Best things to do & places to stay:
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
Tropical North Queensland is a global eco-tourism hotspot, blessed with two of the world’s greatest natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient rainforests of the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park.
While most tourists looking to experience them head for backpacker-central Cairns, those looking for a more upscale, genteel base could no better than Port Douglas, Queensland’s smartest beach destination. The swanky, cosmopolitan town is home to upscale restaurants and shops, spas, swish hotels and a yacht-filled marina, and has increasingly become both a culinary and wellness destination.
It’s the ideal base from which to explore both reef and rainforest. It’s also a great place to experience and appreciate indigenous Aboriginal culture. The local Kuku Yalanji people have lived in the Daintree area for over 50,000 years and offer excellent and authentic guided forest walks, art classes and food gathering excursions.
The main thoroughfare in this former frontier town of about 4,000 residents is Macrossan Street, packed with stylish cafés, restaurants and boutiques. The marina is home to some of the world’s most expensive pleasure craft.
The Daintree National Park (about 20 minutes’ drive) and Cape Tribulation are to the north, while the Great Barrier Reef (and its most popular dive spots) is about 75 nautical miles off the coast – approximately 90 minutes’ travelling time by boat.
The bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination
Mossman, Queensland, Australia
Discover aboriginal customs and culture along with the secrets of one of the worlds’ oldest rainforests on a guided Dreamtime walk through the Daintree.
Best for ages: 13+ | £44 | 1 hour
Daintree Rainforest, Queensland, Australia
Cruise through a 180 million-year-old rainforest of ancient flora, to spot hundreds of bird species, turtles, colourful tree frogs, exotic snakes and gigantuan ‘salties’ (saltwater crocodiles).
Best for ages: 4+ | £11 | 1-2 hours
Queensland, Australia
The world’s greatest diving and snorkelling on one of the seven wonders of the natural world – a global biodiversity hotspot teeming with colourful marine life.
Best for ages: 8+ | £140 | 1 day
Daintree Rainforest, Queensland, Australia
One of the world’s natural wonders, the 180-million-year-old Daintree Rainforest is an ancient and stunningly beautiful rainforest, packed with exotic and rare flora and fauna.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest
Mossman, Queensland, Australia
Learn the ancient local art of dot painting – on canvas or boomerang – these engaging workshops run by an Aboriginal-owned local art gallery.
Best for ages: 4+ | £30 | 90 minutes
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
This evening performance features didgeridoo playing, dreamtime stories and a tropical tasting menu. The set menu features tiger prawns, kangaroo and other local produce. A vegetarian option is available.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free | 4 hours
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
Queensland’s most northerly craft brewery, which occupies a prime location at the marina, produces a range of lighter style lagers, pilsners and wheat beers, while the restaurant serves up satisfying fare.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Mossman, Queensland, Australia
This quality art gallery features the work of the best local Kuku Yalanji artists. The gallery is part of a unique indigenous tourism project which also includes dreamtime walks, a gift shop and a café serving local bush tucker.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers
Port Douglas
A48 | Rating 4.59 / 5 [100 ratings]
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Port Douglas
A399 | Rating 4.81 / 5 [27 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Port Douglas
A175 | Rating 4.98 / 5 [66 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay in this destination
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
A modern apartment hotel in the centre of Port Douglas. A perfect, convenient base, close to all of the evening action, for those who want to spend their days out exploring (rather than lounging in a resort). Adults only.
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Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
A compact, beachside hotel equipped with kitchenettes that’s an excellent choice for those travelling on a budget. Adults only.
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Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
Rainforest relaxation guaranteed at this beautifully run eco-lodge with a fantastic restaurant and award-winning spa.
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Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
Decidedly upmarket beachside resort hotel with a fantastic in-house spa and award-winning restaurant. A good all-rounder with something for everyone.
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Port Douglas is a year-round destination; temperatures vary only slightly between seasons.
The wet season (December to February) is hot and humid, with the highest rainfall plus the occasional thunderstorm and cyclone warning, but it’s quieter. November to May is also the so-called ‘stinger season’, when deadly box jellyfish congregate in the coastal waters. However, unless you specifically want to swim in the sea, this won’t impact your trip.
Winter (June-August), the dry season, is the best time weather-wise and jellyfish-wise, but if you can, avoid the main Australian school holidays (especially the winter vacation, from late June to early July) when accommodation is at a premium across Queensland – from the Gold Coast to Port Douglas – and when the resort is busiest.
Spring and Autumn are the best times, with clement weather without the crowds.
Cairns is the major regional airport, with regular flights from most major Australian cities and some international flights from South – East Asia. There are frequent shuttle buses between Cairns and Port Douglas (approximately 1hr), or you can hire a private shuttle (it’s usually a group price). The smarter hotels provide their own airport transfer service. Your other option is to hire a car.
Port Douglas is small enough to walk or cycle around. You will only need a car if you want to venture north to the Daintree National Park, Cape Tribulation or Cooktown – though if you book on organised tours (recommended) they’ll pick you up and drop you off from your accommodation in Port Douglas.
Don’t leave without trying local specialties mud crab (from the local mangroves) and barramundi (delicious and firm white fish). The local coffee is also surprisingly good.
