EXPLORE PORT DOUGLAS
Clear blue waters, superb rainforest and a friendly village vibe make Port Douglas a popular beach holiday destination. The tropical town of Port Douglas, roughly a one-hour drive north from Cairns, has it all. The aquamarine waters of the Great Barrier Reef, the breathtaking canopy of the Daintree Rainforest, the crystal creeks of Mossman Gorge, and the palm fringed golden sands of Four Mile Beach. It is the only place on Earth where two World Heritage-listed sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest – meet, lends itself to the best in outdoor experiences.
Must See and Do in Port Douglas
Port Douglas is a gateway to both rainforest and reef on Queensland’s Far North Coast – making it an irresistible tropical getaway.
Since its establishment in the late 1870s, Port Douglas has had many incarnations, gold-rush port, sugar-export hub, quiet fishing village. It was in the late 1970s that tourism developers began to realise the significant potential of this long strip of beach, lush green mountains and expanse of blue ocean. Yes, Mother Nature has been kind to this region, placing two natural wonders on its doorstep: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree rainforest. When both gained World Heritage status in the ’80s, Port’s status as a must-visit destination was confirmed. Today, this seaside town is a hive of cool eateries and revamped resorts, with myriad excursions running daily – and that stunning backdrop.
GREAT BARRIER REEF
There are so many ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef, the area’s number one attraction. Numerous full and half day trips run from Port Douglas, Cairns and Mission Beach on a variety of vessels featuring activities such as diving, snorkelling and glass bottom boats. Alternatively, try a unique live aboard, overnight experience. For highflyers, there’s no better way to see the reef than on a scenic helicopter flight. Trips can range from 10 to 60 minutes and promise to be an experience of a lifetime
MOSSMAN GORGE
Mossman Gorge is part of the traditional lands of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people. Much of the Mossman Gorge section of Daintree National Park consists of the rugged, largely inaccessible slopes of the Main Coast Range, and Windsor and Carbine tablelands. It is these steep mountain ranges that trap moisture blown in from the ocean and ensure frequent rainfall, maintaining the rainforest and ultimately feeding the Mossman and Daintree rivers.
CAPE TRIBULATION & DAINTREE RAINFOREST
The Daintree region stretches for 95 kilometres from Mossman Gorge to Cape Tribulation and along the Bloomfield Track towards Cooktown. It’s thought to be one of the oldest rainforests in the world, boasting flora and fauna not found anywhere else. Fortunately, this unique piece of paradise is easily accessible and can be experienced by cruising, zip-lining, walking, horse-riding or just driving.
FOUR MILE BEACH
Four Mile Beach is a local's escape from the daily grind and many walk the shoreline as the sun rises and sets. For tourists, it is a pleasure to spend days swimming, sunbathing, dozing under the palms, enjoying a magical sunset, or joining locals for an invigorating walk.
BALLY HOOLEY RAIL
The historic Bally Hooley rail takes you on a sight-seeing journey through town. A family favourite, the Bally Hooley is the best way to experience Port Douglas. And don't forget about our fabulous cafe, Choo Choos at the Marina. The waterfront cafe is a hot spot for locals and the perfect place to get a coffee or enjoy breakfast or lunch before or after your train journey!
WILDLIFE HABITAT
There’s nothing quite like the Wildlife Habitat Experience. Fancy hand-feeding iconic Australian Wallabies and Kangaroos or catching a glimpse of the legendary Southern Cassowary or Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo? How about watching a crocodile feeding presentation or having your photo taken with a Koala?
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