Stunning Port Douglas and Four Mile Beach. Why visit this part of Far North Queensland?
Are you thinking of visiting Port Douglas?
Good choice!
I know this town and the region like the back of my hand. Why? Because I lived there for almost 7 years with my young children, also because I visited in a previous life as a young backpacker and because my husband worked in hospitality in the town which gave us a behind the scenes peek into the kitchens, hotels and tourist draws.
Be it Four Mile Beach, the Great Barrier Reef, Cape Tribulation’s pristine beaches or the Daintree Rainforest, everybody must accept that this is a beautiful part of the world. The drive from Port Douglas to Cairns is one of the most stunning in the world and I highly recommend a dawn walk on the beach to see the sun rise over the Coral Sea.
If relaxing or walking in beautiful surroundings isn’t enough, there is plenty to do in this part of the world for everyone.
The luckiest market stall holders enjoy this view. The old sugar wharf, Port Douglas.
Everybody in town heads to the markets on Sunday. Locals shop for fruit and veg and stop to chat with friends, tourists browse the craft stalls, listed to travelling musicians and enjoy the stunning setting. Children play, climb trees and get their faces painted. You cannot miss Port’s Sunday Markets.
A day on the reef is an amazing experience for everyone, all ages, all abilities.
It’s the biggest reef in the world, it’s on everyone’s bucket list and there is a fleet of boats based in Port just waiting to take you there. If you’re a snorkeller or a scuba diver, maybe even if you hate the water, you’ll find the boat for you. Read more in our post on Snorkelling on The Great Barrier Reef.
The Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas is where you can hand feed a kangaroo, stoke a koala or keep your distance from some impressive reptiles.
If crocodiles are your thing and the 2 at the Habitat aren’t enough, try a river cruise on the Lady Douglas or head south for Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. Maybe even head out to spot a croc of your own, there are plenty about if you know where to look.
Keep a look out for other local residents like giant green tree frogs, rainbow lorikeets, maybe even a wild cassowary if you head into the rainforests.
For a special treat, take a helicopter ride over Port Douglas or out to the reef.
In May Port Douglas hosts Carnivale. Multiple events strung out over the Carnivale period will please foodies, lovers of the arts, families and anybody looking for a good time.
Exploring the rainforest at Mossman Gorge is an absolute must-do on your Port Douglas vacation.
Port makes a great base for exploring this part of Queensland. Mossman Gorge is just up the road, you can take an Aboriginal guided walk or just swim in icy waters in a tropical rainforest setting. Adventurers can drive up through Cape Tribulation to Cooktown or take the high road up onto the Atherton Tablelands for a change of climate. The Tablelands hold attractions as diverse as wild platypus, cheese, chocolate and wine producers along with stunning lakes for outdoor recreation. Cairns, with its free swimming lagoon, airport and large shops, is around an hour away by car.
Prawns and wine at sunset on the deck of the Combined Club, Port Douglas. Great for families or romantic dinners.
Have a cold one in The Courty, watch the cane toad races at the Iron Bar or go for more up-market dining at restaurants like Salsa, Harrisons or Nautilus.
For some extra special entertainment while you enjoy a drink or early evening meal, head to On The Inlet to see George The Groper being fed.
Sea Temple Port Douglas, just wow, see our ost on places to stay in Port Douglas.
Port Douglas has hotels, hostels and resorts to suit your pocket and your family. Stunning resorts like Sea Temple or The Sheraton have pools to die for, while there is plenty of cheaper accommodation in places like Dougies or Parrot Fish Lodge. We even have camping right in town.
I’m producing a review guide to hotels in Port Douglas but it is still a work in progress.
If you’d like more ideas on more unusual things to do in and around Port Douglas, try this post.
Be aware of the local wildlife, but don’t be affraid.
Before I moved to Port Douglas I spent a lot of time Googling the risks of marine stingers ( jellyfish) and crocodiles in the Port Douglas and Cairns region. I know I’m not alone, I get thousands of hits on this page Stinger Season Port Douglas and Cairns. Not quite as many to this page Living With Crocodiles in Far North Queensland.
We have interesting wildlife but it’s nothing to worry about so long as you play by the rules, have a look at those two posts to put your mind to rest. Instead enjoy being up close and personal with these fascinating creatures, it’s a chance many people don’t get.
So are you coming? This is a beautiful part of the world, you’ll take away treasured memories and learn something of the incredible wildlife and climate of Far North Queensland. If you’d like to know more feel free o use the comment section below or visit our other posts on the region.
Want to find more images and information from Port Douglas and Far North Queensland? Try our Port Douglas Pinterest board
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