Things to Do in Port Douglas: Reef, Beaches, Food & more
Port Douglas is one of those places where you don’t need to fill every minute of your itinerary. Yes, it’s one of the major gateways to the Great Barrier Reef, and reef cruises leave from the marina every day, but there’s much more to Port Douglas than jumping on a boat.
This laid-back tropical town is surrounded by some of Far North Queensland’s biggest attractions. The Great Barrier Reef lies offshore, while the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge are just a short drive north.
Back in town, you can spend the morning walking along Four Mile Beach, browse the boutiques on Macrossan Street, have a long seafood lunch overlooking the water, and finish the day watching the boats return from the reef with a drink in your hand.
And that’s really the appeal of Port Douglas. You can be adventurous, or you can do absolutely nothing.
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Where is Port Douglas?
Port Douglas is in Far North Queensland, approximately 70 km north of Cairns along the spectacular Captain Cook Highway.
It makes an excellent base for exploring the northern Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge and the surrounding tropical coast.
The town is particularly well positioned if you’re doing your Cairns to Cape Tribulation road trip, because Port Douglas can work either as a destination in its own right or as a base for exploring further north.
How to Get to Port Douglas from Cairns
If you have a car, don’t rush the drive from Cairns to Port Douglas.
Cars can be easily hired from Cairns and Cairns Airport. Find the best hire car option for you with Discover Cars.
The Captain Cook Highway is one of the most spectacular coastal drives in Queensland, winding between the mountains and Coral Sea.
The drive is only around an hour and a quarter without stops, but I’d allow considerably longer.
Stop at Ellis Beach
Ellis Beach is an easy first stop after leaving Cairns.
It’s one of those places where you can pull over, stretch your legs and get your first proper taste of the tropical coast.
Stop at Rex Lookout
Don’t skip Rex Lookout.
The viewpoint sits high above the coast and gives you one of those classic Far North Queensland views of the Coral Sea and winding highway below.
It’s also a great place to appreciate just how dramatically the landscape changes between Cairns and Port Douglas.
Try to spot a crocodile at Mowbray River
As you approach Port Douglas, keep an eye out around the Mowbray River.
There is a crocodile viewing area where you may be lucky enough to spot one of the local estuarine crocodiles.
Don’t be disappointed if you don’t see one — they’re wild animals, not performers — and never approach the water or try to get closer for a photograph.
Best Things to Do in Port Douglas
Most of the things to do in Port Douglas are clustered around the town centre, Four Mile Beach and the waterfront making it easy to combine several of them in one day. I’ve marked the map below with the best things to do mentioned in this guide, so you can see where everything is and work out what fits together during your stay.
1. Spend some time on Four Mile Beach
Four Mile Beach is the star of Port Douglas.
Despite the name, it’s actually about four kilometres long, stretching from Flagstaff Hill towards the Mowbray River.
It’s the kind of beach where you don’t really need an activity.
Walk it.
Swim.
Sit under a palm tree.
Read a book.
Watch the sunrise.
Or simply wander along the sand.
Watch the sunrise at Four Mile Beach
Set the alarm. Or don’t. It’s up to you.
Four Mile Beach is beautiful at sunrise, and it’s one of those experiences that costs nothing.
The beach is particularly peaceful early in the morning before the heat of the day arrives.
2. Walk the Four Mile Beach cliff walk to the lookout
For a different perspective of Four Mile Beach, walk the track around Flagstaff Hill.
The walk connects the beach with the lookout and gives you elevated views over Four Mile Beach and the Coral Sea. The Flagstaff Sky Deck is also part of the walking network around the headland.
It gets hot so wear a hat and take a drink. There are water stations along the path.
3. Take a Great Barrier Reef snorkelling trip
For many visitors, this is the big one.
Port Douglas is one of the major departure points for Great Barrier Reef cruises, with boats leaving from the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina.
Spend the day snorkelling over the reef, looking for Nemo and Dory, other colourful reef fish, turtles and other marine life. If time is short, a half day trip to the Low Isles provides a good alternative.
There are many operators departing from Port Douglas including Wavelength, Quicksilver, Supersonic and Poseidon. I’ve been with Wavelength several times and they are excellent. They visit on the shallower sites on the outer reef as they specifically focus on snorkelers.
Choose your snorkelling adventure.
4. Go fishing
If snorkelling isn’t your thing, get out on the water another way.
Port Douglas is a popular base for fishing charters, with opportunities ranging from reef fishing to larger game-fishing trips. Don’t forget to check with your resort restaurant if they will cook the fish you catch before you go.
5. Wander along Macrossan Street
Macrossan Street is the heart of Port Douglas.
It’s lined with boutique shops, cafes, restaurants and bars and runs between the town and Four Mile Beach.
This is somewhere I’d specifically encourage readers not to rush through.
Browse the shops.
Grab a coffee.
Look at the galleries.
Pick up something you definitely didn’t come to Port Douglas intending to buy.
Then wander back towards the beach.
That’s Port Douglas.
6. Browse the Port Douglas Sunday Markets
If you’re visiting on a Sunday, make time for the markets.
The Port Douglas Sunday Markets are held at Anzac Park at the bottom of Macrossan Street, with the Coral Sea and St Mary’s by the Sea providing the backdrop.
You’ll find local produce, jewellery, handmade goods, clothing, food stalls and tropical gifts.
And there’s an added bonus: you’re right beside the waterfront, so it’s easy to combine the markets with St Mary’s, Rex Smeal Park and watching the boats.
7. Visit St Mary’s by the Sea
St Mary’s by the Sea is one of Port Douglas’s prettiest little landmarks.
The historic timber church sits beside the water at Market Park, overlooking the Coral Sea.
It’s worth stopping even if you’re not particularly interested in churches because the setting is beautiful.
It’s also an easy walk from Macrossan Street and the markets.
8. Picnic at Rex Smeal Park and watch the reef boats
This is one of my favourite Port Douglas suggestions because it’s so simple.
Grab some food, head to Rex Smeal Park, spread out a picnic and watch the boats heading out towards the reef.
The park has waterfront views, toilets, BBQ facilities and a playground.
It’s also a lovely place to slow down after a busy day.
And if you have kids, the playground makes it even easier to turn this into a relaxed family stop.
9. Have a seafood lunch at The Tin Shed
For a relaxed Port Douglas lunch, head to The Tin Shed.
It’s right on the waterfront and is known for its views across the water and towards the mountains, as well as fresh local seafood.
10. Have sundowners at Hemingway’s Brewery
Hemingway’s Brewery at the marina is another Port Douglas institution.
Grab a drink, find a seat overlooking the water and watch the boats come back into the marina as the sun starts to drop.
It’s particularly good for sundowners because you’re right on the waterfront.
The marina is also the departure point for many Great Barrier Reef trips, so it’s fun to sit there at the end of the day and watch the reef boats return.
11. Try cane toad racing
This is possibly the most unexpected thing to do in Port Douglas.
Cane toad racing.
The races are currently held at Chilly’s Pizza & Trattoria on Mowbray Street, Tuesday to Saturday evenings, with the show starting at 6pm. It’s $6 per person to watch the show (tap or cash accepted). Make sure to book if your are staying for dinner.
It’s weird.
It’s very Australian.
And it’s definitely memorable.
You can combine it with dinner at Chilly’s, making it an easy evening activity rather than something you need to build an entire night around.
12. Eat the Stringy Mangoes
If the stringy mangoes are in season, they grow in Reynolds Park. Grab some and try them. You’ll probably end up a little sticky. It’s also a great open space to try out that boomerang souvenir.
Day Trips from Port Douglas
Port Douglas is also an excellent base for exploring the rainforest.
13. Visit Mossman Gorge
Mossman Gorge is one of the easiest day trips from Port Douglas.
The rainforest, enormous granite boulders and Mossman River make it a completely different experience from the reef.
It’s particularly worthwhile if you’re building your FNQ trip around both reef and rainforest.
Even if you don’t have a car, it’s easy to experience Mossman Gorge. There are several tour operators that combine Mossman Gorge and the Daintree in a day trip from Port Douglas, so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery whilst someone else takes care of the driving.
Explore Mossman Gorge and Daintree tour availability.
14. Take a Daintree River cruise to see wild crocodiles
Another great option is a Daintree River crocodile cruise.
Rather than simply visiting a crocodile attraction, you’ll be looking for wild estuarine crocodiles along the river. There are heaps of birds along the river. Keep an eye out brilliant flashes of blue as the azure kingfishers fly along the water’s edge.
Crocodiles are wild creatures and sightings are not guaranteed. Don’t expect jumping crocodiles like those up in the Northern Territory.
It is important to keep safety in mind at all times as crocodiles are an apex predator and we are on their menu. Never stand near the water’s edge and always keep your hands and arms inside the boat at all times. Just because you can’t see the crocodile, be assured, they certainly are watching you!
Whilst you are visiting Daintree Village, why not try a crocodile burger. Delicious!
Where to Stay in Port Douglas
Port Douglas is a place where you can really spoil yourself! Or save your money on accommodation and spend it on a bucket list reef experience. There are so many options to choose from. Below are my recommendations or check out the interactive map for other options including holiday rentals.
Luxury
For luxury, look no further than the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, with the only true beachfront on Four Mile Beach, 147 hectares of lush tropical gardens, two hectares of sparkling saltwater lagoon pools, 9 swimming pools and an 18-hole golf course.
Mid-range
Located just 5 mins out of town is the Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas. But don’t let the location phase you, they provide a shuttle bus to town. The resort is set amongst rainforest gardens with a tropical lagoon pool with swim up bar.
We really loved the relaxed atmosphere. Ramada is located on Port Douglas Road and offers a range of accommodation including hotel rooms and apartments. We stayed in a 2-bedroom apartment for a week and the full kitchen really helped with our food budget. The restaurant, overlooking the pool, was excellent and even cooked the reef fish the boys caught on their fishing charter.
Check accommodation options and prices
Budget
Look for apartments and smaller accommodation around town, particularly if having kitchen facilities is important. Bay Villas Resort has studio apartments overlooking their lagoon swimming pool just 8 mins walk from the town centre.
Backpackers
Port Douglas has backpacker accommodation for travellers looking to keep costs down and meet other travellers.
Dougies Backpackers Resort is located just 450m from the beach and welcomes travellers of all ages.
Holiday parks
For travellers with a caravan, campervan or family looking for a more affordable stay, include a holiday park option.
The Big4 Port Douglas, Glengarry Holiday Park is your go to accommodation if you are road tripping with a caravan in tow. It’s also a great option if you are travelling with kids with 20 hectares of gardens for the kids to roam, a jumping pillow and water park. Whilst it’s 10 mins from town, it does provide a shuttle bus and have tour pickups.
How Long Do You Need in Port Douglas?
I’d recommend at least 3 nights.
Two nights gives you enough time to experience the town and perhaps do one major activity.
Three nights gives you time for:
- Four Mile Beach
- Great Barrier Reef
- Port Douglas town
- A relaxed evening at the marina
- Either Mossman Gorge or the Daintree
Four or five nights would suit travellers who don’t want to rush and want to combine reef trips, rainforest adventures and lazy beach days.
Best Time to Visit Port Douglas
Port Douglas can be visited year-round, but the experience changes considerably between the seasons. There are only 2 seasons, the wet season and the dry season.
The dry season (May to October) is best for the reef, but it’s also peak season, so prices are higher and there are more people around.
The wet season (November to April) is best for waterfalls and the rainforest. This is also stinger season so no swimming without a stinger suit on. It also comes with high humidity, the risk of heavy rain and possible cyclones. However, it’s low season and considerably cheaper than the dry season.
For more information on the weather, reef conditions and visiting marine creatures, read my month-by-month guide on the Best Time to Visit Far North Queensland.
Port Douglas Travel Tips
Hire a car if you’re exploring beyond Port Douglas
You don’t necessarily need a car to enjoy Port Douglas itself.
Macrossan Street, Four Mile Beach, the marina and many restaurants are relatively close together.
But having a car makes Mossman Gorge, the Daintree and the Cairns–Port Douglas coastal drive much easier.
Don’t underestimate the tropical heat
Plan your walks around the heat, especially if you’re visiting during the hotter months.
Take crocodile warnings seriously
If you’re around rivers, creeks and estuaries, observe warning signs and don’t enter waterways where crocodiles may be present.
Allow extra time for the Cairns drive
The Cairns–Port Douglas road isn’t just transport. It’s one of the attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Port Douglas better than Cairns?
They’re different experiences.
Cairns is larger and more urban, while Port Douglas has a smaller, more relaxed tropical-town atmosphere.
I’d choose Port Douglas if you want a slower-paced holiday and easy access to both the reef and rainforest.
Can you visit Port Douglas without a car?
Yes. You can stay around the town centre and walk between many restaurants, shops, the marina and Four Mile Beach.
A car becomes much more useful when you want to explore beyond Port Douglas, although tour operators provide access to Mossman Gorge and the Daintree without a car.
How far is Port Douglas from Cairns?
Port Douglas is approximately 70 km north of Cairns.
Can you swim at Four Mile Beach?
Yes, but always check local conditions, warning signs and patrol information before entering the water. Far North Queensland has seasonal marine hazards including stingers and crocodiles.
How many days do you need in Port Douglas?
I’d allow at least three nights, particularly if you want to do a Great Barrier Reef trip and visit the rainforest without rushing.
Can you see crocodiles near Port Douglas?
Yes, crocodiles live in the waterways around the region, including the Mowbray River. You may get lucky and spot one from a designated viewing area, but sightings aren’t guaranteed.
For a better chance of seeing wild crocodiles, consider a Daintree River cruise.
Is Port Douglas worth visiting?
Absolutely – bit I think the best way to experience Port Douglas is not to treat it as a checklist of attractions.
Yes, come here to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the Daintree. Walk Four Mile Beach. But leave yourself time to wander Macrossan Street, eat a mango in the park, sit beside the water and watch the reef boats come and go.
That’s what I love about Port Douglas.
It’s adventurous when you want it to be, but it doesn’t demand you fill every hour of your holiday. You can spend one day exploring the reef and the next doing very little at all.
For us, the little moments – a walk along Four Mile Beach, a seafood lunch, watching boats returning from the reef whilst enjoying a drink as the tropical afternoon slips into evening – that make Port Douglas somewhere we’d happily return to.
If you’re planning a Far North Queensland road trip, I’d definitely give yourself more than a quick overnight stop. Slow down, explore the reef and rainforest, and give yourself time to enjoy Port Douglas itself.
That’s when you discover that there’s a lot more to this tropical town than simply being a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
