Cairns or Port Douglas - Which Should You Visit?

It’s challenging picking between Cairns or Port Douglas - they’re both divine beachside holiday destinations! 

Both are treasure troves for travel, located in Far North Queensland, and gateways to the Great Barrier Reef. While both are definitely worth the visit (only an hour’s drive away from each other), sometimes time and budget only allow for just one location.

We’ve gathered the most essential information along with the most exciting activities, so you can decide between Cairns vs. Port Douglas.

Both locations are famous for being two of the gateways to the Great Barrier Reef. Still, there are important distinctions between the Queensland gems.

One of the most significant factors that set Cairns apart from Port Douglas is its size. Cairns boasts an area of 1,687 sq. km while Port Douglas is only 18 sq. km. As one of the most populated cities in the country, Cairns has several shopping centres, bars, and restaurants. While Port Douglas has its fair share of commercial establishments and accommodations that are more than enough for a holiday, there aren’t as many options as Cairns.

Cairns has gained a reputation of being the gateway of the Tropical North, so it’s a great base if you want to explore the Great Barrier Reef, waterfalls, and forests in the vicinity.

On the other hand, Port Douglas is known for its laid-back charm and luxurious vibes, thanks to its boutique accommodations and five-star resorts. It’s the ideal destination if you want to escape the fast-paced life of the city.

Whether you’re going to Cairns or Port Douglas, you’ll get to enjoy great weather all year round. Even during the winter months, you’ll still get to explore the Great Barrier Reef and swim in one of its glorious beaches.

With that said, choosing the best time can elevate your holiday. June to August is the peak tourist season in Cairns, which means more people and fully-booked tours. If you can, plan your vacation to Cairns in September when it’s still warm for fun water activities and reef exploration. Not to mention that it’s humpback whale season, so you can go on a cruise to catch a glimpse of the magnificent creatures!

As for Port Douglas, it’s best to visit anytime from April to October. You can soak in the sun at the beach and go snorkeling to see colourful corals and fish. While the weather is nice enough that you can enjoy a good swim at any time of the year, take note that stinger season or jellyfish season takes place from November to May. If you happen to travel to Port Douglas during those times, make sure to wear stinger suits for protection.

Whether you pick between Cairns or Port Douglas, you’ll likely stop by Cairns first because of its convenient transportation options before you get to Port Douglas.

For people outside of the state, the fastest way to reach Cairns is by plane. You can fly directly to Cairns Airport, which also hosts international flights.

If you want to enjoy tropical views along the way, you can go on an epic drive from Brisbane to Cairns. The entire way takes 18 hours of driving, but you can stretch it for a week (or even longer) for a more relaxed itinerary.

As for Port Douglas, you can go on an hour-long drive from Cairns to Port Douglas and take in views of the vibrant rainforest and the glittering waters of the ocean.

If you’re not in the mood to drive, there’s also the option of booking an airport transfer from Cairns Airport to Port Douglas. You can just sit back, relax, and soak in the sights.

When choosing between Cairns or Port Douglas, one of the most important things to consider is what you’re interested in doing or seeing.

There’s a reason why Cairns has made a name for itself as one of the adventure capitals of Australia. There are heaps of exciting things to do, from animal encounters to river rafting experiences.

Thrill-seekers can combine a cruise with an exciting helicopter ride for the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience. You can snorkel to see vibrant corals and diverse marine life underwater before boarding a chopper to see the world’s biggest living organism from the skies.

There’s also the option of going on a heart-pumping skydive over Cairns. You’ll see the city in a different light from 15,000 feet above and enjoy sweeping views of majestic waterways, vibrant forests, and even the Great Barrier Reef!

For something more laid-back, you can trade the busy city life in Cairns for a day in Fitzroy Island. You can pick and choose which activity floats your boat, from snorkeling to sailing aboard a glass boat. There’s even the option of selecting transfers only so you can control your time at the incredible island.

Port Douglas has its fair share of exciting activities to offer adventure-seekers; one of the best is the river rafting ride at Barron River. Marvel at the rock formations that have been sculpted by nature as you take on the thrilling waters at the UNESCO-listed Barron Gorge National Park. With a convenient transfer from Port Douglas and all the equipment you’ll need, you don’t have to worry about anything.

Interested for more? Check out our list of the best Port Douglas activities for a fun-filled and exciting getaway.

You can visit the Wildlife Habitat for a family-friendly affair and encounter the most fascinating Aussie animals, from the Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo to the pythons. Kids will love feeding the roaming kangaroos and seeing colourful birds in the surrounding area. Make sure to bring your camera (and turn off the flash) to capture the memories!

Cairns is the ideal destination for you if you want to explore the best of what the Far North has to offer. There are more tours and activities every day, so all you have to think about is which ones to fit in your itinerary. Because of the convenient transportation options, you can even visit Port Douglas on a day trip from Cairns, so you don’t have to choose between the two locations.

Port Douglas is perfect for you if you want a slice of paradise. The small town boasts pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and more — all just a few minutes away from the center.

Whether you pick Cairns or Port Douglas, you’re sure to have a great holiday in Queensland, thanks to the countless natural wonders.