DOUGLAS Shire businesses are expecting a busy Easter period despite the recent rainfall and the chance of more heavy rain developing on Sunday.

Port Douglas has more than 80 per cent of rooms filled with no cancellations according to Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) and Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD).

The recent flooding has eased and weather is expected to be mainly fine with  showers predicted over the next few days, making for a pleasant start to the long weekend.

The Captain Cook Highway from Cairns to Port Douglas has reopened and is expected to be un-affected as thousands of visitors touchdown for their Easter getaway.

There is, however, the potential for another heavy dump on Easter Sunday due to a low forming on the Coral Sea which could move north west towards the Shire.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) was unclear on how much rain to expect, but couldn’t rule out the chance of flash flooding.

“There is a chance of rain picking up on Sunday for the Douglas Shire. Generally that rain could be heavy,” BOM duty forecaster Aditi Sharan told Newsport.

“The ex-tropical Cyclone Iris is actually moving west closer to the coast, it’s going to move north westward from tomorrow (Thursday).

“At this stage its a little bit uncertain as to how much rain will fall, but keep in mind that rain could get heavy so there is a chance of flash flooding. There is certainly the possibility of heavy rain but at this stage I can’t tell you how much.”

The Port Douglas, Mossman and Daintree areas are currently enjoying sunshine and the region is expected to be a hive of activity rain, hail or shine.

Business operators and the local Council have been working around the clock since last weekend's deluge to prepare for Easter, which usually signals the start of the peak tourism season.

Unfortunately, the Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail will be closed due to maintenance works with several washouts, landslips and fallen trees a result of more than 600mm falling in just over 24 hours. The Port Douglas Library is also closed due to telecommunication issues.

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Residents are encouraged to check forecasts regularly in the coming days.

DOUGLAS SHIRE EASTER FORECAST:

*Queensland BOM duty forecaster Aditi Sharan gave the following predictions to NEWSPORT

THURSDAY: "A chance of showers and the chance of thunderstorms."

FRIDAY: "Partly cloudy with a slight chance of a shower early morning and in the afternoon, and further inland there is a chance of a thunderstorm."

SATURDAY: "Similar weather to Friday, chance of showers."

SUNDAY: "Heavy rain is predicted with the chance of flash flooding."

MONDAY: "Showers."

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