30 things to do in Port Douglas and the Daintree

1. Spend a day out on the unmatched Great Barrier Reef. There's a tour for every group size, adventure level and schedule, from full day dive excursions to gentle family-friendly snorkel trips, and even the opportunity to contribute to reef research alongside scientists. 

2. Cast a line with East Coast Angling, a fishing tour that will take you to some of the most stunning and remote sportfishing locations on the globe. Expert guides will lead you to prime fishing grounds where giant trevally, Spanish mackerel, and barramundi await - along with breathtaking scenery. 

3. See sunset from a new angle, drink in hand, with Sailaway's sunset cruise. Watch the sky transform through brilliant hues of orange and pink, reflecting off the water's surface - a magical end to your Port Douglas day.

4. Introduce yourself to the rare dwarf minke whale population, swimming with them off the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. One of the most unique things to do in Port Douglas - this is the only known place on earth where they congregate annually (and only for about six weeks of the year). A liveaboard experience offers the best chance to do so. You'll eat, dive and sleep on board for anywhere from three nights up to a week, which keeps you right in the thick of it.

Connect with Indigenous culture

5. Hunt for your supper in the mangroves on a Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tour. The Kubirri Warra brothers will lead you spear in hand, sharing ancestral hunting techniques passed down through generations. After the hunt, they'll demonstrate traditional cooking methods, transforming your catch into a memorable bush tucker feast right on the shore.

6. Get creative with an Indigenous art class at Janbal Gallery in Mossman, where owner and artist Brian (Binna) Swindley passes down his techniques. Learn about the cultural significance behind traditional symbols and patterns while creating your own piece of Indigenous-inspired art - one of the most special things to do in Port Douglas. 

7. Feel the magic of Mossman Gorge - but to understand it before you slip into its emerald waters, take a Dreamtime tour with a Kuku Yalanji elder, starting from the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre. Walk through the rainforest as stories of creation and connection to country are shared, followed by a traditional smoking ceremony to cleanse your spirit..

8. Explore sacred Wujal Wujal Falls, or ‘many falls’ in Kuku-Yalanji language. After sightseeing, stop in at the Bana Yirriji Art and Cultural Centre where creations from local clans the Yalanji, Nyungkul and Jalunji People are on display. The centre showcases contemporary and traditional works that tell stories of connection to country, with artists often available to discuss their creative processes and cultural inspirations.

Get some air

9. Roll out a picnic blanket on your own private island in the middle of the reef: Nautilus Aviation will chopper you over breathtaking Coral Sea panoramas before touching down on a sand cay for a gourmet champagne picnic and snorkelling.

10. Greet the sunrise from the sky with a ride from Hot Air Balloon Port Douglas, where you’ll drift over one of the world’s oldest rainforests, taking in views of the Great Barrier Reef and beyond.

Local flavour and flair

11. Enjoy a luxurious dinner by fairy light and candlelight under the rainforest canopy, entertained by Indigenous storytelling and fed on native bush foods at Flames of the Forest. It's an unforgettable sensory journey - with seven courses to taste your way through. 

12. Dive food-first into the tropical north's delicious side. The Daintree Food Trail is a great way to explore the bounty of the region - and Cape Trib Farm is a must-stop to taste a huge range of exotic fruits, from mangosteen to jackfruit. Alternatively, take a food tour into the Atherton Tablelands with Brett's Outback Tasting Adventures, sampling everything from chocolate to cheese, coffee, and tropical wines among rolling hills and country landscapes.

13. Fine-dine on the bounty of our tropic's rich food bowl under the luscious canopy of the Daintree at Silky Oaks Lodge - then spend the night to soak up every luxury. The restaurant's seasonal menu showcases the region's finest produce with dishes that celebrate both land and sea, complemented by an award-winning wine list and the soundtrack of Mossman River flowing gently below. 

14. Support local producers and creatives at the weekly Port Douglas Markets. Held each Sunday from 8am - 1:30pm, wander among vibrant stalls as local artists showcase their work, farmers display tropical fruits and vegetables, and food vendors offer tasty treats like coconut ice cream and fresh juices. 

15. Sample the exotic flavours at Daintree Ice Cream Company. There are all sorts of flavours you'll be hard pressed to find elsewhere, like black sapote, soursop, chocolate pudding fruit and wattleseed - and the self-guided orchard walk allows you to see these unusual fruits growing in their natural environment.

16. Collect a keepsake or two with a spot of retail therapy in Port Douglas, navigating your way through the boutique guide. From handcrafted jewellery featuring local pearls to resort wear made from sustainable fabrics, you'll find a souvenir that captures tropical Queensland style. 

Take the scenic route

17. Cruise the Great Barrier Reef Drive. Stretching from Palm Cove to Cape Tribulation, it winds through rainforest, mountain, and coastline offering glimpses of the famed reef. This 140km stretch is considered one of Australia's most spectacular coastal drives, with numerous lookout points where you can pull over and appreciate the view - it feels like you can reach out and touch the Coral Sea.

18. Trek the Flagstaff Hill Trail to reach the Port Douglas lookout, where your efforts will be rewarded with views from Four Mile Beach to Rex Smeal Park. The relatively short but steep walk takes you through coastal woodland before revealing a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of mountains, ocean, and islands. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times to visit, as the changing light transforms the landscape before your eyes.

19. Hit the road, traipsing the scenic and rugged Bloomfield Track - one of the most memorable things to do in Port Douglas. You can make it to the historic Lions Den Hotel (established in 1875, it's a quintessential Queensland pub) just an hour from Cooktown, and back to Cape Tribulation in a single day. This challenging 4WD route traverses creek crossings, steep inclines, and remote beaches, taking you deep into the tropical wilderness.

Rainforest experiences

20. Float your way along the Mossman River with Back Country Bliss Adventures, letting the current carry you downstream through the rainforest as electric blue butterflies flutter above, and platypus play in the clear waters below. 

21. Sit back and relax with an Indigenous spa treatment at Daintree Ecolodge - one of the most unique places to stay near Port Douglas. Hosted in the middle of the rainforest, spa treatments here harness ancient traditions and incorporate native ingredients like Kakadu plum, lemon myrtle, and quandong to nourish your skin while the sounds of the rainforest create a natural soundtrack for your relaxation. In fact, the local Indigenous people of the Kuku Yalanji tribe named the rainforest ‘Wawu-karrba’ which means ‘healing of the spirit’. 

22. Cool off with a swim in one of the many freshwater swimming holes scattered throughout the region. Mason's Store and Mossman Gorge are two stand-outs for their crystal-clear waters framed by ancient rainforest - a refreshing escape from the tropical heat. 

23. Mountain bike your way down the notorious Bump Track, a steep descent awash with mud and rocks that winds its way through the Port Douglas hinterland. Originally carved by Indigenous people and later used by gold miners, this historic trail offers a thrilling ride for adventurous mountain bikers.

24. Short on time but want to squeeze in one of the best things to do in Port Douglas? Experience the highlights of the Daintree Rainforest in one action-packed day trip. Several tour operators offer a big day out, where you'll get the chance to walk through the rainforest, visit the beaches of Cape Tribulation, swim in waterholes, cruise the Daintree River - and taste local delights along the way.

Hit the beach

25. Take a digital detox and check into Thala Beach Nature Reserve to sleep in a treehouse, dine on local cuisine overlooking the ocean, and tour the 700+ coconut palm plantation. This eco-retreat blends luxurious accommodation with environmental sustainability and endless opportunities for adventure, with  private beaches, walking trails, and a star-gazing observatory.

26. Saddle up for a horse ride along the beach at Cape Tribulation, where two World Heritage-listed wonders meet; the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest.The experienced guides share insights about both ecosystems while ensuring riders of all experience levels can enjoy this special landscape.

27. Soak up the sun at local icon, Four Mile Beach. Patrolled year-round, this calm sandy stretch is a popular spot to visit for families, and a haven for water sports – kite surfing in particular.

Wildlife encounters

28. Spot some of these 10 animals you won’t find outside the Daintree by getting up close and personal at Wildlife Habitat. The immersive eco-accredited exhibit is home to the likes of cassowaries, wallabies, koalas and more, allowing you to observe animals behaving naturally in rainforest, wetland, and woodland settings. You can even swim with saltwater crocs!

29. Get on the wild side and go croc-spotting on the Daintree River with an expert guide who knows exactly where these prehistoric predators like to hide. As you cruise, you'll learn about the fascinating behaviour and conservation status of these ancient reptiles that have remained virtually unchanged for millions of years. Keep your camera ready as these impressive creatures surface or bask on muddy banks, revealing their massive jaws and armored skin.

Festival fun

30. Time your visit to Port Douglas with an event – an opportunity to join the fun as the local community comes to life with music, food, and activities that showcase the region's unique culture and natural beauty. Nothing beats the colour of Port Douglas Carnivale, the flavours at Taste Port Douglas Food & Drink Festival, or the challenging course of the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival. 

Inspired to pack your bags? Get all the info you need with this Port Douglas holiday planner and accommodation guide.