Port Douglas

[jjanes27]

I am interested in finding a tour that goes to Cape Tribulation from Port Douglas, but can't find any within the time frame that we are docked. Has anyone done this? What tour groups did you use? Thanks!

[Pacific Sandy]

Hi Jane - I'm having the same problem right now. We would really like to do the Cape Trib'n and Daintree tour.

 

If you find anything, please post it and I will do the same.

 

Organizing tours has been a real challenge on this cruise - especially tours out to the GBR.

 

Sandra

[Traveling Sue]

We are having the same problem. We are on the Rhapsody of the Sea sailed on Nov 11. I think we are going to rent a car and drive up to the Daintree. It does not look like it is that far from Port Douglas.

Sue

[MMDown Under]

http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/find_a_park_or_forest/cape_tribulation_daintree_national_park/#getting_there_

 

http://www.cairnsconnect.com/region/mossman.php

 

If your time is limited, you might like to consider visiting beautiful Mossman Gorge, where you can walk through the rainforest, swim in the rockpools and take an aboriginal tour at the gorge, if you wish.

[pinguinjo]

I am interested in finding a tour that goes to Cape Tribulation from Port Douglas, but can't find any within the time frame that we are docked. Has anyone done this? What tour groups did you use? Thanks!

Hi, we are on the Rhapsody November 11th and have booked a private tour with Daintree Specialised Tours. We will go to Cape tribulation and some other interesting places. Pete from DST is a very nice and helpful person. He picks us up at the ship at the time that suits us and will bring us back in time.

The cost is AUD 700 up to six people and includes refreshments and lunch.

If you are interested you can contact him and maybe you can find a few other people to share the cost. Hopefully this is helpful for you. Joyce

[OHCruisinDad]

Hi Jane - I'm having the same problem right now. We would really like to do the Cape Trib'n and Daintree tour.

 

If you find anything, please post it and I will do the same.

 

Organizing tours has been a real challenge on this cruise - especially tours out to the GBR.

 

Sandra

 

We are having the same problem. We are on the Rhapsody of the Sea sailed on Nov 11. I think we are going to rent a car and drive up to the Daintree. It does not look like it is that far from Port Douglas.

Sue

 

http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/find_a_park_or_forest/cape_tribulation_daintree_national_park/#getting_there_

 

http://www.cairnsconnect.com/region/mossman.php

 

If your time is limited, you might like to consider visiting beautiful Mossman Gorge, where you can walk through the rainforest, swim in the rockpools and take an aboriginal tour at the gorge, if you wish.

 

We rented a car in Palm Cove and drove to Port Douglas and up to Cape Tribulation from there. If I recall correctly, it was less than a half hour to the cable ferry at the Daintree River and another hour plus or so once across the river to the end of the road at the Cape. We stopped at the Daintree Discovery Center and spent time there. We were also stopped by a couple of wild Cassowary birds that were on the road. The drive from the north side of the river north for the first 15 to 25 k's is pretty rough as the road is narrow and winding. The good news is that there isn't a lot of traffic. We also stopped in Mossman and went to the gorge. Check out the following link for more info.

http://www.daintreerainforest.com/tours.html

[Traveling Sue]

Thanks all for the great information!

I think we are going to rent a car from Port Douglas and drive to Cape Tribulation and if we have time on the way back stop at Mossman Gorge. We are in port only from 8-5, which does not give us a lot of time for touring. We were thinking of taking a boat tour on the Daintree River. I think I read the boats are located on the south side of the Ferry. We also want to go to the Daintree Discovery Center. Hopefully this is doable.

Does anyone know were the ship docks in Port Douglas? Are the car rents near the port?

Thanks a bunch!:)

Sue

[MMDown Under]

Thanks all for the great information!

I think we are going to rent a car from Port Douglas and drive to Cape Tribulation and if we have time on the way back stop at Mossman Gorge. We are in port only from 8-5, which does not give us a lot of time for touring. We were thinking of taking a boat tour on the Daintree River. I think I read the boats are located on the south side of the Ferry. We also want to go to the Daintree Discovery Center. Hopefully this is doable.

Sue

 

Maybe doable, but not enjoyable.

 

Cape Tribulation is a magical place, where the rainforest meets the sea. Being rainforest in the tropics, it can be hot and humid, therefore is a place not to rush, but to soak up the atmosphere, walk along the beach, eat tropical fruit, enjoy a tropical icecream and try to spot wildlife in the bush. You can do all this, and more, from your car hire. Enjoy the laid back atmosphere!

 

Yes, there are boat tours on the Daintree River located on the south side of the ferry. Also from Daintree township.

[Traveling Sue]

Does anyone know where the ship docks in Port Douglas?

[Aussie Gal]

I think the ship will anchor in the harbour and tender in as there isn't a big enough wharf at Port Douglas.

 

Hiring a car is a good idea and you will be able to get up to the Daintree in the time allowed.

 

Last time we were in Port Douglas, a couple of years ago, we hired a car for the day and went up to the Daintree - we have been there numerous times - and went to the wonderful treetop walk which was great. You walk amongst the forest. We then continued further on until we reached the Daintree beach, had lunch nearby and returned via Mosman Gorge which is a must.

 

I don't think there would be enough time for the boat ride but only you can judge that once you get across the river. Enjoy, it is a special part of Australia.

 

Jennie

[jjanes27]

Thanks for the ideas and suggestions! We are cruising on Rhapsody of the Seas Dec. 2nd. The tour with Daintree Specialised tours sounds fun. Is anyone going at the same time that would like to split the cost? There is 3 of us. I am hesitant to drive myself!

[daycarectr]

Thanks for the ideas and suggestions! We are cruising on Rhapsody of the Seas Dec. 2nd. The tour with Daintree Specialised tours sounds fun. Is anyone going at the same time that would like to split the cost? There is 3 of us. I am hesitant to drive myself!

 

Hi JJanes27!

 

My wife and I will be on the same cruise December 2nd. We're coming from just down the road near Sacramento, California. So far, we have not been able to get much detail from RCCL on the cruise details and ports either. I looked up the Daintree Specialised Tours and it looks pretty promising. Normally, we prefer to rent a car and chart our own course. However, being in Port Douglas on a Sunday poses a problem.

 

If you find out the details, we are interested. As my undergraduate work was in Biology, I like the idea of a “hands-on naturalist approach with a Landrover driven by an African bush guide” (as opposed to the tour bus...) Although, I do still need to confirm that with my wife… It looks like the like the cost is $700 AUD, which at the exchange rate I just got of $1 USD to $1.50 AUD nets about $100pp USD for five—sounds like a great deal with snacks and lunch!

 

Let me know what you find out.

 

By the way, although we are flying in to Sydney a few days early, we are doing the transfers from the airport for convenience. I saw they do two different mini tours from the ship on the way back to the airport. We have a 3:30 PM Qantas flight back to San Francisco and were considering changing our basic transfer. Do you know of any details on this?

 

Thanks, Jeff and Dawn

[ConnMom]

We are on the Rhapsody on November 11, and I reluctantly gave up on a private tour in Port Douglas forthe 2 of us, even though they look considerably better than the ship tour we signed up for. We are also considering the ship transfer that goes to Koala Park before our 3:30 flight to San Francisco. RCCL told me that they expect to get to the airport at approximately 12:30, but I am concerned that that might not give us enough time, since the airport appears to recommend even more than 3 hours. Has anyone had experience with this?

Thanks.

Cheryl

[Pacific Sandy]

Thanks for the ideas and suggestions! We are cruising on Rhapsody of the Seas Dec. 2nd. The tour with Daintree Specialised tours sounds fun. Is anyone going at the same time that would like to split the cost? There is 3 of us. I am hesitant to drive myself!

 

Hi there - We are on the Dec. 2nd cruise too (as well as the 13th).

 

We would be very interested in joining your tour.

 

Could you please e-mail me at sandra.k@shaw.ca so we can arrange it. Thanks.

 

Have you signed up for the Meet & Mingle yet. We have a wonderful Roll Call with lots of interesting people to chat with.

 

Sandra

 

BTW - I am also an Nurse - I hear that in Australia they still call us "Sisters". Kind of neat, huh !!

[jjanes27]

As far as transfers in Sydney go, I'm not sure. We are actually staying until the next day, December 14th. So, we are making our own plans and for that day! We aren't booking airport transfers or tours through the cruise line for Sydney, but have a bunch of fun things planned anyway!

 

It looks like a couple of you are interested in the Daintree Specialised Tour. That really seems like the best idea! I will look into it, and let you know the details. I will see if they will allow 7 people!

 

Julie

[jjanes27]

Hi JJanes27!

 

My wife and I will be on the same cruise December 2nd. We're coming from just down the road near Sacramento, California. So far, we have not been able to get much detail from RCCL on the cruise details and ports either. I looked up the Daintree Specialised Tours and it looks pretty promising. Normally, we prefer to rent a car and chart our own course. However, being in Port Douglas on a Sunday poses a problem.

 

If you find out the details, we are interested. As my undergraduate work was in Biology, I like the idea of a “hands-on naturalist approach with a Landrover driven by an African bush guide” (as opposed to the tour bus...) Although, I do still need to confirm that with my wife… It looks like the like the cost is $700 AUD, which at the exchange rate I just got of $1 USD to $1.50 AUD nets about $100pp USD for five—sounds like a great deal with snacks and lunch!

 

Let me know what you find out.

 

By the way, although we are flying in to Sydney a few days early, we are doing the transfers from the airport for convenience. I saw they do two different mini tours from the ship on the way back to the airport. We have a 3:30 PM Qantas flight back to San Francisco and were considering changing our basic transfer. Do you know of any details on this?

 

Thanks, Jeff and Dawn

Jeff and Dawn-

I have sent an inquiry to Specialised Tours in Port Douglas and am waiting for a reply. Can you please email me at jjanes27@juno.com so that we can make arrangements! I'm looking forward to it! Thanks!

Julie

[Aussie Gal]

We are on the Rhapsody on November 11, and I reluctantly gave up on a private tour in Port Douglas forthe 2 of us, even though they look considerably better than the ship tour we signed up for. We are also considering the ship transfer that goes to Koala Park before our 3:30 flight to San Francisco. RCCL told me that they expect to get to the airport at approximately 12:30, but I am concerned that that might not give us enough time, since the airport appears to recommend even more than 3 hours. Has anyone had experience with this?

Thanks.

Cheryl

 

Three hours is enough time to check in for International flights. In Australia, my DH and I usually allow two and a half hours if flying economy, less if flying Business. I am sure that if you get to the airport at 12.30pm you will have loads of time.

 

Jennie

[MMDown Under]

We are on the Rhapsody on November 11, and I reluctantly gave up on a private tour in Port Douglas forthe 2 of us, even though they look considerably better than the ship tour we signed up for. We are also considering the ship transfer that goes to Koala Park before our 3:30 flight to San Francisco. RCCL told me that they expect to get to the airport at approximately 12:30, but I am concerned that that might not give us enough time, since the airport appears to recommend even more than 3 hours. Has anyone had experience with this?

Thanks.

Cheryl

 

Not only is 3 hours plenty of time, as Aussie Gal stated, you would have the advantage of a group check in, so don't worry if the bus gets there a bit later. I have read on cc the advantage of a ship transfer to the airport, with a tour en route, is that you can have your luggage with you on the bus.

 

BTW You'll enjoy Port Douglas, as tropical north Queensland is beautiful.

[jjanes27]

A group of us are going on the Daintree Specialised Tour mentioned above and are looking for more people to join us. We are cruising on Royal Carribean's Rhapsody of the Seas and will be in Port Douglas on December 7th 8am-5pm. Let me know if you are interested in joining us!

[caneable]

Looks like you guys might be set now, but if things fall through, we were in PD Feb this year and did Daintree Discovery Centre on our own by renting from Paradise Wheels(?). Easy drive, but watch out for Cassowaries. If you haven't got time for that you could do a lot worse than catch a cab up to the Raintree Forest Discovery Centre on the edge of Port Douglas. Great!