Port Douglas, Queensland

Port Douglas, Queensland 4877

Situated north of Cairns, this little sea side town cannot be missed. With a small local population and a huge tourist following, this place is hopping during the dry season. One of the most beautiful destinations in the country, Port Douglas is a great place to visit.

Whether you’re there for holiday, passing through, or visiting family and friends, Port Douglas has something for everyone.

Port Douglas is definitely a place to visit if relaxing is on your list. It’s a laid back town on the ocean that is one of the best spots to get to the famous Great Barrier Reef. Tours leave daily out to the reef to snorkel, scuba dive, or just visit the reef. Port Douglas is the closest location to the Great Barrier Reef and offers tours to a variety of reefs that you may not be able to visit anywhere else. There’s multi-day, half-day, and full-day tours available for any budget.

Port Douglas is also a great gateway to the Daintree Rainforest. The rainforest, along with the Great Barrier Reef are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Daintree is one of the oldest living rainforests on earth, with thousands of different species of plants and animals. It’s also home to a variety of endangered species. This rainforest is huge! With over 900,000 kilometres of protected land, visitors are able to explore and experience the diverse forest like no other.

The closest popular destination in the Daintree to Port Douglas is only a mere 20 minute drive away. The Mossman Gorge is a favourite spot for locals and travellers alike, with stunning views, great trails and birdwatching spots. On a hot day the gorge is packed with people as it’s a popular swimming spot. Pack a picnic lunch and you have yourself a full day of adventure on your hands. The Daintree is said to be over 60,000 years old with a variety of forests that you can’t find anywhere else in the world.

Things to Do in Port Douglas

• 1. Explore the Underwater World

  The waters surrounding the Daintree Rainforest are home to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, so you can only imagine the incredible display of marine life that thrives here. Visitors can dip below the surface of the water on a scuba diving or snorkeling adventure and discover the unique ecosystem of the region – keep your eyes peeled for ancient sea turtles and colourful varieties of rare coral.

• 2. Discover Indigenous Culture

  

  Port Douglas sits on a hotbed of Indigenous culture, which visitors are invited to explore through a series of evening events and storytelling activities. Unique experiences let curious onlookers take part in an after-dark ritual while a local tribe leader divulges ancient traditions and dream time stories to their mesmerized audience.

• 3. Experience the Reef from a Different Perspective

  Getting below the water’s surface is one way to explore the Great Barrier Reef and its surroundings, but if you want to try something different why not hit the skies and experience the smattering of coral reefs from a helicopter? Ten-minute rides are a firm favourite with visitors who are keen to explore the region from a different perspective while taking part in an adrenalin-pumping adventure.

• 4. Wander Through Ancient Rainforests

  

  The Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest rainforests in the world and has been a World Heritage listed site since the 80s. Spanning more than 150 million years, it is home to a selection of plant species that once coexisted with dinosaurs. You can take a leisurely stroll beneath the canopies, picking out ancient plant life as you go, or you can try something more adventurous by taking a zip-lining tour through the canopies on a Jungle Surfing adventure.

• 5. Get to Know the Animal Life

  The diverse array of habitats that the Daintree Rainforest and Port Douglas hosts mean there is a huge number of native animal species to spot while in the region. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles, cassowaries, pademelons, and a whole host of unique, colourful bird species. Port Douglas and its surroundings are teeming with wildlife, and there are a number of dedicated parks you can go to learn more about the unique habitats of some of Australia’s favourite critters.

Port Douglas is a fantastic shopping destination as well. Every Sunday the town hosts a big market sprawled out on the esplanade filled with local art, crafts and handcrafted foods. Any other day of the week Port Douglas’ boutique shops are open for your pleasure. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, high fashion clothing, local art, or jewellery, this seaside town has it all.

This gateway township is more than just a place to pass by. It’s a relaxing town filled with great food, activities and only minutes from some of the best and most beautiful natural landmarks in the world.