Thousands of tourists are expected to cross into Queensland with the border now officially open to all states and territories except Victoria, and Port Douglas is ready and waiting for them.

Hello Australia! Your winter plans are about to be sun kissed. As travel restrictions ease local businesses are ready to welcome visitors with (social distancing) arms wide open, just in time for a tropical winter escape.

Port Douglas, the country’s top eco-destination, has ranked high in must-visit holiday hotspots with many southerners shaking off the chill and planning their getaway to paradise in the Tropical North with forward bookings looking strong.

The community vibe has really flipped the switch. Weeks ago, tumbleweeds could have taken over Macrossan Street, now there’s the buzz of bustling cafés, people are browsing shops, and restaurants are filling. The beauty of life in Port Douglas is settling in amongst chatter of good cheer fortifying through the main street.

As several more tours, attractions and accommodations break out from ‘hibernation’ two more local resorts are excited to return to a new ‘normal’. Although business may have been null, they used this time as a ‘silver lining’ moment, taking the opportunity for betterment projects and refining their products.

Freestyle Resort Port Douglas spent their downtime with a paintbrush in hand - rejuvenating rooms and common areas, making it shine with pops of joy. Complying to a high standard of COVID Safe protocols they opened the doors 1 July to an immediate 25 per cent occupancy on day one.

Being big on charm combined with friendly and engaged hosts, Jason and Anne Moore, ticked all the boxes for a family of 17 who chose to stay at Freestyle Resort. Eagerly attentive to their guest’s needs Jason and Anne will tailor every visit to ensure that they leave with a piece of Port in their hearts. Anne found the best fit for the large family as they enjoyed a day on the reef with Calypso, while relishing in all the choice and freedom the region has to offer for the rest of their stay.

A hallmark of Freestyle is the unmistakably vibrant Ulysses Butterfly that bursts from the front of the resort. The blue beauty not only captures your attention but is a prelude to the secret their gardens hold. The flowery oasis around the property has been professionally designed to attract the lively Ulysses – enchanting guests with each flirting flutter.

Reopening day guests at Ramada Port Douglas were greeted with surprise and delights as the resort finalizes a comprehensive refurbishment. Fueled by a sea breeze and palm trees their creative design team have used Port’s tropical allure for inspiration. 

To ensure guests are at ease Ramada has enhanced its health and hygiene procedures while it’s been closed. Making use of Ecolab’s hospital-grade disinfectants for cleaning, providing guests greater access to hand sanitizer, redesign of common areas for social distancing and tighten housekeeping procedures. This allows more opportunity for guests to focus on what’s important – unwinding, relaxing and indulging.

Ramada Port Douglas is a balanced mix of tranquil haven and playfulness - sip drinks poolside set amongst Melaleuca rainforest or play a game of giant chess or Jenga surrounded by lush gardens and free-flowing waterways – it’s a resort that evokes emotions of the idyllic beachside getaway.