If you’re looking for a tropical destination in Queensland, look no further! Port Douglas is the perfect destination for you.
Perfectly tailored to host tourists from around the world, with incredible resorts and cuisine, Port Douglas is located on the coast of the Coral Sea between Cooktown and Palm Cove.
It serves as the perfect jumping off spot for seeing the Great Barrier Reef, as well as the magic of the rainforest through Daintree National Park.
Things to do near Port Douglas: Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation
Location: 1.5 hours north of Port Douglas and the greater Tropical North Queensland.
The Great Barrier Reef is often the focus in international circles but it does get much of the attention.
The Daintree Rainforest however has a total of 3000 species of plants and includes 395 species which are classified as either rare or endangered, ensuring a delicate balance between living organisms.
Cape Tribulation is a bushwalking haven, offering numerous short walks through stunning beaches and lush rainforests. For the more experienced hikers, a day trek up Mount Sorrow rewards with breathtaking views.
As if that weren’t enough, it also has family-friendly beaches and adventure activities to satisfy everyone. Wondering where to start on your Port Douglas adventure?
Start by reviewing this list of the 13 top things to do in Port Douglas Australia!
What to do in Port Douglas Australia
1. Explore the Great Barrier Reef
One of Port Douglas’ greatest assets is its location close to the Great Barrier Reef!
Plenty of tours and experiences to get to know the Great Barrier Reef leave directly from Port Douglas, so it is the perfect place to get in on the action.
Whether you’re a certificated scuba diver, interested in snorkelling, or just wanting to take a boat tour out to the reef, you’ll have plenty of options for visiting the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Cays from Port Douglas.
Visiting the reef is easily one of the best things to see in Port Douglas, which should not be missed!
2. Drive Along the Great Barrier Reef Drive
If you plan to drive into Port Douglas, why not take advantage of the Great Barrier Reef Drive?
The Great Barrier Reef drive covers just 140 kilometres from Cairns to Port Douglas, but offers so much more. You can do the drive in one shot, taking in the views from the car, or plan in more time for exploring.
Some of the most notable sites in the region, such as World Heritage sites and national parks, sit along the route. Doing this drive is an amazing introduction to the area, and it is certainly one of the top activities to do in Port Douglas!
3. See the Animals at Wildlife Habitat
Undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Port Douglas is visiting the Wildlife Habitat! The Wildlife Habitat is an award-winning centre, with recognitions in eco-tourism and conservation, spread across eight acres of land.
At Wildlife Habitat, you can get up close and personal with some of the most iconic animals in Queensland. From koalas and emus to Lumholtz’s tree kangaroo and the southern Cassowary, this is a sanctuary for rare and endangered species.
Explore the five habitats – rainforest, savannah, nocturnal, wetlands, and woodlands- and get some facetime with the animals, by cuddling the koalas or feeding some of the animals, such as wallabies.
It’s an amazing way to get to know the area and its local wildlife!
4. Take in the Views at Flagstaff Hill Lookout
To get some of the best outlooks in all of Port Douglas, take yourself up the Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail.
The trail offers beautiful vistas of the Coral Sea, including Snapper Island. Winding around the Port Douglas Peninsula, the Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail goes from Four Mile Beach to Rex Smeal Park.
The trail to the lookout point can be tackled by most people, either by walking or biking. You can even do most of the trail by car, if need be. From the lookout point, you’ll be able to take in wonderful views of Four Mile Beach below and the rainforest region beyond it.
No matter how much you plan to do, make sure you bring a camera to capture the incredible views!
5. Bike Your Way Out of Town on the Bump Track
Stretching through Port Douglas’ beautiful foothills, Bump Track is a six kilometre trail, known for fabulous biking.
At the beginning of the ride, you’ll face a gruelling two kilometres uphill. The elevation gain, from sea level to nearly 400 kilometres above, allows for an exhilarating ride for the remaining four kilometres.
There are places to rent bikes if you’re interested in taking on this trail. The best part? Bump Track is free, so you can enjoy it to the fullest!
6. Have a Beach Day at Four Mile Beach
When you need a beach escape in Port Douglas, head on over to Four Mile Beach!
Four Mile Beach is located conveniently on the west side of the Port Douglas area. This beach is idyllic, with palm trees scattered along the golden sands and beautiful white sand. With wonderful swimming and stunning mountain backdrops, Four Mile Beach offers lots of wonderful activities.
Whether you stay on the beach, swim in the water, explore the rock pools, or check out the small businesses just off the beach, it makes for a lovely beach getaway, just steps from Port Douglas!
7. Wander Port Douglas’ Sunday Market
If you find yourself in Port Douglas on Sunday, you must visit the vibrant Port Douglas Markets!
Sitting along the coast near St. Mary’s by the Sea Chapel, the market offers wonderful vendors and beautiful scenery. With over 50 vendors any given day, covering everything from fresh foods to artisan goods, Port Douglas’ Sunday Market has a local atmosphere.
The vendors are friendly, warm, and accommodating, so you can get a taste of true Port Douglas culture and perhaps pick up a few souvenirs to take home with you!
This is certainly a top thing to do in Port Douglas if you are there on a Sunday!
8. Have a Drink at Devils Thumb Distillery
Devils Thumb Distillery is an award-winning distillery located in the heart of Port Douglas with a 5 star rating!
Named after the iconic peak, which rises above the city, Devils Thumb Distillery sits at the edge of the Daintree Rainforest. From the warm climate and rainforest touches to the handcrafted drinks and traditional distillery techniques, this distillery gives guests a unique experience.
Whether you want to get a drink or see everything on offer with a sampling of spirits, Devils Thumb Distillery is the place to be. Plus, while you enjoy your tasting, you can take in the views of the cane fields around the property.
It’s definitely one of the top things to do in Port Douglas!
9. See the Unique Architecture at St. Mary’s by the Sea Chapel
Whether you’re looking for a church service or not, St. Mary’s by the Sea Chapel is a special building on its own.
Located on Wharf Street, overlooking the water, St. Mary’s by the Sea is a non-denominational church made out of rustic-looking timber. This beautiful church is closely linked to the history of the area.
It is one of the oldest buildings in the greater Port Douglas area, closely associated with the spread of Catholicism in Queensland and the growth of Port Douglas as a tourist location.
Even if you’re not religious, stepping into the timber-framed church, with exposed timber buttresses, is a special experience that will offer you more connection to the local community and a fabulous view of the sea.
10. Appreciate Aboriginal Culture at Mossman Gorge
As a part of the greater Daintree National Park, Mossman Gorge is a protected area of 56,000 hectares, famous for its breathtaking beauty and deep natural history.
It is a rich rainforest, featuring clear waters, ancient granite boulders, and stunning nature. In addition to this wonderful scenery, Mossman Gorge also serves as a home for a notable aboriginal group, the Kuku Yalanji people.
You can take tours with the Kuku Yalanji people and get to know their culture, traditions, and stories. Mossman Gorge is one of the most notable locations in Daintree National Park, and visiting this gorge is one of the top things to do near Port Douglas!
11. Appreciate the Sunrise at Rex Smeal Park
Sitting on the east side of the Port Douglas Peninsula, Rex Smeal Park is perfectly situated for taking in the sunrise in Port Douglas.
If you arrive at this park early enough, you can claim one of the best spots under the palm trees and watch as the skies are painted with wonderful colours. When the sun comes up, bringing majestic colours over the mountains and the Coral Sea, you’ll get to enjoy all of the scenery.
I recommend bringing a blanket and a nice, morning beverage to get the fullest experience!
12. Spot Saltwater Crocs on a River Cruise through the Mangroves
A gentle river trip on the iconic Lady Douglas riverboat will give you the opportunity to spot diverse marine life including the Saltwater Crocs, sea eagles, kites, ospreys, kingfishers, herons, waders, crabs, mudskippers, spiders and the occasion turtle.
Once on board, you glide in unspoiled mangroves and search for wild saltwater crocodiles in their habitat. A gentle river cruise aboard the iconic Lady Douglas is essential when visiting Port Douglas..
13. Scenic Helicopter Flights
While helicopter flights are a more expensive choice, few other options can match the panorama on display than a flight with Great Barrier Reef Helicopters.
From the vibrant blues of the Great Barrier Reef to the lush greens of the Daintree Rainforest, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of nature at its finest. These flights provide a unique opportunity to witness the dramatic contrast between the coral cays and the dense rainforest canopy, making it an unforgettable adventure.
Perfect for special occasions or just ticking off a bucket list item, a scenic helicopter flight in Port Douglas is a must-do for anyone looking to see the world from a new perspective.
Exploring Queensland: What to do in Port Douglas Australia
When you’re getting to know Queensland in Australia, there should be several sights to see on your list. From the rainforests and the sweeping beaches to the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland is absolutely gorgeous.
Within all that beauty, you’ll find Port Douglas, which holds plenty of UNESCO World Heritage sites and natural wonders.
As you’re exploring the area, make sure you put some of these top things to do in Port Douglas on your list! You can’t experience everything Port Douglas has to offer without checking out these top sites and activities.
