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Hours
Sun
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Mon
7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tue
7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wed
7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thu
7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Fri
7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sat
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
Cafe, Australian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
features
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
Whileaway is the Port Douglas destination for lovers of great books and delicious coffee.
CUISINES
Cafe, Australian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
FEATURES
Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards
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4.5
737 reviews
Excellent
472
Very good
199
Average
40
Poor
13
Terrible
13
Michelle S
Port Douglas177 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
I have walked afround this place before when I was a tourist to Port Douglas but this was the first time I have actually sat down for a drink.
I visited here with local friends as our usual meeting place was closed for holidays.
I have to say that I was very impressed with Whileaway.
It served inexpensive drinks and food plus the air con and ceiling fans were a welcoming necessity on a super hot day outside.
I had a iced mint tea which isnt my usual prefered cuppa, which was nice but not really for me (I generally go for English Tea or a Hot Chocolate when I visit a cafe).
This really is a delightful cafe/bookshop/tasteful souvenier shop and well worth a visit when in Port Douglas.
For those of you who wish to sit outside then you can under the ceiling fans.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PhilMalone
Footscray1471 contributions
Jan 2022 • none
On our 1 week holiday to Port Douglas we made a visit to Whileaway every day for a chai latte and muffin. The Chai Latte is made from real chai leaves (not the powder stuff) and was worth coming back to drink. This is a quaint establishment combined with a bookshop with plenty of outside seating. as well. It's in the middle of Port Douglas's shopping strip, so good location.
Written 12 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mel66andPhil
92 contributions
June 2021 • none
We had a 6 hr wait between checking out and being picked up to go back to the airport, and were in need of brunch. We were told by a local artist that this place didn't mind people hanging out for a few hours. So we stopped in and found a comfortable table under a fan and had brunch while looking at the bookshelves from our seats.
We then discovered there were a few tables out the back that had access to powerpoints so we could work on our laptops. The staff were incredibly accommodating and friendly. The egg sandwiches were excellent as was the iced chocolate. There was also a very good range of books from fiction to travel to alternative medicine as well as children's books etc. I bought a puzzle book to keep me occupied on the plane journey home. There were no complaints from the staff that we were there till after closing time of the cafe, and not long before closing time for the bookshop. We felt welcome even though we were there for around 5 hours.
Written 13 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chocboxgirl
52 contributions
Apr 2021 • none
We stopped by for a morning coffee - nice relaxed atmosphere, comfy chairs. Coffee for husband and a hot chocolate for me. Sorry to say we were disappointed on both counts. The coffee was lukewarm (extra hot was requested) and my hot chocolate at $6 very disappointed to find it very weak and watery. Tasted like someone had waved a bit of chocolate powder over hot water. I did not get past the first few sips. Just not worth drinking.
Written 23 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Henry D
1 contribution
July 2021 • family
My daughters went in to browse the books in the bookshop. One of them who loves making books picked up a book to look at it’s binding. The lady in the shop took it from her hand and said “ let’s put this back now”. My daughter felt she was being accused of something. And left in tears.
Written 15 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie Lemmon
25 contributions
July 2020 • couples
Every time we are in Port Douglas we made sure we stopped in here. Today we made a special trip to revisit this treasure only to discover the cafe had lost its gloss. The food was over priced and the serving size minimal.
The book shop is as wonderful as ever but the cafe was a disappointment.
Written 5 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharlene D
Innisfil427 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
Located on the Port Douglas main street, it's a great spot to gt a cup of tea and a new book. we were there at noon and they had already run out of sandwiches but we had a very tasty muffin instead.
There are plenty of tables outside but limited seating inside. NO public washrooms in the cafe.
Written 1 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna W
Sunshine Coast262 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
Haven't eaten here but always love the books and other goods for sale in this store. The attendant today was very helpful and we were delighted with our purchases. Prices seem to be competitive too. Love to come here every time we are in Port Douglas.
Written 4 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James & Amanda
Brisbane173 contributions
Nov 2020 • none
Dropped in for coffee and a cold drink. Very central location in Macrossan Street. This is the sort of bookshop that you could lose quite a few hours in. The coffee was excellent and ambiance terrific for reading. Great selection of books to buy and really friendly staff. I will be returning.
Written 3 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philc
15 contributions
Jan 2022 • none
A great little shop with extensive books for all ages. Purchased a few & enjoyed the coffee & snacks on offer. Most recommended when strolling down McCrossan St. Great Air Conditioning as well for the humid days. Friendy staff
Written 4 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
624alisonb
Southport96 contributions
July 2024 • couples
If you are a lover of coffee, cake and books this is your heaven.
Order coffee and cake at the counter, pick up a number and find a seat. There are air conditioned areas inside the book store all the way to the back or outside at the front
Be kind as there are some very busy periods.
Written 14 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bartonbears
Coffs Harbour2768 contributions
Sept 2024 • friends
If you enjoy books and love great morning teas or coffees you'll adore this place! There is a vast range of sweet treats and excellent coffee. The range of books is also extensive. Highly recommended.
Written 17 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
randjtaylor330
Sydney201 contributions
Sept 2023 • couples
Morning coffee and lemon tart most mornings set the tone for the day.
Don't get me started about the books and the variety to choose from and i think all customers looked and some purchased books
Written 19 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Solofam
Melbourne6 contributions
June 2023 • solo
Good coffee and good books in abundance - brings joys to this Melbourne gal’s heart! Add in delightful service and Whileaway Books is my pick of Port Douglas morning coffee stops, and all-round book (&card, games, puzzles etc) needs.
Written 29 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jimontour99
Auckland Central18 contributions
Oct 2022 • family
Delicious strong coffee, friendly staff and a bookshop full of books to challenge, inspire and engage the mind. A great find in Port Douglas.
Written 9 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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