Those who are looking for a more refined city stay while down under might be keen on Port Douglas.

This is how Alice Wyllie, writing for Scotland on Sunday, has described the area which is an "excellent base" to explore the Great Barrier Reef while on Australia holidays.

Another spot in the north-east of the country accessible from Port Douglas is the Daintree Rainforest, which was recently recommended by Tourism Australia.

Moreover, the organisation noted there are over 3,000 species of plant at the location and it is the oldest one of its kind in the world.

But individuals considering a trip to Port Douglas – one hour north of Cairns – should visit during the dry season from May to October, Ms Wyllie recommend.

And potential tourists may be encouraged by previous holidaymakers to the area which has included a host of top celebrities, such as director Steven Spielberg, actress Elle Macpherson and actor Tom Hanks.