Dip your toes a little deeper into the tropical waters and you will discover Port Douglas is a vibrant destination, teaming with world class activities, sumptuous dining and exotic adventures.
You could be forgiven for thinking that this sleepy fishing village has been lost in time.
Kick off those shoes, wiggle your toes in the golden sands and allow yourself a moment to just breathe. Like the palms swaying gently in the sea-breeze, you too will be moving to the rhythm of the Tropics.
First things first, you will want to reset your body clock to Port Douglas time.
Wide, tree lined streets, a stunning stretch of golden sands and the azure blue expanse of the Coral Sea are just some of the postcard views from majestic Flagstaff Hill. Scenic beauty is only part of the Port Douglas story. Hip cafes and happening bars, bespoke boutiques and elegant restaurants, lush green golf courses and indulgent day spas are just waiting to be explored.
Dig a little deeper and discover a vibrant community proudly celebrating village life. Whether it is the artisans and farmers at the Sunday Markets, the fishermen selling their catch fresh from their trawlers or the welcoming yachties at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, it is the friendliness of the locals that truly makes Port shine.
Its unique proximity to both the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef and the UNESCO Daintree Rainforest, makes Port Douglas the perfect launch pad for your next great adventure.
With its safe, all weather harbour, Port Douglas is the closest mainland departure point for tours to the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you are a novice snorkeler or an experienced diver, looking to laze on a coral cay or plunge the depths of the outer reef, Port Douglas will cater to your needs with its fleet of luxury charter, day tour boats and fishing and dive boats.
This premier resort town is also a fine base from which to explore the prehistoric wonders of our natural rainforest environment. Go crocodile spotting on the Daintree River or venture further north to Cape Tribulation and explore where the worlds’ oldest living rainforest meets the sea. Whether you are taking it slow with a picnic on a deserted beach or getting your pulse racing by zip lining through the tree tops, you are sure to be astonished by the natural beauty of this delicate ecosystem.
A little closer to town is the pristine Mossman Gorge. Join locals as they cool off, under the rainforest canopy, in the crystal, clear rock pools of the Mossman River. From the Mossman Gorge Visitors Centre, take a Dreamtime Walk and experience one of the worlds’ oldest living cultures. Hosted by an Indigenous guide, you will visit ceremonial sites sacred to the Kuku Yalanji people and learn their traditions and stories.
Whether you are in the mood for a counter meal at an historic Queensland pub or a fine degustation menu in an award-winning restaurant, the chefs of Port Douglas have got you covered. From days start to days end, you will be spoiled for choice in this foodie paradise.
Ports coffee revolution is in full swing, so get your day rolling with a fresh brew from the local coffee roasters or from any of the hip cafes lining the main street and waterfront.
Sunset time is relaxing time, and there is no doubt that hotels, bars and our very own microbrewery have raised cocktail hour to an art form. Settle in with a sundowner and strike up a conversation with a new friend or just kick back and watch the parade of boats returning under a setting sun.
It is after dark that the Port Douglas dining scene really shines. With seafood fresh from the trawler, prime beef and dairy from the Atherton Tablelands, and tropical produce from local Douglas farmers, the chefs of Port Douglas have the finest ingredients at their fingertips. With over 60 restaurants and cafes within walking distance of the village centre, by the end of your stay you’ll be glad the dress code is relaxed fit and casual.
With two distinct seasons, there is never a bad time to visit Port Douglas.
The winter in the tropics is typically warm, clear and dry from April to October. The summer months, November to March, truly showcase the natural beauty of the destination. Regardless of when you visit, you can look forward to bright, sun-filled days and balmy evenings cooled by the sea-breeze. Rains, when they come, fall heavy and warm, bringing life to the forests and waterfalls. Temperatures range from 26-32 degrees Celsius in the summer to 21-29 degrees Celsius in the winter.
Port Douglas is just one hours drive north from Cairns Domestic and International Airport. Serviced regularly by shuttle bus and limousine, the route follows the scenic Great Barrier Reef Drive, a coastal road flanked by forested mountains on one side and the beautiful Coral Sea on the other.
Whilst Self Drive vacations are popular, a car is not necessary. Taxis, shuttle buses and Ubers abound, or why not commute as the locals do and rent a bike? Who knows, a daily cycle along the firm sands of Four Mile Beach might just be the highlight of your stay.