophisticated resort town. Not only a handy base for the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest’s Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation, the low-key town itself is a heavenly spot to indulge any tropical daydream. Wile away the days on idyllic Four Mile Beach and walk (or drive) up to Flagstaff Hill for a breathtaking view of the azure Coral Sea and rainforest-carpeted ranges beyond.

Celebrated restaurants, languid cafes and bars dot both Macrossan St and Wharf St. The latter is also home to Sunday morning’s Port Douglas Markets, a good place to shop for local produce and tropical fruits, local artisan craft and handmade jewellery. Snorkelling and diving tours of the nearby Great Barrier Reef also depart from Wharf St. One top operators is Quicksilver.