Port Douglas

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Tourism Australia
Anzac Park
Four Mile Beach which includes tropical scenes, landscape views and general coastal views
Port Douglas
Four Mile Beach showing a beach, general coastal views and landscape views
This former fishing village’s easy access to the Great Barrier Reef is just one of the draws of this famous vacation paradise.

In tropical Port Douglas the unique ecosystem of the Daintree Rainforest meets the biggest barrier reef in the world. This perfect combination makes this laid-back Queensland town popular with visitors from all over the world.

A lush rainforest and a pristine beach lined with waving palm trees are just some of the town’s attractions. The Sunday craft markets, lunches on breezy pub balconies, a tropical zoo, art galleries and boutique stores are other appealing highlights.

Walk or drive to Island Point Lookout for excellent views over Four Mile Beach and beyond. Port Douglas’ environmentally minded residents have always opposed beach development this explains the lack of high-rise buildings, which adds to the area’s appeal. Stroll along the water’s edge and take a dip in the warm ocean tide. In summer, poisonous jellyfish inhabit the Coral Sea, so wear adequate protection or stick to beachcombing.

Book a cruise to explore the Great Barrier Reef. All boats depart from the Marina Mirage. One of the shortest tours available is a cruise to Low Isles, with its historic lighthouse, turtles and sting rays. Most trips take a day and allow you to scuba dive and snorkel along the outer reefs.

On the weekend, head to the Sunday markets at Anzac Park to meet the artistic locals and shop for souvenirs. Come back later for sunset views of the historic Port Douglas Sugar Wharf standing over the Coral Sea.

Port Douglas is full of accommodation options, from hostels and town houses to spa resorts. High season is between November and May, the hottest part of the year. The town is small enough to walk around and buses and taxis can drop you off at major attractions.

The freshwater creek of Mossman Gorge, on the edge of the precious Daintree Rainforest, is just a 20-minute drive away. Rental cars and tours can be booked in town.

Port Douglas is one of Australia’s best vacation destinations if you love sunshine, beaches and snorkeling in the tropics.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

5 out of 5
Port Douglas Road, Port Douglas, QLD
$315 nightly
The price is $346 total per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
$346 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 12 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (961 reviews)
"My Wife and I had a very enjoyable stay at the Grand Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas. The staff were amazing, the facilities were amazing and the buffet breakfast was fantastic. We would definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Mantra PortSea

Mantra PortSea

4 out of 5
76 Davidson Street, Port Douglas, QLD
$160 nightly
The price is $160 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$160 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (858 reviews)
"Your front of house staff where very well received, the bed was very comfortable 👌 And we did enjoy the spa bath"

Reviewed on May 25, 2025

Mantra PortSea
Oaks Port Douglas Resort

Oaks Port Douglas Resort

4.5 out of 5
87 Port Douglas Road, Port Douglas, QLD
$148 nightly
The price is $163 total per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
$163 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (996 reviews)
"Very happy - a great experience"

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

Oaks Port Douglas Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas

Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas

4.5 out of 5
2 Langley Road, Port Douglas, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free parking, 6 outdoor pools, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,110 reviews)
Very nice
"Very nice stay, pool off balcony was wonderful - unfortunately no dining option, and therefore no breakfast either, we had to go next door to dine or drive somewhere. Having to swap pool towel (take wet one back for dry one) was very inconvenient especially if reception closed. Would have preferred ..."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas
Pool Port Douglas

Pool Port Douglas

4.5 out of 5
19-37 St Crispins Avenue, Port Douglas, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (412 reviews)
"room design was contemporary and functional. Grounds were well maintained and offered a number of pleasant areas for relaxation. Staff were super helpful with information about local eateries and attractions."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Pool Port Douglas
Villa San Michele

Villa San Michele

4.5 out of 5
39-41 Macrossan Street, Port Douglas, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Macrossan Street and Port Village ...
9/10 Wonderful! (475 reviews)
"Made early check-in available so we could attend a wedding. Very accommodating"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Villa San Michele
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Port Douglas

Downtown Port Douglas is compact and easy to walk around. If you’re staying out of town, you might prefer to rent a car to explore at your own pace; there are several rental offices in town. A charming way to get around is the Ballyhooley Steam Railway, a vintage train line which runs between the Marina Mirage and St. Crispin’s station. There is also a limited bus network operating in and around town. Visit the Department of Transport and Main RoadsOpens in a new window website.Browse Port Douglas rental cars.

Best time to visit

Port Douglas has a tropical climate with wet and dry seasons, but is a great destination year round. The rainy season, from November to April, sees heavy rainfall and average high temperatures in the high 80s F (low 30s C); however, this time of year is very lush and green. The winter has average high temperatures in the mid 70s F (mid 20s C) and is much drier, so the weather can be more pleasant.

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