Roaring through the tropics Maverick and Goose style has never been more effortless or entertaining. From the rush of hooking a big one fishing, to helicopters, hikes and beers, or ribbing your mates on the golf course to carving up the ocean wakeboarding, Port Douglas Daintree is the place where legendary a boy’s trip away begins...
A man must eat, so getting out on the water to land dinner - served with a tall tale - is a priority. With two boats available to take groups up to 12 mates and a cruising speed of 24 knots, Out n About Sportfishing will have you throwing out a line to tempt Coral Trout, Nannygai, and Red Emperor in no time. The boys on deck will happily fillet your beast in readiness to barbecue poolside back at your hotel. Prefer something more gourmet? Local restaurant Seabean will cook your catch to perfection as you relive the day with tales of your successful mission while showing off your accomplishment to fellow diners!
Those who prefer a little less ocean-going and a lot more calm water relaxing combined with fierce fishing can jump on board Hook Up Charters searching for the elusive Barramundi or the mighty mud crab.
Don your dress shorts and choose your course on a mission to chase glory and the little white ball. Palmer Sea Reef is Australia's only tropical links-style golf course. Novices and casual hackers have a choice of three different teeing grounds while the pro's show them how it's done - preferably avoiding the sand and water traps on route to the 19th hole.
But wait, there's more! Make it two days of golf and head over to the Mirage Country Club at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas. Designed by five-time British Open winner Peter Thomson and featuring sweeping mountain views from the aquatic driving range and fairways adjacent to the golden sands of Four Mile Beach, the pro shop will get you on your way with an electric cart and clubs. If you forget to pack shoes, they have those covered too!
Pull-on your action pants, jump on a fast boat and escape back to boyhood for a truly epic adventure on a private island. Windswell Port Douglas will customise your dream day away from the crowds with options including stand up paddleboarding, snorkelling through stunning coral gardens with magnificent turtles, kiteboarding, rocketing behind the boat wakeboarding, tubing or even foil boarding. Throw in an indulgent tropical buffet and plenty of laughs before heading back to Port with enough to fill the pages of a novel.
If it's refinement and relaxation you're seeking, join Colin on board the 13-metre luxury sailing catamaran Indigo for a day trip to the magnificent Low Isles. Savour the sunshine on the foredeck as you cruise out on your personalised sailing adventure before donning your fins and diving off the side to snorkel the stunning soft coral gardens at Low Isles.
It's man versus mountain for the boys game enough to tackle the iconic, 10km return hike to Devil's Thumb (Manjil Jimalji) through the wilds of the World Heritage Daintree National Park with Back Country Bliss Adventures. The challenging walk is worth it as you haul yourself up the steep mountainside, walk through lowland rainforest and a coral fern clearing before scrambling over ancient boulders to the lookout perched at a staggering 1000m above sea level.
If you prefer to travel on wheels rather than legs, imagine yourself hurtling down a mountain on an action-packed ride with Bike n Hike Adventure Tours down the famous, historical Bump Track. Previously an access track from the gold mines of the Tablelands, the 'Bump' boasts an uninterrupted, heart-stopping six-kilometre descent to the coast.
Four wheels will get you to where two can't take you - on an off-road adventure traversing the Bloomfield Track, one of the most scenic 4WD drives in Queensland. Constructed in 1984 and beginning in Cape Tribulation, get serious straight away with your first creek crossing at the crystal clear Emmagen Creek. The track boasts spectacular views, secluded beaches, stunning rainforest, incredible wildlife and unique history, including the Bloomfield Blockade, one of Australia's most important environmental protests.
Take a break in Bloomfield, then continue to the famous Lion's Den Hotel for lunch and a beer before heading back to Port Douglas via the inland road stopping at the historic Palmer River Roadhouse for a pre-home refuel (tip: the steak sanga is to die for).
For something casual, order the Guinness double at Paddy's Irish Pub with a pie and a pint. Man-size mega meals can be found at N17 burger and sports bar - also an option for the bacon and egg breakfast burger - or check out the glass-fronted display of the best dry-aged steaks in the north at the Ironbar. Drop into Rattle n' Hum for pizza, parties and pool or step it up a notch with beer tasting and share plates at Hemingway's Brewery. Get your fancy pants on for cocktails at local favourites Salsa Bar & Grill or Watergate, or inject some Spanish flavour into your night with tapas at Seabean Tapas & Bar.
Keep the bonding going after dinner and get to know the locals with some live tunes at Paddy's, The Central or The Courthouse hotels.
Think you've got what it takes for a legendary boy's trip?
We do!
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree acknowledges the custodianship of the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef by the local Kuku Yalanji and Yirraganydji people whose rich cultures, heritage values, enduring connections and shared efforts protect our natural assets for future generations, and we pay our respect to elders past, present and emerging.
