Port Douglas will charm you with its great coffee, first class accommodation and divine fresh food. It is a place for complete relaxation or exciting expeditions. You can choose your own adventure and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef or head north to the Daintree Rainforest for the day.
From the Cairns airport, Port Douglas is approximately an hour’s drive north on the Captain Cook Highway. Shuttle buses are available from the airport too.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the incredible wonders of the world. It is the largest living thing on earth and the marine life has to be seen to be believed. The bright colours of the coral will astound you, and being face to face with fish, turtles, dolphins and even sharks, is incredible. Don’t miss this spectacular underwater world.
From Port Douglas take a trip with Quicksilver cruises. You will journey out to the pontoon on the reef where all suits, snorkels and masks will be provided. The tour includes a yummy buffet lunch and afternoon tea on the way home.
For those who want a more intimate experience, Calypso Reef Cruises offers half day snorkeling and scuba diving tours and takes only smaller groups.
The Port Douglas Tourist Information service can offer more advice on trips to suit your particular needs. https://www.infoportdouglas.com.au
There’s nothing quite as intriguing as seeing a crocodile in its natural environment while in Far North Queensland. The Lady Douglas leaves from the Marina in Port Douglas and is an idyllic river cruise through the mangroves. A short trip out of town takes you to the Daintree River where you can join a cruise with Crocodile Express Daintree Cruises. For a more controlled experience, head down to Hartley’s, a crocodile farm which offers a river cruise and learn about the training, management and care of these exquisite reptiles.
Four Mile Beach is a four kilometre stretch of sand for beach walks. The Flagstaff Hill lookout is worth the climb if you want to give your body a good workout.
For serious hikers, the Bump Track is a good challenge. It’s six kilometres through eucalypt and rainforests. It’s steep in places but has magnificent coastal views.
A twenty minute drive out of Port Douglas will take you to the Mossman Gorge Cultural centre where you can park your car and set out on foot on to explore the Daintree on one of the short self guided walks.
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Port Douglas has something for everyone. From luxury villas to budget camping options, this town has what you need.
Niramaya Villas and Spa has luxury self contained accommodation. Guests can relax and soak up the atmosphere in this charming retreat-like resort. Refined dining options are available on site as well as a day spa.
Thala Beach Nature reserve has unique, luxury accommodation on a private headland between Cairns and Port Douglas. Guests have access to 58 hectares of forest on the property. The rooms are charming, private and have breathtaking coastal views.
The Pullman Sea Temple is the ultimate in holiday luxury. The rooms are spacious, opulent and some have private pools. With a concierge, an incredible bar and restaurant and a day spa, this is the perfect place to rewind and recharge.
Port Douglas has a range of hotel and resort accommodation to suit every traveller.
Rydges Reef Resort is perfect whether you are in a small group, a family or you are planning a big event. There are three pools (one with a cave!) for guests to enjoy, one with BBQ facilities. Rooms are self contained with cooking facilities but a restaurant operates on the premises too.
The Meridian Port Douglas has a range of tropically styled rooms, specifically for couples. Each space has been carefully considered so that couples can relax and connect in a lush garden setting.
For backpackers, Dougies Backpacker Resort is a great place with a fun vibe. There’s a job board for those looking for work. Only a short walk from town and the beach, it has a swimming pool, BBQ and cooking facilities and is a perfect base for FNQ adventures.
Port Douglas YHA offers simple, clean rooms with linen provided. Guests have full access to the hostel’s swimming pool and BBQ area.
The Port Douglas Motel is a fun, colourful and affordable motel in the heart of Port Douglas. Staff are friendly and happy and give guests lots of tips about where to go and have fun in town.
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The Little Larder in the main street of Port Douglas is touted far and wide as the best cafe in town. The coffee is superb, the food fresh and healthy and the staff so friendly and welcoming you wonder if you’ve met them before.
Elsewhere, the Whileaway bookshop has coffee and books – the perfect accompaniments to a tropical holiday. Sit at a table on the street and watch the world go by for a while.
The Court House Hotel is an icon of Port Douglas. The old Queenslander style building house a great pub which serves sophisticated food. It has a decent wine list and is a relaxing place for a meal.
For elegant dining, try the secluded Nautilus Restaurant. Set in a lush tropical garden this restaurant offers modern Australian food, in an outdoor setting. Enjoy a romantic pre-dinner cocktail and soak in the atmosphere.
In Port Douglas there’s just so much to see and do. There are more tours than you’ll have time for. Whether you are into scuba diving, horse riding, snorkeling and sleeping out on the Great Barrier Reef or hiking, this town has it all. If you’re interested in the history of the far north of Australia, cultural tours are operated by indigenous members of the community.
Billy Tea Safaris are a great way to see more than just one town in Far North Queensland. Join them and discover the outback.
Try Toni’s Tropical tours for full or half day tours up to the Daintree National Park and Rainforest.
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