The tropical allure of Queensland’s Port Douglas & Daintree region goes beyond just the warm weather and sunshine. It is the uncrowded beaches lined with palm trees, the azures of the ocean scattered with colourful reefs. It is the mountains covered in ancient rainforest and hidden waterfalls and swimming holes. It is that friendly vibe from the locals and relaxed atmosphere that truly offers a sense of escape.
A spectacular 67km scenic coastal drive north from Cairns, Port Douglas and Daintree region is a place to discover the ‘Reef And Rainforest Coast’. It is also the gateway to the World Heritage rainforest areas of Daintree and Cape Tribulation.
Founded in 1877, Port Douglas came into being as a port where riches from the goldfields of the Hodgkinson and Palmer Rivers were trafficked by bullock drays to be loaded onto vessels for southern cities.
Today, the locals affectionately call the place Port, a sign of the laid back lifestyle that has evolved in this once sleepy fishing town.
Who goes to Port Douglas & Daintree
The Daintree where rainforest meets the reef. Photo Credit – Kate Webster
A romantic getaway is easily had in this region, attracting couples, honeymooners and even those seeking a destination wedding. Families will love the calm waters and endless activities to keep the kids of all ages entertained. Nature lovers and adventures can be wowed with the Great Barrier Reef and extraordinary Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge.
How to get to Port Douglas & Daintree
Lookout enroute to Port Douglas. Photo Credit – Kate Webster
Port Douglas lies 1 hour’s drive north of Cairns, accessible via the Captain Cook Highway. This scenic coastal drive is ideal for those who appreciate self-drive tours and showcases some of the finest tropical beaches and rainforest that Cairns and Far North Queensland has to offer. Flights into Cairns are slowly returning with more capacity. Road trips to the region are very popular, with plenty of places to stop and rest along the way.
Top things to do in Port Douglas & Daintree
River Snorkel Daintree. Photo Credit – Back Country Bliss
Port Douglas is blessed to be surrounded by, not one but, two World Heritage-listed areas, The Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. The closest place to access the Outer Reef, a visit to Port Douglas would not be complete without a visit to the reef. Sunset cruises to the Low Isles are also a popular way to end a day in Port Douglas. With the Daintree so close, nature lovers can access the region via self-drive, a day tour or spend a little longer with an overnight stay.
From day trips to immersive tours that take a little longer, here is what you can do in the Port Douglas & Daintree region.
Intrepid’s Daintree Retreat
Intrepid Travel recently returned to travelling post pandemic restrictions, launching its inaugural 5-day Daintree Retreat tour. The Daintree trip visits the world’s oldest rainforest and includes a meeting with a local family who hosted David Attenborough’s documentary crew when they were filming. The trip also includes a hike in Mossman Gorge, as well as learning how to throw a spear, identify edible plants and see how Kuku Yalanji people live in harmony with their changeable landscape. Reconciliation is a big focus for Intrepid and, on this trip, travellers enjoy First Nations experiences where they will learn from the local Kuku Yalanji family.
Visit the Great Barrier Reef
Dive the Great Barrier Reef. Photo Credit – Kate Webster
Spend five hours on the Great Barrier Reef with Calypso Reef Cruises and visit three different Agincourt ribbon reef sites. Departing from Port Douglas, Calypso offers a smooth ride to the outer reef for an exhilarating day of fun, discovery and adventure in the natural wonderland of the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll have access to explore three stunning and exclusive reef sites at the renowned Agincourt ribbon reefs, each chosen for visual and ecological diversity for your dive and snorkel adventures. The boat offers snorkelling and diving from beginners to experienced and certified divers. As an added bonus during the whale season, Calypso has one of the few permits available from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority that allows guests to swim with dwarf minke whales if encountered – a truly unforgettable experience.
Plant a tree in the Daintree Rainforest
Plant a tree with Daintree Life. Photo Credit – Kate Webster
Head out and learn about the conservation work in replanting the Daintree Rainforest with Daintree Life. They are currently planting a former weed-filled roadside reserve with 920 trees. With generous donations from Rainforest 4 and the public, 550 trees are now fully funded and planted. Cassowaries and Bennett’s Tree-kangaroos are regularly sighted here. You can help finish this area by donating here, for just $10 you can plant your own memorial tree.
Dine at Flames of the Forest
Probably the most unique dining experience you will have, and certainly the only rainforest dining experience in Australia, Flames of the Forest is a must do when in Port Douglas. The evening transports you into a world beyond your imagination, uplifting your soul while learning about the Australian indigenous Aboriginal culture. Not just a tantalising dining experience but a feast for your senses. Without giving too much away, as the best part of this tour is the surprise and awe on arrival, this tour proves that not all activities are for the daytime. Choose from two unique dining experiences in the pristine natural environment – the Aboriginal Cultural Experience from $219.00 per person or the Rainforest Dining Experience from $189.00 per person whilst enjoying an award-winning menu and inspirational entertainment. While Flames of the Forest is currently closed due to COVID19 restrictions, they hope to be opening soon. Please check the website for most up to date information.
Stay in luxury in Port Douglas
Peppers Beach Club – Photo Credit – Kate Webster
Discover casual elegance in the iconic Tropical North Queensland town of Port Douglas at Peppers Beach Club. The resort has open spaces, sparkling water and lush gardens edging private terraces and plunge pools. From this central location, you can snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, 4WD Cape Tribulation and stroll along Four Mile Beach during an amazing sunset. Peppers Beach Club is in the modern Australian tropical village of Port Douglas, one of the last stop-off points before the Daintree. If you crave a pure tropical resort experience, this Port Douglas accommodation is first class. And it’s just an hour from the international Cairns Airport along one of the great scenic coastal drives.
Shop at the weekend markets
Be sure to drop by the Sunday markets in the idyllic setting of shady palm trees and warm, caressing ocean breezes blowing in from the sparkling ocean. It’s located in a grassy park, right on the waterfront overlooking the Coral Sea. Vendors come from all over the Far North to sell their products to inquisitive tourists and Port Douglas locals. Here you will find arts and crafts, jewellery, fruit and vegetables, glassware, books, coffee, boats, and more. They run every Sunday from 8:00am to 2:00pm.
Snorkel down a river
Snorkel down a river with Back Country Bliss. Photo Credit – Kate Webster
There is no better way to stay cool in the hot tropics than to get in the water. However, while most people think of swimming and snorkelling on the reef, there is another option – river snorkelling with Back Country Bliss. Within an ancient rainforest, step into the cool, crystal-clear water and drift with the current as you explore life under the water’s surface. Watch fish dart in and around the river stones and keep your eyes out for the occasional turtle or even an eel. This family friendly tour is the perfect introduction to snorkelling before heading out to the reefs. Small children (and adults) can journey down the river on large river sleds. Then, just lay back on your mat and enjoy the serenity of the beautiful surroundings. This is an amazing eco-immersion adventure that’s different every time.
Look for wildlife on a Daintree River Cruise
Solar Whisper – Photo Credit – Kate Webster
Cruise the Daintree River (Julaymba) with Solar Whisper, spotting wildlife on a quiet clean solar electric boat “Solar Whisper”. Get closer to nature where you can hear, smell and experience without noise and fumes. Know that you have enjoyed seeing crocodiles and other wildlife without having any impact on it. Solar Whisper has a a 99% success rate for spotting crocodiles, excellent birding opportunities and other wildlife possibilities such as snakes, frogs, crabs and fish. Your experienced interpretive guide is accustomed to the nuances of the river, rainforest and mangroves and can spot an incredible variety of wildlife that you would not necessarily see on your own. The boat is fitted with the unique “CROC CAM” to help show well-camouflaged crocodiles and wildlife.
Step back in time in Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation is like stepping back in time to when dinosaurs roamed. Just cross the Daintree River and enter the Daintree Rainforest and you will find out why. It is a world untouched by urban development, noise and air pollution, where you can completely disconnect from the bustle, breathe in the purity and explore your natural surroundings. It is here in the breathtaking region of Cape Tribulation where two World Heritage-listed areas collide, the world’s oldest rainforest with the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. Explore on a mountain bike ride through rainforest tracks, tackle the rugged terrain by 4WD, just relax on the beach or wander through the rainforest where ancient stories whisper through the leaves, just as they have for centuries.
Stay in the Daintree Rainforest
Stay in the Rainforest at Daintree Wilderness Lodge. Photo Credit – Kate Webster
With only 7 elevated cabins designed to be hidden within the giant Fan Palm gully of the rainforest, a stay at Daintree Wilderness Lodge will be an experience that will linger in your memory. Found in a privileged location on Kuku Yalangi country, the lodge stands amidst two World Heritage Listed areas, the Daintree National Park and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Once you cross the Daintree River by ferry you enter an environment like no other. Described as a Botanical Ark containing ancient plant species and rare and unusual wildlife. Prepare to explore hidden paths and boardwalks, discover swimming holes, spot rare bird and wildlife, or snorkel off Cape Tribulation. An immersive destination where you live and breathe the rainforest. A true rainforest experience
Take the Shaolin Sunset Cruise
While there are many sailing boats, catamarans and luxury boats to take you out to the reef, there is no option as unique and exciting as Shaolin Tours. The Shaolin Junk is one of only a few authentic Junks in the world. The sunset sail over the Coral Sea is the perfect way to admire the spectacular views of the Daintree Mountains and local islands while relaxing on the teak deck or cushioned lounge area. The cruise includes a complimentary beverage and canapes. With only 23 guests maximum on board, it is an intimate relaxing cruise. Boarding starts at 4:45pm and returns at 6:30pm. Cost is just $50 per person (plus EMC of $3.20 payable onboard).
Indigenous Experience in Mossman Gorge
Mossman Gorge Indigenous Experience – Photo Credit – Kate Webster
Join Back Country Bliss for a Mossman Gorge Day Tour and enjoy a traditional Kuku Yalanji smoking ceremony at the Mossman Gorge; where you’ll be cleansed of bad spirits and have traditional rainforest body paint applied.
Exploring the Daintree National Park at an easy pace, this interpretive 1.5hr walk, will leave you with a deeper understanding of this breath-taking rainforest.
MICE in Port Douglas & Daintree
In Port Douglas and the Daintree, delegates will shed their business suits for bare feet, and create exceptional memories in a spectacular location in the paradise of Port Douglas, at a conference or business event. Business events delegates will relish the natural beauty and warm, balmy climate that attracts conference and incentive groups all year round. The village of Port Douglas is the centrepiece of Tropical North Queensland, renowned for its spectacular beauty, natural assets, multi-award-winning accommodation, special event providers and attractions. Located only 60 kilometres north of Cairns International Airport, along the scenic Great Barrier Reef Drive.
How to learn more about Port Douglas & Daintree
For more head to visitportdouglasdaintree.com.au where you can find the latest updates on what is open, news and deals. There is even an area to access agent rates to experience the region for yourself.
Need to Know for COVID-19
As COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc throughout the world, including Australia, here’s what travellers need to know about travelling in the Port Douglas and Daintree region. Please note that with all COVID-19 travel-related news, these restrictions are likely to change at lightning speed, therefore it’s highly recommended that you check with the appropriate state and territory offices, relevant health departments and airlines prior to planning a trip. For more visit visitportdouglasdaintree.com/blog/safe-travel-in-the-time-of-covid
