destination – Port Douglas

PORT DOUGLAS
The many and varied attractions of Port Douglas

An early morning walk on the beach, an afternoon exploring some of the oldest forests in the world and dinner in a world class restaurant – it’s easy to see why Port Douglas is so popular with holidaymakers.

And it’s not just Australians who have discovered its many delights. Walk down the streets and you’ll hear just as many international accents as Australian.

>> Destination Port Douglas, Weekends For Two

To visit Port Douglas today it’s hard to believe it was once a sleepy fishing village. There have been major developments in terms of infrastructure but fortunately the natural attractions, which attracted developers in the first place, are still just as appealing. After all it is the only place on Earth where two World Heritage listed jewels meet - the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest of Daintree and Cape Tribulation.

If you just want to chill out with a good book or a slow beach stroll there’s nowhere better than Four Mile Beach. If relaxing amongst trees is more your thing then there’s the Daintree National Park. It’s the oldest living rainforest on earth at approximately 140 million years.

As well as offering stunning scenery, both the beach and forest are a mecca for the active especially given Port Douglas is the nearest mainland town to the Great Barrier Reef.

There’s a reef tour available to suit every interest and you can snorkel or dive, or see the reef by glass bottom or semi-submersible boat. 

Fishing choices include game fishing on the reef and sports fishing in local estuaries and rivers. In Port Douglas itself there are numerous beach water sports, para flying and jet skiing.

A similarly expansive range of options are on offer in the Daintree. A birdwatching boat trip up the river in the early morning is a great way to start the day while a wildlife tour will introduce you to the natural wonders of the rainforest including its animals and plant life. You can also learn about the indigenous history of the area on an Aboriginal Culture Tour and experience traditional music, dance, art and bush food.

Another great way to see both land and sea is via helicopter- it really does provide a great overview.

After a day exploring the natural environment it’s great to know there’s top class food awaiting your return. There are numerous great restaurants in Port Douglas, many offering as good a menu as you’ll find in capital city restaurants. Seafood has always been a specialty and continues to be so, however more and more restaurants are also taking full advantage of the locally grown produce.

Naturally given its popularity as a tourist destination, shopping is another of Port Douglas’ attractions. There’s the full gambit, from laid back markets to great boutiques selling everything from Indigenous artwork to top European and Australian fashion labels.

At the weekend, the Sunday Markets in the waterfront park at Macrossan and Wharf Streets are a real treat. You can also check out the wide variety of local produce including delicious, locally grown tropical fruits.

What better way to spend a weekend than combining a little shopping with great sightseeing, natural beauty and great food?