Port Douglas
Just an hour north of Cairns, the once sleepy town of Port Douglas was kicked into life with major
tourist developments by entrepreneurs during the mid-1980s, making it the lively and delightful retreat for the rich and fashionable that it is today. Despite its many developments, Port Douglas still remains a charming getaway with friendly locals that has managed to retain its relaxed village-like ambience with open-air Sunday markets, beautiful beaches and laid-back pubs. In addition to this, the town has also added touch of glamour through attractions such as the marina, shopping complex, restaurants and its golf course which has hosted many of the world's best golfers. As one of the few places on earth where two World Heritage areas, the Daintree rainforest and Great Barrier Reef, lie side by side, Port Douglas also serves as an excellent base to explore the Far North Queensland region through trips out to the surrounding reef, Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation or cruises down the Daintree River. See our detailed Port Douglas map. Orientation
Port Douglas Road runs off the Captain Cook Highway and leads into Davidson St which serves as the main entry to Port Douglas. The road ends at a junction to Macrossan St, to the left of which is the main town centre where most of the shops, restaurants and businesses are located. Macrossan St stretches from Four Mile Beach on the right to Anzac Park on the left. Just south of Anzac Park is the marina.
Things to See and Do
You'll probably want to spend plenty of time at the beautiful Four Mile Beach during your visit to Port Douglas. The long stretch of white sand backed by swaying palm trees is favourite among locals and visitors. A little further south is the Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary where visitors can mingle and interact with native animals such as koalas, kangaroos and various birds in enclosures that simulate their natural habitat. Local produce as well as various arts and crafts are on display and for sale at the lively Port Douglas Sunday Markets held each Sunday at Anzac Park. Nearby, close to the park's jetty, is St Mary's by the Sea, a small but charming non-denominational chapel. With gorgeous views of the sea and surrounding rainforest and parks, the historic whitewashed timber building is a popular place for weddings. Several operators in Port Douglas offer cruises to the Low Isles coral cay while fishing charters and reef trips are also readily available. Most boats will depart from the marina near the train station at the end of the Bally Hooley line.
Port Douglas Hotels and Accommodation
Most of the accommodation options at Port Douglas are concentrated around the blocks close to the beach near Davidson St, Owen St and the east side of Macrossan St as well as the Esplanade. There's a good range here to suit all budgets ranging from luxury upmarket resorts and boutique hotels to units, apartments as well as backpacker hostels and dorms.
Places to Eat
There's plenty of casual eateries and cafes along Macrossan St as well as around the corner near Wharf St. You can find a wide variety of food here ranging from wood-fired pizzas to fish-and-chips, pasta, wraps, sandwiches and sushi. For those who prefer a more refined environment, head over to the waterfront restaurants near Dickson's Inlet at the end of Inlet St close to the marina where you can enjoy the relaxing and scenic views as you dine.
Getting to Port Douglas
As Port Douglas does not have its own airport, the best way to reach the town is by plane to the Cairns International Airport followed by a one hour trip by coach or rented car. Coach/shuttle-bus services from the airport are provided by Airport Connections and Sun Palm Express. Alternatively, Quicksilver Cruises operate a catamaran from the pier and marina at Cairns to and from Port Douglas. Getting Around Many car rental companies can be found around Port Douglas. Alternatively, hiring a bike can be a very economical and efficient way of traveling around town given its compact nature. For a scenic trip around Port Douglas, catch a ride along the Bally Hooley Steam Railway on a heritage train which runs along a 4km track stopping at four stations between the Marina Mirage and St Crispin's station. Getting Away For traveling to destinations near Port Douglas such as Mossman, Cape Tribulation, Cooktown and Daintree, coach charters are provided from Sun Palm or Coral Reef Coaches. Quicksilver Cruises also operates a catamaran from Port Douglas to the outer reef, the Low Isles and Cairns.
Tourist Information
For more information on Port Douglas, Contact Us or the Port Douglas Visitor Information Centre located at 23 Macrossan St.
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