Port Douglas

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
25/08/2025
Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia.
Malcolmj, Wikimedia Commons

Port Douglas offers access to two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, providing a blend of aquatic adventures, rainforest exploration, and a relaxed, upscale coastal town experience.

Macrossan Street serves as the main hub for dining and bars, offering a pleasant atmosphere for an evening out. For those seeking to connect with other travelers, dedicated backpacker hostels provide communal areas, bars, and organised social events.

Top 7 Things to do in Port Douglas

The general types of activities available include exploring natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, enjoying coastal leisure on Four Mile Beach, engaging with local wildlife, and browsing vibrant markets.

1. Snorkel or Dive the Great Barrier Reef

Embark on a full-day excursion to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, a globally renowned natural wonder. Guests can snorkel amongst vibrant coral gardens and a diverse array of marine life, with options for introductory or certified scuba diving for those wishing to explore deeper. Many tours offer guidance from marine biologists, enhancing the understanding of this complex ecosystem. For a shorter, more intimate experience, half-day trips to the nearby Low Isles provide opportunities for snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, and exploring a picturesque island with a lighthouse. These trips often provide all necessary gear, including lycra suits for stinger season.

Cost: Full-day Outer Reef tours typically range from approximately AU$215 to AU$309 per person, including snorkeling gear, lunch, and sometimes transfers. Half-day tours to the Low Isles are generally more affordable, starting from around AU$148 to AU$239.

Transport: Tours depart from Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas, which is centrally located and often within walking distance of many accommodations. Some tour operators offer optional hotel transfers from Port Douglas accommodations for an additional fee.

2. Explore the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge

Journey into the ancient Daintree Rainforest, the world's oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highlight is Mossman Gorge, where visitors can take a self-guided walk along boardwalks through lush rainforest or opt for an Indigenous-guided Dreamtime Walk to learn about the cultural significance of the area from the Kuku Yalanji people. Further north, the Daintree River offers crocodile-spotting cruises, while Cape Tribulation provides unique experiences where the rainforest meets the reef. River drift snorkeling in the Mossman River offers a refreshing and immersive rainforest experience.

Cost: Access to Mossman Gorge requires a shuttle bus from the Visitor Centre, costing approximately AU$12 - AU$17.50 for a return adult ticket. Indigenous-guided Dreamtime Walks are separate, starting from AU$95. Full-day Daintree Rainforest tours from Port Douglas, often including Cape Tribulation, a river cruise, and lunch, range from AU$185 to AU$308 (for 'ultimate' tours with activities like ziplining). Stand-alone Daintree River crocodile cruises cost around AU$25 to AU$38.

Transport: Mossman Gorge is about a 20-minute drive from Port Douglas. Visitors can self-drive to the Mossman Gorge Visitor Centre and then take a shuttle bus. Alternatively, many full-day and half-day tours to the Daintree and Mossman Gorge offer hotel pickups from Port Douglas. Shuttle services from Port Douglas to Mossman Gorge are available for around AU$26 to AU$53 return, excluding the internal Gorge shuttle fee.

3. Relax and Play at Four Mile Beach

Spend time on the iconic Four Mile Beach, a sweeping expanse of golden sand fringed by palm trees. It is perfect for leisurely strolls, sunbathing, and enjoying breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the Coral Sea. The northern end of the beach features a designated swimming area, patrolled by surf lifesavers during stinger season (November - May). For active visitors, water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding and kitesurfing are popular. Exploring the rock pools at the northern end provides a natural playground, particularly for families.

Cost: Access to Four Mile Beach is free. Costs for watersports equipment rental vary by vendor.

Transport: Four Mile Beach is located directly adjacent to Port Douglas town centre, making it easily accessible on foot from most accommodations.

4. Visit Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas

Experience close encounters with Australia's native wildlife at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas. This award-winning park allows visitors to interact with animals in recreated natural environments, including woodlands, wetlands, savannah, and rainforest habitats. Opportunities include hand-feeding kangaroos and wallabies, observing cassowaries and tree kangaroos, and daily wildlife presentations. Unique experiences such as 'Breakfast with the Birds' or 'Swim with the Salties' (crocodiles) are also available for an additional cost, offering memorable interactions.

Cost: General admission is approximately AU$49 for adults, AU$30 for children (4-14 years), and AU$128 for a family (2 adults, 2 children). Special experiences like 'Breakfast with the Birds' or 'Swim with the Salties' incur additional charges. Admission passes are valid for multiple entries over five consecutive days.

Transport: Wildlife Habitat is located on Port Douglas Road, a short drive from the town centre. Free parking is available onsite. Shuttle bus services operate from Port Douglas accommodations, and some Daintree tours include a stop at the habitat.

5. Explore the Port Douglas Markets

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Port Douglas Markets. Held every Sunday under the iconic rain trees in Anzac Park, overlooking the Coral Sea, these markets showcase local arts, crafts, jewellery, and clothing. Visitors can also find fresh tropical produce, plants, and gourmet treats directly from local growers and artisans. The market has a unique 'Cotter's Market' policy, ensuring that goods are made or produced by the stallholder or their immediate family, offering genuine local products. A smaller Wednesday market is also held at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina.

Cost: Entry to the markets is free. Costs depend on purchases.

Transport: The main Sunday Market is located at Anzac Park, at the western end of Macrossan Street, making it easily walkable from the town centre.

6. Enjoy a Sunset Sailing Cruise

Experience the tranquil beauty of Port Douglas from the water with a sunset sailing cruise. As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colours, guests can relax on a catamaran with a drink in hand. These cruises offer stunning views of the coastline, the Coral Sea, and the distant Daintree Mountains, providing a perfect end to a day of exploration. It is a relaxing activity that offers a different perspective of the tropical landscape.

Cost: Sunset sailing cruises typically start from around AU$95 per person.

Transport: Cruises depart from the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, which is centrally located in Port Douglas and often within walking distance of many accommodations.

7. Hike the Flagstaff Hill Trail to Lookout

Undertake a scenic walk along the Flagstaff Hill Trail, leading to the Flagstaff Hill Lookout. This accessible trail provides breathtaking panoramic views of Four Mile Beach stretching southwards, the Coral Sea, and the surrounding tropical landscape. It is an excellent spot for photography, particularly at sunrise or sunset. The trail offers a gentle ascent, making it suitable for most visitors, and provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds Port Douglas.

Cost: Access to the Flagstaff Hill Trail and Lookout is free.

Transport: The trailhead is located at the northern end of Four Mile Beach, easily accessible on foot from Port Douglas town centre. It can also be reached by car, with parking available at the top.

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