From exploring the Great Barrier Reef to local coastal hiking trails, here are the best things to do in Port Douglas, Australia.
Port Douglas is a quieter northern neighbour to Cairns and situated at the point where two UNESCO World Heritage Listed wonders collide; the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
From spotting saltwater crocodiles and visiting hidden waterfalls to embarking on epic day trips to the rainforest and the reef, there are a million reasons why you should consider a trip to Port Douglas!
I’ve spent several months photographing and documenting my travels in Far North Queensland and I’m here to convince you to explore this beautiful slice of the Queensland tropics. In this guide, I’ll list the best activities and things to do in Port Douglas and provide a comprehensive travel guide at the end, answering all of your questions with tips to prepare for your first trip.
31 Best Things to Do in Port Douglas
1. Snorkel or Dive on the Great Barrier Reef
A visit to Port Douglas and the Far North tropics isn't complete without witnessing the awe of the Great Barrier Reef. In fact, this world wonder tops almost all lists of what to do in Port Douglas and nearby Cairns.
Due to the close proximity, visitors can book snorkelling or diving boats to the reef and be in the water within an hour! This means you'll get plenty of time to snorkel amongst abundant sea life, sea turtles, healthy coral reefs.
There are several operators running Great Barrier Reef trips from Port Douglas but the most popular are Calypso and Quicksilver. They both offer great best bang for buck on a full-day dive or snorkel trip with lunch but I personally prefer Calypso since they visit more vibrant reef sites (Agincourt & Opan Reef).
2. Hike the Flagstaff Hill Trail
The Flagstaff Hill trail is a scenic 1.5-kilometre coastal track connecting Four Mile Beach to Rex Smeal Park. The most convenient starting point is right next to Rex Smeal Park where you can also park your car easily on most days.
This track offers some of the best coastal views you'll find in Port Douglas. On a clear day, you'll be able to see all the way out to the Low Isles. The highlight of this short hike is the Flagstaff Hill lookout, which offers excellent coastal vistas out to the Coral Sea and over Four Mile Beach.
If you're looking for free things to do in Port Douglas with a great view, definitely add this short hike to your sunset itinerary!
3. Visit the Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest surviving rainforest in the world. It's a true world icon and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is now managed by the traditional owners, the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people.
There are many walking tracks, freshwater swimming holes, mind-blowing waterfalls and abundant, unique wildlife to discover in the Daintree National Park. The most popular spot to visit from Port Douglas is the nearby Mossman Gorge. However, this is a little too busy and there are many more places to explore beyond this gorge.
Therefore, I recommend the full-day trip to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation to see more of this incredible place with the help of a local guide.
Book: Daintree Full Day Trip
4. Head out to the Low Isles
The Low Isles is a small set of islets just off the coast of Port Douglas. Full or half-day snorkelling trips are one of the most popular things to do in Port Douglas as it is more affordable than longer trips to the outer reef.
Visitors are free to explore the island, which has a resident lighthouse and white-sand shores. Snorkelling is also great at Low Isles, just admittedly not as mind-blowing as what you'll find at some of the outer reef sites.
5. Hook a Barra
Whether you're a keen fisherman, an eager beginner, or looking for a fun way to spend a day with the family, make sure to stop by Hook A Barra, just half an hour's drive north of Port Douglas at Wonga Beach and a great way to break up the Great Barrier Reef Drive to Cape Tribulation or the Daintree River.
Here, you'll find a beautiful 49-hectare property wedged between the ancient Daintree and the Coral Sea. This small, locally-run business here organises one of FNQ's best land-based fishing activities. Here, travellers can have a go at hooking big silver beauties including rare Albino, Speckled (Panda), and Gold Barramundi.
The business also offers Farm Tours which showcases its award-winning Daintree Saltwater Barramundi.
Whatever you choose to do the Hook A Barra team will hook you up with all the gear you need and provide their expert advice. Furthermore, there are catch-and-keep options or you can try something from their Barra Menu!
Book: Hook-A-Barra
Far North Travel Tip: The barramundi fishing experience at Wonga is a good way to break up the drive from Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation (number 8). I recommend booking this activity in the morning, then the croc-tour (number 9) on the Daintree before crossing the river to Cape Trib.
6. Visit Kuranda
Kuranda is a small rainforest market town located just over an hour south of Port Douglas. Although this quaint little town is much smaller than Cairns and Port Douglas, there's plenty to do here including witnessing the famous Barron Falls and the iconic Skyrail.
The main attraction is the market in the rainforest, as well as several wildlife attractions and of course, the Kuranda Scenic Railway. While Kuranda is about 1.5 hours from Port Douglas, you can book the Scenic Rail with return transport online for a great day trip.
7. River Drift Snorkelling
One of the most unusual things to do in Port Douglas is the River Drift Snorkelling activity. This includes a pickup from Port Douglas to a guided river drift tour on a float, where you can spot wild freshwater rainforest species including fish and turtles.
This amazing eco-immersion adventure can be fast and exciting or slow and relaxing, depending of course, on the weather and current. If you're wondering what to do in Port Douglas to cool off, this is a good pick!
8. Spot a Wild Crocodile
The Far North Tropics is home to the largest and most dangerous crocodile; the saltwater (estuarine) crocodile. It's important to be aware of crocs when picking places to swim. Luckily, there are always croc-safe signs warning tourists not to swim in known crocodile habitats.
However, if spotting a wild crocodile is on your list of top things to do in Port Douglas and the tropics, then I've got you covered.
The most full-proof way to spot a croc is to head to the Daintree River and jump on an electric-motored boat with Solar Whisper. These guys run crocodile tours every few hours, which is perfect if you're waiting for the ferry over to Cape Trib. This is the best place to spot crocodiles in their natural habitat near Port Douglas.
9. Road trip to Cape Tribulation (Great Barrier Reef Drive)
Cape Tribulation is one of my favourite spots in the Far North. This incredible place is the official meeting point of the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
There are plenty of things to do here, but you'll need to plan a road trip or a full-day organised tour (quite affordable) from Port Douglas as it'll take roughly 2 hours to get here.
If you take the scenic drive option, you're in for a treat. The road from Cairns to Cape Tribulation is one of Australia's most scenic roads!
10. St Mary's By the Sea - The World's most Scenic Tropical Chapel
Just by the waterfront off Wharf Street, you will find what I believe to be one of the most picturesque tropical churches in the world.
The St Mary's By the Sea Chapel first opened in 1881 but was destroyed by a terrible cyclone in 1911. It has since been restored and relocated nearby the Sugar Wharf in Port Douglas. You'll find it surrounded by tropical palms and gardens, making it a great spot for photographers to snap some photos for sunrise or sunset.
Location: 16°28'51.0"S 145°27'41.7"E
11. Experience the Great Barrier Reef From Above
One of the best ways to experience the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef is to see its immense size and beauty from the air. If you've never taken a helicopter or scenic flight before, then Port Douglas is arguably one of the best places to do it since you'll get to witness the awe of the largest living organism on Earth from above!
Book: 30-minute GBR scenic flight
Alternative: GBR Helicopter & Cruise Combo
I've been on both a helicopter trip and a scenic flight and in my experience, the helicopters are better since you get closer to the reef. However, they are much more expensive. If you want to save money and still see the reef from above, you can drive to Cairns airport for a scenic flight at roughly half the cost.
Tip: The Great Barrier Reef surrounding Port Douglas has several sandy cays, which are essentially small sandbar islands surrounded by coral reefs. Some helicopter trips land on cays like Vlasoff but these are more expensive.
12. Go On A Hot Air Balloon Ride
Easily one of the most epic things to do in Port Douglas and the Tropical North is a Hot Air Balloon Ride in the beautiful Tablelands region! This was one of my favourite Port Douglas activities and the first time that I'd even tried hot air ballooning!
Trips depart from Cairns and Port Douglas with pickup nice and early to ensure a sunrise liftoff! This is a great idea for what to do in Port Douglas if you're looking to make the most of your morning and tick off an epic bucket-list item in the Far North!
13. Go Hiking
Some of the best off-the-beaten-path adventures can be found on the trails surrounding Port Douglas and Cairns. There are several epic hikes to check out within a short drive from Port Douglas. Check out my comprehensive Cairns & FNQ hiking guide to find some hidden gems for yourself.
Otherwise, some of my favourite hikes that I think you should do near Port Douglas are:
14. Walk the Length of Four Mile Beach
Four Mile Beach Port Douglas' very own, palm-lined white sand beach. In my opinion, this beach is one of the most scenic beach spots in the Far North. You can drive here from town in about 5 minutes or walk the famous Flagstaff Hill track that finishes at the beach.
Tip: You'll find a flagged area where you can swim safely and a stinger net during the summer months.
15. Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
The Wildlife Habitat is an award-winning and eco-certified wildlife sanctuary that's often rated as the top Port Douglas attraction. Here, visitors can interact with Australian animals in the recreated natural environments.
There are five areas to explore, including:
- Wetlands
- Rainforest
- Savannah
- Nocturnal
- Woodlands
Tickets are quite affordable but I'd recommend booking them online in advance to skip the line.
Book: Wildlife Habitat Tickets
16. Check Out the Port Douglas Markets
The famous Port Douglas markets are on every single Sunday and draw crowds from all over. You'll find it just off Wharf Street beside the famous St Mary's Chapel.
The Port Douglas markets are a good choice for things to do at Port Douglas for free on a Sunday morning. Here, you can browse hand-crafted art, shop for produce and fresh seafood, or just grab a healthy smoothie bowl.
17. Sling a Hammock Between the Palm Trees at Rex Smeal Park
Rex Smeal Park is the famous palm-liked foreshore you've probably already seen several times on Instagram.
This iconic spot is located nearby the markets and St Mary's Chapel and is the perfect to relax, watch the sunset or even sling a hammock between the perfectly spaced palms. This is one of my favourite sunset spots in Port Douglas and I recommend grabbing a picnic blanket and winding down your day here.
18. Visit the Thala Resort Coconut Palm Field
The Thala Resort coconut palm reserve is located just a short drive south of Port Douglas and a worthy stop on the way to or from Cairns if you want to take some great photos.
This reserve is open to the public and you can walk among the hundreds of palm trees or shoot some unique aerial shots from above if you have a drone. Of course, the resort is also very famous in Far North Queensland and an excellent choice for where to stay between Cairns and Port Douglas. You can also stop in here with a free day-pass and enjoy great food at the restaurant.
View: Thala Resort
19. Mowbray Footbridge Crocodile Spotting
Looking for a reliable spot to see wild crocodiles close to Port Douglas? The newly constructed Mowbray Footbridge is located just outside of the shire on the main highway and is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of these impressive reptiles.
Crocs usually bask on the river banks during low tide. Out of the maybe dozen times I've stopped by here, I've seen crocodiles 7 times, which is a pretty good ratio. However, forget it if you're planning to come here during high tide as they'll be beneath the surface.
Location: 16°33'09.1"S 145°28'55.4"E
20. Go Waterfall Chasing Around Port Douglas
Did you know that the Tropical North is Australia's waterfall hotspot? There are dozens of epic rainforest waterfalls to explore in this area, each offering a perfect place to cool off in the heat. My favourite waterfalls that are close to Port Douglas are:
- Spring Creek Falls
- Hartley's Creek Falls
- Big Mowbray Falls
You'll need a car to visit most of the falls from Port Douglas since none are within walking distance of town.
21. Enjoy a Sunset Catamaran Sail
Cheap and luxury aren't typically two words that go hand in hand. However, on this rare occasion, they do!
One of the best luxury things to do in Port Douglas that doesn't cost an arm and a leg is a sunset catamaran cruise! These trips are very popular and include a 1.5-hour sail on the Coral Sea with a complimentary beer, wine or champagne.
Best of all, they only cost $80 per person!
Book: Sunset Catamaran Sail
22. Scuba Diving on the Great Barrier Reef
If you've always wanted to try scuba diving one of the best places on earth to do it is on the Great Barrier Reef! There are several dive shops running courses for beginners as well as group dives for licensed divers.
If you can, try to book a dive with a company that dives at the outer reef, as you'll get a much better experience than shorter trips around the islands.
I've done a lot of diving around the Great Barrier Reef and the shops with the best reputation are Blue Dive, Quicksilver and Silversonic.
23. Road Trip to the Tablelands
The Atherton Tablelands Region is an often overlooked section of the Wet Tropics but I believe that a trip here should be on everyone's Port Douglas must-do list! In fact, many of the highlights, attractions and wild rainforest photos you've probably seen online already were taken in the Tablelands.
Some of my favourite adventures in this region include:
The best way to do this is to rent a car at Cairns Airport or Port Douglas so that you can explore at your own pace. However, if you don't have your own car, you can also book a day trip to the Tablelands that is convenient and cost effective.
Book: Tablelands Day Trip
24. Grab a Pint at a Classic Australian Pub on Macrossan Street
Walking down Macrossan Street in the heart of Port Douglas, you'll pass some classic Australian bars and bistros. My favorite is Iron Bar, a real outback-style pub with an awesome upstairs view.
If you're up for it, there is also the famous Cane Toad Racing show at Chilly's Pizza and Trattoria at around 6 pm from Tuesday to Saturday.
Location: Macrossan Street
25. Shaolin Sunset Sail
Wrapping up this list of things to do in Port Douglas is a fitting sunset activity that you probably wouldn't expect to see in Queensland!
This Junk-style sailing vessel operates "Shaolin Sunset Sail" trips in Port Douglas almost every night for just $70. It's perhaps one of the most unique attractions in Port Douglas but one that is very popular!
Book: Shaolin Sunset Sail
26. Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is a tourism attraction located approximately half an hour's drive south of Port Douglas.
This is an award-winning park that is often considered to be the best place to see crocodiles. If you didn't spot any at the Mowbray Footbridge and aren't planning to drive to the Daintree River, then this is a sure-way to spot a croc on your trip to Port Douglas.
That said, there's so much more than just crocs to see here. Hartley's is a wildlife habitat with over 2,000 square metres of wetland boardwalks and pathways to explore. There are several zones in the park, as well as educational demonstrations by excellent and informative guides.
Ticket: Hartley's Croc Adventures
27. Cool Down in a Freshwater Swimming Hole
One of the greatest things about Far North Queensland are its amazing freshwater swimming holes. These are a safe and awesome way to cool off during the hotter times of the year.
My favorites close to Port Douglas is the Shannonvale Swimming Hole, Spring Creek, & Mossman Gorge.
28. Hemingway's Brewery
Hemingway's is Far North Queensland's own craft brew company, and they have an awesome brewpub right in the heart of Port Douglas' Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina.
Situated right next to the river overlooking beautiful mangrove forests, this brewery offers a relaxed vibe where you can enjoy hand crafted beers in the tropical climate of the Far North.
Location: Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, 44 Wharf St.
29. 4x4 on the Bloomfield Track
If you're up for a 4x4 rainforest adventure, they don't come as epic as the Bloomfield Track.
This is a coastal 4x4 drive to Wujal Wujal starting at the end of Cape Tribulation. Of course, you're going to need an off-road rig for this one, especially if you're planning to tackle it during the Wet Season.
Otherwise, there is an awesome 4x4 Bloomfield Track tour you can book with Billy Tea Safaris, one of the best activities in the Tropical North!
30. Trinity Bay Lookout over Port Douglas
Trinity Bay Lookout is another great viewpoint near the Flagstaff Hill trail and Four Mile Beach. You can either walk here by taking the short walking track from Rex Smeal Park or drive to the small car .park at the end of Island Point Road.
31. Kuku Yalanji Cultural Tour
The Kuku Yalanji are the traditional custodians of the region surrounding Port Douglas and Far North Queensland.
If you're up for a fun and informative tour about the traditional practices of this unique tribe, head down to Cooya beach with one of the Kubirri Warra brothers for a traditional cultural tour.
Where to Stay in Port Douglas
The best places to stay in Port Douglas are Four Mile Beach for iconic sandy stretches and luxury resorts, Macrossan Street for bustling nightlife and dining, or the Marina for easy access to Great Barrier Reef tours and serene waterfront stays in Port Douglas. Below are my top hotel picks for all budgets.
1. Sheraton Grand Mirage Luxury
An amazing tropical resort you'll often see advertised on Port Douglas billboards. The Sheraton features an amazing lagoon pool and the top suites even have swim out balconies!
2. Oaks Resort Mid-Range
The Oaks is a great luxury accommodation pick that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Here, you'll find beautiful suites with palm garden views and a lagoon pool with a swim-up bar.
3. Global Backpackers Budget
The best backpacker hostel in Port Douglas. This is the best place to base yourself if you're looking to meet link-minded travellers in a central location.
What is the Best Month to Visit Port Douglas?
The great thing about the hot tropics is that you can visit any time of the year and enjoy a great time! In saying that, it's best to have a bit of an understanding of the seasons up here.
Dry Season: April to November
During this time, the weather is usually dry and warm, averaging around 26-28 degrees Celcius. This is a great time to visit Port Douglas as there is less rain and there aren’t usually any dangerous stingers.
Wet Season: December to March
During these hot and wet summer months, Cairns can see tropical rainfall almost daily. The weather is noticeably hotter, averaging around 32 degrees. This is a great time to visit if you'd like to see the waterfalls in full flow and you enjoy warm, tropical weather with a cool daily shower!
In my opinion, the best month to visit Port Douglas is October. During this month, the weather is usually very calm and warm, resulting in the best visibility out on the reef and the most days of sunshine!
How to Get Around in Port Douglas
Like most places in Australia, the best way to make the most out of the many epic things to do and see in Port Douglas is to have your own set of wheels. Of course, there are several tours and organised day trips you can book if you're using Port Douglas as a base.
However, if you're more into independent travel like myself, then renting a car is a good idea. Below are some resources that'll prove helpful in saving a few bucks on your rental in the Queensland tropics.
- Discover Cars: a rental car comparison site. A great way to compare rates and availability across companies.
- Spaceships Vans – this one is for the backpackers and budget travellers. One of the most affordable camper van options in Australia. I’ve had great experiences with them in New Zealand and Australia and always recommend them.
Tip: Book the Cairns Airport to Port Douglas Shuttle
Uber is limited and taxis are very pricey in Far North Queensland.
So, if you're Looking for the cheapest and easiest way to get to your Port Douglas accommodation from Cairns Airport, book this air-conditioned shared shuttle transfer instead for an easy & comfortable ride.
Should I stay in Port Douglas or Cairns?
This is an age-old question for visitors to the Far North and undoubtedly a valid one. Both towns are the two most popular bases up here, with loads of things to do within a short drive of both Port Douglas and Cairns.
Compare: Where to Stay in Cairns: Best Areas
Alternative: Stay in Cape Tribulation
Generally speaking, Cairns offers more variety in terms of activities and organised boat trips to the islands and the outer reef. However, Port Douglas is a quieter option that is popular with families booking luxury resorts, as well as backpackers who want to spend a bit more time exploring the region.
More Things to Know About Port Douglas
Wrapping up this Port Douglas Travel Guide, here are some last few hints and tips you should know before getting up here!
- Stinger season - The highest risk of dangerous marine stingers falls within the months of November to May.
- Be Croc-wise - Saltwater crocodiles inhabit the estuarine waters surrounding Port Douglas. Keep an eye out for signs.
- Renting a car is a good idea - I've mentioned this above but the Hot Tropics region is huge and there is so much to explore! Having your own transport will make your visit just that much more epic!
- Make sure to pack for the tropics - You're probably not going to need a jacket or jeans! I've written a useful packing list for Cairns which should prove useful for Port Douglas as well.
Beyond Port Douglas: More FNQ Travel Blogs
And that's a wrap for this epic travel guide to the best things to do in Port Douglas!
Got updates or recommendations for something that you think deserves a spot on the list? Let me and other travellers know in the comments.
I've spent several months exploring this beautiful part of Australia and I've written many useful travel guides below.
- 60+ Things to do in Cairns - my ultimate Cairns and FNQ travel resource covering the best activities, hidden gems, and unmissable experiences.
- Cairns Hiking Guide - a huge list of epic rainforest, waterfall, and lookout hikes in Cairns.
- Cairns Waterfalls - a huge list of epic waterfalls that I've visited in Cairns and the surrounding tropics.
- Cairns Islands - discover my favorite Great Barrier Reef islands near Cairns and Port Douglas.
- Cairns Tours - my roundup of the best tours you can book in Cairns and FNQ, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Daintree Rainforest.
- Cairns Packing List - tips on what to pack for a trip to Far North Queensland.
- Epic 5-Day Cairns Itinerary - my suggested adventure itinerary if you only have 5 days to spend in Cairns.
- Cape Tribulation Travel Guide - discover where the rainforest meets the reef at one of my favourite places in Australia.
- Magnetic Island Travel Guide - your ultimate resource for visiting "Maggie" near Townsville.
- Best Things to do in the Atherton Tablelands - my guide to one of Far North Queensland's most underrated adventure destinations.
- Accommodation Resources: Discover where to stay in Cairns, the best hotels in Port Douglas and my Cape Tribulation accommodation guide.
Beth
Sunday 5th of March 2023
Hi, this is such an awesome guide! Thank you so much. Are the pictures you attached your pictures? If so what camera do you use? Thanks again :)
Olly Gaspar
Sunday 5th of March 2023
Hey Beth, thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Yeah they are, I use a Canon R5 and a Mavic 3 :)
Olly