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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo by Nautilus Restaurant
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo by @freestyleresort
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.
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.
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’).