The Marina Mirage, with its waterfrontrestaurants and air-conditioned arcade, is the perfect place for seasidedining, fishing and shopping. Take off on a cruise to the Great Barrier Reef orcatch fish in the mangrove creek across the port.
The Dickson Inlet flows into themarina from the Coral Sea and since the early days ofEuropean settlement, has been a busy natural harbour.Once a fishing village with trade routes for gold and sugar, today the port ishome to luxury yachts, catamarans and sailboats.
In the peak tourist season and Christmasholidays the Marina Mirage is the town’s social hotspot.During the other times of year, the marina is busy in the early morning andlate afternoon when boats come in and out from their excursions to the GreatBarrier Reef.
You will find the biggest reef touroperators at the Marina Mirage. Here you can purchase your tour and stop for acoffee or early morning breakfast before you cruise out onto the water for theday.
Shop for souvenirs such as uniqueAustralian beachwear, crafts and art made by local Aboriginal people, jewellerymade from local opals or a small memento detailing regional fish species.
Hop on a pontoon boat and head over tothe mangrove forest across from the marina for some fishing. Don’t be temptedto swim in the water because crocodiles have been known to live here!
Enjoy a day of exploring the area on theBally Hooley, a historic steam train that tours around the town every Sunday.
The Marina Mirage is in easy walking orbiking distance from the central shopping area. It is located on the west sideof the Port Douglas peninsula. Taxis and shuttle buses can transport you fromyour accommodation and there is free parking and public amenities. Most of theshops and facilities close around sunset.