We were guests on board the Lady Douglas, a purpose built riverboat, reminiscent of the smaller of the Murray River paddle steamers in Victoria and New South Wales. But we’d swapped the muddy Murray for the tropical mangroves of Dickson Inlet in Port Douglas, North Queensland.
Dickson Inlet looking out to sea.
Water is our element and we jumped at the chance to see Port Douglas from a watery vantage point. Owners Kate and Lucas were away during our trip but we were safe in the welcoming hands of Anne and Skipper John.
The early afternoon tides were conducive to croc spotting but we were chasing photographs so decided on the late afternoon trip when the light would be mellowing. Unfortunately the tide would be high then and the mud banks where crocs love to laze would be submerged. If you want to Spot a Croc, a little forward planning with a tide chart can help make it happen.
Lady Douglas’ Marina.
Lady Douglas cuteness.
The Lady Douglas Bar is Open and the first one is on the house boat.
There was a friendly vibe onboard, with people milling around, choosing a seat, grabbing a drink and those nibbles were a crowd pleaser.
From the food serving area at the front of the bar, there were views through the wheelhouse to the river.
With the bow pointing upstream we nosed around the different branches of the inlet, getting oh so close to the banks while listening to stories of cyclones and modern day shipwrecks. Everyone, especially the kids, were on croc alert, but instead we were dazzled by brilliant flashes of yellow from the sunbirds flitting about in the trees. Talking about the kids on board – they adored steering the boat under the watchful eye of the skipper while Mum snapped some shots.
Leaving the Marina.
Quiet.Still.Mangroves
We sat in the bow (my favourite place on any boat) cooled by the breeze, hats firmly on and cameras to the ready.
I’m sure I was first to spot this Brahminy Kite – I know I yelled the loudest anyway! Another good thing about the seat in the bow was we could chat with the skipper through the open window.
Looking toward the peaks that surround the Mossman Gorge.
Above. The Sugar Wharf is currently used as a function venue and photogenic St. Mary’s Chapel is a favourite for weddings. The park surrounding the chapel is where the famous Sunday market is held.
Below a newly returned fishing trawler shows a sample of their catch of Red Emperor.
People gather at Rex Smeal Park at Sundown.
Before returning to the Marina, Lady cruises around the outer harbour where Marty captured yet another photo of Thorton Peak in the Daintree National Park. This peak was to be a perpetual photo bomber on our road trip north to the Daintree River.
Capturing the peak in a dreamy mood.
Marina Return.
Another trip I would like to do on the Lady Douglas is the one hour Friday Night cruise. With live music and the usual free drink and nibbles I can’t think of a better way to wind down the week, or celebrate being on holidays.
Lady Douglas was recently awarded Best Rainforest River Cruise for 2015.
The words and photographs in this post are an honest interpretation of our cruise experience. You can find out more about Lady Douglas River Cruises here.
I am cohost of Nancie’s Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox, together with Ruth from Tanama Tales and Rachel from Rachel’s Ruminations. If you have a blog you can add a link to one of your posts containing a travel photo below. Feel free to link back to this site in your blog also.
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Idyllic!
I love reading about your adventures in Queensland! It never would have occurred to me to check tide charts before a tour like that so thanks for the unique tip. I would think there are a lot of times that information could come in handy.
I felt as if I were there with you and love the late afternoon sun when taking photos!
Something to add to my wishlist next time we’re in Port Douglas.
I feel relaxed after reading this. 🙂 What beautiful light and wonderful views. Sounds like an excellent tour indeed. 🙂
It would be a great venue for a party Krista!
You were right to pick this tour – the light is soothingly beautiful – I can feel the sun on my face and feel the water lapping gently at the sides of the boat. Seeing a few crocs lazing about would have been nice too.
Thanks for the tour of the inlet from the Lady Douglas. (I’m sure she’ll be even more popular now with the award.)
Absolutely stunning photos! I’ve been to Port Douglas, but didn’t get any photos like that!
Jan, I like the way you describe yourself as being a water element person. I think I am going to use that term from now on (love it!). I like to take boat trips too. I think you see a place from a different light from the water. Love the mangrove areas. Reminds me of Puerto Rico.
Welcome fellow water element person. 🙂 I’ve not been to Puerto Rico – a whole other world left to explore.
I never saw this cruise when we were in Port Douglas a few years ago. I would have loved to do this. What a beautiful old boat. Also great photo of the Kite.
Marty took the kite photo on his Pentax. Usually my Sony Cybershot takes the best zoom photographs but not in this case.
A beautiful virtual tour for me.
Great frames, they are beautiful greeting card like captures.
Thanks Indrani
Hi Jan. Beautiful shots! The Friday night cruise sounds like it would be a lot of fun, too. My favorite shot here is the one of the mangroves; love the peaceful feeling. #TPThursday
Mangroves are particularly nice first thing in the morning. I love being first boat on the water. 🙂
Oh gosh I’ve had some gorgeous long lunches on that marina. I remember one time one of the visiting yachties brought his pet goose to lunch. It took a liking to my husband. Love that photo through the wheelhouse 🙂
We’ve had drinks at the cafe at the beginning of the marina walkway. It used to have a bar to sit at but now it is just tables and chairs. I remember we needed mossie spray around 5 p.m.!
The Lady Douglas … ahh, you’ve made me all nostalgic for Port Douglas. I saw her at the port, but we had another tour to go on during our short time there last year. It looks like a very genteel and interesting boat cruise.
It was a good vantage point for photos Jo, and it would be great to see a croc too.
Great pics, something about the peaks … so scenic, so idyllic
What great pics Jan. It’s such a cool little river cruise & i’m glad you got the opportunity to do it. Sorry you didn’t spot a croc BUT you seemed to spot everything else…..how big was that Fish!!! 😀
Hi Kate, The fish was huge and I believe they caught quite a few more! We had fun looking for Crocs, but we knew the tide wasn’t right to do so. 🙂