Home to two World Heritage sites, there’s no shortage of an adventure at Port Douglas, which is located in Queensland. Because it is surrounded by rainforests and beaches, there are many activities on land and in the water to fill your itinerary, while the quaint and scenic town will indulge you with a peaceful but friendly atmosphere for a relaxing holiday.
Discover the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef
As a World Heritage site and the world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef is a must-visit. Book a helicopter ride for a bird’s-eye view of this wonder, or visit an underwater observatory where you can explore the coral formations while keeping yourself dry.
Only 15 kilometers away from Port Douglas are the Low Isles, where you can snorkel to find various freshwater fish, turtles, and corals, of course.
Explore the jungle rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest, the oldest living rainforest on Earth, is also a World Heritage site. Although it is a 90-minute drive from Port Douglas, the travel is worth a day trip (or multiple trips) because of the many adventures you can have. Choose from ziplining through the forest, horseback riding, kayaking, taking nature tours at night, and if you’re feeling even more adventurous, kayaking down a river to spot some crocodiles.
The rainforest is treasured by its local inhabitants and will offer not just pleasant sights but also a cultural experience with different stories of folklore and ceremonies that the indigenous guides will share with you.
Soak up the sun at Four Mile Beach
Because it is only a five-minute walk from the town proper, Four Mile Beach is the go-to place for tourists for a swim or a stroll along the coastline. Despite being tourist-friendly, it maintains its raw and lush foliage and has soft sand and clear waters. Families can take their children to build sandcastles, swim in the shallow waters, and spot tiny crabs on the beach. For the thrill-seeker, kitesurfing is also an option here.
Shop and dine at Macrossan Street
The main center of Port Douglas, Macrossan Street is filled with art galleries, small boutique shops, and cafés and restaurants. It’s always bustling with activity, but it still maintains its laid-back vibe with trees lined along the street and the breeze from the sea.
Quaint restaurants, all-day breakfast spots, seafood delicacies, homegrown coffee, and drinking pubs are some of the many options for your dining needs.
As the main tourist hub, you can also book tours at travel kiosks as well as shop for souvenirs at Macrossan Street.
Learn about the history and culture of the locals
There are four heritage sites in Port Douglas itself, which was once a fishing village and was developed by the mining industry.
At Mossman Gorge, which is situated within the Daintree National Park, you can take guided tours from the Kuku Yalanji, the Aboriginal owners of the rainforest.
Some places, like Flames of the Forest, offer cultural dining experiences where you can taste some of the local flavors while watching a cultural show depicting the history of its people.
There are many more things to fill your days at Port Douglas, from planned itineraries to spontaneous adventures. As you pack your bags in the Port Douglas limousine to take you back to the airport, leaving this rich and unique town won’t be easy, but luckily, the memories you make will stay with you for a lifetime.