By Roy Weavers

As Managing Editor of the Port Douglas Magazine I’d like to take a few moments of your time to chat about the progression and history of this, if I say so myself, prestigious, beautifully crafted, favourite, full colour publication.It was launched in the Summer of 2010.

It’s original aim was to help guide as many interested readers who were a little computer shy to the comprehensive and world renowned pre-travel consumer website tourismportdouglas.com.au to help them achieve the best travel research and planning information available. 

Like all good ideas, they take on a life of their own and it was soon very evident that the PORT DOUGLAS Magazine complete with its wealth of carefully crafted features and directory style advertising was going to build into much much more than just a referral tool.By Issue 3 the pagination had almost doubled and the print run was pushing well over 10,000 copies.  The features were becoming the talk of the town and by issue 7 it had gone from stapled to perfect bound (glued square back).  With this new look, it held it’s own on the news stands next to Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan and GQ.  

In fact the distribution was becoming much more refined and almost every accommodation house from Mossman to Cairns had copies either in their rooms or in their lobbies for guests to enjoy and take home as a souvenir of their Port Douglas holiday.

The print run was roaring towards 20,000 copies and by issue 10 the pagination was 76 pages with celebrities like Manu Fieldel from My Kitchen Rules, Tennis Legend Pat Rafter and Karl Stefanovic from TV Channel 9 readily agreeing to be on the cover.

And through this whole journey the strength and quality of the editorial and production held firm continuing to distinguish the magazine from any other publication and drive it to be recognised by many as the ideal printed representation of the region.

With issue 17 just being released around the Shire now, the pagination has grown to 100 pages and the print run now constant at 20,000 copies.  The advertising family is enjoying good response off the page and the visitors are tirelessly spreading the reputation of the publication far and wide as they pop their copy of the magazine into their suitcase.  So that when they get home it will help them retell the saga of the wonderful time they had in Port Douglas to both family and friends.

With this issue the PORT DOUGLAS has continued to determinedly strengthen it’s aim to deliver quality features, informative advertising and as many options as can be packed into the pages for ideas of where to go, what to do and how to enjoy this region of natural and cultural wonder.

Issue 17 is now uploaded to enjoy online (click on link below to view mag 17 and all back issues) or if you still like your magazines on the coffee table then pick up your copy around town or for an annual subscription call 07 4099 5122.