What to do in Port Douglas at night

Port Douglas’ Caribbean-themed restaurant and bar, Barbados, is the ultimate place to see out the day. Sitting right on the waterfront, it’s hard to pinpoint the best thing about this bar. Between the ocean views, the seafood-centric menu, and the extensive rum collection, it’s hard not to get swept up and mistake Port Douglas for the Caribbean.

Swing by any night of the week and see what’s happening. From Taco Tuesdays to Seafood Sundays, there’s always something in the works. Make sure you order one of their signature tiki cocktails and a seafood board to really lean into the Barbados fantasy.

2. Become nocturnal

You’ve seen the Daintree by day, but have you seen it after dark?

Kicking off at 7:30pm, the two-hour walk with Jungle Escapes takes you into the depths of the 120 million-year-old rainforest, with nothing but a torch to explore your surroundings and an expert guide to act as your night goggles.

Just as the reef looks different during its 24-hour cycle, so too does the rainforest, and many of the 663 vertebrate animals don’t even come out until after dark, including the echidna, bandicoot and striped possum.

Spotting these creatures is like a giant game of hide and seek. The nocturnal animals do the hiding, and your guide will do the seeking. All you need to do is keep your eyes wild and your walk softly.

3. Ignite the spark at Flames of the Forest

If you like a beautiful setting, your search stops here.

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, Flames of the Forest leads you into the heart of the Daintree for a night under colourfully lit trees, spectacularly arched over a dining marquee illuminated by candles and flaming sconces. This is the only rainforest dining experience in Australia, and well worth carving out some time for. 

Besides a banquet showcasing regional produce and native flora, Flames of the Forest also features cultural performances with their Aboriginal Experience on Tuesday and Thursday nights. On the weekend, delve a little deeper into the local flavour with a six-course tasting menu and acoustic live music.

If you fancy yourself an adventurous foodie, check out this three-day guide that will show you Port Douglas’ most exciting places to eat.

4. Picnic and wander through the park

Thanks to Port Douglas’s tropical climate, you can get around quite comfortably in shorts and a t-shirt even in the depths of July. Naturally, it makes sense that locals would rather spend their balmy tropical nights outside than cooped up indoors.

Pick up a family pack of fish and chips from 4 Mile Seafood and Takeaway, and head to Rex Smeal Park for a picnic. The park overlooks the ocean, and makes for a perfect setting to soak up the warm evening temperatures and catch sunset through a frame of palm fronds.

5. Find beers and live music by the water

Forget janky karaoke, in Port Douglas it’s all about progressive live music. Any given night of the week you can catch a local artist performing a live gig at bars and cafes across town.

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights you can catch live music at Hemingways, one of Queensland’s best breweries. Over at Central Hotel, they have Muso Nights on Thursdays where a variety of local talent takes a spin on the open mic. If you’re out on a weekend, head to Iron Bar or Paddy’s Irish Bar for some raucous fun.

6. Sail the high seas

The folks at Port Douglas Yacht Club know how to entertain, and how to celebrate hump day. Hence, on Wednesday afternoons, they host Wednesday Afternoon Group Sailing (WAGS). On this weekly jaunt into the waves, club members take the public out for a sailing expedition to explore the sparkling waters of the Port Douglas coast. Provided you’re happy to play deckhand, you’ll be shown the sailing ropes for over two hours before returning to the club in time for drinks and dinner. The best part? The entire experience (except for dinner) is completely free. 

Prefer to simply kick back and watch nature's best daily show? Sailaway offers sunset cruises from Port Douglas where you'll chase the sun with champagne in hand. Sailings run from 5pm - 6:30pm, and cater to adults only. 

7. Catch a show at the Clink

It’s not every day you can catch a show in a former courthouse and prison. By this sheer fact alone, The Clink in Port Douglas offers something completely unique of an evening.

This small theatre offers a rotating schedule of cabaret, plays, musical performances, and stand up comedy shows. The variety is what makes it such a gem and ensures you’re in for a surprise whenever you visit.

Its wooden exterior looks small but don’t be fooled. Inside you’ll find tiered seating for 120 people, not to mention the dressing rooms, sets, box office and quite possibly, Port Douglas’ most secret bar.