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What to do in Port Douglas

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Port Douglas is well located within a short distance of some spectacular natural attractions; the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree National Park, so besides the town attractions like shopping, Eating & drinking, there is a good range of tours available. Bear in mind that to really appreciate the Daintree rainforest / Cape Tribulation you will need more than a day trip.

Art galleries

Port Douglas has quite a few art galleries to browse;

Oceanic Art
Port Douglas Gallery
Duncan Tableland Gallery
Hidden Gallery

Beach

One of the highlights of Port Douglas is Four Mile Beach. A very long stretch of beach that looks spectacular from the lookout. There is a stingernet in the summertime to keep those nasty box jelly fish away from you, and there are lifesavers on duty anytime of year at the northern end of the beach.

Cane toad races

The Iron Bar runs cane toad races at 19.30 daily and is easy to find in the main street towards the harbour end.

Cape Tribulation / Daintree

Cape Tribulation is simply a MUST SEE on your north Queensland holiday, and you should allow at least a few days for this. Too many people go there only on a daytrip and later say; if only I'd known.
Cape Tribulation is located in the Daintree National Park, the oldest rainforest in the world, estimated to be 130 million years old! It os also one of the very few places in the worlds where the rainforest runs right down to the sea, hence the advertising slogan 'where the rainforest meets the reef'.
Although the tourdesk in Port Douglas may tell 'you can see it all on a daytrip because there's nothing there' be assured there is enough to do to spend a few days there, and there is a great range of accommodation places right inside the rainforest. The road to Cape Tribulation is sealed all the way, although some outdated guide books still tell you it is a dirtroad. All cars from RentNewCars.com.au can be taken there without a problem.
To help you plan your holidays in Cape Tribulation check out these links for accommodation, tours and how to get there.
Note that Daintree Village is not "the village in the rainforest" as some travelguides will tell you, the rainforest around this town was cut down well over a century ago, and now cows graze the green fields. To see the Daintree rainforest you will have to cross the Daintree river to go to Cape Tribulation.

Ferry across the Daintree river
Ferry across the Daintree river

If your time is really too limited for a stay at Cape Tribulation check out the daytour below, it is still better than not seeing this amazing place at all and it may encourage you to return in the future.

Cape Tribulation in a day

cape tribulation in daintree national park
Cape Tribulation
© Billy Tea Bush Safaris

Your naturalist guide will meet you at your accommodation and after introductions all around we drive north along the scenic route to Mossman. Lush farmland contrasts with seascape as we approach the majestic Daintree River. Time for a short morning tea break then its 'all aboard' for an informative river cruise. Relax and enjoy the splendour only the Daintree can offer as you learn of Estuarine Crocodiles, mangrove forests and wildlife, this is nature at its best!
We then ascend the Alexandra range, pause for a panoramic view of the World Heritage Tropical Rainforest merging with the Coral Sea. A delicious BBQ with home made salads, tropical fruit and Australian wine is prepared whilst you take the opportunity to swim in a tranquil freshwater stream. Our tour does a little more. It takes you beyond Cape Tribulation along the 4WD only 'Bloomfield Track', allows time for a swim in the Coral Sea at Cape Tribulation (seasonal) where the "Rainforest meets the Reef". A short afternoon refreshment stop where you can pat a Kangaroo, scratch a Cockatoo, have a cold beer or sip a cup of the local tea, we then begin our homeward journey somewhat wiser for our 'Rainforest Experience". More info....

Crocodiles

At Hartleys Creek Crocodile Adventures, a short drive from Port Douglas, you can see crocodiles, koalas, cassowaries etc.

Fishing

There are several fishing charter boats based in Port Douglas, and you can even hire your own dinghy to try your luck on Dickson Inlet.

Contact Norseman fishing charters via email
Weejock charters

Flying

Never flown in a micro light before? Here's your chance, Adventure Microlights will take you up in the air and as it is an instructional flight you will be able to take the controls and do some flying too!

Or sit back and let someone else do the flying! Skysafari does helicopter flights to where ever you would like to go!

Golf

If you are into golf you have come to the right place, Port Douglas has an excellent golf course at the Mirage Resort, and another one at the Sea Temple.

Hot air ballooning

Hot air ballooning

port douglas hot air ballooning

Combine an early morning hot air balloon ride with a day trip to an island near the Great Barrier Reef. After floating above bushlands and spotting wildlife from the air, enjoy a hearty breakfast before catching the cat to Green Island. Here you can choose to snorkel, ride a glass bottom boat, relax on the beach or wander the National Park.
More info....

 

Kuranda train and Skyrail

Kuranda train and Skyrail

skyrail and kuranda train tour from port douglas

Make your visit to Kuranda a memorable one from door to door. Our luxury coach will collect you from your Port Douglas accommodation for a leisurely journey to Freshwater Station to join the Kuranda Scenic Train. Enjoy the spectacular views as you climb towards Kuranda.
On arrival at the 'Village in the Rainforest' you have approximately 5 hours to explore the many unique attractions of the village. Take a Rainforest cruise, visit colorful Birdworld, explore the unique arts and crafts boutique or stroll around the famous Kuranda markets (market days only). Enjoy a leisurely lunch at any one of a number of delightful cafes/restaurants. Your Kuranda day is made complete with a return journey on the world's most beautiful rainforest experience - Skyrail. Take the time to visit the CSIRO Interpretive Centre and enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk at Red Peak. On arrival at Caravonica our luxury coach will be waiting to take you back to Port Douglas.
More info....

 

Markets

Every Sunday markets are held in Anzac Park at the end of the main street. They start early and start winding up soon after midday. There is a great range of local arts and crafts for sale and fresh fruit and vegetables. Not much in the way of food anymore, a few years ago some bright spark at the local council decided that cooking of food was no longer allowed at the markets, though they can still sell food that was pre-cooked elsewhere. Ofcourse it is more dangerous to eat food that was cooked yesterday than fresh on the spot but that's Douglas Shire Council for you.

Massage

Treat yourself to a massage at Port Douglas Natural Therapies Centre

Mossman Gorge

Mossman Gorge is a very scenic place where the Mossman river cuts through some beautiful rainforest. It is a short drive of about 20km. north of Port Douglas, but avoid the middle of the day to visit this place as it tends to get quite busy. Best times are early in the day or late afternoon. You can also swim in the river but be aware of strong currents if it has rained and the river flows strongly, people have drowned here. You might also be surprised how cold the water is, although this area is called tropical north Queensland.

On foot

Explore the town on foot. Flagstaff Hill is a good hike to get the heart pumping, and offers a great view over Four Mile Beach and the town.

Rainforest Habitat

If you would like to see koalas, cassowaries, crocodiles and plenty of other animals all in one day, head for the Rainforest Habitat. This award winning wildlife park is easy to find on the corner of the town's entrance road and the Cook Highway, and easy to get to on the local bus. They also do an excellent brekky, known as 'Breakfast With The Birds'. A big buffet of tropical fruits and all the other breakfast goodies set under a large sail on which all shapes of birds walk around, together with the rising sun providing a very artistic shadow play. Lots of other birds fly around within the breakfast area so guard your breakfast closely as the birds know how to help themselves.

Train ride

You can ride the Ballyhooley train from Port Douglas to Mossman along the tracks used by the sugar cane trains.

Sailing

Several sailing boats are based in Port Douglas that can take you out, either on full daytrips, half day trips or a sunset cruise with drinks on board. Trips may go out all the way to the Great Barrier Reef or to the closer Low Isles.

Snorkelling and scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef

Silversonic dive and snorkel

port douglas silversonic to the great barrier reef


Silversonic is a luxury 29 meter catamaran with full bar facilities, fresh water showers, change rooms and spacious deck areas. Morning and afternoon tea are served as well as a hot and cold tropical buffet lunch and the spacious deck areas are ideal for sharing a cold drink and tales of your days adventure. Certified divers can enjoy up to three dives at two different sites during the day. There is a multitude of marine life at Agincourt Reef, from tiny iridescent fish seeking shelter in their coral homes to massive giant clams weighing up to 200 kilograms (440 pounds). Perhaps you will see a small harmless reef shark or a boulder coral hundreds of years old. The Silversonic crew with 25 years of combined experience will show you the best there is to see.
More info....

 

Ocean Spirit

upolu cay on great barrier reef from port douglas

Upolu Cay is an uninhabited coral cay lying about 18 nautical miles off the coast. Dugongs are often seen raising their calves throughout the year in the protected waters around the cay.
Set sail aboard a luxury catamaran with Ocean Spirit Cruises for Upolu Cay - a small uninhabited sand island on the outer Great Barrier Reef just short of Michaelmas Cay. View the brilliant coral and sea-life in the glass bottom boat or try a snorkel or a dive. Enjoy a hot and cold buffet lunch and relax with the friendly crew. Enjoy champagne and entertainment on the homeward sail back to Cairns. You also have the opportunity to visit Oyster Reef as you sail out to beautiful Upolu Cay. Oyster Reef is teeming with marine life and offers some of the best coral viewing on the Great Barrier Reef. For those interested in exploring the coral reef by diving on their day out to the Great Barrier Reef, Ocean Spirit also offers introductory dives for the novice and certified dives for experienced divers.
More info....

 

 

Quicksilver

quicksilver cruise from port douglas to the great barrier reef

Join Quicksilver's friendly crew as they take you to Agincourt Reef located at the very edge of Australia's Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of color and brilliance, where you can experience first hand the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef.
Situated on the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef, Agincourt Reef provides a sheltered anchorage for the Quicksilver vessel and the perfect spot for passengers to experience the new Ocean Walker helmet diving, snorkeling, scuba diving, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a Quicksilver semi-sub, just one meter underwater and watch the fish feeding from Quicksilver's unique underwater viewing platform. Cruising at high speed to Agincourt Reef, 39 nautical miles (72 kilometers) from Port Douglas, these superb vessels give you the smoothest possible ride in all weather conditions.
More info....

 

Wave Dancer

scuba diving from port douglas
Wavedancer
© Quicksilver

Quicksilver's 30 meter luxury sailing catamaran, 'Wavedancer', offers the excitement of big ship sailing combined with the ultimate in comfort. Let the crew pamper you in the luxurious air-conditioned lounge with its fully licensed bar, or soak up the sun and sea air under the sails on our expansive deck. 'Wavedancer' is a memorable experience from the moment you step aboard. They will take you to Low Isles which is situated 15 kilometers north-east of Port Douglas. Low Isles is a 4 acre coral cay surrounded by 55 acres of reef. The corals are very close to the island, which makes snorkeling an enjoyable experience. The two small islands are separate with one common reef. The larger of the two, Woody Island, is uninhabited except for a large bird population. The smaller of the Low Isles is a coral cay with a lighthouse that has been operating since 1878.
More info....

 

Shopping


Shopping at the Marina

If you like shopping then Port Douglas is the place for you! Pictured above is the shopping centre at the Port Douglas Marina where you can shop in airconditioned comfort, and there is the whole main street full of clothing boutiques and arts and crafts shops.

White water rafting

White water rafting

white water rafting tour froom port douglas
Rafting on the Barron River
© RnR White Water Rafting

BARRON RIVER TRIP (4 3/4 hours duration)
The Barron River Gorge is located just 20 minutes drive north of Cairns and lies along a traditional pathway used by the original indigenous Djabugay people. The spectacular Barron Falls, further upstream, are considered a sacred site. The famous Kuranda Railway and Skyrail Cableway also traverse sections of the gorge. This heart thumping ride spears through The Barron Gorge National Park and the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics. In the calmer sections you will get to enjoy the ethereal beauty of the worlds oldest rainforest and waterfalls from a unique waterline perspective. During the day you will also discover why the Barron's rapids have names such as 'Rooster Tail', 'Cheese Churn' and 'Hells Gate'.

TULLY RIVER TRIP (14 hours duration)
The drive to Tully, 140 kilometers south of Cairns, is a scenic journey through cloud-covered coastal mountains, clear rivers and streams, fields of sugar cane and exotic fruits. Rapids include the unforgettable 'Alarm Clock', 'Wet & Moisty', 'Stair Case' and the dramatic 'Theatre' - all before a riverside BBQ lunch opposite 'Ponytail Falls' where time is made to replenish your batteries before the afternoon's remaining rapids.
More info....

 

Wine tasting

shannonvale winery near port douglas
A dozen different wines to taste

Not far from Port Douglas is the Shannonvale Winery, where they make quite a range of wines from tropical fruits. Orange, grapefruit, mango, lychee, jaboticaba, and lots more. The black sapote (chocolate pudding fruit) port is also a very nice drop. It is signposted from the Cook Highway, from Port Douglas head north towards Mossman and then turn left at the signs.

 


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