Located in tropical North Queensland, Port Douglas is a beautiful beach town and base for trips to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree rainforest.
The main shopping street, Macrossan Street, is lined with boutiques and souvenir shops. You’ll also find cute cafes, restaurants and art galleries here.
1. Four Mile Beach
Four Mile Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Port Douglas, and it's no wonder why - this gorgeous stretch of white sand and crystal clear water is the perfect place to relax.
Walk along the soft, unobstructed sand and take in the tropical views, or swim or snorkel in the calm Coral Sea. For active holidaymakers, Four Mile Beach offers a range of activities such as kitesurfing lessons and stand-up paddleboarding.
The northern end of the beach is patrolled by the Port Douglas Surf Lifesaving Club, with a stinger net in place during stinger season (November to May).
As a bonus, there's also a great selection of restaurants, cafes and bars along the beachfront at both the northern and southern ends. Grab a bite to eat after a hard workout, or make it a night out with a seafood dinner as you watch the sunset on the horizon.
2. Mossman Gorge
Mossman Gorge is one of the most iconic locations to visit when in Port Douglas and it’s also a great place to get a feel for the local Aboriginal culture. It’s a unique and awe-inspiring place where you can explore rainforest alongside towering mountains, sparkling waterfalls and huge granite boulders that line the Mossman River.
The best way to experience Mossman Gorge is by taking a Dreamtime Gorge Walk with an indigenous guide. This allows you to connect with the ancient history and traditions of the Kuku Yalanji people, who have been living in the Daintree Rainforest for more than 50,000 years.
You can also book a full day tour from Port Douglas that visits both Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge, including lunch and a boat ride on Cooper Creek. It’s a great option for those who want to experience all the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed region in one day.
3. Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary
Wildlife Habitat is an accredited eco-certified wildlife sanctuary where guests can interact with an incredible variety of Australian animals. The award-winning Sanctuary features four immersive environments: Rainforest, Grasslands, Wetlands and Savannah.
The park showcases the flora and fauna of each environment. From cassowaries in the Rainforest to koalas and tree kangaroos in the Grasslands, over 180 species call this wildlife park home.
Get close to Aussie creatures with a range of activities including hand-feeding iconic wallabies, smiling at crocodiles and getting a photo with Koalas or the Lumholtz's Tree Kangaroo. Or enjoy a breakfast with the birds and watch lorikeets, herons and cockatoos in the Wetlands environment.
You can also take a 3 day and 2 night rainforest meets the reef package, which includes the Ocean Safari Great Barrier Reef experience, accommodation and transport to and from Cairns or Port Douglas. On this tour you'll also visit Mossman Gorge, the Daintree River and Mt Alexandra Lookout before returning to your hotel in Cairns.
4. Bally Hooley Train
One of the best ways to get around Port Douglas is by riding on the historic Bally Hooley Train. This collection of classic diesel and steam locomotives runs between Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina and St Crispins Station in the south of town along a narrow gauge track originally laid to transport freshly cut cane from Mossman to the Sugar Wharf.
It’s a nostalgic way to experience the sights and sounds of this historic holiday destination. You’ll ride in attractive red-and-yellow open-air carriages with timber benches and decorative wrought-iron doors.
The Bally Hooley Train was operated by a dedicated group of volunteers for many years and was the sole tourist rail service in Port Douglas. Unfortunately, the train services were discontinued in recent years due to financial difficulties.
5. Marina Mirage
Marina Mirage, located directly on Four Mile Beach, is one of Australia's top resorts and is a great place to stay when visiting Port Douglas. It's a 5-star resort and has everything you need to enjoy your holiday in Tropical North Queensland.
It has 2 hectares of sparkling saltwater lagoon pools, an 18-hole golf course and 5 star resort amenities. It also has guest rooms and suites that offer captivating views of the saltwater lagoon pools or tropical gardens.
It's also a fantastic place to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. There are a number of snorkelling, diving, fishing and sailing tours available from this location.
