KSM Instagrammable Guide to Port Douglas + Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Australia is one of the most glorious countries my husband and I have had the pleasure of traveling to. Whether it’s the landscapes or the man-made ocean pools, the destination is sure to sweep you off your feet and leave you wanting more.
This travel guide is for two of the most spectacular destinations on the East Coast of the country—Port Douglas and Whitsunday Islands.
PORT DOUGLAS
Situated between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree rainforest, this little town offers a relaxed, beachy vibe. For $10 roundtrip, a shuttle service will take you to and from the downtown area, where you can enjoy yummy food options and stroll the shops. In addition, this is a great vantage to get to the reef for some snorkeling or scuba diving.
Food + Drink: Sassi is an Italian-owned and -influenced restaurant with the best salmon carpaccio of your life. It’s acrylic chairs give off an elegant feel. On the Inlet features fresh seafood – try the crispy whole fried coral trout. For a before or after dinner drink – or if you’re like us, both – Jimmy Rum’s Mixing Lounge. The most Instagrammable cocktails, but the pictures of the space alone will up your Insta Story game. I suggest the “4-Mile High Club.”
Visiting the Great Barrier Reef: There are multiple companies that will transport you out to the reef, and we went with Wavelength. Wavelength offers smaller group size tours and specializes in snorkeling with unique access to the best spots on the outer barrier reef. The trip included unlimited coffee and tea, vegetarian lunch, all of the snorkeling gear and views of the underwater wonder. Be sure to bring a waterproof camera, such as a GoPro, to capture the beauty.
Cape Tribulation: An hour drive north of the town, this destination offers stellar views of where the world’s oldest rainforest (the Daintree) meets the world’s largest body of water (the Pacific). I recommend renting a car so you can really take in the magnificent landscape at your own pace, and obviously encourage you to wear your cutest athleisure. Your resort will provide a map outlining the path, and you will have to cross a river on a ferry (in your car). No matter which stop you choose to explore along the way, every opportunity provides a picture-perfect moment.
Mossman Gorge: Where crystal-clear waters tumble over ancient granite boulders, and where you should 100% bust out cool yogi poses for the camera.
WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS
This collection of 74 continental islands lies between the coast and the Great Barrier Reef, and is truly one of the most picture-perfect spots we’ve ever been to. My recommendation is to fly into Hamilton Island (get a window seat on Qantas Air for sweet aerial photos), take a ferry over to Airlie Beach (were most of the chartered sailings depart), then book a two- to three-day sailing experience to really immerse yourself in the views of the Whitsundays. Oh, and yes, this is the destination where you should bust out the boujeest swimsuit and beach outfit you can possibly manage.
Airlie Beach: This beach town serves as the central hub for the islands. You don’t need to spend more than a day and a night here as there isn’t a ton to explore. Book your stay at the Coral Sea Resort, located on the water with pretty views and a nice pool area. When combined together, your pictures will rack up “likes” like no other.
Sail the Whitsundays: Although you can certainly take the ferry from island to island (which takes forever) or book a day cruise, choosing to sail on a beautiful boat for three days felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. MiLady is equipped with a chef and a skipper, three beautiful cabin rooms and bathrooms, a full kitchen with plenty of seating area, and a spacious deck. As you pass each island and cove, the crew will share interesting facts, and attach to a mooring buoy along the reef so you can snorkel with fish as big as you. Plus, you get to witness glorious sunsets with a glass of wine or champagne in hand.
Whitehaven Beach: God’s gift to mankind accessible only by boat or a seaplane. The beach which consistently ranks as one of the top in the world, is known for its crystal-white silica sands and turquoise-colored waters.
At the end of the day, every corner of Australia is beautiful in its own special way, so investing in a camera before the trip will leave you with captured memories to fondly look back on in years to come.
Be sure to tag me @karolinastateofmind and use the hashtag #KSMinstaguide