What to do in Port Douglas
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sealed all the way, although some outdated guide books still tell you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
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
© Billy Tea Bush Safaris
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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
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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 |
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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.... |
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Kuranda train and Skyrail
Kuranda
train and Skyrail |
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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
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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 |
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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....
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Ocean
Spirit |
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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
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Quicksilver
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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
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Wave
Dancer |
Wavedancer
© Quicksilver
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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.... |
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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 |
Rafting on the Barron River
© RnR White Water Rafting
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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
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Wine tasting
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.
