Port Douglas offers easy access to the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef.

Four Mile Beach, with its rainforest-fringed sand lined with swaying palm trees, has played a starring role in so many tourism commercials that it’s immediately recognisable but there is plenty more to see and do in Port Douglas including dining at world-class restaurants. Go hiking through the rainforest, cruise the Daintree River, see crocs up close, or swim with jewel-bright tropical fish on a snorkelling trip on our tours and holidays in Port Douglas. Pack your swimmers and drive to Mossman Gorge in the Daintree National Park. This wilderness area is the oldest, continuously surviving rainforest on earth and has a beautiful swimming hole surrounded by towering trees and bright blue Monarch butterflies. Along with going swimming, you can join a Kuku Yalanji guide for a walk through this special place and learn more about the creation stories and cultural significance of Mossman Gorge.

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Things to do in Port Douglas

Hiker in the Daintree

Explore the Daintree

Grab a good pair of walking shoes and hit the trails in and around Cape Tribulation where you can explore the Daintree’s headlands, steep mountain ranges and numerous creeks and rivers. Many natural features of the landscape have spiritual significance for the Kuku Yalanji people.

Koala in a tree

See native animals

Keep an eye out for native animals such as koalas high in the trees, Lumholtz Tree Kangaroos and cassowaries which are regularly spotted crossing the roads in and around Cape Tribulation. You could also see one of the spotted-tail quolls which live in this part of Tropical North Queensland.

Ice cream in a cup

Taste the Daintree Food Trail

Discover fresh local produce and authentic food experiences on the Daintree Food Trail. Highlights include sampling ice-cream flavours like dragonfruit and banana, avocado or coffee wattleseed at Floravilla Ice Cream or sipping purple mangosteen port.

Mossman Gorge

Visit Mossman Gorge

Experience the beauty of Mossman Gorge in the Daintree National Park. This wilderness area is home to the oldest, continuously surviving rainforest on earth and has a beautiful swimming hole surrounded by towering trees and bright blue Monarch butterflies.

Sailing trip

Port Douglas sailing trip

Pack your swimmers and get ready for a day out on the water on a sailing adventure which departs from Port Douglas. Sunlight sparkles on the ocean, the sun warms your back, and colourful fish tempt you to slip on your mask, snorkel and fins and jump in the water.

Four Mile Beach

Port Douglas beaches

Head to one of the many beautiful beaches in and around Port Douglas. The lush green rainforest goes all the way down to the sand at Four Mile Beach. Sit under a swaying palm tree, lay out your towel, grab a good book and sit back and enjoy the view.

Port Douglas tour reviews

Port Douglas FAQs

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 proof of vaccination policy

The closest airport to Port Douglas is Cairns which is an hour away by road. There is also a train service from Brisbane to Cairns multiple times per week. When you get off the train, you can catch a bus or drive to Port Douglas. Driving up the Queensland coast to Port Douglas is also possible if you enjoy spending time on the road and don't mind long drives.    

The areas in and around Port Douglas are well signed and easy to navigate if you are driving. Taxis and ride share options are also readily available. There is limited or no public transport if you want to get around and see popular tourists spots like Cape Tribulation. 

Read more about how to get around Port Douglas

Any time of year is a good time to visit Port Douglas. Summer is hot and humid and perfect for swimming. Spring and Autumn are cooler and the region tends to be quieter. Winter is ideal for those who don't enjoy humid temperatures and the weather is typically good. If you are visiting between October and May and swimming in the ocean, it is advisable to wear a 'stinger suit' to protect yourself from possible jellyfish stings. 

Read more about the weather in Port Douglas

Port Douglas tends to be a casual place so you can leave your fancy clothes at home. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are a must, even in winter. If you forget any essentials, it is easy to pick up whatever you need at the supermarket in downtown Port Douglas. 

Port Douglas is a laid back destination which means casual clothes or active wear are fine to wear during the day. Smart casual is the norm for restaurants including the more upmarket dining spots in town.

WiFi is readily available in and around Port Douglas. There is no WiFi signal throughout most of Cape Tribulation. 

A mobile signal is readily available in and around Port Douglas. There is no mobile signal throughout most of Cape Tribulation. 

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. Some of the hiking trails in Tropical North Queensland can make walking difficult for travellers who are less mobile on foot. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid

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