The newly formed Port Douglas and District Probus Club launched its first official outing with a memorable trip aboard the iconic Lady Douglas riverboat.

Under clear skies and across calm waters, members enjoyed a leisurely cruise that included a surprise crocodile sighting, adding a touch of excitement to the day.

The event provided a perfect opportunity for attendees to mix, chat, and bond in a relaxed and scenic setting.

The Port Douglas branch joins this mission, offering locals regular meetings, outings, and travel opportunities to help maintain an active and engaging lifestyle.

The club’s launch follows a growing trend of social initiatives for seniors in the Douglas Shire.

Dusty Howman from the Port Douglas Probus Club said the Lady Douglas cruise was the perfect way to bring people together.

“Our goal is to provide a space for people to build friendships and enjoy life’s simple pleasures,” he said. “The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland and Webjet are working together again to offer discounted airfares to  Cairns for travel until the end of May 2025 with up to $125 off interstate flights and $100 off intrastate  flights after a record-breaking sale late last year. 

The sale starts today (January 29) and runs until February 1, or until sold out, to help boost visitation to  Tropical North Queensland during the summer and autumn shoulder seasons. 

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said more than 4400 Aussies  booked flights to Cairns in just 36 hours during the first sale in October with 68 per cent of passengers  travelling from interstate during the quieter months of the year. 

“I encourage Aussies to take advantage of this sale and to act quickly to secure a much-needed break in  Tropical North Queensland when the Great Barrier Reef is at its clearest and the Wet Tropics rainforest at  its greenest,” he said. 

Webjet OTA Chief Executive Officer David Galt said: “We’re excited to be partnering with Tourism Tropical  North Queensland again, offering Aussies the opportunity to bag a bargain and plan an unforgettable trip  to this iconic region.  

“Last year, this sale sold out in record time and drove a significant increase in interstate and intrastate  travellers to Cairns. We’re hoping for great results this time around too, and hope more travellers discover  the beauty and adventure of Tropical North Queensland.” 

Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said passenger numbers to Cairns had remained  strong throughout summer, and demand for domestic flights was expected to continue into the coming  months. 

“We’re seeing airline partners, such as Jetstar, scheduling more domestic flights and sending bigger aircraft to Cairns, which will inject thousands of additional seats into the market and is a great display of confidence  for our region,” he said. 

“Jetstar also launched new, direct flights from the Sunshine Coast last month, which have been well  received by both locals and visitors. 

“The discounted airfares announced today are ideally timed for travellers wanting a late summer break. It’s  a fantastic opportunity to enjoy an affordable, tropical getaway.” 

Mr Olsen said TTNQ’s campaign activity would inject more than 19,000 additional visitors into the region  during the low season delivering $27 million in overnight visitor expenditure. 

“Expedia and Wotif.com have launched a flash sale for accommodation and experiences which will run until  mid-February and further holiday packages with an incentive offering will be provided through a  partnership with My Queensland during March,” he said. 

“Our campaign activity over the past few years has educated Australians that late spring through to autumn  is when Tropical North Queensland is rejuvenating. 

“The rainforest is at its greenest, wildlife such as cassowary chicks can be seen with their dads, the Great  Barrier Reef is crystal clear after the annual coral spawning, and our famous mangoes are in season.