Romance is guaranteed with this Port Douglas guide for couples
GUIDE
By Sarah Bristow
Sweep that special someone off their feet in Port Douglas and the surrounding Cairns & Great Barrier Reef region. A treasure trove of natural wonders promise to entertain you during your stay, where World Heritage-listed landmarks mingle with outstanding eateries, award-winning resorts, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities galore. Reconnect with your partner with some of Queensland’s most stunning scenery as your backdrop with this guide to Port Douglas for couples.
Stay
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Port Douglas has no shortage of luxury accommodation for couples looking to relax and unwind on a weekend (or more) away. Like Thala Beach, a deluxe family-owned eco and wildlife retreat settled on 58 hectares of native forest by Oak Beach. Seclusion is guaranteed at the resort just 15 minutes south of Port Douglas, thanks to guests residing in a collection of timber bungalows built on stilts within the rainforest canopy.
Shantara Resort
Among the other favoured Port Douglas resorts for couples is the adults-only Shantara. The suavely decorated accommodation option boasts a slew of self-contained apartments to choose from, each with full kitchen, king bed and spa bath. But the suite of amenities can’t compare to Shantara’s location - it sits less than 400 metres from Four Mile Beach.
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple
Pull out all the stops with a stay at the Pullman. The 5-star resort is perched on the sand of Four Mile Beach, an amenities-heavy space ideal for a romantic getaway in Port Douglas for couples. While there are plenty of rooms to choose from, lovebirds may like to splash out on the Penthouse, or an apartment with direct access to the lagoon pool.
Niramaya Villas & Spa
No guide to Port Douglas for couples is complete without a mention of Niramaya. Rest and rejuvenation sits at the heart of your experience here - the self-contained luxury accommodation is surrounded by luscious foliage, a cluster of villas neighboured by an accompanying day spa for those who wish to decompress.
Daintree Eco Lodge
For the environmentally-minded there’s the iconic Daintree Eco Lodge, tucked into the famed rainforest. Get back in touch with nature via a stay at the wifi-free, 15 eco-friendly bayans immersed into the canopy. Here you can spend your days exploring your surroundings, dropping by resident restaurant Julaymba Restaurant or visiting the spa for a treatment.
Drink
Sailaway Port Douglas
Sailaway Reef and Island Tours
No drinking location can quite compare to the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll be able to cheers to the end of the day (drink in hand of course) with Sailaway Port Douglas’ sunset sail. A must-do in Port Douglas for couples, this acclaimed eco-tourism (and adults-only) offering will see you watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.
Watergate
Veer off Macrossan Street down a flamelit path and find yourself in Watergate Restaurant and Lounge Bar, a sophisticated setting that’s a tropical take on modern. Park yourself on the couches and order a cocktail from some of the best mixologists in town.
Hemingway’s Brewery Port Douglas
Perched on the edge of the Crystalbrook Superyatch Marina in Port Douglas, Hemingway’s Brewery is the perfect spot for a sundowner. Soak up the relaxed vibes, and sip your way through a large selection of craft beers with your love – the Coral Cay IPA is a must try. Snag a table on the deck, grab some bar snacks (fries, fresh prawns and wings), order a tasting paddle and settle in for a relaxed afternoon.
Hemingway's Brewery
Dine
Osprey’s
Any trip to Port Douglas for couples should include a visit to Osprey’s. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the eatery sits among the treetops of Thala Beach Nature Reserve. Local ingredients perform in a seasonal menu dreamt up by head chef Richard Howard.
Nautilus
Spend the evening indulging in upmarket modern Australian cuisine at Nautilus. A visit to Port Douglas for couples should include a visit to this eatery, where you’ll be able to dine on the likes of crab and prawn brioche, and live gulf mud crab, amongst a tropical oasis.
Salsa
An stalwart of the Port Douglas dining scene, and with good reason: Salsa’s varied menu is brimming with local produce, washed down with tasty tropical tipples. Set in a breezy, white Queenslander opposite palm trees fringing the town’s iconic Sugar Wharf, it’s perfect for couples looking for a romantic setting with a lively atmosphere. It’s popular, so make sure to book well in advance.
Brett’s Outback Tasting Adventures
Make your romantic getaway one to remember by joining Brett’s Outback Tasting Adventures. The boutique foodie experience will see you taste your way through the best food and wine of the food bowl that is the Atherton Tablelands, from mangoes to coffee and macadamia nuts.
Play
Cape Trib Horse Riding
Get out of town, and join the only beach horse ride in the region with Cape Trib Horse Riding, one of the best Port Douglas activities for couples. The guided tour will see you take off on a saddle-led adventure through one of the most iconic destinations in Queensland, the place where two World Heritage-listed wonders meet.
Wavelength Reef Cruises
Spend the day on the Great Barrier Reef with Wavelength, an operator focused around small group, outer reef snorkelling. You’re in good hands here - experienced marine biologists lead the charge, offering guided snorkel tours and reef talks with citizen science opportunities aplenty.
Wildlife Habitat
Wildlife Habitat
Animal lovers will want to make sure they head to Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas. The award-winning conservation offers some seriously special experiences for you and your love. Hand-feed kangaroos, have a sumptuous Breakfast with the Birds, swim with saltwater crocs and cuddle a koala.
Nautilus Aviation
Any trip to Port Douglas for couples can be taken sky high with a scenic helicopter flight with Nautilus. Depart from the base at Sheraton Grand Mirage, where you’ll be whisked away on one of a handful of scenic flight offerings - the most memorable is arguably the chance to privately visit the Undine Sand Cay for a picnic.
Mossman Gorge dreamtime walk
Educate yourself by taking part in the Indigenous guided Dreamtime Walks at Mossman Gorge. Learn about ancient traditions as you find yourself led through culturally significant sites, and traditional bark shelters in the surrounding rainforest.
