I am lucky enough to call Port Douglas home. Year round sunshine, warm summers and beautiful winters make this part of the world a perfect spot for a swim, water and ocean addict. The memories of swimming in an inside pool or dip my toes in a freezing sea seem a lifetime ago when doing my laps in one of the gorgeous lap pools, refreshing in a creek or training in the Coral Sea. Think tropical backgrounds, balmy water temperatures and blue skies with plenty of sunshine. Jeez I'm a happy camper around here.
But hey, I'm happy to share my favourites spots in and around Port Douglas to go for a swim. So get ready for some serious swimming envy and get your credit card ready to book your flight to paradise!
1. Famous Four Mile Beach
Of course Four Mile Beach is number 1 on my list. I feel in love with this beach about 16 years ago on a family holiday to Port Douglas and feel so lucky to be able to swim and walk here whenever I feel like now. Of course as I am a Life Saver I would always recommend to swim between the red and yellow flags only and during the summer months (November - May) only in the net which keeps the stingers out. This is where the Swimfit Four Mile Beach Ocean Swim takes place (next date tba). Test your limits in one of the following swims: Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas Resort Four Mile Swim (6.4km), Mirage Country Club Two Mile Swim (3.2km), The Reef Marina One Mile Swim (1.6km) or the Tourism Port Douglas 500M Swim.
2. Oaks Resort Port Douglas Lap Pool
The home base of Swimfit, the Oaks Resort Lap Pool never seems to disappoint! In the mornings we see the most beautiful sunrises and on warm summer afternoons this is the coolest places the be. This is the perfect 25 meter pool for a few relaxing laps or a full on swim session making you feel happy and energised. As you might know I'm not the biggest fan of just jumping in for a few laps so before you head down download one one of the FREE Swimfit Swim Sessions to keep you motivated and focused.
3. Mossman Gorge
Mossman Gorge is the closest bit of Daintree Rainforest to Port Douglas and is the perfect spot for a refreshing dip. Please be warned that the current can be very strong after rainfall, but if you're a confident swimmer and find the right spot this is our natural version of an endless pool. Keep swimming and stay in the try to stay in the same spot! Start your day right with a walk up to the gorge, jump in for a swim and and treat yourself to a delicious breakfast and at Beechwood Cafe in Mossman. Mossman Gorge is about a 20 minute drive from Port Douglas so either rent a car or book one of the full or half day tours available.
4. Mirage Country Club Lap Pool
Talking about beautiful views while getting your swim session done, you'll have to check out the Mirage Country Club Lap Pool. On a stunning day you can see the Daintree Rainforest and the palm trees around the pool remind you that you're in the middle of paradise! There's also a fully equipped gym and a cafe so make sure you plan a couple of hours out of your day to get the most out of it.
5. Shannonvale Creek
On a beautiful Tropical North Queensland day I love to take a detour through Shannonvale after swim training, with the swimming creek as the highlight. This is a lovely spot to cool off on a hot day and you can even enjoy it together with your dog! As Lola is not a big fan of water we like to just get our feet wet by walking along the road which runs straight through the creek. Sometimes I can't help myself though and just have to jump in! Having places like this just around the corner remind me I do truly live in paradise!
There is so many more great spots for a refreshing dip or swim, think about the the crater lakes around Atherton on the Tablelands, so many more beautiful beaches between Port Douglas and Cairns and we're lucky to have some awesome open air lap pools as well. Comment below to let me know what your favourite spot is!
