Port Douglas between reef and rainforest

Port Douglas is a coastal town between the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest, and a starting point for exploring the reef and the Daintree Rainforest. If you’re looking for a hotel, it helps to first consider your travel plans: Would you like to spend time at the beach, plan a full or half day at the reef, or explore the rainforest independently or on a guided day tour? The town centre and its cultural history also offer their own distinctive attractions.

Beach, trails and views

Four Mile Beach stretches the entire length of the peninsula on which Port Douglas is located. You can also cover the full length of the beach on a hired bicycle. During stinger season, a swimming enclosure is usually in place at the beach from November to May. As these seasonal details can vary, check locally before swimming.

The 1.5 km Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail connects Four Mile Beach with Rex Smeal Park and offers views of the Coral Sea and the Low Isles. You can reach the Flagstaff Hill Lookout with an easy walk, a bike ride or a short drive to the lookout area.

Trips from town

Trips to the Great Barrier Reef depart from Port Douglas as full- or half-day tours and are available for all age groups and levels of water experience. To explore the Daintree Rainforest from Port Douglas, you can drive yourself or join a guided day tour. These offer a choice of different timeframes and ways to explore two of the region’s defining destinations.

At Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, wildlife talks and presentations are included in the standard admission pass. Visitors can experience and interact with native Australian animals in their natural habitats; wallabies and kangaroos can be hand-fed.

Sailaway offers sailing and snorkelling trips to the Low Isles, as well as sunset sailing, and departs daily from Port Douglas by sailboat. As schedules can change, check the dates before your trip. The Port Douglas Yacht Club’s WAGS program starts every Wednesday evening. Club members can take members of the public out on private yachts for a sunset cruise. Check the arrangements for joining in advance, too.

Local history and the town centre

Port Douglas Court House now serves as a local history museum and is one of Queensland’s oldest surviving timber courthouses. St Mary’s by the Sea is one of the oldest buildings in Port Douglas. The ecumenical parish church is used for weddings, carol services and other special services and events, and is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. Rex Smeal Park is located at a site of enduring historical significance to the Port Douglas community.

Macrossan Street, the centre of Port Douglas, is home to Indigenous art and crafts alongside Australian and international designer brands. Most shops, bars and restaurants are within easy walking distance from there. Stallholders at the Port Douglas Sunday Markets must grow, make or produce the goods they sell themselves.

Discover more destinations: Mareeba, Marburg, Tambo, Gamboola, Shute Harbour, Coral Cove, Moreton Island, Tinaroo

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