When do you know enough is enough and it's actually time to take a break?

Usually it's when you keep telling everyone you need a holiday...If you're looking for somewhere warm to get away and get back to you, Port Douglas could be just the place. Here's what I found.

A 6am flight and an hour's transfer from Cairns later, and I'd arrived. With only two hours' sleep under my belt, I felt like I had jetlag. Yech. It was during check in at Peppers Resort that it hit; mild panic and unfounded city-separation anxiety.

As I fumbled over my totally irrational thoughts, I looked across to the gorgeous, sparkling pool, and the colourful cocktails en-route to pool side attendees, and quickly came to my senses. I had four nights here in these lush surroundings and I was determined to make the most of it. And by the most, I mean very little.

In Port Douglas it's easy to do very little while feeling as though you're still doing something. Win win. Like walking four mile beach for the entire morning, taking a dip in the flat water, then soaking up some rays and chatting with relaxed strangers into the afternoon. Or meandering through the busy Sunday markets while you learn about the health benefits of Himalayan salt, consult with a naturopathic or simply munch away on a freshly cut coconut with salad. The town of Port Douglas makes for good exploring of the local retail scene such as home decor inspo at Port Douglas Interiors, beautiful gifts from Pebble Australia and incredible indigenous art at Ngarru Gallery. After all of that, you deserve a cocktail by the pool.

What's a good get away without some good tucker? Port Douglas caters for a range of budgets and tastes from hearty pub grub at Rattle n Hum to cocktails and seafood at Salsas Bar and Grill or fine dining at Nautilus Restaurant. With many more to choose from, there's no risk of you going hungry.

Time for a break? Port Douglas helps you rediscover yourself and your zen. Direct flights available from Melbourne.

Little Miss Melbourne

city life and sojourns