Things To Do in Port Douglas

One hour’s drive north of Cairns along the picturesque Captain Cook Highway is Port Douglas. It’s a ritzy, trendy, romantic resort town, catering to travellers of all ages and budgets. It’s also the jumping off point to a huge variety of water and land based activities and attractions ranging from relaxed interludes to adrenalin highs.

The Great Barrier Reef converges towards the mainland off Port Douglas, so getting to it and nearby tropical islands is easy and fast aboard a variety of ferries and yachts, a sprint boat or by helicopter. A Chinese junk takes a more leisurely cruise, more ideal for the romantic at heart. Each offers snorkelling and scuba diving at Low Isles or at a large number of locations on the inner and outer reefs. As well as viewing the colourful reef fish and coral, one may also see the spectacle of manta rays gliding past.

Something special! Other water activities include blissful kayaking in wilderness locations, sea kayaking, fishing, cruising and croc spotting on the Daintree River. Or enjoy a lunch, croc spotting or sunset cruise on Dickson Inlet, adjoining the town. For those seeking extreme water thrills, Australia’s leading white water rafting rivers are just to the south.

Guided, instructional day tours offer visitors a unique appreciation of this spectacular region. A trip to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation is a must where you’ll experience the lush Daintree forest meeting the warm azure waters of the Coral Sea – the only place in the world where ‘rainforest meets the sea’. A variety of travel options are available from luxury coaches to adventurous 4 wheel drive safaris.

Another ‘mustn’t miss’ destination is Mossman Gorge which provides another spectacular encounter with nature and an opportunity to chat with the aboriginal guides. Other day trip destinations are Cairns, Kuranda via coach or the famous Scenic Railway and Skyrail; the Atherton Tableland and Cooktown. Extreme junkies can also add high tropical skydiving to their “done that” list at two nearby locations. Those less inclined for adrenalin highs may prefer being romanced through the air in a balloon before a champers breakfast. Other aerial activities include jungle surfing at Cape Tribulation, bungy jumping, minjin swinging and helicopter sightseeing flights.

For something different, enjoy close encounters with native wildlife, learn whip cracking, have a typical Aussie Outback barbeque, learn boomerang and spear throwing and playing the didgeridoo. Or just lie back and laze on the famous Four Mile Beach. You’ll realise why Port Douglas is a hot destination by local and international celebrities and why it has earned the name ‘the jewel on the Pacific rim’.

These are just a few of the many tours, activities and attractions of the Port Douglas region.

Weather

Weather in Port Douglas is a typical tropical climate. Expect medium humid heat to rapid downpours, Port Douglas has it all!

Winter: June till October typically 24 to 28 degrees

Summer: November to May typically in the 30's. This is when most of the years rain will fall.