The Marina Mirage in Port Douglas has harbourrestaurants, an air-conditioned arcade and plenty of tour operators for theGreat Barrier Reef. There are many spots for fishing, seaside dining and souvenirshopping. This is the point of departure to the Great Barrier Reef, the biggestreef on the planet.
The marina extends from the Dickson Inlet to the Coral Sea. It has been a busy port sinceEuropean settlement when it was a fishing village and trade route for sugarcane and gold. Today it is filled with sailboats, catamarans and luxury yachts.
The Marina Mirage buzzes with life in the peaktourist season and during the Christmas holidays. At other times of the year,the venue is busy in the early morning and late afternoon when boats come inand out from the Great Barrier Reef.
Most of the main tour operators have their offices onthe marina and you can book your reef cruise here. Before you head out in themorning, have a coffee, enjoy the view and relax by the water.
When you come back from your day on the reef, shopfor mementos to remember your experience. Buy colourful arts and crafts made byAboriginal people, jewellery with local opals, or Australianbeachwear, or remember the marine life with a souvenir.
Take your fishing gear, get on a pontoon boat andhead over to the mangrove forest opposite the marina. Keep an eye out for crocodilesas they have been spotted sun bathing here!
Hop on the Bally Holley, an old steam train thatruns from the marina each Sunday,and relax as you pass various attractions in town.
Located west of the Port Douglas peninsula, theMarina Mirage is within easy walking or biking distance from the centralshopping area in town. There are shuttle buses and taxis that can take you toand from your accommodation. Public toilets and facilities are at the marina,as well as free car parking. Most of the facilities and shops close aroundsunset.
