The Port Douglas area is full of attractions and activities. Most tourists head to the Great Barrier Reef and Lower Island for snorkeling and diving. Some other natural attractions like Daintree Rainforest or Mossman Gorge are also available as a tour. Port Douglas is known for its fine dining restaurants and relaxing beaches that offer miles of sand for families.

Enjoy the tropical climate, exotic flowers, fruits and fauna, and discover the history of this arid part of the world. Check out the best attractions in Port Douglas.

Stroll along Four Mile Beach

Five miles of coastline offers beautiful tropical beauty, just minutes walk from the center of the city. Coconut palms fringe these seductive curvings with creamy sand and turquoise water and development is closely controlled along the coast so that the coastline still looks wild and natural. A beautiful tropical garden, a beautiful beach for a walking tour, and a free activity in Port Douglas. Is it possible to take a dip? In shallow water, however, you must stay in tipped areas on the beach during Marine stinger season between October and May. If the climate allows, kiteboarding is a very popular activity.

Take a cool dip at Mossman Gorge

Part of the Daintree National Park World Heritage Sites, Mossman Gorge is one of the popular half day trips to Port Douglas. This scenic location sits at the bottom of the Mossman river, which falls over large rock formations into several pools with warm water. The place is ideal for swimming during hot days. Colourful butterflies flit around a rainforest and it's a beautiful place to enjoy a good lunch. The two-kilometer rainforest loop trail will take you along with an exciting aerial walkway to the forest before you head back for the rest of the day.

Explore Cape Tribulation & the Daintree Rainforest

Cape Tribulation was the world's only place in which two World Heritage sites were combined, including the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rain Forest. This stunning sweep of reefs mangled in turquoise water and green jungles are renowned for nature lovers and photographers. The journey from Port Dougal to Cape Tribulation takes about 45 minutes to complete. Daintree has a rich history and a rich cultural heritage and is carved out of natural beauty.

River Drift Snorkelling

Take a part in an amazing eco-immersive adventure that's different every time! It's floating, snorkeling, swimming and rainforest walks. All combined for the best rainforest experience!

Step into the cool, clear waters and let the currents take you to discover the life beneath the surface. Look for fish in and around the boulder, and keep an eye out for the occasional turtle.

It's all under your control... Sail down flowing rainforest rivers on a sturdy river sled. This is the perfect way to stay cool in the hot tropics and a great introduction to snorkeling before heading to the reef.

Unforgettable moments at the Great Barrier Reef

Undoubtedly it's hard to beat tropical North Queensland's unique offerings: the world's most extraordinary coral reefs - dotted with tropical islands whose only sound is the waves crashing on the shore (or sipping a cocktail at the poolside bar) - and miles and miles of Pristine ocean surrounded by perfect white sand.

Start your adventure on the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. You can spend weeks exploring this amazing underwater universe, with its colorful coral gardens and reefs and abundant marine life, from tropical fish to turtles, rays and even whales.

There are a lot of snorkeling and diving tours to choose from, but this is just the beginning. Non-swimmers will appreciate the glass-bottom boat, which offers views of the reef, while the more adventurous may want to try helmet diving. Prefer to make ends meet? Set sail or kayak between Mission Beach and Dunk Island. Take to the skies in a helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft for a bird's-eye view of this unparalleled view.

To make the most of your stay, book one of the area's tranquil seaside resorts. From family-friendly apartments in Trinity Beach, north of Cairns, to a nature experience sleeping under a canvas, or one of Port Douglas's fabled five-star resorts, unforgettable experiences await.

Port Douglas is the ideal location for any dive in Australia. The Great Barrier Reef is about 75 km north of the coast. The most frequent tour is aboard fast catamarans that provide a more secure trip into the outer reefs. Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel cruises from Port Douglas are a great option. It will take you 90 minutes to reach the platform at Agincourt Reef. You can go scuba diving in the water with or snorkel in the reefs.

Meet local critters at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas

In the wildlife habitats of Port Douglas there is the opportunity to see some spectacular wildlife in Far North Queensland.

What do you think of bird breakfasts? Lunches for Lorikeet? Perhaps you want to cuddle kangaroos and patting kokolas? Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas provides you with the opportunity to visit 5 distinct habitat locations, including nocturnal habitat.

Explore various habitats of this family-friendly attraction such as wetlands, forests, savannahs and nocturnal savannahs. Aside from the ever-popular koala, the other favorite animals are crocodiles — Pythons. Bring a fun animal encounter to your stay.

The lighting reverts the nocturnal animals sleeping patterns to allow tourists to view striped possums and guillemots as well as a variety of other Other areas replicate forest habitats, swamps and forests and offer a diverse bird, mammals and reptile variety for discovery.

Hartley Crocodile Adventures

Since crocodiles have been around for 200 million years, it's no surprise that they are both fascinating and scary. At Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, you'll be informed and entertained as you wander the park, and stop at a range of wildlife shows, including the Big Croc Feed, that you can attend for yourself. No trip to Hartley's is complete without cruising on Hartley's Lagoon and seeing alligators in the Melaleuca Wetland ecosystem on the Natural Coast.

While you might think the park is dominated by ancient reptile giants, visitors can meet and interact with a range of other unique Australian wildlife at the Cassowary Walk area, Tropical Walk Through Aviary or Gondwana Gateway, taking guests on a journey around the world Discover some of Australia's most fascinating flora and fauna.

Ride the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway & Scenic Railway

One of the more popular day trips from Port Douglas is the Kuranda excursion. These quaint little rainforest villages lie on misty-covered plateaus in Atherton Tablelands. They are fun as much as the destination. To reach Kuranda you could ride the Kuranda Skyrail or climb the Scenic Railroad up the mountain. Along this path it is possible to admire spectacular scenery when looking at rugged canyons and falling waterfalls. Both choices depart directly outside Cairns about 30 minutes from Port Douglas. If you own an automobile you will be able to enjoy the rainforests along the auto route.

Sailing excursions

Sailing is a relaxing and energetic way to travel to the most spectacular places. and the most sustainable way to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy the thrill of pure sailing. A must do when visiting Port Douglas is to relax with an exhilarating cruise on board of the first class sailing catamaran.

Sunset sailing

With Enya's Orinoco Flow tunes in your head, board Sailaway's Luxury Sunset Sail. Relax as you cruise the Port Douglas coastline and watch the sunset behind the mountains of the Daintree Rainforest. You will be welcomed on board with free drinks and a selection of hot and cold snacks.

Discover Port Douglas town attractions

Famous Port Douglas markets

The Market Park in Market Park on the Wharf street a few minutes' walk from St Mary's on the Sea Chapel is an important shopping destination. Vendors must grow, produce and make the goods sold so that everything in the shop is made locally and handcrafted. The range includes all sorts of products from fresh produce to tropical fruits to crafts and gifts. Take fresh fish or a hamburger for dinner, or a crepe if you want. Lastly wash everything off with freshly brewed tropical juice. Port Douglas Crystalbrook Marina hosts smaller markets from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Wednesday.

Under Raintree Boulevard, a more appropriate Game of Thrones location, every Saturday morning in Mosman, you'll find a series of stalls selling locally grown produce, crafts and food. The famous Port Douglas Market overtook the Port Douglas waterfront at Anzac Park on Sunday. Whether you're shopping, making some memories after a short break in Port Douglas, or just for a good meal, you'll love the relaxed atmosphere of these markets.

Wander along Macrossan Street

Strolling along Macrossan Street provides an excellent chance to experience downtown Port Douglas. Boutiques line the streets from the historic center to the riverfront. Long enough to look out for hidden pearls. Coconut palms and mangos shade street corners and give this small town a relaxed atmosphere. Do you want a little souvenir or stylish beach wear? Highlighted shopping is the Ginnis boutique, the Tahitani Lime Aloha Lucy Martinique Island Style et al.

St. Mary's by the Sea

The St Mary by the Sea is an adorable tiny, non-denominational chapel located amongst a palm grove. The chapel was built in 1888 on an island in Port Douglas and relocated on the current waterfront in 1988. The chapel had been extensively renovated and celebrated their return the following year. Make some free time by visiting stained-glass windows. From the large windows behind altars the view is dreamy. It is probably the perfect location for a wedding.

Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail

The Flagstaff Mountain Trail is easily accessible summit and the ultimate vantage point in Port Douglas, offering breathtaking views of the four miles of sandy beach below and the surrounding mountains and ocean. This is a wonderful cross-section of the landscape that captures the full range of tropical North Queensland, with rainforest-covered landscapes contrasting with beach and sea.

Flagstaff Mountain is not far from the city's main street and can be reached on foot, by car or by bike. Whichever option you choose, you'll enjoy the same incredible views. The reward at the top is well worth the effort, and on a clear day, the views stretch to Fitzroy Island in the distance.

Accessed via steps at the northern end of 4 Mile Beach, the observation deck is the best spot in the area to enjoy the sunrise and watch the full moon shine over the waters of the Coral Sea. On the way back from the lookout, you can also see the actual "flagstaff" from which the mountain is named - an object used to signal ships over the past few years.