Boasting outstanding natural beauty, rich Indigenous cultural connections, diverse and ancient ecosystems and a natural wonder of the world, the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas offers the very best of business and leisure with a very green twist.
A small seaside town, with an enviable tropical backdrop set against golden sands and blue waters of the Coral Sea, Port Douglas is a destination that is leading the way in sustainability. Port Douglas became the epitome of leadership and responsibility when it became Australia’s first ECO Certified destination in 2019.
The work, however, began long before this with Port Douglas and Daintree demonstrating more than four decades of conservation management, environmental leadership, sustainable community development, tourism innovation and preservation and recognition of the region’s ancient KuKu Yalanji cultural connections.
The result today, is a destination that continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in sustainable tourism and travel for the business events market. Reinvestment in infrastructure and new tourism experiences are behind this. Silky Oaks Lodge recent $20 million renovation, which saw a complete facelift of the eco resort, makes the most of its position high in the rainforest treetops along the banks of the Mossman River in the Daintree Rainforest.
The Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas continues coming up with new tricks introducing their “Swim with the Salties” experience, that lets delegates get up close (maybe too close) and personal with an estuarine crocodile – if that doesn’t say team building, we don’t know what does?
Ziplining through the oldest living rainforest in the world, exploring the Great Barrier Reef or sailing as the sun goes down are just some of the many ECO Certified experiences that can be found in Port Douglas. Why not be the action of change and model a program based on the Sheraton Grand Mirage’s ‘travel for good’ experiences, which tackles the issue of single use plastic head on in every part of its operations.
The region’s sustainability message can be woven into any program from a myriad of touchpoints – from guest speakers talking from a conservation point of view and immersive cultural breakouts, to getting your hands dirty by planting tomorrows rainforest, participating in a beach clean-up or engaging in wildlife rescue care.
Are you ready to swap ‘business suits’ for barefoot luxury? Visit businesseventsportdouglas.com.au or be inspired with this highlight video
