Port Douglas

Positioned between Cairns and the Daintree Rainforest on the coast, Port Douglas is an ideal starting point for exploring the region. Daily tours depart from the village, providing various options for experiencing the Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest.

Crystalbrook Marina is the departure point for Great Barrier Reef tours, with the sites visited considered among the best and most pristine in Australia. You can choose to visit the Low Isles on a stunning sailboat or take a luxury yacht to the outer reef. With options to dive, snorkel, swim, or paddle, the choice is entirely yours.

Daily day tours to the Daintree Rainforest also depart from Port Douglas. You can relax and explore the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation on a comfortable guided tour.

Port Douglas Reef Tours

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is an expansive network of more than 2,900 individual reefs that stretch from Cape York in the north to Lady Elliott Island in the south. Covering a staggering 348,000 km2, this marine park is home to a wide variety of fringing and barrier reefs, continental islands, coral cays, and 70 distinct bio-regions, making it the most diverse ecosystem on the planet. Port Douglas is particularly renowned for its beautiful coral cays and islands, as well as its close proximity to some of the most breathtaking outer edge reefs.

Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or a non-swimmer, young or old, there's a way for everyone to marvel at the stunning beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas. With a variety of tour options available, it's easy to find a way to experience the reef that's perfect for you. Don't miss out on the chance to witness this natural wonder up close.

Daintree Rainforest & Cape Trib

A very beauitful and special part of the world, the Daintree is certainly not to be missed. This remote area is situated north of Port Douglas and has the largest continuous area of tropical rainforest on the Australian continent. Along the coastline north of the Daintree River, the tropical rainforest grows right down to the edge of the sea where fringing reef is met on the shoreline, this is commonly referred to as 'where the Rainforest meets the Reef'.`

Getting there is all part of the adventure. You can either take a fully guided 4WD Safari, or choose to self drive and explore this pretty region at your own leisurely pace. The journey to the Daintree travels along the Cook Highway north of Port Douglas and features beautiful scenery ranging from secluded palm fringed tropical beaches, hidden coves and rugged headlands to the rich green of lush sugar-cane fields and rainforest covered mountains.

The Daintree River ferry is the gateway to the Daintree Coast and Cape Tribulation, and is the only cable ferry operating within tropical Australia.

Once over the river there are many natural attractions to visit including rainforest walks, freshwater swimming holes and remote beaches. There are also plenty of adventure activities that take place such as sea kayaking, horse riding, jungle surfing, snorkelling, night walks and more.

Guided tours depart daily from Port Douglas, and there are plenty of accommodation options should you wish to stay longer and immerse yourself in the rainforest experience. Our consultants would be more than happy to help tailor a unique rainforest package to suit.

Port Douglas Attractions

There are also many and varied ways to view the Reef & Rainforest up close. Spend the day on the Great Barrier Reef with one of the local reef operators. Explore the rainforest on elevated walkways at  Mossman Gorge, Experience a day trip to Kuranda, Go croc spotting on a Daintree River cruise, meet some local wildlife at Hartley’s or Wildlife Habitat. Our attractions are family friendly with most suitable for all ages and abilities. They provide a great introduction to the Port Douglas region.

Kuranda Train & Skyrail

The Kuranda Train & Skyrail is one of the most sought after trips in Far North Queensland. The journey to and from Kuranda Village offers two very different experiences combining, history, heritage, rainforest and environment. Kuranda Village has been operating as a tourist destination since the 1970's with the famous Kuranda Markets being the drawcard, and which are still drawing visitors today.

The first operation of the Kuranda Train commenced in 1936 and the Skyrail Cableway, a world first for viewing the rainforest in a safe and environmentally way, commenced operation in 1995.

Time spent in Kuranda Village will allow you to explore the variety of market stalls inside the Original Markets and Heritage Markets, take a rainforest walk or enter the various wildlife attractions within the village.

There are also options to add on various elements to your day including Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Rainforestation, Birdworld, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Kuranda Koala Gardens or Hartleys Croc Park. 

Getting to Port Douglas

By Air
Travel to Cairns is simple with several domestic and international flights arriving daily. Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Blue all operate out of Cairns with scheduled services to most Australia state capitals as well as regional locations.Cairns Airport

Cairns also receives international flights from Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. The airport is conveniently located just 10 minutes from the CBD, 25 minutes from Palm Cove and the Northern Beaches and approx one hour from Port Douglas. Door to door coach transfers meet all flights and provide ease and convenience on your arrival.

By Road
Cairns is approximately 1750km from Brisbane, and if you have time up your sleeve then self driving is a great way to experience the ever changing landscapes of Queensland. The Bruce Highway is Queensland's main route connecting Brisbane to Cairns. Greyhound Australia and Premier bus services also operate regular scheduled departures from Brisbane to Cairns, travel time approx 27 to 29 hours.

By Railto Cairns by train - Spirit of Queensland
Queensland Rail operates services from Brisbane to Cairns twice weekly on the Tilt Train and three departures a week on the Sunlander. Average travel time is 24 hours on the Tilt Train and 31 hours on the Sunlander. Cairns Central Railway Station is located in the heart of the city to the rear of Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Taxis and coach transfers are available from here to transfer you to your accommodation.

Climate & Seasons

Port Douglas has a tropical climate with hot summers and warm winters. Between the months of November to May our temperatures are warm to hot with high humidity.Perfect Weather at Low Island

Our rainfall peaks in the months of Feb, March and April, with the wettest month of the year typically being February. Although its wet, it brings relief from the humidity and the rainforests are just spectacular with waterfalls in full flow.

Our winter months are generally dry and clear and a popular time for visitors as we are enjoying warmer weather than most other parts of the country.

Rainforest

As we are a destination renowned for World Heritage Listed Rainforest, no journey to Cairns would be complete without a rainforest experience. Travelling north up the scenic Cook Highway is the Daintree National Park which comprises of two sections - Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation, covering an expanse of more than 1,200 sq km.

Mossman Gorge is renowned for its crystal-clear waters that cascade over granite boulders, Indigenous culture and spectacular rainforest walks. Most tour itineraries include a visit to Mossman Gorge.

Beyond Mossman is the Daintree River, famous for its boat cruises, croc spotting and bird watching. Once across the Daintree River the Cape Tribulation section of Daintree National Park then stretches from Cow Bay to the Bloomfield River, covering 17,000 ha of coastal range.

Cape Trib beach is fringed with the increasingly rare littoral (beachside) rainforest and interesting fringing reefs, and is renowned as the place where where two spectacular World Heritage sites meet - the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

This area of rainforest is a hive of activity from bush walking, kayaking and horse riding treks to snorkelling, exotic fruit tastings and 4WD safaris. Accommodation is readily available, and it is highly recommend to spend at least one night in the rainforest to experience the closeness of nature and the wonders of this ancient land.

Self Drive Port Douglas

Port Douglas is a spectacular one hour drive north of Cairns along one of the most scenic coastal roads in Australia, featuring amazing views of rainforest covered mountains on one side, and the Coral Sea on the other.

Rex Lookout is one of many highlights along the way with views along the ranges back towards Cairns. Hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore the region at your own pace and go wherever your heart desires.

You can visit all the best attractions at your own leisurely pace, or explore further afield in our surrounding regional areas such as the Atherton Tablelands, Daintree & Cooktown. Most roads are sealed, so unless you are planning to go to Cooktown via the Bloomfield Track, you will not need a 4WD.

If hiring a car it is possible to make your own way to our various attractions around the region. Kuranda is approx a 1 hour drive south from Port Douglas, and up the Kuranda Range, however if you don't want to miss out on the Train & Skyrail experience then we can organise a bus transfer to return you to your vehicle at the end of the day, as the Skyrail Terminal and Kuranda Train Station are in two seperate locations.

Wildlife Habitat at Port Douglas makes for a lovely half day out for the family, especially if you add on the Breakfast with the Birds. Afterwards wander off breakfast around the park, then perhaps enjoy an afternoon of shopping along Macrossan Street.

A visit to Mossman Gorge is a must, and the kids will love Hartleys Crocodile Adventures located just 25 minutes from Port Douglas on the Cook Highway. You can arrive at anytime of the day to the wildlife & national parks.