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Once known as a haunt for the rich and famous – celebrity guests have included Bill Clinton, Mick Jagger and Leonardo DiCaprio – the Mirage has been reborn as an elegant tropical hideaway.
Since joining the Sheraton group, the famous resort, which is surrounded by 147 hectares of tropical gardens and a massive lagoon pool, has been transformed. Today, the Mirage offers some of the classiest (and brightest) rooms, suites and villas in far north Queensland.
The culinary experience has also been upgraded. Guests can enjoy alfresco dining at Feast Restaurant, gourmet excellence at Harrisons by Spencer Patrick or a poolside snack at the Lagoon House.
Surrounded by 147 hectares of manicured gardens, this resort is really a private estate well away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Port Douglas. Outside of the gates, the surrounding area is mostly residential.
The two nearest neighbours are an 18-hole golf course and Four Mile Beach, a sparkling expanse of white sand that stretches all the way to Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse.
South of the resort is a private zoo called Wildlife Habitat and Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course, named one of Australia’s top 100 golf courses.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Cooya Beach, Queensland, Australia[8.6 miles]
Discover the secrets of Queensland’s coastal landscape and learn traditional aboriginal skills such as spear-throwing, mud-crabbing and fishing on an immersive tour with a Kuku Yalanji guide.
Best for ages: 4+ | £48 | 3 hours
Mossman, Queensland, Australia[12.3 miles]
Discover aboriginal customs and culture along with the secrets of one of the worlds’ oldest rainforests on a guided Dreamtime walk through the Daintree.
Best for ages: 13+ | £44 | 1 hour
Mossman, Queensland, Australia[13.3 miles]
Discover a different perspective on the Daintree Rainforest by drifting along the Mossman river on an inflatable raft, with turtles and waterdragons under the water and soaring mountains above.
Best for ages: 4+ | £65 | 3.5+ hours
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia[2.2 miles]
This evening performance features didgeridoo playing, dreamtime stories and a tropical tasting menu. The set menu features tiger prawns, kangaroo and other local produce. A vegetarian option is available.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free | 4 hours
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia[2.3 miles]
This celebrated restaurant showcases local specialities like Moreton Bay Bugs, kingfish and mud crab, on the atmospheric wooden deck. Five- and seven-course degustation menus available.
Best for ages: 13+ | £35
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia[2.4 miles]
This buzzy local market, held every Sunday from 8am to 1.30pm, is a great place to catch up with some colourful personalities, pick up some local artwork or sample some fresh local produce.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia[3.4 miles]
Queensland’s most northerly craft brewery, which occupies a prime location at the marina, produces a range of lighter style lagers, pilsners and wheat beers, while the restaurant serves up satisfying fare.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Queensland, Australia
Swish, cosmopolitan and delightfully laid-back, Port Douglas is an ideal stepping off point for trips to the Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef, and to connect with authentic indigenous culture.
