Destination Guide

Port Douglas, Australia

Port Douglas, Australia lies just 70 kilometres from Cairns. Port Douglas began as a quiet mining community and has retained that intimate, small-town feel. However, during peak tourist season, the population of this petite town explodes!

Port Douglas is one of Australia's premier holiday destinations. This serene yet picturesque location boasts five star accommodation and dining with easy access to some of Australia's most popular activities and sights.

Visitors to Port Douglas enjoy extraordinary beaches, world-class snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, outdoor adventure activities and so much more in this town that embraces each and every traveller.

Peak travel season for Port Douglas is during the months of May through September. During the months, the town is bustling with people and activity.

Getting in and around Port Douglas

Airport

There is not an airport in Port Douglas so air travellers to the petite destination often fly into Cairns International Airport and then drive to Port Douglas. Cairns International Airport is a major airport with service to many cities throughout the city as well as international flights. Port Douglas is 70 kilometres north of Cairns. You can get to Port Douglas via the very scenic Captain Cook Highway by bus or car.

Transport

Port Douglas is quite small and easily navigated on a bicycle. Bicycles for hire are easily found in Port Douglas and are a very relaxing and charming way to get around town. You can also rent a car if biking doesn't suit you, or walk!

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Port Douglas accommodation

Port Douglas is known for its high-class and luxury hotels and resorts of which the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas is one of the most popular. Port Douglas is an ideal destination for those looking to splurge on a luxurious and relaxing holiday. However, travellers on a budget are not going to be priced out of Port Douglas. If you want to experience all the charms of Port Douglas, Australia without breaking the bank, there are still plenty of budget friendly and mid-range hotels to choose from.

Luxury
Mid-range
Budget
Backpackers
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Things to do in Port Douglas

As a historically significant town in Australia, there are tons of museums and historical buildings to explore in Port Douglas. But for the more outward bound traveller, Port Douglas is an ideal place to visit. From wildlife sanctuaries, to windsurfing, to snorkelling and diving, Port Douglas has an inventory of things to do that are virtually endless.

  • Port Douglas Court House Museum. The Court House Museum in Port Douglas is what you might expect: an old historic court house building that has been restored into a working museum. It's now one of Port Douglas's main attractions. Walk through the museum and educate yourself on the history of the region.
  • Port Dougals Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary. As home to some of the world's most exotic and beloved creatures, any wildlife sanctuary in Australia is bound to impress. The Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary in Port Douglas is no different.
  • Four Mile Beach. This extraordinary and world-famous beach is home to extraordinary natural beauty and water sports as well as top shelf shopping and dining.
  • Daintree National Park. Daintree National Park is one of the main attractions in Port Douglas and is a tribute to the natural untouched beauty of the area. The contains the Greater Daintree Rainforest, the oldest existing rainforest in the world, as well as Cape Tribulation, the famous landing spot of Lt. James Cook.
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    Day trips in and around Port Douglas

  • Great Barrier Reef. You can't go to Port Douglas and not experience the Great Barrier Reef, one of the largest coral systems in the world. Numerous tour lines depart from Port Douglas and Aristocrat Reef Cruises is acknowledged as one of the best.
  • Hot Air Ballooning. A hot air balloon tour is a must do when visiting Port Douglas. It's surprisingly affordable and who wouldn't want to view this beautiful town from the air?
  • Kuranda Scenic Railway. Take a day and enjoy the beauty of Daintree Rainforest and the surrounding area while you relax on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. This day's tour of the area has opportunities to shop, dine, and enjoy animal exhibits.
  • Shannonvale Tropical Fruit Wine Company. Wine lovers will adore this Port Douglas institution. This family-owned winery offers tastings and intimate tours of the winery with the owners themselves. Almost all the wines at this unique winery are made using fruit other than grapes.
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