When planning our trip to Australia, the #1 item on our\u00a0list was access to the Great Barrier Reef. \u00a0Hubs, an avid scuba diver, is coming up on his 40th birthday and this trip (specifically to dive the reef was high on the list). \u00a0One can access the Reef through a number of companies (either in nearby Cairns or Port Douglas). \u00a0We booked into Port Douglas, and even though I hadn’t done a ton\u00a0of research before our arrival, I’m so glad we ended up in this charming coastal town.\u00a0 We visited in late June, and the weather was absolutely perfect.<\/p>\n

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  Walk 4 Mile Beach (or at least a part of it).<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  We were lucky enough to stay within walking distance of the beach and could literally step off our terrace and almost directly onto the beach. \u00a0If you’re not staying close, don’t worry, simply drive to one of the entry points, kick off your shoes and enjoy the natural scenery. \u00a0This is the perfect place for a long walk, picnic, frisbee game, or kumbaya session. \u00a0Best of all? \u00a0It’s free! (Don’t forget your sunscreen).<\/p>\n

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    Stroll through the downtown area.<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    I do love local shopping, and Port Douglas is the perfect size for a day of wandering.\u00a0 There is a great mix of stores, and plenty to explore.\u00a0 Be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, in order to enjoy and maximize your time.\u00a0 There’s also plenty of places to stop for a drink and watch the world go by.<\/p>\n

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      Spend part of the day on the water.<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Obviously, the attraction for many when they visit Port Douglas is the accessibility to the Great Barrier Reef.\u00a0 There is a marina close to town, where visitors can sign up for any number of charter services.\u00a0 Hubs managed two days of diving, and I went out on the boat for a day for a quick scuba session.\u00a0 I would try to book ahead, or, if we went back, do a sunset\/dinner cruise.<\/p>\n

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      Your moment of zen.<\/a><\/p>\n

      A post shared by Courtney Brandt<\/a> (@cbrandtwright) on Jun 14, 2017 at 4:04am PDT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n