Far North Queensland has long been one of the playgrounds of the rich and famous, with Port Douglas a favourite among them.

Port Doug – as the locals like to call it – is the darling among them, with former US President Bill Clinton, Keanu Reaves, Matthew McConaughey, Kate Hudson, Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett all visiting at various times.

 

Not only is it a popular place for celebs to relax and unwind, the area has been the home of many Hollywood blockbusters including Fool’s Gold, Dead Calm and The Thin Red Line.

If you want to holiday like Dannii Minogue, Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher and Gold Logie winner Rebecca Gibney, then we have the places for you to stay.

Who knows you may just run into the likes of comedian Jerry Seinfeld, Pink and pop princess Kylie Minogue.

PORT DOUGLAS

Stay: Thala Beach Lodge

Details: Individual bungalows at a beachfront location and a 10-minute drive from Port Douglas

Key features: Fully accredited for ecotourism and consists of private, deluxe, timber, bungalows built high on stilts and nestled in the forest canopy.

Thala Beach Lodge

 

Eat:

Nautilus Restaurant: Five- star outdoor dining

The Salsa Bar & Grill: Winner of numerous Restaurant & Catering in the heart of the dining precinct

2 Fish Restaurant: Renowned for seafood dining with an Asian/French influence

 

Do:

SkySafaris Outback Adventure or Reef Encounter: The Reef Encounter makes staying on the reef, snorkelling and diving possible. The Outback Adventure is from $795 and Reef Encounter from $359.

Port Douglas Watersports:  Catamarans, windsurfers, sun lounges, surfboards and tyre tubes are on hand.

Mirage Country Club:  Nine floodlit tennis courts and an 18-hole international championship golf course.

Exclusive Spa’s – Pepper’s Beach Club: Relax in comfort and take in an award-winning treatments and therapies.

Sailaway Low Isles Cruises: Sailing on the Great Barrier Reef.

 

 

CAIRNS

Meanwhile, while you’re in Cairns stop by Villa Romana. It seems to be the celeb hot spot, with Peter Andre and Jordan relaxing there while they were still together, along with Channel 9 presenter Richard Wilkins and some of the Underbelly cast.

 

Stay: Harbour Lights

Details: Check into a penthouse right on the Cairns marina

Key features: The resort has a swimming pool, sauna, secure parking and on-site restaurants and shopping.

 

Eat:

Tamarind: The signature restaurant of the Reef Hotel Casino, the menu blends Asian and Western cuisine.

Hanuman: Inside the Hilton Cairns Hotel with a taste of Thai and Indian.

 

Do:

Hit the tables at the Reef Hotel Casino.

Check out the Esplanade and soak up some sun or wander the markets.

Take one of the many day trips to the reef, hinterland or Daintree.

 

 

PALM COVE

Stay: Sanctuary Palm Cove

Details: Five-star boutique resort with only 21 fully self-contained apartments set on 3 acres of beautiful tropical gardens.

Key features: Private and tranquil but still close to beach and restaurants.

Sanctuary Palm Cove

 

Eat:

The Reef House Restaurant : A popular upmarket venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Nu Nu Restaurant:  Features contemporary Asian-inspired cuisine with alfresco-style dining.

Bella Baci: Italian and seafood cuisine at a lovely waterfront location.

 

Do:

The Novotel Resort at Palm Cove Golf Course where visitors are welcome.

Take in a hot-air ballooning trip.

Go horse riding along the beach.