The Outrigger Beach Club & Spa at Port Douglas still had the smell of new carpets and new linen. It was great feeling to know that not many people had slept in the same bed before me. Their choice of colour in the rooms, especially with the linen, blankets and quilt cover was good. Although the quilt cover wasn’t really a quilt cover, it was paper thin, and I was always cold.
The resort was still quite new as I went to dial the “spa” from my room phone and there was no dial tone. Same with the restaurant. When I rang the reception, they told me that “it was coming”. I guess their phones were set up before their facilities. Shame really, I was looking forward to a massage.
Moving along, lagoon pool was amazing. Softest sand and the state of the art sun chairs with fully equipped face shades. The pool was cleaned twice a day, ensuring the water was very clean and leaf free from those very windy nights.
Our room had a big jacuzzi on the balcony which was great; however the water was coming out yellow. This happened twice, we weren’t sure of the real problem behind this. So we just added extra bath gel.
The bathroom was very nice, well set up, shower was very spacious and a nice “white” bathroom, which made it look big and clean.
I noticed that some of the apartments are privately owned and they were still selling through LJ Hooker.
Located only 400 metres to main road, Macrossan Street, 500 metres to the beach and 500 metre to the Marina, you really don’t need a car if you are planning on staying around the area.
The best restaurant on the corner is Zinc, serving fresh prawns on a bed of rocket salad, the best cocktails, I have to say, at about $16.00 a pop.
They have a Woolworths just around the corner from the Outrigger, so if you have an apartment, you can easily buy your own food and make use of the kitchen facilities.
We did a Quicksilver Outer barrier Reef Cruise. It was a full house, taking up 350 guests. We enjoyed snorkelling and the glass bottom boat. The Reef was sensational. Lunch was very basic. A piece of chicken, salad and some cold cuts. They had a full bar on board selling soft drinks, water, beer and wine. Prices are pub prices, so reasonable.
Took a drive to cape Tribulation, it rained the whole way, but still was an adventure. We had to take a car ferry across, which I wasn’t aware of before I got there. They charge $16.00 return.
The roads are very windy, narrow and slippery, with little last minute speed humps that were the cause of a few belly laughs.
The Staff were very friendly, ensuring they say “hello” every time they pass you.
Overall a great property. Highly recommend.
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