The only Port Douglas holiday planning guide you'll ever need

Guide

By Kim Barnard

Just an hour’s drive north of Cairns is a tropical town with something to satisfy every kind of explorer. Port Douglas, perfectly positioned between the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, mixes laid-back lifestyle with exhilarating adventure and a lashing of luxury.

With so much to discover, you’ll want to arrive with a solid game plan for how you’re going to spend your time. This article covers just that, as well as the prime time to go, where to eat and drink, where to stay and local secrets.

Why go

Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas

Boasting a friendly coastal community, pristine beaches, and easy access to two World Heritage listed sites (the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest), Port Douglas is a tropical paradise that has to be seen to be believed.

Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, as a couple or a family, there’s activities to suit all kinds of groups. You can take things slow by lazing in the sun and swimming in azure waters, or get the adrenaline going with croc spotting or reef snorkelling, or even delving into Indigenous culture.

This region is also dedicated to preserving its future; so much so that it was the first place in the world to achieve Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Destination certification.

When to go to Port Douglas

Wavedancer Low Isles Cruise, Port Douglas

With the mercury rarely dropping below 19°C, there’s never a bad time to visit Port Douglas.

While Australia's winter is considered peak travel time thanks to warm days, cooler nights and minimal rainfall, there are many good reasons to visit Cairns & Great Barrier Reef in the summer. You’ll never get cold, there’s fewer tourists, and accommodation is cheaper and more available – not to mention the plethora of tropical fruits on offer, active waterfalls, and elevated visibility on the reef. And if you happen to catch a rain shower, there's endless restaurants, bars, boutiques or attractions to duck into and discover.

No matter when you go, you’ll be able to swim in temperate waters and witness the natural beauty that makes this destination so special.

What to do in Port Douglas

Dreamtime Gorge Walk, Mossman Gorge

Whether you want to get out onto the water or stay dry on land, there’s an activity for you in this Port Douglas travel guide.

Exploring the world’s largest coral reef system is a popular Port Douglas activity, as it combines a scenic boat ride and marvellous marine life. The best way to experience the Great Barrier Reef is by hopping on a tour and letting experts guide you through the breathtaking underwater sights. With master reef guides to show you the way, you'll learn more about what makes the reef so special - and Port Douglas offers everything from full day marine science experiences to half-day sailing tours to the peaceful Low Isles.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef is one of the best regions to connect with Indigenous culture, so it’s no surprise that Port Douglas has a bunch of cultural adventures on offer. Learn about traditional Aboriginal ways of life on a dreamtime walk through Mossman Gorge, or walkabout through culturally significant locations,  traversing beaches and mangroves.

Keen to have a close encounter with wildlife? Cruise down the Daintree River on a crocodile-spotting tour. Two great eco-friendly options are Solar Whisper Wildlife Cruises and Bruce Belcher's Daintree River Cruises. Want the rare opportunity to get in the water with a croc? This thrilling - and safe - experience at Wildlife Habitat will have you swim with salties, before meeting loads of other unique Aussie animals around the sanctuary. 

There’s also plenty to do in Port Douglas once the sun goes down.

Where to eat and drink in Port Douglas

Hemingway's Port Douglas. Photo by @plentyofdust

All your sightseeing is sure to build up an appetite so, luckily, Port Douglas is a village where you can get a fantastic feed, indulging in the fresh, vibrant produce the region is famous for.

Up for a bit of fine dining? Harrison’s, the poolside restaurant at the Sheraton Grand Mirage, has been delighting customers since 2007. Executive Chef, Spencer Patrick, draws on his English heritage and Michelin-starred training to create innovative dishes such as barramundi with celeriac, Cloudy Bay clams, native apples, seaweed and lemon.

If casual dining is more your speed, there are plenty of great cafes to pop into. At the enchanting Whileaway Bookshop, you can grab a bite while you browse the excellent selection; and at uber-hip The Little Larder you can sip on some of the finest coffee in Port Douglas while you dig into arguably the best brunch in town.

Head to the Port Douglas marina for equally amazing food and views. Watch glimmering white yachts bob in the tranquil water as you devour a burger at gastro brew-pub, Hemingway’s, seafood specialties at Lure, or killer cocktails at Barbados as the sun sets.

There are excellent family restaurants scattered around the region too, such as the Port Douglas Surf Club and Central Hotel, which offers kids meal specieals as well as regular family movie nights.

Where to stay in Port Douglas

Thala Nature Beach Reserve, near Port Douglas

Whether you want to be close to the action in the centre of town, enjoy all-inclusive luxury, or be surrounded by nature, there's a myriad of accommodation in Port Douglas, from hotels and resorts to self-contained units, holiday homes and villas.

A favourite for families is the centrally located Cayman Villas. The two- and three-bedroom apartments are self-contained, featuring a fully equipped gourmet kitchen and communal spaces to bond with your loved ones (think lounges, dining table and a balcony with an outdoor setting). And every member of the family will love the enormous central pool.

A little out of town is the Sheraton Grand Mirage, an iconic 5-star resort with two hectares of saltwater lagoon pools, exquisite dining options and an 18-hole golf course.

Want to bunker in front of the Coral Sea? Head to Thala Beach Nature Reserve. This family-owned nature retreat is a magical spot just outside the town centre where verdant rainforest and a private beach surround 83 deluxe villas.

Best day trips to take

Sailaway Reef and Island Tours, Port Douglas

What would a Port Douglas travel guide be without highlighting the best attractions to visit while you’re in town?

Snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef during a day tour with Sailaway, offering first-class service, small numbers of guests and a stop at Mackay Coral Cay on the Outer Reef. For a relaxed touch, join their leisurely sunset tour with drinks.

Travel south to the rainforest village of Kuranda, where you can glide over the forest canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway before wandering through the bustling markets. Pick up unique pieces from local artisans, witness Tropical North Queensland’s only life-sized dinosaur skeleton, buy local honey from the Honey House, or even wander through a serene butterfly sanctuary.

Foodies will fall in love with the Atherton Tablelands. Here, you can stock up on award-winning dairy products from Mungalli Creek Dairy, visit Australia’s oldest coffee plantation Skybury, and have a triple at Mt Uncle Distillery. Want to visit more innovative food hubs? Check out this handy itinerary - or book a tour with Brett’s Outback Tasting Adventures to get a local's perspective. 

Things you need to know

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda

The water always looks incredibly inviting, but due to the prevalence of crocodiles and stingers, always swim at patrolled beaches, between the flags. Stinger nets are usually in place between November and May.

Local’s secrets

The Port Douglas Market on Sundays is very popular with tourists, but those in the know head to Mossman Markets, held each Saturday from 7am to 1pm. Local farmers sell their well-loved produce, including tropical and exotic fruits, vegetables, and herbs and spices. There’s also cake stalls, hand-made children’s clothing, plants, and arts and crafts.

Has this Port Douglas travel guide got you inspired? Discover more things to do in the region here. Plus, if you’re short on time, read this 48-hour guide.

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