Guidebook for Cooya Beach
Drinks & Nightlife
Hemingway's Brewery
44 Wharf StWe haven't tried as yet, but have heard it's good.
Classic Queenslander pub on the corner of Macrossan and Wharf Sts - just a 1 minute walk to the water. Great for an afternoon drink or pub meal.
71 locals recommend
The Court House Hotel
18-20 Wharf StClassic Queenslander pub on the corner of Macrossan and Wharf Sts - just a 1 minute walk to the water. Great for an afternoon drink or pub meal.
Food Scene
This is a Trip Advisor review that says it all: “Jewel in the Port Douglas culinary crown”
Tucked away between the Marina and Macrossan Street, On The Inlet impressed with its food, value and service. Against the plethora of backpackers that work the tables at many restaurants in the north, the wait staff at On The Inlet seem to be mainly locals with a nice cheeky wit. The food is fantastic. I had Mohan's Fish Curry as main. The day's special was spanish mackerel rendang. Amazing. The bride had classic fish & chips. All fresh and beautifully presented. Prices were very reasonable. You can go wild with the wine list or get a very drinkable well priced drop. The location is king. While there are plenty of restaurants in Pt Doug, it's the only one on the water (the Tin Shed club is also on the water, but not a restaurant as such). The dining area is built out over the water. We went for an early dinner and got to enjoy the passing parade of yachts and cruisers coming in from the reef in the fading evening light. We'll definitely go again.
46 locals recommend
On the Inlet
18-20 Wharf StThis is a Trip Advisor review that says it all: “Jewel in the Port Douglas culinary crown”
Tucked away between the Marina and Macrossan Street, On The Inlet impressed with its food, value and service. Against the plethora of backpackers that work the tables at many restaurants in the north, the wait staff at On The Inlet seem to be mainly locals with a nice cheeky wit. The food is fantastic. I had Mohan's Fish Curry as main. The day's special was spanish mackerel rendang. Amazing. The bride had classic fish & chips. All fresh and beautifully presented. Prices were very reasonable. You can go wild with the wine list or get a very drinkable well priced drop. The location is king. While there are plenty of restaurants in Pt Doug, it's the only one on the water (the Tin Shed club is also on the water, but not a restaurant as such). The dining area is built out over the water. We went for an early dinner and got to enjoy the passing parade of yachts and cruisers coming in from the reef in the fading evening light. We'll definitely go again.
Sightseeing
The Daintree River is only 1/2 an hour's drive north (about 35kms all up). The road heads north from Mossman through the cane fields before joining the coast at Rocky Point. It's a great drive. Put your car on the ferry and drive up to Cape Tribulation. There's plenty of touristy offerings and side roads to explore. One of our favourite destinations is CJ's Cafe at Thornton Beach (used to be called Cafe By The Sea which is a much better name). Food and service are all pretty average, but it's a great spot under shady trees on the beach.
257 locals recommend
Daintree Rainforest
2333 Cape Tribulation RdThe Daintree River is only 1/2 an hour's drive north (about 35kms all up). The road heads north from Mossman through the cane fields before joining the coast at Rocky Point. It's a great drive. Put your car on the ferry and drive up to Cape Tribulation. There's plenty of touristy offerings and side roads to explore. One of our favourite destinations is CJ's Cafe at Thornton Beach (used to be called Cafe By The Sea which is a much better name). Food and service are all pretty average, but it's a great spot under shady trees on the beach.
Mareeba is on the tablelands, so quite a change of scenery from the tropical coast. It's around an hours drive up the range and through the quint little township of Mount Malloy. It's an easy drive along the Mulligan Hwy past Lake Mitchell. In Mareeba, visit Dino's Europa Deli for good cafe food and coffee and Italian groceries. You'd think you were in Lygon St. It's amazing. There's also a interesting market held on 2 Saturdays a month. Check council website for dates. Mareeba is also the launching place for a lot of hot air ballooning. A great thrill if you haven't done it before.
Mareeba
Mareeba is on the tablelands, so quite a change of scenery from the tropical coast. It's around an hours drive up the range and through the quint little township of Mount Malloy. It's an easy drive along the Mulligan Hwy past Lake Mitchell. In Mareeba, visit Dino's Europa Deli for good cafe food and coffee and Italian groceries. You'd think you were in Lygon St. It's amazing. There's also a interesting market held on 2 Saturdays a month. Check council website for dates. Mareeba is also the launching place for a lot of hot air ballooning. A great thrill if you haven't done it before.
Essentials
If you're heading north from Cairns airport, the shopping centre at Clifton Beach is handy for groceries etc. It's on the highway, only small so you can get in and out quick, has a Coles as well as bakery, greengrocer, pharmacy and grog shop.
71 locals recommend
Coles Clifton Beach
Endeavour RoadIf you're heading north from Cairns airport, the shopping centre at Clifton Beach is handy for groceries etc. It's on the highway, only small so you can get in and out quick, has a Coles as well as bakery, greengrocer, pharmacy and grog shop.
This is the closest supermarket to our place at Cooya Beach. It's around 10 minutes or so by car. New, modern clean Woolies and a grog shop. Alternatively, there's an IGA near the roundabout on the way into Port Douglas, or a Coles right in Macrossan St, Port Douglas.
27 locals recommend
Woolworths Mossman
63 Front StThis is the closest supermarket to our place at Cooya Beach. It's around 10 minutes or so by car. New, modern clean Woolies and a grog shop. Alternatively, there's an IGA near the roundabout on the way into Port Douglas, or a Coles right in Macrossan St, Port Douglas.
Parks & Nature
Mossman Gorge is only 10 minutes from Cooya Beach. Has beautiful walks, safe swimming and spectacular views. The water is fresh and cold as the river cascades over fantastic boulders surrounded by rainforest. A 'must see' and great place on a hot day.
229 locals recommend
Mossman Gorge
Mossman Gorge is only 10 minutes from Cooya Beach. Has beautiful walks, safe swimming and spectacular views. The water is fresh and cold as the river cascades over fantastic boulders surrounded by rainforest. A 'must see' and great place on a hot day.