Port Douglas: Why interstate buyers are settling down in this tropical tourist town

Fortuitously located between the oldest rainforest in the world, the Daintree Rainforest, and one of the seven wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef, it would be reasonable enough for Port Douglas to rely solely on its natural beauty, yet instead, this tropical town also reveals a thriving and energetic community, where full-time residents and holidaymakers feel equally fulfilled.

Once upon a time, Port Douglas was where holiday home owners would fly in from major cities like Melbourne and Sydney, only to leave their stunning homes empty for six months of the year.

But according to Barbara Wolveridge, director of Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty, with growing interest in families wanting to make a sea change, she has noticed a surge in full-time professional and high-end residents moving in.

“Owners of these stunning properties are now choosing to stay put, running their businesses remotely, rather than tackling the hectic day-to-day life of inner-city living,” says Wolveridge.

“These are often successful people from a wide range of industries, who prefer to keep a low profile and go about their business without making a spectacle.”

Being a landlocked village with a limited number of residence and development sites, particularly those with proximity to Four Mile Beach, demand for homes in Port Douglas far outweighs supply, resulting in a median house price of $825,000, as shown in Domain’s latest House Price Report.

Add to this the town’s proximity to Cairns – with its international airport, full-service medical facilities, and private hospital – which can be reached in just over an hour by road.

“While the commute to Cairns is idyllic in and of itself, taking you on a stunning, winding road with coconut trees and crystal blue water outlooks, there’s no shortage of attractions right here in town, including two championship golf courses and a superyacht marina,” Wolveridge adds.

“There’s also a superb selection of restaurants and cafes, such as La Cucina and Salsa Bar & Grill, all with casual dress codes that perfectly suit our tropical weather.”

Adding to its cosmopolitan charm, endless boutique stores also dot the stylish seaside village, like that of Maker Port Douglas, stocking handmade, ethical homewares and artwork, with a focus on both local and Australian-wide makers, co-owned by mother and daughter duo, Raine and Donna Ward.

“My ideal day would begin with a sunrise walk around Flagstaff Hill which overlooks the water, then back around to Rex Smeal Park for some morning yoga, before grabbing a coffee from Origin Espresso, followed by a pastry from Grant Street Kitchen,” says Raine.

“The afternoon would then be spent on Four Mile Beach, sunbaking and swimming, topped off by lunch at somewhere that overlooks the beach, like The Surfy.”

Meanwhile, the family-owned ABC Snorkel Charters offers a different activity out at sea, in the form of intimate snorkelling tours to many of Port Douglas’ best and secret outer Great Barrier Reef sites, led by local and owner Jay Wink, since its inception in 2011.

“I was born in London and my wife is from Switzerland, but we have both been here for many years, including frequently visiting in the mid-80s, back when Port Douglas was just finding its tourism feet,” says Wink.

“My love for this town runs deep, and I feel very lucky to highlight its remarkable biodiversity to visitors from all over the world — living in this tropical paradise is certainly not something to be taken for granted.”

One to watch

Tucked between the beach and national parklands, this oceanfront oasis showcases breathtaking views of the Coral Sea, with stylish interiors that flow seamlessly to the poolside, ready-made for relaxed tropical living and entertaining.

Wolveridge is accepting expressions of interest with a guide of $3.95 million.

$3,700,000

5247 Captain Cook Highway, Mowbray QLD 4877

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