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Port Douglas, Queensland

 

If you're after a carefree, relaxed and upmarket holiday that checks all the boxes one could want in a tropical escape, including stunning reef and rainforest, Port Douglas in Tropical North QLD is sure to rank highly on your list of destinations. Serving as the perfect base to explore some of the best natural wonders Australia has to offer – namely both the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest which both lie at its doorstep – all wrapped up in an aura of exclusivity and quality.

More on Port Douglas below...

 
 

Why Port Douglas?

 

State: Queensland

Why it's special: A stunning town on the Coral Sea in tropical far north Queensland, Port Douglas is blessed with the neighboring Daintree National Park on one side, and the world famous Great Barrier Reef on the other, along with botique shops and restaurants in town creating a popular holiday destination.

Best time to go: April to October

When imagining idyllic and relaxed reef-oriented escapes in Australian waters, it's hard to come up with a better candidate than Queensland's resort town of Port Douglas. The region has grown continually more popular in recent years, and with good cause; the fact that both the reef and rainforest are so readily accessible from its doorstep should give you an idea of the staggering array of things to see and do that the Port Douglas region offers.

Those eager to explore the best of the Great Barrier Reef can waste no time in doing so as there are a huge array of options for exploring its endless highlights, and the proximity of higher-quality open reef makes cruising to some truly stunning sections far more convenient than comparable locations. Similarly, the Daintree Rainforest is just a short drive inland and its lush and ancient foliage offers numerous opportunities for land-based adventures to explore its delicate ecosystem.

As one might expect, diving and snorkelling are staples of the Port Douglas experience, with numerous tour operators conducting frequent trips out to both the nearby Low Isles as well as the outer reef. This allows you to experience the colourful corals, species of fish and other marine creatures firsthand with some of the best water quality available due to less human traffic impacting nearby reefs such as popular spots Agincourt and Opal Reefs.

 

The town also has a laid-back “escapist” vibe to it which has proven popular with everyday travellers and honeymooners alike – it's more of a relaxed affair than somewhere like neighbouring Cairns, offering the best of both worlds rather than just a raucous nightclub hotspot. A range of quality pubs and dining options provide the chance for decently-priced food and drink as well as many higher-end restaurants for those looking to indulge.

With numerous options for both relaxation and exploration blended into a single, appealing package, Port Douglas is definitely a rising star in the field of Australian tourist destinations, and is not to be missed if you have even a passing interest in tropical locations and the Great Barrier Reef as a whole. If Cairns is one of Australia's best spots for those reef-goers in their 20's, then Port Douglas can claim the same for the 30+ market – it may cost slightly more, but the quality is unmistakeable.


What Port Douglas has to offer:

 

Highlights that set Port Douglas apart include:

  • Exclusive resort town in idyllic postion provides ease of access to reef & rainforest
  • Quality of Great Barrier Reef dive sites nearby tends to be higher than Cairns
  • Laid-back, relaxed with plenty of upmarket resorts and dining options
  • Four Mile Beach is one of Queensland's best beaches
  • Less crowded than the neighbouring tourist hub of Cairns
  • Allows easy accessibility to reef and rainforest
 


Top Things to Do

 

Looking to pay a visit to Port Douglas but not sure what to do? Here are some of the most essential experiences.

What's new in Port Douglas in 2017/2018?

 
  • This category encompasses the cities and major travel destinations that first spring to mind when thinking "Australian travel experiences".
  • This category encompasses the cities and major travel destinations that first spring to mind when thinking "Australian travel experiences".
  • This category encompasses the cities and major travel destinations that first spring to mind when thinking "Australian travel experiences".
  • This category encompasses the cities and major travel destinations that first spring to mind when thinking "Australian travel experiences".

Articles on Port Douglas

 

Need more info on Port Douglas? Check out our detailed travel features on this top spot below.

Top 10 Things to do
by Experience Oz Staff

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1, 3, 5 Day Itineraries
by Experience Oz Staff

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Top 10 Attractions for Kids
by Experience Oz Staff

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Port Douglas in Pictures

 
Port Douglas
Port Douglas
Port Douglas
Port Douglas

Follow Port Douglas on Instagram at @portdouglasdaintree and Experience Oz at @experienceoz

Port Douglas in Motion

 
 

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