Renowned for its vibrant tropical vibe, Port Douglas in the far north Queensland is an oasis wedged between two world heritage listed gems - The Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Whether you are looking for a chilled, relaxed holiday lounging by the pool or an adventurous holiday exploring the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas has lots to offer.
Below are 10 great reasons why we're loving Port Douglas and why you should too!
Offering four miles of coconut palm tree lined beach, the stunning and iconic Four Mile Beach is easily one of the reasons we love Port Douglas. With its shady palm trees, soft wide sand, brilliant blue waters and interesting mangroves make it one of north Queensland's favorite beaches. The waters are calm and warm enough for beach swimming all year round. In summer, there’s a stinger net installed which everyone should use. But in the winter, you can safely swim into the gentle waves wherever you want.
Port Douglas is the perfect base to explore the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef! This must see wonder of the world is home to 1,500 species of marine life and more than 400 species of coral. You can go on a tour on a leisurely day trip to Low Isles where you can drift over coral blooms and all manner of marine life.
Located inside the Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge's mint green waters past the huge granite boulders that line the gorge, creates cool, clear, freshwater swimming holes! You can also join a Dreamtime Walk tour and learn about the Kuku Yulanii who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
Retreat to an incredible rainforest, the oldest, and arguably most scenic, living rainforest on Earth. A visit to the Daintree Rainforest is a must with its waterfalls, creeks and swimming holes flowing with pristine, cool waters. You can go on 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.
Enhance your Port Douglas experience by indulging in a spa treatment. Spend a day pampering on a rainforest setting. Get treated into a world of peace & tranquillity as you take treatments to relax your mind, body & spirit.
A hub activity despite its slow coastal charm, Macrossan is the main street and is home to a range of renowned art galleries, shops and casual dining venues. The nearby Sunday markets are also a must-do attraction of Port Douglas.
In Port Douglas, you can go on a night walk through the Daintree or on a guided stand-up paddleboard tour. You can spot some crocs, go horse riding on the beach, swim with minke whales, go ziplining through the Daintree Rainforest, sail into the sunset and swim in secret waterholes. The list of adventures are endless!
With vast boardwalks and promenades, the Reef Marina is a hive of activity each morning and evening. It boasts a lifestyle destination home to plenty of waterside dining options and a shopping arcade. Private yachts, charter boats, paddle steamers and wave piercing catamarans are just some of the vessels heading out daily to explore the Great Barrier Reef as well as the Dickson inlet.
Surrounded by water on three sides, the best views of Port Douglas are found at the Flagstaff Hill Lookout where a breathtaking and stunning panorama of the region awaits you. It is accessible by car, the gentle incline also offers an enjoyable stroll.
Experience a stunning sunset at Rex Smeal Park and enjoy the golden hour before the sun sets over the Coral Sea. The park is one of the most popular spot for wedding venues and we can see absolutely why!
