Port Douglas, a small town of just 3,500 located on the Coral Sea in the tropical Far North Queensland, is not nearly as well known as Cairns, but in our opinion, it’s a great destination to base yourself during your visit to the region.
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Port Douglas is known as a beach resort destination, but the town is also conveniently located in close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest reef system, and Daintree National Park, a World Heritage Site and an area of exceptional biodiversity.
Plus there are so many other things to do in Port Douglas that fly a bit under the radar. From beautiful nature to bustling Port Douglas markets and active adventures, this town offers lots of activities you could easily spend a week here without getting bored.
Thinking of making a stop in Port Douglas on your visit to Australia? Here is our round-up of the best things to do in Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia.
Best Time to Visit Port Douglas
Any time of year, Port Douglas is a fantastic destination. Temperature and humidity are fairly constant throughout the year and only fluctuate slightly with the seasons.
The weather is usually hot and sticky, but the temperatures are slightly lower during the rainy season between May and August.
If you want to avoid the rains, visit between April and September.
Traveling Soon? Here is a list of our favourite travel providers and accessories to help get you ready for your upcoming trip!
Best Things To Do In Port Douglas
Visit The Four Mile Beach
As the most beautiful beach in town, Four Mile Beach is one of the best things to do in Port Douglas. It’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the hot Australian sun.
The beach itself is peaceful, with perfect surf and stretch of white sand fringed by the palm trees and crystal clear waters.
Unfortunately, while Four Mile Beach may look incredibly appealing, it’s not a great spot for a swim as the waters in this part of Australia are teeming with stingers and swimming in them without a stinger suit is not recommended!
There are walking paths up above and behind the beach where people love to take long strolls or go for jogs. These paths can sometimes get busy, but if you visit during the early morning, it’s the perfect place to watch the sun come up over the Coral Sea.
Snorkel Or Scuba Dive At The Great Barrier Reef
The incredible Great Barrier Reef is one of the main attractions of the Tropical North Queensland region and a reason many travelers visit the area. Made up of 3,000 smaller reef systems, it is the largest on the planet.
Although it stretches over 3,000 km, some of the most exciting areas are near Port Douglas.
There are several ways to explore this stunning natural phenomenon.
The most popular way to experience the Great Barrier Reef is to snorkel or scuba dive. Several companies in Tropical North Queensland offer snorkelling and scuba diving trips to the Great Barrier Reef.
Here are the most popular ones:
Silversonic Great Barrier Reef Dive & Snorkel Adventure: Sail aboard the stunning Silversonic catamaran and cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. What makes this trip different from the rest is that it allows you to visit not just one, but three separate dive sites and enjoy a total of 5 hours at the reef.
Plus, This is one of the few vessels in the region that permits you to swim with the unique dwarf Minke whales in season!
Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Full-Day Cruise: Sail aboard the award-winning Quicksilver catamaran and cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Upon arrival at the Quicksilver Pontoon, you can snorkel the ribbon reefs of Agincourt Reef and enjoy a wide range of activities for swimmers and non-swimmers alike.
Additional extras include introductory dives, marine biologist guided dives and scenic helicopter tours.
Quicksilver is proudly recognized in Ecotourism Australia’s Hall of Fame as one of the nation’s first ecotourism innovators, so you can be sure that your trip
Low Isles Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour: This is another great full-day tour operated by Quicksilver. This sailing tour is perfect for those looking for a more relaxing day visiting the Great Barrier Reef.
This sailing tour allows you to enjoy the reef from the comfort of a 30-metre catamaran and includes a snorkelling opportunity at Low Isles or an option to view many brightly coloured tropical fish from a glass-bottomed boat.
Don’t have all day to spend at the reef? Consider hopping aboard these alternative tours!
Morning or Afternoon Low Isles Snorkel Tour: Calypso Reef Cruises operates this small-group tour to the Inner Great Barrier Reef allows you to enjoy beautiful views as you sail to the secluded island of Low Isles.
Snorkel in the calm lagoon of the Low Isles, explore the underwater world without the crowds and be back in Port Douglas in just 4 hours, leaving you with plenty of time to explore the town or combine this Calypso Reef Cruises with another half-day tour.
Sunset Sailing Cruise on Luxury Catamaran: Join this 1.5-hour long Sunset Sailing Cruise for a chance to admire fantastic views of the coral sea and Daintree Rainforest. Spend the evening on board a luxury catamaran with excellent service, complimentary beverages and canapes.
This adult-only tour doesn’t include any snorkelling or diving opportunities but offers a great way to spend an evening in Port Douglas.
Visit The Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest is one of Australia’s most stunning nature reserves. As the largest continuous rainforest on the continent and the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, the 1,200 square km (463 sq miles) park has so much to offer, from incredible wildlife encounters to spectacular hiking to wonderful cultural experiences.
In this World Heritage Listed area, you can find the highest number of rare and endangered plant and animal species in the world, and it’s just about an hour’s drive north of Port Douglas!
There are a few places to visit in the Daintree National Park, including Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and the Daintree River.
If you are short on time, consider taking an organized Daintree, Mossman Gorge & Cape Trib Group Tour that will allow you to experience the best of Daintree National Park in just 1 day!
If you are looking for a more exclusive experience, consider booking a Private Daintree Exclusive Tour with FNQ Nature Tours, a fantastic tour operator that we travelled with during our time in the region!
Keen to explore on your own? Here are the spots worth a visit!
Daintree River
While in the Daintree Rainforest, make sure not to miss out on a Daintree River Crocodile Cruise; the region is well known for having large populations of intimidating reptiles. You’ll ride down the river with your local guide, who will help point out the crocodiles lurking along the riverbanks, stalking their prey.
This is about as close as you can ever get to crocodiles in the wild and is a truly hair-raising experience.
READ NEXT: Guide To Visiting Daintree National Park
Mossman Gorge
Mossman Gorge is a beautiful stretch of river within the Daintree Rainforest that is well known for its clean water and peaceful swimming spots. The area is home to the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people, who organize historic walks in the area.
Plan to spend half a day exploring Mossman Gorge a short 20-minute drive from Port Douglas, giving yourself lots of time for the smoking ceremony and exploring the culture and traditions of the Kuku Yalanji Traditional Custodians Mossman Gorge Tour & Dreamtime Walk or to enjoy a few of the self-guided walks in the area.
You can drive to the gorge or take a public shuttle that departs every 15 minutes, between 8.00am and 5.30pm daily.
Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation, a small town located about 140km north of Cairns, is another great spot to visit for a different perspective on the Daintree National Park. It is the only spot on Earth where two UNESCO World Heritage sites unite.
The drive to Cape Tribulation, along Cape Tribulation Road, is incredibly picturesque passing through the dense Daintree National Park.
The highlight of this area is Cape Tribulation Beach, a unique spot where the two world heritage-listed rainforest meets the reef.
As with most beaches in Northern Queensland, Cape Tribulation Beach does not offer good swimming conditions due to stingrays in the water, but there are a couple of trails along the beach where you can enjoy the views and appreciate this unique area.
It’s easy to visit Cape Tribulation on your own, but if you are looking for a unique guided experience, consider organizing this Private Daintree Afternoon Tour with FNQ Nature Tours. The highlight of this tour is definitely the guided night walk that will allow you to experience the Daintree National Park in a very unique way.
Explore The Nearby Atherton Tablelands
Located about 1.5 hours outside of Port Douglas, the Atherton Tablelands offer some unique experiences in the area. The region is known for some great wildlife spotting, some beautiful National Parks, lakes, waterfalls, and some fantastic local produce.
For the best experience in the Atherton Tablelands, join James, from FNQ Nature Tours, on an Exclusive Tablelands Tour that can combine the best the region has to offer and be customized to suit your interests.
Consider yourself a foodie?
Consider joining this awesome Full-Day Food & Wine Tasting Tour that will take you to the heart of Atherton Tablelands to eat and drink all day, enjoying the food culture of Tropical North Queensland, you will get to enjoy exotic tropical fruits, homemade chocolates, cheese and spirits, beer, liqueurs and more!
Take A River Drift Snorkelling Adventure
If you want to explore life under the surface in the best way possible, consider joining this ever-changing River Drift Snorkelling eco-adventure! Drift with the current as you discover underwater life. You can swim, snorkel, float, and explore the rainforest.
Visit Kuranda Rainforest
Kuranda Region offers great experiences ranging from stunning waterfalls and gorgeous hiking trails to lush jungles. Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offer fantastic views of the area.
The region makes for a popular day trip from Port Douglas, including a mix of culture and nature. Kuranda’s artistic spirit shines through numerous galleries, like the Kuranda Arts Co-Operative, which celebrates local Aboriginal talent.
Kuranda Highlights Group Tour
You can explore Kuranda on your own or reduce the hassle of planning your visit by joining a Kuranda Highlights Group Tour, which includes a ride in the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a visit to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, a journey through the rainforest by 6WD amphibious vehicle, dance demonstration by Aboriginal performers and more!
Just across from the Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets, you’ll discover another gem, the Kuranda Heritage Markets.Kuranda Markets offers fantastic local crafts, jewellery, fashion, and Aboriginal art.
Here you’ll also find locally grown produce and handcrafted homeware.
Take A Walk Along The Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail
This coastal hike is a must-see! Flagstaff Hill offers a fantastic view of Port Douglas. You can watch the sunrise along Four Mile Beach and soak up the morning sun from the Flagstaff Hill Lookout platform, with a stunning view over the Coral Sea.
A historic lighthouse and scenic walking trails make Flagstaff Hill a nice spot to soak in Tropical North Queensland’s natural beauty.
Shop At The Port Douglas Markets
The Port Douglas markets are a popular attraction for locals and visitors, particularly those with an eco-conscious mindset. The markets take place on Wednesdays at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina and on Sundays in Rex Smeal Park (at the end of Macrossan Street) and feature local producers and artisans.
Expect to see colourful stalls filled with locally produced food, such as fruit and vegetables, as well as handcrafted goods of every description. Most of the items sold at the markets are local, and almost everything is handmade.
Sunday Markets take place from 8am to 2pm and Wednesday Markets are on from 11am to 5pm.
Hike In The Nearby National Parks
The two national parks right nearby are Mount Windsor National Park and Mount Lewis National Park. Hiking in these parks is one of the best things to do in Port Douglas and can be done on a day trip.
Mount Windsor National Park, characterized by undulating terrains, invites hikers to embark on a journey through its diverse landscapes. Traverse through dense jungles, catching glimpses of native wildlife amidst the flourishing flora. The park’s elevation rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views, making it an ideal day trip for those seeking both physical activity and stunning scenery.
On the other hand, Mount Lewis National Park offers a distinct experience, featuring a landscape shaped by volcanic activity. Renowned for its ancient trees and pristine rainforests, this park provides a serene setting for nature lovers. Hiking trails wind through towering trees, with the opportunity to spot unique bird species and discover the park’s geological history.
You’ll have some hilly terrain and encounter lush jungles and plenty of critters as you hike through these beautiful parks.
Take A Day Trip to Palm Cove
Palm Cove up in Far North Queensland, is a cozy beach village packed with charm. It’s a place that’s got a little something for everyone.
Palm Cove is the perfect spot if you want to relax and unwind or explore the beautiful nature nearby, as it’s right by the ocean and towering rainforests.
Here, you can enjoy beautiful sandy beaches, tasty food, and a super relaxed atmosphere.
Best Port Douglas Restaurants
Hi Tide
Hi Tide is one of the best Port Douglas restaurants with a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’ll find all kinds of fresh seafood as well as locally farmed meat options. There’s a restaurant, café, and bar to choose from.
Yachty
For one of the best dinner views in town, head to Yachty, another great restaurant in Port Douglas located at the Port Douglas Yacht Club. You’ll enjoy some craft drinks and excellent seafood with a view of the stunning harbour here.
Cafe Fresq
This local favourite in Port Douglas serves fantastic breakfasts, lunches, and coffee. Everything on your plate comes from within 25 miles, so the food is incredibly fresh food made with local ingredients, and you can taste the difference. It’s right in the heart of town and it’s a family-friendly spot.
Hemingway’s Brewery
In Hemingway’s Brewery, you can enjoy a wide variety of craft beer along with fresh dishes, harbour views, and live music on select nights.
Best Hotels in Port Douglas
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
This amazing eco-hotel is the best accommodation option in Port Douglas. Set in a beautiful tropical setting in the jungles of Queensland, Thala offers a quiet escape and an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. As a leader in green practices and ecotourism, the lodge is the perfect place for eco-conscious travellers to rest their heads at night. Thala Beach Nature Reserve was voted as one of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World.
Daintree Ecolodge
This sustainable hotel is set right in the middle of the Daintree Rainforest, just outside of Port Douglas. With beautiful designs that fit right into the natural surroundings, you’ll have the lush green nature park surrounding you on all sides. Best of all, this lodge aligns its philosophy with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and is a Climate Action Business member.
Coral Beach Lodge
Coral Beach Lodge is one of the best Port Douglas accommodation options for travellers on a budget. This award-winning hostel has all the comforts of a hotel, such as a pool, private rooms, and other modern luxuries, but costs just a fraction of the price.
Luxury Apartments at Sea Temple Port Douglas Resort
Sea Temple Port Douglas Resort is a self-contained apartment is right on Four Mile Beach and has everything you need with a well-equipped kitchen with all the essentials, plus a washer and dryer. And when you’re not lounging by the pool, the beautiful Four Mile Beach is just a short stroll away, you might spot kite surfers heading out to sea!
How Much Time Do You Need In Port Douglas?
We would recommend spending between three and five days in Port Douglas. There are lots of things to do in Port Douglas’s surrounding areas, but the town itself is quite small, and most days you’ll find yourself leaving Port Douglas to explore the region and the activities nearby.
So give yourself at least one day in town and two or three to explore the national parks and the waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
Port Douglas is an exciting destination with lots of things to do. In Port Douglas, you can find exciting activities for nature lovers, foodies, and sun worshipers alike.
guys you either didnt visit FNQ or you didnt do your research before arriving. That article reminded me of a 22 year old backpackers thoughts on England after spending two days reading pamphlets in a London hostel.
Research, and fact checking
Hi Julio, we did visit FNQ and had the opportunity to tour the area with a local operator called FNQ Nature Tours. They showed us some great spots in FNQ, which we highlighted in this article. If you have other suggestions, please do share!