Port Douglas has always been one of my favourite Australian travel spots (and definitely where I plan to retire, just like everyone else, right?). So I snapped up the opportunity when our good friends at Estrella Damm were kind enough to invite Amy and me up to experience the Taste Festival in Port Douglas. What a trip. We could get away from the cold Sydney winter weather, we had primo accommodation sorted at the renovated Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort and it had been more than five years since my last visit to FNQ. Taste Port Douglas is presented at the resort and has now been happening for eight years.
Like most of these kinds of events, there is a mix of celebrity chefs doing demonstrations and tastings, restaurant takeovers, parties and a festival village (like a little tradeshow). It’s a great drawcard to get people involved in the hospitality of Far North Queensland, escape the cold, throw on some thongs and a Hawaiian shirt and get tropical. Enjoying a few Pina Coladas around the pool bar next to Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge proved entertaining…
Taste Port Douglas is a great drawcard to get people involved in the hospitality of Far North Queensland, escape the cold, throw on some thongs and a Hawaiian shirt and get tropical.
The highlight of the experience for me was the great customer service we encountered throughout the town; everyone from the drivers to the front of house staff or the baristas. On many occasions it was the international working holiday visa holders (doing their rural stays) offering up relaxed and friendly service that made the trip.
There were lots of South American and European 20-somethings who exemplified what good customer service is – a smile, a chat and an effort to make guest comfortable and happy. They made the sometimes long wait for drinks or food or tired venue fit-outs a non-issue. So, a special thank you to all the staff at the Sheraton Mirage for the quality service. Just a reminder, don’t be too cool – be kind… well played.
Drinks & Eats
The Tin Shed (The Port Douglas & Districts Combined Club)
7 Ashford Avenue, Port Douglas
Thetinshed-portdouglas.com.au
This is the iconic rissole of Port Douglas. It’s been around forever and has your classic relaxed RSL feel and prices but with the benefits of a stunning view from the large deck out over Dickson’s Inlet with the mountains stretching beyond. You can watch the cruisers from the reef pulling in and out of the marina while you sip on a cold beer and a 700g bucket of prawns. You haven’t been to Port Douglas without a trip to the Tin Shed.
N17 Burger Co.
22 Macrossan Street, Port Douglas
n17.com.au/
Finding a delicious burger joint when on holidays is never a bad thing, except maybe for the waistline. But you can figure that out with your 7-day gym membership at the local 24/7 gym which does deals for travellers. This burger joint is up to big city standards, no question at all. English owner, Simon McLeod and his team deliver burgers are made using local meats from Malones butchers. Since we were last here, the site has expanded to include a full sports bar with about thirty TVs showcasing every sport you could desire. Good value, great tasting food that you can eat in or takeaway.
Jimmy Rums Mixing Lounge
13/53-61 Macrossan Street, Port Douglas, 4877, Australia
Jimmyrums.com
Port Douglas has a reputation for the big Queenslander pub and as you walk along Macrossan Street you’ll realise there are plenty of them. Some would say too many. But if it’s a cocktail you’re after, then Jimmy Rum’s is doing the classics in this tiki-speakeasy in the Portico Building on Macrossan Street. Keep an eye out for a red light and enjoy a classic cocktail from the experienced bar personnel. Happy hour is 15% off the whole cocktail list and the staff were excellent; super professional and whipped up a mean 50:50 Martini. The Jimmy Rum’s ‘manifesto’ explains the establishment’s goal: ‘To serve our valued patrons the most delicious drinks at the most reasonable prices in a world of vibrant tiles, exotic tunes and luxurious seating.’
Daintree at The Sheraton Grand Mirage
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas
sheratonportdouglas.com/dining
Who doesn’t love a good hotel bar? This one focusses on drinks made with local sugar can but you can also snag a decent negroni and an ice cold beer. And the staff are on point, attentive and super friendly even if the drinks take a while. Pop in for a drink here before trying Harrison’s which is the resort’s award winning restaurant with a big focus on seafood.