Port Douglas

Port Douglas and Far North Queensland have long been regarded as one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations for both domestic and international tourists. Travellers are drawn to the regions natural attractions, such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, as well as the all-year-round warm climate. The regions economy has long been underpinned by a strong tourism sector however greater diversity is now evident with significant links to the resource sector in both Australia and Papua New Guinea, substantial local agricultural activites and fishing enterprises driving the region.

The key regional statistics for Far North Queensland can be summarised as follows.

• Far North Queensland’s population, estimated as approx. 278,086 persons in 2011, is projected to increase to approx. 344,920 persons by 2021, reflecting a total growth of approx. 24% over the period.
• The regions tourism industry benefits from the presence of the Cairns International Airport which receives approx. 4 million passengers annually, making it Australia’s 5th largest airport. These annual passenger figures are estimated to grow significantly due to the recent inclusion by Air Asia of direct flights daily from the Chinese Mainland to Cairns, further enhancing the regions traditional ties to Asia.