Guide to Port Douglas
Clear blue waters, superb rainforest and a friendly village vibe make Port Douglas a popular beach holiday destination.
By Hannah Tattersall
The tropical town of Port Douglas, roughly a one-hour drive north from Cairns, has it all: the aquamarine waters of the Great Barrier Reef, the breathtaking canopy of the Daintree Rainforest, the crystal creeks of Mossman Gorge, and the palm fringed golden sands of Four Mile Beach. It is the only place on Earth where two World Heritage-listed sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest – meet.
Don't miss
- Immerse yourself in the hip café and bar culture
- See the incredible Daintree rainforest
- Enjoy five-star relaxation in top resorts and spas
How to get there
Port Douglas is just a one-hour drive north from Cairns via the Great Barrier Reef Drive, a coastal road flanked by forest on one side and beach on the other.
Things to do and top attractions in Port Douglas
Snorkelling, Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
Explore a coral cay
With the natural surroundings of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas lends itself to the best in outdoor experiences. One of the most popular is a day trip to the protected coral cay of the Low Isles, located 15 kilometres (8 miles) off Port Douglas. The Low Isles is actually comprised of two islands – Woody Island, an uninhabited coral and mangrove island and Low Island. It is the latter where you'll spend most of your time; this sandy coral cay is typical of the Great Barrier Reef and offers sheltered swimming and snorkelling opportunities. There are plenty of day trips - and plenty of coral - to choose from, so you can take your pick.
Adventure North Australia, Daintree Dreaming Tour, Daintree Rainforest, Queensland © Tourism Australia
Retreat to the Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest, and arguably most scenic, living rainforest on Earth. Its beauty provided inspiration for the Hollywood blockbuster Avatar and it is just a 90-minute drive from Port Douglas. A range of tours and experiences are on offer here, including 4WD tours, crocodile-spotting river cruises, zipline tours through the canopy and jungle night nature walks where you'll see sleeping birds, an arboreal lizard known as Boyd's rainforest dragon, bats, possums, spiders, insects and snakes. The Adventure North Australia Daintree Dreaming Day Tour combines the beauty and fascination of the rainforest with the Aboriginal cultures that have thrived here for thousands of years.
Mossman Gorge, Daintree Rainforest, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
Rock on at Mossman Gorge
Located inside the Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge is a wonder in itself. Mint green waters swish past the huge granite boulders that line the gorge, creating cool, clear, freshwater swimming holes – and lots of Instagram pics. The Kuku Yalanji are the traditional owners of the land and you can learn more about Kuku Yalanji culture on a 90-minute guided Dreamtime Walk, which departs from Mossman Gorge with a local Aboriginal person as your guide. Your guide will share with you their Kuku Yalanji culture, walking you through local lore concerning bush foods, sacred ceremonies and connection to the land.
Salsa Bar & Grill Restaurant, Port Douglas, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
Taste the local treats
"Port" – as it's known to locals – is a foodie haven with cafés, bars and elegant restaurants. There's Harrison's, Sassi Cucina e Bar – a seafood option – and local favourite, Salsa Bar and Grill which offers views of the waterfront. For the best coffee, try Origin Espresso which roasts its own beans and offers local sugar cane juice on tap. Set inside a homewares store, Sparrow Coffee offers coffee and a small selection of flaky pastries. For a superb all-day breakfast, try local hotspot Café Fresq in the heart of town on Macrossan Street. It is here that you'll also find the landmark Court House Hotel. The Courty, as it has become affectionately known, is the oldest pub in Port Douglas and a much-loved local drinking spot.
Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort, Port Douglas, Queensland © Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort
Stay at the best accommodation in Port Douglas
Port Douglas has a number of beautiful accommodation options, from the five-star Pullman Sea Temple located on Four Mile Beach, to the upscale Peppers Beach Club with its enviable lagoon pool and sun deck. For contemporary rooms among a lush garden, stay at Oaks Resort. More than AUD$40 million was spent recently revamping the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort, a beachfront luxury resort on Four Mile Beach surrounded by 147 hectares (363 acres) of lush tropical gardens and an 18-hole golf course.
Niramaya Day Spa, Port Douglas, Queensland © Niramaya Villas and Spa
Unwind at a day spa
Enhance your Port Douglas experience by indulging in a spa treatment. Niramaya Day Spa is set in a rainforest and offers a range of indulgent beauty, massage and healing treatments for vitality and rejuvenation. Couples treatments with decadent Champagne and chocolates are available for that extra special treat. You know you're in good hands with Port Douglas Day Spa, owned by Kate Oliver, a wellbeing specialist who has studied oriental medicine, aromatherapy and reflexology.
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