Port Douglas Accommodation

Located in the tropical far north of Queensland, a scenic one-hour coastal drive north from Cairns, Port Douglas is known for its World Heritage wonders: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. An ideal base for visiting the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas accommodation is the perfect choice for travellers visiting the Queensland coastline.

Life in Port Douglas is a blend of typical old world charm with a uniquely laid-back atmosphere. Favoured by celebrities as the ideal place for a tropical getaway, it's a relaxed and intimate resort town where food, wine, culture and arts are appreciated.

Port Douglas getaways offer a wide range of cosy holiday houses, apartments, and resort style villas. A holiday rental in Port Douglas makes for a great base from which to explore this sophisticated resort town and the surrounding area.

Getting to Your Port Douglas Accommodation

Located at the base of the remote Cape York peninsula in northern Queensland, Port Douglas is a long drive away from most major Australian cities. The coastal route north from Brisbane boast spectacular views, so get ready for a scenic road trip that will take at least 24 hours.

Alternatively, a more luxurious option is to fly to the nearby city of Cairns, which receives daily flights from Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and other cities in Australia and New Zealand. If you hire a car at Cairns, the drive to Port Douglas will take around 1 hour, but there is also a shuttle bus service from the airport which will bring you to Port Douglas.

What to eat in Port Douglas

Diverse cuisine and fresh seasonal produce make Port Douglas a food lover's paradise. Choo Choos in the heart of Port Douglas offers an extensive menu that includes fresh, tropical flavours with a picturesque waterfront deck and gorgeous views over the bay.

Located on Island Point Hill, the iconic Nautilus Restaurant provides an elegant outdoor dining experience in a lush garden setting. The menu features modern Australian fare including Daintree curry, pan-roasted duck breast, oyster caviar, beef duo and lot more.

The award-winning Salsa Bar and Grill in Wharf Street offers a tropical dining experience with whitewashed interiors and panoramic sea views. The menu features interesting dishes such as Creole jambalaya, pan-fried barramundi, kangaroo loin, tiger prawn dumplings and lamb backstrap.

The On The Inlet Seafood Restaurant is situated by the Dickson Inlet, with lovely views over the Coral Sea and the Daintree. It's a perfect place to enjoy an al fresco meal, relaxing on the decking with a glass of wine.

Port Douglas' Best Beaches

Most visitors choosing Port Douglas accommodation will be keen to head out to the Great Barrier Reef, but the area around the town is packed with idyllic beaches, which are also well worth a visit. Despite its name, Four Mile Beach is not four miles long, but is named after the local Fourmile family. This stretch of sand is perfect for swimming and fishing, and even features swimming enclosures that keep jellyfish at bay.

Wonga Beach, located a few kilometres north of Port Douglas, is a secluded spot, where swimmers are more likely to come into direct contact with marine life. Backed by lush green mangrove trees, travellers to Wonga Beach will feel they have landed on a deserted tropical island.

Head to Palm Cove if you want to indulge in the finer things in life, including some excellent seafood restaurants. The pristine white sands are tended by the local community. Kayaks are available for hire if you want to explore the Queensland coast beyond the beach, and you can also try your hand at fishing from the Palm Cove jetty, bringing your catch back to your holiday house for supper.

Art and culture in Port Douglas

Port Douglas is a centre of artistic talent, a hub of contemporary and indigenous art forms that represent rich traditional culture. Here you will find artists using a variety of mediums including oil, collage, watercolour, photography and sculpture.

The Studio 49 Artisan Gallery on Murphy Street is home to a spectacular collection of artworks by local and international artists. The gallery has been delighting guests with its amazing artworks, handmade jewellery, sculptures, mosaics, antique works and a range of designer pieces.

Nestled in Warner Street, the Australian and Oceanic Art Gallery specialises in traditional and contemporary Aboriginal artwork from the Western Desert, Lockhart River and Torres Strait. Ngarru Gallery on Macrossan Street is also famous for its collection of indigenous fine arts.

Family holidays in Port Douglas

Port Douglas' spacious holiday houses are perfect for families and the town offers plenty of fun family-friendly activities to keep the kids entertained.

The magnificent Wildlife Habitat on the suburbs of Port Douglas is one of the best family attractions in North Queensland. Have your breakfast with the birds, feed the kangaroos and wallabies, walk amongst the flying birds or enjoy the park, which is home to a wide variety of animals. Take a tour of the Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to get close with crocodiles and local wildlife including snakes and koalas.

Kids will have great fun at BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park, located in the Mowbray River Valley just on the outskirts of Port Douglas. The park features landscaped tropical gardens, a resort style pool, exciting water slides and an adventure playground.

What to do and see in Port Douglas

Watch the spectacular sunset on Four Mile Beach is a must, as is exploring the local rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. Four Mile Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the region and extends across the edge of Port Douglas. The beach has a designated safe swimming area and is also a hub for various water sports like diving, surfing and snorkelling.

Cruise on a catamaran for a day of high adventure on the majestic Great Barrier Reef. Go snorkelling or scuba diving for an exciting excursion with sea turtles, tropical fish and other aquatic creatures amidst colourful coral.

Be sure to visit the Daintree National Park to enjoy a range of recreational activities like jungle surfing, hiking, sea kayaking and river fishing. Crocodile spotting on the Daintree River is a favourite activity and the scenic Mossman Gorge is not to be missed.

Port Douglas is a perfect destination for golf enthusiasts. There are several 18-hole courses on offer, some of which are considered amongst the world’s best. Some of the great local golf courses worth visiting include the Mirage Country Club, the Palmer Sea Reef Golf Club and the Mossman Golf Club.

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