Dinner with the locals

This is the view inwards from our table at the Port Douglas Yacht Club to the tables buzzing with the locals - and some tourists too no doubt. We came here with our family when we came to Port Douglas to celebrate my 70th birthday, and I probably have some photos - but they're back at home. The half empty table in front of us was similar - there were several small children and some adults. Not quite the same combination as ours had been but almost. It was such a happy reminder and made us feel right at home immediately. And yes the place was noisy but somehow you didn't mind.

The term yacht club to me instantly makes me think of the upper crust - the society set. But this was absolutely not like that. But then before the Mirage was built and Port Douglas became the chic northern resort that it now is, it was peopled by fishermen farmers and tradesmen and probably a hippy or two. And doubtless they all messed around in boats. So it's not posh at all at heart. And today there is also the backpacker part of town as well. It's backpacker Mecca.

Indeed the food is more like pub food - but very well cooked - well my crumbed mackerel and chips was delicious. And I think David's chicken kebabs were too. The dips were a bit ordinary I guess, but down in Melbourne we are so spoilt for choice on dips with all those Greek and middle-eastern restaurants. Anyway it hit the spot.

And look at the setting.

It's the building nestled in the trees next to the small marina. I think our hotel might be the patch of white near the coast on the top right a little before the coast curves away. Port Douglas itself is to the left. The photo is from their website.

And this is the view from our table. I did not have to move to take them. Just had to lean on the balustrade.

As you can see. The place might have had humble origins and is still populated by humble locals, playing billiards, drinking a beer or two, having a meal, but there must be some seriously rich people who use it too. Some of those boats were enormous. One or two are probably tour boats or charter boats, but some of them - like the big one in the picture look more like some rich man's plaything. Though I confess I didn't see any staff serving drinks to the owners, as you do on the Riviera.

The lady at the table behind us thought she saw a crocodile in the water - there are crocodiles there, and I did see a few ripples, but no crocodile.

And yes we did chat to the waitress - well mostly the young lady who took our order. Canadian - here two years and when David asked if she was American was very firm on being Canadian, but gracious enough to admit that the accent was familiar, and that, yes, Justin Trudeau was so much better than Donald Trump.

I'm glad we went there. It brought back fond, though sad memories. I remember very happily the children running around on the lawn after their dinner making friends with all the other children that were there.

It was relaxing, no pressure to do the right thing. If you're in Port Douglas, give it a go.