Things To Do in Port Douglas

Despite its reputation for being a quiet and laid-back destination, Port Douglas offers a variety of activities for visitors. These include learning opportunities from Traditional Owners, exploring the Great Barrier Reef, enjoying river floats, and visiting wildlife parks. Here is a guide on how to make the most of your time in Port Douglas.

The Great Barrier Reef is amazing

Numerous travel companies set out daily from Port Douglas to the Great Barrier Reef. You can venture to the outer reef, bustling with colourful corals and aquatic life, or go to the Low Isles for a tranquil island retreat. Sailaway Port Douglas conducts full-day tour, whereas Calypso Reef Cruises schedules half-day journeys. Sailaway is the sole service provider that travels to Mackay and Undine Cays, and Calypso facilitates snorkelling and diving expeditions. If you favour a more intimate setting, ABC Snorkel Charters restricts their groups to 12 guests. This ensures they focus on eco-friendliness through meticulous management of their expeditions. Blue Dive delivers dive sessions at diverse sites, encompassing lively coral formations and enigmatic sunken ships. Equipped with expert instructors, top-notch gear, and a dedication to preserving marine life, you’re set to uncover the sea’s concealed gems securely and enjoyably. The Shaolin is your ideal pick for those hunting for a maritime journey aboard an age-old gem. This ship is a work of art offering a distinctive voyage to the Lowe Isles. Gear up for a captivating journey as you delve into the charm of The Shaolin. Quicksilver Cruises features a Wave-piercer Catamaran, ensuring a stable journey to the outer reef, perfect for individuals prone to motion sickness. At the Agincourt Reef platform, myriad activities await, ranging from scuba diving, snorkelling, and helmet diving to glass-bottom boats and visiting the submerged observatory. If you’re particularly keen on snorkelling, Wavelength Cruises is a worthy consideration. They boast 18 dedicated mooring spots specifically catering to snorkelling enthusiasts.

The rainforest is full of life and beauty

The Daintree Rainforest, located just north of Port Douglas, is the most renowned area of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. A 20-minute drive from Port Douglas will take you to the pristine waters of Mossman Gorge. Experience a traditional smoking ceremony and learn about the culture and traditions of the Kuku Yalanji Traditional Custodians on a guided Ngadiku Dreamtimes Walk through the rainforest around Mossman Gorge. To explore more of the Daintree, you can take a day tour from Port Douglas, offered by Daintree Tours or Jungle Tours & Trekking. These tours cover popular attractions like Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation Beach, and Mount Alexandra Lookout and offer crocodile spotting tours. While on the tour, watch for the elusive Southern Cassowary, a dinosaur-like bird. The Daintree Discovery Centre provides a bird’s eye view of the forest from the ground to the canopy.

You can climb the 23-metre-high Canopy Tower to see stunning views and spot wildlife. For a thrill, join Treetops Adventure in Cape Tribulation for a 2-hour zip line tour 15 metres above the ground. The knowledgeable guides will teach you about the unique flora and fauna of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Get ready for an exciting experience as you zip line through the rainforest and unleash your inner Tarzan or Jane. Visit Janbal Aboriginal Art Gallery in Mossman, Kuku Yalanji country, to learn about the art and culture through hands-on painting and storytelling experiences. Painting classes and workshops are available Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, with co-owner and local Aboriginal artist Brian “Binna” Swindley.

River drift snorkelling is a popular activity

The Mossman River provides a tranquil backdrop for unwinding, accompanied by the calming chirps of birds, the smooth meandering of the water, and the buzzing of cicadas filling the atmosphere. As you drift on a float, the water is pristine, mirroring the lively rainforest cover overhead. Diving beneath its surface lets you unveil its aquatic realm, where you can spot turtles and an array of fish using a snorkel and mask.

The river drift experience can differ based on the water’s depth, with some moments being exhilarating and swift while others are calm and leisurely – each has its charm.

Walkabout Cultural Adventures offers cultural adventures

Before Port Douglas emerged as a travel hotspot, it was home to the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal People. Having resided on the terrains and waters for millennia, today’s local Aboriginal guides present tours to traverse their homeland. Offered in full or half-day durations, these journeys navigate seaside and rainforest terrains, enlightening visitors about their heritage, customs, and practices. You’ll also have the opportunity to savour bush delicacies and practice spear and boomerang hurling.

Throughout this expedition, you might also trap a mud crab or other marine delicacies, which your guide will prepare for culinary pleasure.

Barry fishing

Enjoy an hour of catch and release Barra fishing with Hook-a-Barra. They provide all the gear, bait, and expert tuition you need. They offer tackle options for seasoned anglers and beginners, including fly fishing. Non-fishing guests with general admission can still enjoy the facilities, picnic area, and viewing tanks. It’s an experience suitable for all ages and abilities. Join the fun!

Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail is a popular hike

The 1.3km walking trail of Flagstaff Hill connects Four Mile Beach, Rex Smeal Park, and Little Cove. This trail is a great way to exercise after indulging in your holiday. Along the trail, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Coral Sea, the Low Isles, Snapper Island, and the golden sands of Four Mile Beach.

It is recommended to wear walking shoes on the trail, as it can get steep in specific parts, and comfortable footwear is advised.

Visit Hartley's Crocodile Adventures

Crocodiles have existed for 200 million years, making them fascinating and fearsome creatures. At Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, visitors can learn and be entertained while exploring the park at their own pace. The park offers various wildlife demonstrations, including the “Big Croc Feed,” where visitors can actively participate. A cruise on Hartley’s Lagoon is also a must-do, allowing visitors to observe crocodiles in their natural habitat of the coastal melaleuca wetland.

Visitors to the park can explore and discover various Australian wildlife in addition to the ancient reptiles. Attractions such as the Cassowary Walk precinct, Tropical Walk Through Aviary, and Gondwana Gateway provide opportunities to learn about the evolution of Australia’s diverse flora and fauna.

A recommendation is to dine at Lilies Restaurant, which offers a menu inspired by reptiles overlooking Hartley’s Lagoon.

Experience the wonders of the wildlife habitat

Want a fancy breakfast with birds? How about lunch with Lorikeets? Or you’d like to cuddle a koala and pat a kangaroo. At Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, you can visit five habitats, including the Nocturnal Habitat. This habitat has special lighting that reverses nocturnal animals’ sleeping patterns. This allows visitors to see Striped Possums, Bettongs, Mahogany Gliders, and more activities during the day. Other areas in the park recreate different natural environments, such as woodlands, wetlands, rainforests, and savannahs. These areas are home to various bird, mammal, and reptile species that visitors can explore. For those seeking an adventurous experience, you can test your courage by swimming with saltwater crocodiles and snorkelling face-to-face with a giant saltwater crocodile, with only a glass panel separating you. To learn more about the animals and observe their feeding, it is recommended to join a tour or presentation.

Enjoy dining and sipping with a beautiful view

While vacationing, many often gravitate towards eateries with picturesque settings. At Thala Beach Nature Reserve’s Osprey’s Restaurant, diners can relish a one-of-a-kind meal amidst the canopy, boasting breathtaking vistas of the coral sea. The dining spot prides itself on presenting the tastes of Tropical North Queensland, focusing on incorporating fresh, regionally acquired, seasonal ingredients.

Nestled on the Dickson Inlet, The Tin Shed stands as an iconic restaurant in Port Douglas with a storied past tracing back to 1877. Even though the establishment has seen various transformations over the decades, it attracts a mix of residents and travellers, providing panoramic scenes of the mangroves and the Daintree peaks. For those pursuing a laid-back culinary setting, Hemingways Brewery at Crystalbrook Marlin Marina stands out as a splendid choice, boasting an array of in-house brewed beers and laid-back meal choices.

Savour the gastronomic wonders of Port Douglas at the esteemed Harrison’s By Spencer Patrick at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort and Aluco at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple & Spa. Both establishments spotlight the premium ingredients of Tropical North Queensland. Choo Choos presents vibrant, tropical tastes that invigorate your senses. Positioned at the terminus of the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina and adjacent to the age-old Bally Hooley rail terminal, this eatery offers a mesmerising panorama of Port Douglas. It serves as an ideal locale to relax with acquaintances, and it also accommodates pets. Having garnered accolades, The Devil’s Thumb distillery is set amidst verdant sugarcane stretches, presenting awe-inspiring views of the Daintree Rainforest and the eponymous Devil’s Thumb peak. This artisanal distillery is a haven for lovers of meticulously crafted spirits boasting robust profiles. Relish the sampling session!

Sunset sailing

Experience a luxurious sunset sail with Sailaway, where you can unwind and enjoy the stunning scenery of Port Douglas. As you sail along the coast, you can witness the sun setting behind the mountains of the Daintree Rainforest. Upon boarding, you will receive a complimentary drink and a variety of hot and cold canapes. The Indigo 2 offers a two-hour sunset cruise with the option of bringing your drinks. They have a cozy capacity of 12 guests, ensuring a personalised experience. Enjoy the beautiful sunset while sipping drinks and taking in the sights.

Explore different markets

Every Saturday morning, Mossman presents a market with stalls offering locally cultivated produce, crafted items, and culinary treats. Come Sunday, ANZAC Park becomes the venue for the Port Douglas Markets. Whether your passion lies in browsing goods or sampling diverse cuisines, the laid-back vibe of these markets is sure to please.

Remember to don a hat and apply sunscreen when you venture to the Mossman Markets on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Port Douglas Markets on Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Unleash the power of wind swell

Port Douglas is a great place to enjoy water activities. Windswell offers a variety of options, from exciting to relaxing. If you’re seeking adventure, you can try foilboarding, wakeboarding, or tube riding. They even offer a kiteboarding crash course in three lessons. You can try stand-up paddle boarding if you prefer a slower pace. Multiple locations include Daintree Rainforest Stream, Low Isles, Snapper Island, and Four Mile Beach. All you have to do is pick your favourite spot.