Reina Tyl, Buckeyes Abroad marketing intern, writes:

During the North Queensland program, you will spend nearly a week in Port Douglas, Australia. This portion of the program is focused on traveling to and learning about the Great Barrier Reef, but there is plenty of downtime to explore all that Port Douglas has to offer. Here are some suggestions for how to spend your time when you’re not out snorkeling on the reef:

Sunday Markets in Port Douglas’ Anzac Park

1.     Explore the Sunday Markets. If you happen to find yourself in Port, as the locals call it, on a Sunday, spend some time roaming the Sunday Markets in Anzac Park. The markets are a great place to buy authentic Australian souvenirs such as arts and crafts, jewelry and clothing. It is also a great way to meet the locals, many of whom are manning their own stalls. The Markets are typically open from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., depending on the time of year.

2.     Relax on Four Mile Beach. Four Mile Beach spans the east side of Port Douglas and makes the perfect place for a stroll with friends. At the north end, a beach shack offers an assortment of beach gear for rent, including lounge chairs, surfboards and paddleboards, amongst other items.

3.     Meander down Macrossan Street. This street is the main drag of Port and is lined with great places to eat dinner, grab gelato for dessert and shop for groceries or souvenirs. It’s also where you’ll find Internet cafes in case you feel like sending an email to friends and family back home.

4.     Attend events at local restaurants. In the evenings, many of local restaurants will hold events to entertain those visiting the area. The popular steakhouse, The Ironbar, holds cane toad racing almost nightly at 8 p.m. It’s a fun outing with friends to cheer for your favorite toad to win!

Four Mile Beach

5.     Take in the scenic views. The Port Douglas Coastcare Walk stretches 2.75 miles throughout the downtown area and alongside Four Mile Beach. The walk provides an opportunity to absorb the natural beauty and historical heritage of this town. Plus, Port Douglas has a huge flying-fox colony that takes flight at dusk daily. Find a place near the south end of the walk to sit down and watch thousands of flying-foxes fill the night sky. It was an experience I’ll never forget!