Find yourself in paradise when you pay a visit to Port Douglas, a charming seaside village blessed with majestic natural landscapes and attractions. If you fancy spending a day on clear turquoise waters, pristine stretches of golden sand, and lush verdant rainforests, then these tours around Port Douglas are for you!
Port Douglas activities is a call for the adventurous with its river rafting and snorkelling experiences, as well as the leisurely with wildlife adventures and relaxing walks along Four Mile Beach. Find out why this seaside town is a top tropical getaway with these the best things to do in Port Douglas:
- Port Douglas day tour from Cairns
- Barron River Rafting experience
- Visit Wildlife Habitat
- Low Isles snorkelling experience
- Shop at Port Douglas Markets
- Stroll along Four Mile Beach
- Walk the Flagstaff Hill Trail
- Visit Mossman Gorge
When is the best time to go to Port Douglas?
The best time to go on a Port Douglas tour depends on what kind of Port Douglas activities you want to enjoy.
While you can swim all year round, the perfect beach weather at Port Douglas happens between April and October or when the dry season occurs. The weather begins to cool off from summer season, but there are still plenty of days you can enjoy out in the sun.
Stinger season at Port Douglas happens during the summer or between January to March, so if the Great Barrier Reef is part of your Port Douglas tour, make sure to wear a full-body stinger suit to lessen the chances of getting stung.
How to get there?
You can reach Port Douglas either by self-drive or by air. Self-driving from Cairns to Port Douglas takes around an hour and is brimming with long and winding roads and scenic views. At one point, you’ll see the vibrant rainforest at one side, then be greeted by the vast ocean when you turn a corner - sure to be a stunner!
If you’re planning on flying in, the most convenient way to enjoy all the best things to do in Port Douglas is by taking a flight to Cairns International Airport and booking a shuttle heading for Port Douglas.
Great news for you because with Klook, you can experience a hassle-free airport transfer from Cairns International Airport to and from Port Douglas!
Hop aboard a clean and comfortable shuttle bus that takes you from the airport straight to your destination. Not only do you get the best price for its worth, but you also receive an instant booking confirmation, and you get to cancel your booking within 24 hours notice! Other destinations in this airport transfer service include Cairns City centre and Palm Cove.
What are the best things to do in Port Douglas?
1. Port Douglas Day Tour from Cairns with Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
Embark on a journey from Cairns to Port Douglas on this tour that comes with a stop at the largest ecotourism park in the region: Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures Park! Experience plenty of croc action: from a boat cruise in their natural habitat to feeding a live one.
Other wildlife creatures in this 10-hectare park include adorable koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, cassowaries, and other indigenous Australian species. You can also attend a snake show for more reptilian adventures.
2. Half-Day Barron River Rafting Experience
If you’re in for thrilling Port Douglas activities, then this river rafting adventure along the Barron River is perfect for you!
Hold on tight as you go white water rafting along the World Heritage-listed Barron Gorge National Park! This rainforest adventure takes you through adrenaline-pumping Grade Three rapids of the majestic Barron River. The thrilling experience comes with all necessary safety equipment and free morning tea, as well as hassle-free transportation to and from Port Douglas.
3. Visit Wildlife Habitat
One of the top things to do in Port Douglas is visiting Wildlife Habitat, where you can see five distinct natural wildlife habitats located on over 8 acres of land. Wander along Woodlands, Wetlands, Rainforest, Savannah, and Nocturnal environments and observe local flora and fauna in this wildlife adventure.
With Klook, you can book a general entry ticket, a WildNIGHT Habitat Tour, or a YOUR Wildlife Habitat Tour. General admission allows you a 5-day re-entry, so you can come back in case you don’t finish touring the zoo in a day. The WildNIGHT Habitat Tour is the only nocturnal wildlife tour in Port Douglas, while the YOUR Wildlife Habitat Tour is a 2-hour personalised tour that comes with a dining experience in the Rainforest Habitat.
4. Low Isles snorkelling Experience from Port Douglas
Explore the magical underwater world at the Great Barrier Reef with this snorkelling experience at Low Isles! You can soak in the fantastic views of the coral cay and colourful marine life aboard a glass-bottom boat. This 4-hour Port Douglas cruise tour also stops by historical landmarks such as the Low Isles Lighthouse, the Lighthouse Keeper's residence, and the Weather Station.
Beginners can learn the basics of snorkelling, a Port Douglas must-do activity, from a professional instructor on board. Snorkelling equipment, floatation devices, and prescription masks are also provided, so you don’t have to worry about safety during the trip.
5. Shop at Port Douglas Markets
Every Sunday, shopping at Port Douglas Markets should be on top of your things to do in Port Douglas. Find handmade trinkets, jewellery, and local delicacies to take home as keepsakes of your trip to this tropical paradise!
Port Douglas Markets is open every Sunday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm at Market Park and sits beside the golden shores of Port Douglas beach. You can easily sit back and enjoy a warm cup of coffee by the beach or munch on homemade peanut brittle as you stroll through dozens of market stalls.
6. Four Mile Beach
Speaking of beaches, any list of top things to do in Port Douglas isn’t complete without a day in Four Mile Beach. This four-mile stretch of golden sands and towering palm trees is full of fun Port Douglas activities!
Leisure activities include strolling along the beach, hiring a bike, or relaxing in a sun lounge. Waters at Four Mile Beach are generally calm and are perfect for rejuvenating dips in the ocean. There is also a lively surfing scene in the area. We recommend you try out kitesurfing!
7. Flagstaff Hill Trail
Keen to witness the spectacular views of the Coral Sea and Daintree Rainforest? Head onto Flagstaff Hill and follow its walking trail for one of the more relaxing Port Douglas activities on this list. This 1.5km walking trail starts at Four Mile Beach and links into Rex Smeal Park.
The main track is classified into two sections: one that is wheelchair accessible and the other for people with walking experience since it has uneven steps and steep sections. For uninterrupted views of the golden beach and rainforest-clad mountains, trail the path that goes to the hidden Low Isles Lighthouse viewing platform.
8. Mossman Gorge
Our list of Port Douglas activities wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Mossman Gorge. Only a 20-minute drive up north, you’ll find yourself at Daintree National Park, the world’s oldest rainforest!
Spend the day in Mossman Gorge exploring activities such as the guided Dreamtime Walk with the Kuku Yulanji, the Gorge’s traditional owners, and learn stories from a long time ago and visit cultural sites as you discover local flora and fauna.