For something slightly different to high end accommodation, a self catering apartment can be a good option in Port Douglas. I've stayed several times at Verandahs apartments, which are clean and comfortable. Sue the manageress will make all your tour bookings for you. You have the option of having breakky in, and the convenience of washer/dryers and loads of room etc.

Sea Temple is high end accommodation (and costs accordingly). I'd strongly recommend staying in Port Douglas - small, pleasant town you can walk around in and easily access the activities.

I strongly endorse the recommendations of Wavelength - a DM I've dived with (Chris Witty) who is great has worked on this boat (which is snorkel only). (I go out with Poseidon when I am in PD, but I scuba dive).

Tony's Tropical Tours are brilliant for tours of Mossman Gorge and the Daintree. They are small and an exceptionally well run outfit. A tour with Tony's should be booked well in advance (at least a couple of weeks) in August.

For August book well in advance for dining at restaurants such as Salsa's, Harrison's and Nautilus. But one of my favourite dining activities in Port Douglas is going to the returned veterans' club, having some cold peel-and-eat-shrimp (prawns as we call them) and a cold beer on the balcony on the river at the back. A very pleasant afternoon activity.