Which Port Douglas accommodation is more your style?
List
By Danielle Reckless
Whether you’re looking to play amongst World-Heritage wonders or retreat to a beachside paradise, Port Douglas is the golden child of our tropical north.
Plan your holiday with this Port Douglas accommodation guide to discover the best places to rest your head – or kick back by the pool – from family-friendly holiday parks to luxury resorts and everything in between.
For a taste of luxury: Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas
Looking for grand? Check into the luxurious Sheraton and you'll be mesmerised by this 294-room hotel set on the shores of Four Mile Beach, surrounded by 147 hectares of green space and tropical gardens.
Then turn your head (and swimsuit) to the hotel’s 14 saltwater pools - accounting for two of those hectares - with private poolside cabanas you can rent to make a day of it. In another glance, you'll spot the tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course, and an array of on-site dining and bar options.
Want to head into the main part of town? It's just a five-minute shuttle ride away.
Step onto a private beach: Thala Beach Nature Reserve
If you've dreamed of staying in a treehouse, it's time to fulfill those childhood fantasties. An eco-retreat built on high stilts amongst the treetops, Thala Beach Nature Reserve's bungalows are nestled into 58-hectares of beachfront native forest and private beach, almost fully enclosed by national park.
Overlooking the Coral Sea, Thala feels like an island retreat without having to leave the mainland. While you're here, take a guided nature walk, taste from the bountiful plantation of coconuts, dine at Osprey's and take advantage of epic stargazing opportunities. This is a digital detox at its best.
Get right in the action: Mantra on the Inlet
Stay within walking distance of the main attractions at Mantra On The Inlet. Colonial-style architecture injects this boutique 25-room resort with charm, and luxuries include a heated outdoor pool and spa.
Hungry? Take a seat at one of the many restaurants lining Macrossan Street, or gather friends around the on-site barbecue.
Choose a standard hotel room or splash out on a spa suite with a whirlpool bath and timber balcony.
Turn up your resort experience: Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort
Photo by @thestatusclo
Located on the secluded beachfront of Four Mile Beach, Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa blends seamlessly with its tropical surrounds.
The resort centres around an expansive lagoon pool and island bar which at 3000 sqm is big enough to float around for days without even bumping into another person.
Pullman Port Douglas has pretty much has everything covered so you can switch off and zen out without needing to worry about anything, except which cocktail to have next or what spa treatment to indulge in.
As for the rooms, there's something for every group size and budget. Stay in a studio room, elegant two and three bedroom apartments, villas with exclusive plunge pools, luxury swim-out apartments - or a penthouse complete with a rooftop spa and BBQ area.
Get away from it all: Cow Bay Homestay Bed and Breakfast
Photo by @here.now_where.next
A homey retreat just a 15-minute walk from the beauty of Cow Bay, this bed and breakfast serves up a remote slice of the Daintree region with all the creature comforts.
With just two guest rooms, Cow Bay B&B is all about privacy and seclusion, letting you shut out life’s bustle and feel at one with nature. From the deck, look out over Daintree National Park and Alexandra Range while listening to birds chirp away. The eco-oasis is off the grid so uses battery and solar power.
Enjoy laid-back simplicity: Safari Lodge
Few get to experience the beauty of the Daintree at night; but sleep in the jungle at rustic Safari Lodge and you'll be one of them.
Lodge huts cater to twin, triple or quad share - or you can pitch a tent amongst the trees, with a camp kitchen available for cooking as well as onsite Turtle Rock Cafe.
Saunter through the rainforest to reach quiet Myall Beach or simply cool your toes in the pool: the best of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation is here at your fingertips.
Indulge in a spa getaway: Niramaya
Photo by @kristin_darlin
Indulge in a weekend of Port Douglas bliss at Niramaya Villas & Spa.
Here, luxury self-contained Balinese-inspired accommodation is nestled into 15 hectares of lush tropical surrounds. You’ll feel a world away yet be only a short stroll from iconic Four Mile Beach.
Villas range from one-bedroom couples retreats to sprawling five-bedroom, four-bathroom holiday homes with their own private pool and tropical courtyard.
You might find it hard to leave when hot stone massages from the day spa, a massive infinity pool and fresh bites from the restaurant are at your whim – but book the romance package and you can add in champagne arrival and a sunset sail too.
Good to know: there’s a wheelchair accessible villa as well as pre-bookable pool hoist available to travellers with access needs.
Bring the family: Big4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park
Photo by @big4_glengarryholidaypark
A playground for families from start to finish, Port Douglas will be the holiday your kids talk about for years – especially if you stay at Big4 Glengarry Holiday Park.
Just 7km from town, this holiday park offers cabins, villas, caravan sites and camping to suit every family’s travel style. But this is so much more than a spot to sleep: fun-seekers can spend hours exploring the lagoon-style swimming pool, waterpark, playground and pedal karts. There’s also easy access to family-friendly tours around the region.
Escape where it's adults-only
Photo by @shantararesort
Looking for a more serene Port Douglas holiday? Pick from the region’s best adults-only accommodation so you can be sure the pool is a splash-free zone.
Shantara Resort is an adults-only oasis in the heart of Port Douglas, offering accommodation from studios to two-bedroom apartments with a day spa, private courtyards and jacuzzis. Port Douglas Apartments boasts one-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens on the quiet end of Macrossan Street, while Peninsula Boutique Hotel is a no-kids getaway right on the beachfront, with daily breakfast served poolside.
Choose LGBTQIA-friendly accommodation: Pink Flamingo or Turtle Cove
Photo by Turtle Cove Beach Resort
Unwind at Pink Flamingo, where your holiday comes with vibrant style and flamboyant touches – and plenty of flamingos. This is the place to seek peace and privacy, but with the opportunity to socialise that the pool or bar while within easy reach close to the action for sightseeing and dining too. It’s also pet-friendly accommodation.
A little further south, between Port Douglas and Palm Cove, is Australia’s premier LGBTIQ+ beach resort, Turtle Cove. Socially inclusive in a beachfront location that feels incredibly exclusive – where the Great Barrier Reef meets the rainforest – Turtle Cove offers a full bar and restaurant, health spa, reef and sailing tours and more.
Gather your friends for a group getaway: Coconut Grove Apartments
Photo by @coconutgrovepd
Whether you’re toasting a special occasion or planning a long overdue catch up, Port Douglas is the destination for adventure seekers. And if you can’t rent out your own island, rent a rooftop terrace at Coconut Grove Apartments: you’ll never want to leave. This is luxury on another level, with panoramic views from the rooftop terrace, your own private pool and spa, a kitchen decked out in Miele appliances and every need taken care of.
For other great group holiday Port Douglas accommodation, check into Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel or go for self-contained apartments at Reflections – then jump into these activities.
Accessible travel accommodation in Port Douglas: Macrossan House
Those with access needs will find plenty of Port Douglas hotels and resorts to suit, however Macrossan House is a firm favourite.
Macrossan House offers a specially designed apartment for accessible travellers with every amenity you’d need (including ramp access check-in) right in the heart of Port Douglas. It’s just a 10 minute meander to the marina and staff know the best accessible tours available, including day trips to the Great Barrier Reef.
Assistance dogs are welcome, and best yet - a beach accessible wheelchair for Macrossan House guests is available for use on Four Mile Beach.
Here are a few things to do while you’re here.
