Why you need to plan a Port Douglas holiday

List

By Danielle Reckless

Queensland isn't short on beautiful places to explore, but there's one tropical village whose serious talents make it one of Australia's must-visit destinations. Surrounded by world heritage wonder, endless ways to unwind or seek adventure, and more than its fair share of top-notch dining, Port Douglas has long been the tropical escape for honeymooners, romantics, family getaways and eco-escapes. 

And if you need more convincing to venture to this little hamlet an hour north of Cairns, here's 11 reasons why you should plan a Port Douglas holiday.

1. It's the first eco-accredited destination in the world

Among her many achievements, Port Douglas became the world's first destination to be awarded Ecotourism Australia's ECO Destination Certification. Leading the way in sustainable tourism, up here tour operators, community organisations and the council work together to protect the environment and culture while offering enriching experiences to travellers - from wildlife parks to exploring the reef.

2. World-class resorts truly put you in holiday mode

Photo by @kristin_darlin

Whether you spend your day adventuring or curling up by the pool with a book in hand, Port Douglas has an irresistable line-up of resorts to rest your head and soul. Like Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort with its two hectares of saltwater lagoons, swim-up bar, 18-hole golf course and exquisite dining. Or Balinese-inspired Niramaya Villas & Spa or Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort, hidden back from the beauty of Four Mile Beach. 

Nomatter your style, there's Port Douglas accommodation to suit it. 

3. The picnic spots are next level

Ever been dropped to your picnic spot by a helicopter? Your beach picnic of a lifetime begins with a helicopter ride to a sand cay in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. Fly over a watercolour painting of turquoise and blue hues before touching down on soft, powdery sand and calling hundreds of tropical fish neighbours for the day.

4. The coconut palms offer more than just a pretty picture

One of the northernmost destinations to have so many palm trees and coconut plantations for long stretches, it’s as picturesque as it is a never-ending supply of beach life essentials (shade, and something to sip from).

To get a look at these beauties, head along Four Mile Beach and lunch at eco-resort Thala Beach Nature Reserve where the trees are in reach and the coconuts ripe for cracking open. If you’re keen to learn the health benefits of coconuts and why it’s called the “Tree of Life”, stay the night in eco-acommodation and take the two-hour Coconut Odyssey tour.

5. You're never far from a good meal - or cocktail

Pack your appetite because Port Douglas' thriving food scene deserves to be explored. From local breweries and cocktail bars to fine dining amongst the rainforest, you won't go hungry. 

6. You can explore the world's oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest

Port Douglas is surrounded by some awe-inspiring neighbours: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, both ancient marvels of nature and well-deserving of World Heritage status. 

The former has plenty of spots to cool off in and indulge in some forest bathing; Mossman Gorge is a prime spot for a quiet dip with its smooth granite boulders and bright Ulysses butterflies to occupy your attention, and the insightful Dreamtime cultural tour is a must do. Whether you explore the Daintree River by boat or head to the beaches of Cape Trib, this area will leave you awstruck.

7. The Great Barrier Reef is at your fingertips

In Port Douglas you can virtually step outside your front door to dip your toe straight into the Reef. There's so many ways to see it in a day (or less) - from catamaran sailing adventures to dive and snorkel trips.

8. The sunsets are like nowhere else

Choose a spot along the beach, pack a picnic and a nice bottle and get ready to drink in one of the most colourful sunsets you’ve ever seen. Hues of red, orange, blue and pink dance across the sky and evolve as the sun goes down, as if you’re watching an artist rework their painting. It’s truly a spectacular (and free) soul-nourishing thing you can do for yourself and the ones you’re with. You could even up the ante and take in sunset onboard a yacht.

9. It's a shoppers paradise

Whether your tastes run locally-designed swimwear or local fruits and vegetables, Port Douglas has you covered. Boutiques line the village streets, while the makets are held every Sunday from 8am - 2pm at Anzac Park. 

10. It's the only place in the world where you can swim with dwarf minke whales

Dive beneath the surface and you'll discover a thriving marine world. But there's no encounter quite as magical as swimming with a dwarf minke whale - and the outer Great Barrier Reef is the only known place in the world where they meet, for just a few weeks each year. Here's how to be a part of their annual party.

And if that gives you a taste for more, why not turn up the thrills and swim with saltwater crocs.

11. Indulgence is a deeper experience 

A little indulgence goes a long way, and Port Douglas is packed with day spas and ways to focus on wellbeing. But you can also take it a step further and blend self-care with a cultural experience

Learn about the local Indigenous population, the Kuku Yalanji tribe, and their incredibly special spa treatments at Daintree Eco Lodge. Traditional ancient remedies help restore your wellbeing while you get pampered in the midst of the ‘Wawu-karrba’ (the indigenous word for the rainforest, meaning ‘healing of the spirit’).

Let's stay in touch

We'll help uncover your perfect Queensland experience

Bunji
Welcome to Queensland! ☀️ How can I help you?