Tropical North Queensland Holidays - Destinations - Port Douglas

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Renowned as a holiday mecca for international film stars, heads of states and sports stars, it is easy to see why Port Douglas has won the heart of holidaymakers worldwide. Long stretches of white sandy beaches flanked by palm trees, dazzling blue skies and azure coloured waters are just as much a part of the charm of Port Douglas as is the rainforest wonders that surround.

Before being put on the map by infamous real estate developer Christopher Skase in 1986, Port Douglas was a quiet seaside town frequented by fisherman and, on weekends, locals from Cairns. Resort is not an adjective here; it's a way of life.

Port Douglas sits on an isthmus beside the sparkling waters of Dickinson Inlet and the rolling waves of the Coral Sea. Overlooking 'Port', as everyone calls it, is Flagstaff Hill, which is the best place to capture the striking views of the town and its superb Four Mile Beach. From the Marina Mirage, all kinds of reef trips leave daily to Low Isles, Agincourt Reef and other spectacular reef sites.

It's a great place to take in the sights, sounds and wonderful experiences, which include the reef, beaches, rainforest and hints of the outback. Four Mile Beach, almost as iconic as the Great Barrier Reef, offers a sensational strip of beach with gentle rolling waves. The Great Barrier Reef is just a short trip off shore and there are many half and full day options departing from Port Douglas to this natural wonder.

Port Douglas has often been described as the ultimate escape. Thriving leisure activities and sightseeing options include everything from golf, diving and 4WD tours to sailing into the sunset and sipping champagne. The waters that surround Port Douglas are spectacular and there are cruise, dive and sailing boats departing daily for reefs, Tropical Islands and cays, whilst day tours and safaris cover the coastal and inland regions. Close by is Mossman Gorge, where pristine rainforest with walking tracks, invigorating swimming holes and unique rainforest habitat will take your breath away. And the Daintree Rainforest is all around in all its natural glory.

Port itself has an unpretentious air to it being relaxed and laid back. The natural character has been retained with nothing taller than a palm tree with developments carefully kept as low-rise and in keeping with the seaside village charm that Port Douglas offers. Accommodation choices are superb with luxury five star resorts, villas, apartments and exclusive homes just to name a few. Shopping enthusiasts will love the variety of boutiques and galleries on offer and you will be spoilt for dining choices in Port Douglas where fresh produce and innovative cuisine abounds.

What to See

• As you'll hear many times, the drive to Port Douglas along the Captain Cook is a very scenic one. Highlights include the Rex Lookout, Hartley's Creek Crocodile Farm, Oak Beach, and Mowbray Valley with its welcoming B&Bs and artist's gallery.
• The World Heritage rainforests are also within easy reach of Port Douglas. The lush green coastal strip of the Daintree/Cape Tribulation region to the north is home to some of the oldest forests in the world.
• Stroll among the village shops, galleries and historic buildings or browse in the seaside Sunday markets.
• Bring your clubs and play a round at the Mirage Country Club opposite the Sheraton Mirage Resort, or at The Links, a golf course resort development on the fringes of the town.
• Visit the award winning Rainforest Habitat and learn about the indigenous fauna.
• Admire the classic Queenslander architecture of the town's pubs as you enjoy a quiet ale, and the easy glamour of the resorts with their cheerful, helpful staff.

Maps

Port Douglas and surrounds