Far North Queensland - toddlers in tow don't mean you miss out!

We'd booked a week in Port Douglas for some warmth and relaxation. We were determined to see some of the World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. However, we were a little limited by our budget and the biggest influence in our decision making, the toddler.

Our accommodation was perfect, and allowed us to save dollars on meals by self catering. We saved a fortune by self-driving to the sights of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation. However, to get to the reef, there was no way around it. It was going to cost $700 for our family of 5. That, by any standard, is a lot of money. It also means that we had to have a good time. While my eldest could snorkel all day, I wasn't sure how the other two kids would cope, and I knew I'd be the one sulking on the pontoon with the whinging children.

The scuba diver in the family went to the outer reef on a reconnaissance mission, to scope how it would work with the family in tow (and of course, to go diving). We enjoyed the pool, wandered the stunning Four Mile Beach and made the most of our fabulous villa.

After much consideration, while I would have loved my eldest to see the Great Barrier Reef, as there had been no whale sightings, we opted for the sailing excursion to the Low Isles. The benefit being, firstly, a lovely sailing experience, a shorter trip out on the boat, and the big draw card, for those with a toddler or any non-swimmer, the sandy beach and island.

 It is hard to describe what a perfect day we all had. We headed out under sail and made our way to the island. To our normally land bound kids, this was exciting in itself.

Once at the islands, we headed to shore in a glass bottom boat - the youngsters and my husband stayed on for an informative glass bottom boat viewing of the coral, while my eldest and I did the guided snorkelling. There were sharks and fish as well as coral - alas the elusive turtles stayed well hidden, even though apparently there are 600 or so there.

We all then joined up to snorkel together, though the youngest quickly lost interest. The other upside, was a lot of the snorkelling was close to shore, so she could safely join in, merrily bobbing about in her life vest*.

There was plenty of time for sandcastles and paddling in the shallows before we headed back to the boat for a sensational lunch. The afternoon snorkelling was off the boat, with some huge coral outcrops to explore and plenty of fish.

We were all tired for the sail home, and there is something special about the feeling of well being that comes with being well-fed and exercised. There is a romance about sailing that even three children can't spoil. That day and the feelings of happiness it created, has become one of my favourite memories as a family, so to me, it was worth every cent.

There are a number of wonderful places to explore in Port Douglas that don't cost a cent, but do offer up some amazing natural beauty. It's an easy walk up Flagstaff Hill, but with a toddler, just drive up and park for a sensational view of Four Mile Beach.

Make a day trip down to Palm Cove, which has a very different vibe to Port Douglas, and plenty of great restaurants to choose from - or take a picnic, and sit in the coconut grove before spending the afternoon on the beach.

We had a few wild life encounters that still crop up in the conversations - while enjoying our dinner at Thala Beach Resort, a snake came into the restaurant and caused much excitement for children and adults alike.

 My favourite, however, was heading out to the beach behind our villa to watch the sunrise on our final morning, and two sharks were frolicking in the waters, not 10 metres off shore. It was as if they were playing with each other. It was mesmerising and delightful, and something I've never seen before.

Far North Queensland is the perfect destination for the active traveller, for those that like bushwalks, diving, nature and adventure but you can still get a taste of these, even with an entourage of tiny people in tow. Not all child-friendly holidays require compromise for the adults.

Related articles:

Sailaway http://www.weekendnotes.com/sailaway-port-douglas/

*Please note our tot can swim, obviously do not allow a child in the ocean without close supervision, no matter what the depth of water or regardless of life vest or flotation device.

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