Port Douglas tourist information

The Port Douglas township was established in 1877 after the discovery of gold at Hodgkinson River by James Venture Mulligan. It grew quickly, and at its peak Port Douglas had a population of 12,000 people and 27 hotels. With the construction of the Mulligan Highway it serviced towns as far away as Herberton.

When the Kuranda Railway from Cairns to Mareeba was completed in 1893, the importance of Port Douglas dwindled along with its population. A cyclone in 1911 which demolished all but two buildings in the town also had a significant impact. At its nadir in 1960 the town, by then little more than a fishing village, had a population of 100.

In the mid-1980's, tourism boomed in the region with the aid of the late Christopher Skase, an investor who financed the construction of the world-class Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas.

An interesting point of history is that in November 1996 President Bill Clinton and the First Lady chose the town as their only vacation stop on their historic visit to Australia. On dining out at a local restaurant they also witnessed a couple's wedding certificate who had just got married the same day. On a return visit on the 11th September 2001, the then ex president was again dining in a local restaurant, at which he signed and dated a plate.

The town has also enjoyed a steady influx of full time residents since its 'rebirth', with most newcomers arriving from Australia south, namely Victoria and Tasmania.

Notable residents of Port Douglas have included former-Beatle George Harrison, actress Diane Cilento, comedian and entrepreneur Steve Vizard, singer John Farnham and Just Jeans founder Craig Kimberley