Anzac Park in Port Douglas is a great spot for unwindingby the water and watching the boats as they head to the Great Barrier Reef. Stretchout and enjoy the views of the Coral Sea, the mountains in the west, themangroves and the Sugar Wharf Jetty.
Named in honour of the Australian and New ZealandArmy Corps (ANZAC), palm trees line the waterfront and fig trees, with theirvast root systems, are dotted throughout the park.
Take a picnic and spend the day relaxing under theshade of a tree. Play a game of soccer, catch the wind with a kite or throw a Frisbee. Look for shells with thekids on the sand and cool your feet in the water at the beach.
With the mountains in the distance, watch the sunsetand the final boats as they head back to shore after a day on the Great BarrierReef. When it’s time for dinner, spread out a picnic and cook up some freshseafood on one of the barbecues.
At the edge of the park is quaint St. Mary’s by theSea chapel. This little wooden church, tucked under palm trees, is a popularwedding spot.
The Sunday Markets are one of the biggestattractions in Anzac Park. They have been held every weekend on the waterfrontfor the last 20 years. Artists, farmers, jewellers and others bring their waresfor residents and visitors to try and purchase. Try locally grown sugar cane orwatch an expert crack open a coconut for you to drink the fresh milk. Find apiece of locally made art, a handcrafted leather bag or pick up a souvenir ofyour Great Barrier Reef excursion.
Anzac Park is a short walk from the centre of town.It is located at the northwestern end of Macrossan Street, between the DicksonInlet and Wharf Street. You can park your car in town or in the small parkinglot at St. Mary’s by the Sea.
