Garrick House Compendium

– AIR-CONDITIONING –

Air-conditioners are located in the lounge and bedroom of each apartment. These are operated by individual remote controls.

Please do not set the temperature below 22 degrees or operate air-conditioners with any doors/windows open as it will cause the air-conditioner to ice up and/or leak. The optimal cooling temperature is 24 degrees.

In the interests of the environment, it would be appreciated if you could switch off air-conditioners when the apartment is vacant.

– APARTMENT SUPPLIES –

Apartment supplies such as laundry powder, dishwashing powder, tea, coffee, soaps, toilet paper, etc are a starter pack only. Additional supplies can be purchased from local supermarkets. Single sachets of laundry and dishwashing power are available at reception for $2.

– BLANKETS –

Blankets can be found in the bedroom cupboards.

– BOOKING YOUR NEXT STAY –

We hope that you enjoy your stay and are keen to return to Garrick House. Future bookings can be made up to 12 months in advance. Returning guests are offered a discount on the nightly rate. Advance bookings during high season mid-May to mid-October must be a minimum of 7 nights. By booking direct we guarantee the best nightly rates and booking conditions – secured with a credit card. Use the promo code RETURN the booking online to secure the best returning guest rate.

– CHECK IN & CHECK OUT –

Check-in time is after 2:00pm.
Check out time is before 10:00am.
Late check-out requests are subject to availability and may incur additional charges.

On departure please check you have all your personal belongings, leave safe door open, ensure all rubbish and food is removed from your apartment, air-conditioners turned off, all dishes washed (or in the dishwasher and the dishwasher turned on), apartment locked and return keys to Reception.

If you are departing outside of reception hours please settle your account the day prior to check out. On departure drop your key/s in the key return box at reception.

– COVID-19 –

COVID-19 is still circulating in the community. Additional cleaning measures continue in all apartments and communal areas. We ask guests to practice appropriate personal hygiene and physical distancing in accordance with Government guidelines. Hand sanitisation stations are located on the entry to the building from the car park and pool area.

– CURRENCY/TRAVELLER’S CHEQUES –

Unfortunately we cannot accept Traveller’s Cheques or assist with Foreign Currency Exchange.  Several banks are located close by and can assist with this. We only accept credit/debit card payments (Mastercard, VISA, Amex). Cash and cheque payments for accommodation, transfers and tours cannot be accepted. We do not have a cash withdrawal facility.

– DVD PLAYER –

Some apartments feature a DVD player to play your personal DVD’s. 

– HAIRDRYERS –

A hairdryer is supplied for your convenience and can be found in the bathroom.

– IRONS / IRONING BOARDS –

An ironing board and iron or steamer is provided and is located in the wardrobe in the bedroom.

– KEYS –

One or two sets of keys are available per apartment. Please note there is a $100 key replacement fee for each key lost during your stay. Please return your key to Reception on check out.  If you are departing outside of Reception opening times please place your keys in the Key Return Box located at Reception.

– LAUNDRY –

All apartments feature a washing machine and clothes dryer.  A clothes airer and washing basket is also provided. To reduce the risk of fire, please remove any lint from the clothes dryer lint filter before each use. A starter pack of washing powder is also provided for your convenience. Additional washing powder/liquid is available for $2.

– LEFT OVER FOOD –

At the end of your stay, all open containers of food and drink must be disposed of prior to departure. Unfortunately, due to health and safety reasons we cannot accept these and they can’t be left for the next guest. Any unopened perishable and non-perishable food and drink (within use by and best before dates) can be left and we will share it with our team or donate it to a local charity.

– MAINTENANCE –

If you encounter any maintenance or safety issues during your stay, please let us know so that this can be rectified. Let us know of any accidental breakages.

– NOISE –

Please be considerate of other guests by keeping any noise to a minimum, especially after dark.  Loud music and parties are not permitted in your apartment or the pool area at any time.

– ROLLAWAY BEDS –

We allow additional beds (rollaway bed) in some apartments. These are suitable only for children. Rollaway beds must be placed so as not to block access to the exit door. The maximum occupancy of your apartment is specified on your booking confirmation. Additional persons and bedding are not permitted is apartments, except as approved.

– RUBBISH/WASTE –

General waste rubbish bins are located in the car park (driveway end).  General waste goes in the large green or red lid bins. Recycling Bins (yellow top bins) are located at the top of the driveway and in the car park. Recyclable items include – glass and plastic bottles, cans, paper and cardboard. Please flatten these. No soft plastics, coffee cups or containers contaminated with food. Unfortunately, Council only collects our recycling bins once a fortnight, so if you find these bins full please use the general waste bins.  We kindly ask that you remove rubbish from your room during your stay and on your day of departure.

– SAFE –

A safe is located in the wardrobe in the bedroom.

Instructions on how to use the safe:

1. Close the door and press RESET.
2. Enter your 4 digit code.
3. Press LOCK.
4. To unlock – enter your 4 digit code.
5. At the end of your stay PLEASE LEAVE THE SAFE DOOR OPEN.

If you find the safe locked on your arrival please contact Reception to unlock it for you. 

– SEAFOOD SCRAPS –

Seafood scraps such as prawn heads should be double bagged (2 plastic bags) and placed in the freezer. Once frozen they should be placed in the general waste bin (see rubbish section) on Thursday or Sunday evening, for council waste collection the next morning. Do not place seafood scraps in your room waste bin.

– SERVICING OF APARTMENTS –

A weekly service (change of bed linen and towels – no cleaning or supplies) is provided for all guest stays of 7 nights or more.

We will send you an SMS on the morning of your scheduled service. 

Please ensure that personal items are removed off beds, rubbish is taken out from your apartment and that your apartment is left in a tidy condition. Please note additional cleaning charges may apply if your apartment is left in an unacceptable condition. 

– SMOKE DETECTORS –

Smoke detectors and alarms are fitted in all apartments. Detectors are extremely sensitive to smoke from cooking, so please use the kitchen extractor fan when cooking.  

– SMOKING –

Smoking, including the use of vapes, is not permitted in the rooms, on balconies or common areas.

– SOCIAL MEDIA – FEEDBACK AND REVIEWS –

We hope you have enjoyed your stay with us and if you have the time either during your stay or after departure we would love to receive your review on TripAdvisor www.tripadvisor.com.au.  You simply need to search for Garrick House. Or take a look at our Facebook Page and LIKE Garrick House www.facebook.com/garrickhouseportdouglas

Should you experience any problems during your stay please do let us know immediately so we can have this rectified for you.

– SWIMMING POOL TOWELS –

One complimentary pool/beach towel (striped towel) is provided per guest and can be used at the swimming pool, beach or taken out on tour with you. Additional pool/beach towels are available from Reception for just $3 per towel.  Please do not use your white bathroom towels at the pool or beach or take them out on tour with you. 

– TERMS & CONDITIONS –

The terms and conditions that apply to guest bookings can be found on our website at https://www.garrickhouseportdouglas.com.au/booking-terms-and-conditions/

– TELEVISION –

Televisions have access to digital free to air channels and Chromecast so that you can cast your own streaming service from your personal device (mobile or tablet) using the WiFi enabled Chromecast on the TV.

For free to air TV select TV on your remote and use the channel button to scroll up/down channels.

To connect your device to Chromecast:

1. On the TV remote go to inputs. Select HDMI 1 or Chromecast.
2. A Garrick House image will appear on the TV.
3. On your device scan the QR code that appears on the TV screen and follow the prompts on your device.. This connects the TV and your device to the same WiFi network.
4. Open the WiFi settings on your device to confirm that your WiFi is connect to your room number.
5. Log onto to your streaming service on your device and select the casting icon to cast to the TV.

Please let us know if you need assistance connecting to our WiFi or Chromecast.

– TOWELS –

Please do not use your white bathroom towels at the pool, or take them to the beach or out on tour with you.  Please see earlier section regarding swimming pool towels.

– VISITORS –

Guests may have a limited number of visitors to their apartment and pool/BBQ area. In-house guests have priority access to all of our amenities.

– WATER SAVING –

Permanent water saving measures have been implemented at Garrick House and at certain times of the year Douglas Shire declare water restrictions. To reduce water use, please let us know if you do not want your towels and sheets changed during a scheduled service. 

– WIRELESS INTERNET –

Garrick House is pleased to offer our guests complimentary unlimited wireless internet.

You can access this system by connecting your device to the “Garrick House” network.  As our password is updated regularly, please see your Welcome Letter for the current password.

Please note that the guest WiFi network is different to the WiFi network your TV is connected to.

– AIRPORT & CAIRNS TRANSFERS –

At peak times of the year it is important to pre-book your airport or Cairns transfers well in advance. Please see us at Reception for pricing and pick up options for shared or private transfers.

– BBQ –

Our poolside BBQ is located next to the swimming pool. The BBQ is free to use at any time during pool opening hours and does not need to be reserved. 

The poolside BBQ is fully equipped with utensils, crockery, cutlery and (plastic) glassware, so you do not need to take these items from your apartment.  There is also a sink and washing up supplies.  After using the BBQ area, please wash all dishes and clean the BBQ with the provided cleaning materials.  We appreciate your assistance with keeping this area clean for all guests. No glass in the pool area. A spare full gas bottle can be found in the cupboard under the BBQ.

– BEACH CHAIRS –

We have a small number of beach/camping chairs available for complimentary use. See us at reception to check availability.

– BEACH TOYS –

One of our young Kiwi guests has kindly left his beach cricket set at Garrick House for other children and families to use. Please see us at Reception if you would like to borrow this for the day. Other families have also left an assortment of plastic beach toys – buckets, spades, etc. These can be found on the bookshelf at the bottom of the stairs.

– BIKE RACK –

A bike rack is located in the car park. Bikes must not be brought into or left outside your apartment, or blocking emergency exit routes and doors. You will need to supply your own lock to secure the bike.

– BOOK AND MAGAZINE EXCHANGE –

A book and magazine exchange is available at the base of the stairs.  Please feel free to borrow or exchange any books and/or magazines. A small selection of children’s board games is also provided.

– CAR PARKING –

Undercover car parking is available at the rear of Garrick House. There are no allocated spaces so please park in any available space.

– CURLY (VIRTUAL ASSISTANT) –

Curly is our website’s AI powered virtual assistant, represented by a Bush Stone-curlew, a native Australian bird. Garrick House has a pair of resident curlews that live at the back of the property. If you can’t find what you are looking for here in the compendium, ask Curly who will be able to help.

– ENTRANCE SHOWER –

We have a shower located at the Garrick Street entrance to wash off all sand before entering your apartment or the swimming pool.

– LUGGAGE STORAGE –

We are happy to store your luggage for you on the day of arrival or departure in our lockable storage area.  Please see us at Reception for access.

– PRINTING SERVICES –

We can assist with copying and printing at Reception (charges apply). Printing charges are $0.25 per page. Black and white only.

– SMOKING –

Smoking, including the use of vapes, is not permitted in the rooms, on balconies or common areas.

– STROLLERS –

We have a small number of single and double strollers available for complimentary use. These are located at the exit door to the car park.

– SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES –

Garrick House is proud to have implemented a number of sustainable initiatives to reduce our impact on the environment. We have a solar energy system with battery storage, which provides power to the common areas including swimming pool. We have tank and bore water in use for irrigation of the gardens and only use tank water for topping up the swimming pool and cleaning outdoor hard surfaces. We use an eco-accredited linen service, minimise the use of harsh chemicals for cleaning, and separate all recyclable items. We support our local and regional eco-tourism accredited tour operators.   

– TOUR DESK –

We offer a free tour desk service. Further details available in the Tour Desk section of this guide or see us at Reception.

– SWIMMING POOL –

Our heated saltwater swimming pool is available for use by our guests from 7:00am – 9:30pm. Please observe the pool rules – including no glass – on display at the entry to the pool and near the BBQ.  Children must be actively supervised at all times. Our poolside BBQ is also available during these hours.  The pool and BBQ area cannot be booked for exclusive use. The poolside BBQ is fully equipped with utensils, cutlery and plastic crockery.

– UMBRELLAS –

We have a small number of golf style umbrellas for complimentary use. These are located opposite reception or from reception. Please return them to reception after use – do not take them to your apartment. A $20 fee applies for lost umbrellas.

– VISITORS –

Guests may have a limited number of visitors to their apartment and pool/BBQ area. In-house guests have priority access to all of our amenities.

– WEATHER REPORT –

The 3 day weather report – wind, tides, water and air temperature water visibility and sunrise/sunset times – is posted at reception each day.

Our Garrick House weather station is located at the driveway end of the swimming pool. The current live weather conditions are available on the weather console at reception. You can also view the live and weather history data at anytime from your own device at the following link: https://www.weatherunderground.com/dashboard/pws/IPORTD47 

– BABYSITTING/CHILD MINDING –

A number of babysitting services are available in Port Douglas. Busy Bees Babysitting is popular. You can contact Busy Bees on 0417 794 507 or visit their website www.busybeesbabysitting.com.au

– BABY AND EQUIPMENT HIRE –

Port Resort Baby & Equipment Hire carry an extensive range of quality holiday hire equipment. Range includes jogger prams, strollers, cots, highchairs etc. Also, a range of Home Health Equipment products including wheelchairs, crutches, shower chairs, toilet raisers, walkers to name but a few — and for planned holiday needs or emergency mishaps they can assist with this service. Phone:  0407 315 591.

 – BICYCLE HIRE – Bicycle Hire is available from Port Douglas Bike Hire, located on Warner Street behind Coles Supermarket/Port Village Shopping Centre.  A bike rack is located in the car park. Bikes must not be brought into or left outside your apartment.

– FOUR MILE BEACH –

Iconic Four Mile Beach is only a short distance from Garrick House. The northern end of the beach has a year-round patrolled swimming area. A swimming enclosure is in place during stinger season. Please observe all beach flags and signage for beach closures, conditions and stinger risk.

We have a shower located at the entrance to wash off all sand before entering your apartment or the swimming pool.

Beach umbrellas, beach lounge chairs and cabanas are available for hire at Four Mile Beach.

– LOCAL SHUTTLES –

A number of taxi and shuttle operators service Port Douglas. See us at Reception for the best options to get you where you are going.

– PLACES OF WORSHIP –

St Andrews Anglican Church

St Mary’s Catholic Church

Generations Church

Uniting Church

https://douglas.qld.gov.au/community/community-directory/churches/

– PORT DOUGLAS MAP –

A local street map of Port Douglas is provided with your welcome letter. We have additional complimentary local Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation – Daintree Coast and Far North Queensland visitor maps available at reception.

– POST OFFICE –

The Port Douglas post office is located at the top end of Owen Street.

– RESTAURANTS AND LOCAL DINING –

Port Douglas is blessed with a wide range of high-quality dining experiences to suit all tastes. The following dining guides will help you choose something special:

https://www.visitportdouglasdaintree.com/food-and-drink

https://www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/articles/guide-port-douglas-restaurants/

https://www.agfg.com.au/restaurants/tropical-north-qld/port-douglas

https://tourismportdouglas.com.au/port-douglas-restaurants-places-to-eat-and-drink

plus there are many take away and casual dining options.

– SUPERMARKET –

Coles Supermarket is located within Port Village Shopping Centre, on Macrossan Street, with car parking available from Warner Street.  Coles Supermarket is open every day from 6:00am – 9:00pm.  Within the Port Village Shopping Centre complex there is also a K Hub, butcher, news agency, doctor’s surgery, pharmacy, bottle shop (liquor store) and other retail and food outlets. 

Coles (Port Douglas) and Woolworths (Mossman) both have an online ordering and delivery service. You can make an order and will arrange to have it placed in your apartment.

– TOUR DESK –

We offer a free tour desk service. Further details available in the Tour Desk section of this guide or see us at Reception.

In case of an emergency, dial 000, and the operator will connect you to the appropriate service required – Police, Fire or Ambulance.

There is a telephone available at Reception which can be used to call 000 in the event of an emergency.

– AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILATOR (AED) –

In a medical emergency, AED’s are available at various locations in Port Douglas. The closest AEDs to Garrick House are located at:

• Lifeguard Hut, Four Mile Beach, The Esplanade (only during beach patrol hours),
• Hi Tide Café at Peninsular Holiday Apartments, 13 The Esplanade, and
• Shakes Gelati Bar, Shop 9 53-61 Macrossan Street.

– CYCLONES & SEVERE WEATHER –

Cyclone season in North Queensland is from November to April. In the event of a cyclone we will provide you with information to ensure your safety. Although our building has a high cyclone rating, emergency authorities may issue a mandatory evacuation order and relocation to the local Evacuation Centre. The Bureau of Meteorology issues weather warnings for the region http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/

– DENTIST –

Port Douglas Dentist

Unit 11, 32 Macrossan Street, Port Douglas QLD 4877

Phone: (07) 4099 4618

– DOCTORS & MEDICAL EMERGENCY –

Emergency Department,

Mossman Hospital 24 hr service

9 Hospital Street, Mossman QLD 4873. Phone: (07) 4084 1200

Port Village Medical Centre,

Shop 17 Port Village Shopping Centre, 11-17 Macrossan Street, Port Douglas, QLD 4877

Ph: (07) 4099 5043

New Horizons Medical Centre,

362 Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas, QLD, 4877

Phone: (07) 4099 1111 

– EMERGENCY EXIT PLANS –

Fire Exit Plans are located on the inside of your front door. Please familiarise yourself with the nearest exit route and location of fire extinguishers in the event of a fire. Strollers, bikes, scooters and bags must not be left on the exit route and walkways. The evacuation Assembly Area is located at the front of the property on Garrick Street.

 – FIRST AID KIT –

We have a small first aid kit at reception and can assist with any minor first aid needs. In an emergency call 000.

In the tropics we share our life with lots of creatures, large and small. Many of them may seem unwelcome visitors in many parts of the world however here in Far North Queensland we assure you they are part of everyday life and mostly no cause for alarm. At Garrick House we conduct regular pest control treatment however it is unfortunately not possible to completely eradicate these creatures.  Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your stay.

– ANTS –

These come in all shapes, sizes and colours. They love leftover food so keep surfaces crumb free and place leftover food in the fridge.

– GECKOS –

These are friendly little lizard-like creatures that come out at night to feed on mosquitoes, cockroaches and other insects. They are totally harmless. You can often hear them at night as they call to each other in a big loud voice, far out of proportion to their size.

– MOZZIES & SANDFLIES –

At some times of the year these little pests are worse than others. Insect repellent will give you protection against their bites. Bushman brand insect repellent works best in the tropics.

– CANE TOADS –

As ugly as they are, cane toads do eat cockroaches, so we don’t mind them being around. They cannot poison you (unless you bite them on the neck) and are generally only seen after dark. 

– COCKROACHES –

Cockroaches are an unfortunate part of tropical life. Keep food wrapped and stay friends with the geckos and cane toads.  

– STINGERS –

Marine jellyfish inhabit coastal waters in the warmer months – generally November to May. As their stings are highly toxic it is strongly advisable to check with relevant authorities before swimming in the ocean. Swimming enclosures (nets) are in place on most major beaches, including Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas during stinger season.  If you are visiting the reef during this time, you will be provided with a lycra stinger suit to wear in the water. 

 – CROCODILES –

Estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles inhabit many of our rivers. However, there are also lots of beautiful freshwater swimming holes scattered through the region that are crocodile free. Check with staff at Reception for directions and obey crocodile warning signs.

– MOULD –

We love our warm tropical climate and unfortunately so does mould. While we make every effort to keep it under control it can reappear in a very short time, sometimes in a little as 24 hours. If you are experiencing a problem with mould please see Reception and we will have it attended to immediately. It is important to keep your apartment well ventilated and use the bathroom extractor fan where fitted.

– NATIVE BIRDLIFE –

 There’s lots of native birdlife around Port Douglas including Parrots, Finches, Kookaburras, Tawny Frogmouths and some very pesky Orange-footed Scrub Fowl who dig up our gardens!! We have a pair of resident Bush Stone-curlew at the rear of Garrick House. The Stone-curlew relies on camouflage and has a loud strong voice and can be heard at a great distance, especially at dawn and dusk. Do not feed the native wildlife.

 – SNAKES –

Although rare, we do sometimes have snakes around the property. They help to reduce rodents. The non-venomous Carpet Python is seen in rainforests areas and is a large (2-3m), heavy bodied snake with a highly variable, mottled & blotched pattern and colour. As the weather begins to warm up, snakes become more active, they begin moving around a lot more looking for food, and looking for mates.

Free Tour Booking Service.

Port Douglas has many wonderful tour options available and is the perfect base to explore our region.

Our staff have lots of local knowledge and are always willing to answer any questions in order to assist in making the right choice for your fun packed days ahead!

Have a look at the full range of tour brochures on our display racks, they are a great place to start. Here are a few of the region’s great offerings:

Diving and snorkelling – several great operators offer these activities. Some cater for larger groups, others for smaller groups. Operators go to different parts of the reef, some have a pontoon they stop at and you can see the marine life through the glass bottom or go on a semi-submersible, and some are boat based. Half and full day options to the Great Barrier Reef are available.

Full and half day tours of the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation are available with options including Mossman Gorge, short rainforest and beach walks, cultural experiences, remote swimming holes, and exotic food options like Daintree ice cream. 

Lady Douglas River Cruise is a relaxing and comfortable tour option, with departures 4 times a day.

Wildlife Habitat has local wildlife and interactive experiences with daily tours and presentations, and you can even have Breakfast with the Birds, Swim with the Salties or have a Nighttime Tour. Let Hartleys Crocodile Adventures take you on a journey of discovery into the wild world of Australian native and exotic animals.

River rafting, tubing and drift snorkelling, zipline canopy tour and extended walks are available for those looking for an extra thrill.

The Atherton Tablelands is a diverse place and a pleasant drive. There are many activities in and around this area – local produce, walking activities and tours, waterfalls, geological wonders to name a few. Skyrail rainforest cableway, Kuranda and the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway will unlock the secrets of the world’s tropical rainforest.

There are options to go out for a day’s fishing on the reef, local rivers and estuaries.

Sunset cruises – sail out towards Low Isles and have a glass of bubbly and nibbles.

If you prefer to see things from the air, consider a breathtaking scenic helicopter flight or organise a private charter and escape to the Cays or do the world heritage highlights.

Or if you prefer being pampered consider having a spa day or just a massage at one of the many great businesses in the local area.

For all tour bookings and further information please see our Reception staff.

Our tour booking service is free of charge. Yes, we do receive a small commission from the tour operators but this does not add to the price you pay. You will pay the same price by booking direct with the tour company or with any of the tour booking offices located in Port Douglas. By using our tour desk service you have the added convenience of charging it to your room account and making one payment on check out, thus not having to take large amounts of cash or credit cards with you on the day.  We do not charge a credit card surcharge

At peak times of the year the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) applies an Environmental Management Charge (EMC/Reef Tax) to all tour visitors to the Great Barrier Reef. This is in addition to advertised reef operator fees. The EMC is used by the GBRMPA for research and protection of the Great Barrier Reef.

– DID YOU KNOW? –

Port Douglas does not have a local independent “Tourist Information Centre”. The local tour shops (including the “Tourist Information Centre”) are in fact not independent (government run/volunteer) centres. They are all owned by local tour and/or reef boat companies and therefore not necessarily providing independent advice.

– PORT DOUGLAS EXPEREINCE GUIDE –

See the official Visit Port Douglas experience guide for more exciting things to do around the region. Don’t forget we can book these for you. https://www.visitportdouglasdaintree.com/destination-guides 

Have a great time exploring our beautiful region!

– RECEPTION HOURS –

9:00am – 4:00pm Monday to Friday, and

9:00am – 12:00pm on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays.

For after-hours assistance please call 9 from the guest phone located at Reception.

Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

– GARRICK HOUSE CONTACT DETAILS –

Telephone number:
07 4099 5322 (from outside Australia +61 7 4099 5322)

Email address:
stay@garrickhouseportdouglas.com.au

Website address:
www.garrickhouseportdouglas.com.au

Physical & postal address:
11-13 Garrick Street, Port Douglas QLD 4877

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