"Port Douglas is a tropical village just a scenic one-hour drive away from Cairns. The restaurants here are spectacular and the sunrise at Four Mile Beach is absolutely amazing!"
-Amanda, Aussie Specialist Ambassador, Live Well Travel, MN
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.
Watch Ambassador Amanda explore Port Douglas
How to Get There:
A scenic one-hour drive north from Cairns via the Great Barrier Reef Drive will take you straight to Port Douglas, a coastal road flanked by forest on one side and beach on the other.
There are several lookout points along the route.
Top Things to Do:
Great Barrier Reef
- Port Douglas is the ideal departure point for exploring the Great Barrier Reef
- There are a variety of experiences to choose from – from big catamarans offering a reef pontoon experiences, to smaller vessels where you dive off the boat, there is something for everyone
- Low Isles is a protected coral cay about 8 miles off the coast of Port Douglas, offering sheltered swimming and snorkeling
- Scenic helicopter flights over the reef also depart from Port Douglas
Mossman Gorge
- A short 20 - 30-minute drive from Port Douglas allows for an easy half-day experience
- Join a Dreamtime Walkabout with the traditional owners – the Kuku Yalanji – and learn about sacred ceremonies, bush medicines as well as bush foods
- Take a swim in the freshwater swimming holes or capture stunning photos of the gorge that are perfect for social media
Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation
- Located 90 minutes north of Port Douglas by car
- The Daintree is the oldest and arguably the world’s most scenic living rainforest on Earth
- Fun Fact: The Daintree Rainforest provided the inspiration for the movie Avatar
- Activities include crocodile & cassowary spotting, waterhole swimming, zip-lining/nature walks, and admiring the view at Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef
Dining & Shopping
Port Douglas is well known for its fabulous selection of restaurants, cafes, pubs, and boutiques.
- Freshly caught seafood is one of the menu staples at many restaurants in the village
- Breakfast with good coffee is on offer at many of the cafes dotted along Macrossan Street
- Kicking back with a cold drink, listening to some live music is a great way to finish a day in the tropics at one Port’s friendly pubs
- The Port Douglas Sunday Markets offer visitors the chance to buy local arts, crafts and produce
- Browsing the mix of upmarket and quirky boutiques in the village center is a favorite activity of many visitors
Festivals & Events
For a laidback, palm tree-lined tropical village, Port Douglas knows how to party.
Festivals include:
- Port Douglas Carnivale – held in May, over 20,000 revelers come to experience a range of events over the weekend including the opening street parade, the ‘Longest Lunch’ food festival and a seafood extravaganza on the marina
- Port Shorts – taking place in October, the ‘coolest little film festival in the tropics’ allows visitors to take in some of the best emerging filmmakers work while enjoying a balmy tropical evening on the grass
Amanda's Journey to the Great Barrier Reef
Where To Stay:
Port Douglas features a variety of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes.
The village itself has many self-catering apartments which often feature in-room laundry and cooking facilities.
Some noteworthy properties include:
- Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas – a multi-million-dollar redevelopment of this iconic property has once again made it a popular choice for visitors. Set amongst acres of lush tropical garden and beautiful lagoon pools. The shuttle bus regularly ferries guests to and from the village center.
- Silky Oaks Lodge – located 30mins outside of the village along the Mossman River and hidden within the thick canopy of the Daintree Rainforest. The property is a member of the Luxury Lodges of Australia portfolio and offers a tree house style experience for guests. Note: the lodge will be closed for an extensive refurbishment from April through October 2020.
- Thala Beach Nature Reserve – a deluxe family owned eco retreat just 15mins outside of the village. Thala’s 83 eco-designed bungalows are set amongst beachfront native forest and provides an island-feel experience on the mainland.
- Mantra – Mantra is part of AccorHotels and offers a several properties in Port Douglas either within or just outside the village itself. Many of these properties are apartment-style offering laundry and cooking facilities.
Weather:
Port Douglas enjoys a tropical climate and as such, there are two main seasons:
Tropical Summer
November through March; hot & humid; tropical rain; average maximum is 90⁰F
Dry Season
April through October; mild & pleasant; drier; average maximum is 90⁰F
