As COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc throughout the world, including Australia, here’s what travellers need to know about travelling in the Port Douglas and Daintree region.
Please note that with all COVID-19 travel-related news – these restrictions are likely to change at lightning speed; therefore it’s highly recommended that you check with the appropriate state and territory offices, relevant health departments and airlines prior to planning a trip.
Anyone in Australia can currently come to visit us here in Port Douglas Daintree, except those who have recently come from hotspots and overseas. For those who have come from hotspots and overseas, mandatory quarantine and COVID testing prior to entry is currently in place. Airport checks and border declarations are currently in practice at Cairns Airport.
There are hefty fines for anyone providing false information, so we absolutely recommend not skirting the rules.
There’s plenty of accommodation open across the region but they must have a health management plan in place. Camping sites and caravan parks have reopened shared shower and kitchen facilities with COVID Safe plans, and bookings are essential for stays in national parks.
Have you ever seen peak hour traffic on Four Mile Beach? We were the socially distancing bosses before social distancing was even cool, yo. We’ve been keeping apart together for a while now! Seriously though, we are very conscious of social distancing and encourage everyone to o the same. This is an extraordinary region in a very special part of the world, and we intend to keep it that way. Keep an eye out for those snazzy COVID SAFE signs to reassure compliance.
Absolutely! Being outdoors at one with Mother Nature is definitely one of the many perks of being in the tropics! While all national parks are open, some have limited access to facilities. Although caravan parks are open, they have been rather busy with all those roadtrippers of late, so it’s best to call ahead and make a booking. Fishing and boating are allowed, and camping is A-OK, just making sure you exercise social distancing, tropical style - stay at least one adult cassowary’s width away from each other.
In short, yes. All tourism experiences are operating with reduced capacities in compliance with the Queensland Government Restrictions Roadmap, so it's definitely recommended to contact operators independently to get the low down on what they're allowed to do - businesses have had to adapt to changing requirements with lightning speed, all while continuing to provide the exemplary service we're known for here in the North.
Yes, all restrictions to these areas have currently been lifted and travel to regional areas is encouraged to help the tourism industry and stimulate the economy. However, we do ask that you exercise respect and precaution when coming into these areas as it is widely understood that our First People Elders are particularly vulnerable.
Restaurants, cafés and bars are open, all operating under COVID-safe precautions and guidelines. Registration must be recorded for each person on entry, and venues are operating with restrictions in place. Wildlife exhibits and retail stores are also allowed to open but may be working at reduced capacity to allow appropriate social distancing, depending on current guidelines. Many are selling entry tickets only online and other purchases are contact-free. Craft markets and farmers markets are operational, again adhering to social distancing rules.
You may notice not all businesses are open. Due to the lack of international and some interstate travellers some businesses have elected to remain in hibernation until greater numbers return. In the Daintree region where the community lives off the grid, restarting visitor servicing infrastructure is costly and as such many will remain in hibernation till April 2021. If in doubt, call ahead.
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.
By Sharon Timms 
