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Port Douglas with its sandy shores, blue waters of the Coral Sea, and tropical climate has lured many visitors in by its tropical tendrils.

Visitors who have decided that they would like to move in some way to Port Douglas and make a seachange. A definition of a sea change is a marked transformation, change, alteration, conversion, amendment and literally – a “change bought about by the sea”.

In the last couple of days, I have had a couple of visitors stepping into the office who have started the pilgrimage of sea changing to Port Douglas.

One couple were staying in expensive resort accommodation and were looking to switch this to a short-term rental, whilst the other gentleman was unsure on the area and “just wanted to be near the sea”.

Relocating one’s life, or even going through the process once you have made your mind up, takes commitment and organisation.


Plan your accommodation

Save yourself money on shelling out on a nightly rate in a resort and organise a short term furnished rental – before you arrive. Short term rentals are available for three month ‘stints’. Contact the Port Douglas real estate agents who have rental properties on their books and put the feelers out in good time, be aware that in high season (July, August, Sept) as your choice may be limited.

Get a feel for pricing and locations 

Beaches

If you would like a beach location, but Port Douglas is too expensive then consider beach communities at:

  • Wonga (20 mins from Mossman)
  • Cooya (3 mins from Mossman)
  • Newell (5 mins from Mossman).

Bear in mind that since Port Douglas stretches out across the length of Four Mile Beach, properties up to Four Mile are all less than 5 minutes’ walk from the beach.

Rainforest

Lush, rainforest hideaways can be found in:

  • Shannonvale (10 mins from Port Douglas)
  • Julatten (30 mins from Port Douglas)
  • Cape Tribulation (50 mins from Port Douglas)
  • Daintree (50 mins from Port Douglas)

Be aware that the Daintree and Cape Tribulation post codes do have banking restrictions, where you will need to put up at least 50 per cent deposit/equity against your purchase.

Great Views

If you wish to wake up to the spectacular multi-million-dollar views across the Coral Sea and Cape Tribulation, that only properties on Port Douglas, Murphy Street offer, you can achieve this but cheaper:

  • Ocean View Drive – Killaloe (10 mins from Port Douglas)
  • Coral Sea Drive – Mossman (15 mins from Port Douglas)
  • Rocky Point – Mossman (7 mins from Mossman)
  • Somerset Drive – Miallo (20 mins from Port Douglas)

Plan your viewing schedule

If you wish to view properties over a long weekend visit, then contact the agents you would like to view with and arrange viewing agent ‘slots’. Plan these in good time. If you are visiting in high season be aware that it might not be possible if there are holiday rental bookings. Some agents can offer you a virtual tour, where you can tour the property with your mouse in your armchair at home if you aren’t able to view in person.

Furnished or non Furnished?

There are many properties here that sell fully furnished and ‘ready to go’. This will save the cost of shipping up furniture or buying it here. Just buying a couch or bed in Cairns can incur an extra $120 to ship to Port Douglas.

I hope this has given you a few pointers and of course, if you have any queries about ‘seachanging’ to Port Douglas, I would be happy to answer them.

Rosie Wang is a sales consultant at Ray White, Port Douglas


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