Top attractions in Port Douglas
Port Douglas, a laidback tropical town, serves as the gateway to two UNESCO World Heritage-listed natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. This popular resort destination boasts the tree-fringed sands of Four Mile Beach, extending down the bay, and a leafy, compact town center lined with trendy cafes and bars. Superyachts from around the globe dock at Port Douglas’s sheltered marina, where tour boats embark on sightseeing cruises to nearby coral cays and expeditions to spectacular diving spots on the outer reefs.
Go deep into the Great Barrier Reef
Embark on a cruise to Agincourt Reef from the Port Douglas Marina. Explore over a dozen dive sites, including the crescent-shaped, beginner-friendly dives at Opal Reef and the spectacular ‘Flower Gardens’ coral formations at St Crispin Reef.
Connect with local Indigenous culture
The Port Douglas region is steeped in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage. Experience this rich cultural history through tours that range from guided rainforest walks to learning traditional Aboriginal hunting and fishing techniques.
Visit the Daintree Rainforest
About an hour’s drive north of Port Douglas, you’ll discover the world’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest, estimated to be 180 million years old. Experience the breathtaking Daintree Rainforest through a hike, river cruise, or guided tour.
Browse ethically sourced Aboriginal art
On Macrossan Street’s leafy shopping strip in Port Douglas, you’ll find Ngarru Gallery, a thoughtfully curated Indigenous fine art gallery. It features paintings from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, along with carvings, sculptures, and jewelry.
Stop in to see the crocodiles
At Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, just a 25-minute drive from Port Douglas on the highway to Cairns, you can watch a giant saltwater crocodile launch itself out of the water to snatch food, or hop on a boat for an up-close encounter with these massive creatures.