With an enviable location right next to the Daintree Rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, and two World Heritage Sites, it’s no wonder that Port Douglas in Queensland, Australia, ranked third on Australian Traveller’s ‘100 Best Towns In Australia’ list! Equal parts dreamy and glitzy, Port Douglas went from being a remote fishing village and port to the chic, upmarket resort town it is today. If you’re a lover of nature - whether it’s admiring a stunning, sandy beach or walking in the depths of a lush green forest or swimming in the crystal clear, stunningly blue waters off its coast - Port Douglas is quite simply the best. Here are some amazing things to do in Port Douglas, Australia.
1. Enjoy panoramic views of Port Douglas at Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse
Port Douglas from above is an entirely different, majestic world. See this gorgeous world from the easily accessible Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse, the city’s ultimate viewing point where you can see the wonderful confluence of the rainforest, the sandy beaches, and the varied blues of the Coral Sea. On clear days, one can see as far out as Fitzroy Island near Cairns, which is nearly 70 km (45 miles) away from Port Douglas! Climb the steps at the northern end of Four Mile Beach on Island Point Road to get to Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse, which is best visited during sunset or moonlit nights.
Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse
Address: 7 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877
Website: Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free admission
2. Spot a variety of fauna at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas (from USD 31.0)
Get up close and personal with the Land Down Under’s native fauna in four different habitats at Port Douglas’ award-winning Wildlife Habitat, which is a fun activity especially for families with children. Gaze in awe at the stunning Rainforest views on the treetop canopy walk, spy on crocs in the Savannah, and even spot koalas and kangaroos as you stroll through the Wetlands. What’s more, you can even ‘breakfast with the birds in the Woodland!
Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
Duration: 1 to 4 hours
3. Study Queensland's history at Port Douglas Court House Museum
Visit the 1879-built courthouse-turned-museum of Port Douglas Court House Museum. Known formerly as the Port Douglas Courthouse, the heritage structure is Queensland’s second-oldest surviving timber courthouse. Apart from being Port Douglas’ oldest building, the Port Douglas Court House Museum is also one of the few surviving, rare pre-1880s timber buildings in North Queensland. Some of the exhibits in the museum include Queensland’s sugar cultivation, shipping history, roadways history, as well as the extremely interesting case of Ellen Thompson, the only woman to have ever legally hanged in Queensland.
Port Douglas Court House Museum
Address: 25 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877
Website: Port Douglas Court House Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 1pm (closed Sun - Mon)
Price: Adults - USD 2 (AUD 1.45); Children/Students - Free
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4. Go shopping on Macrossan Street
The adage ‘shop till you drop’ was probably born in Macrossan Street, which is buzzing with activity all day, every day. Not only is it home to umpteen souvenir stores, but it also features furniture and jewelry stores, fashion boutiques for both genders, and so much more. Those looking to pick up a unique souvenir to remember their holiday in port Douglas can head to the many locally run art stores on Macrossan Street, which feature everything from handcrafted pieces, boomerangs, and hand-painted didgeridoos to Dreamtime paintings, and original Aboriginal art and cultural artifacts.
Macrossan Street
Address: Port Douglas QLD 4877
Website: Macrossan Street
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
5. Stroll along the stunning Four Mile Beach
There’s no better way for relaxing in a tropical paradise than walking along the cerulean waters, allowing the sand to caress your feet. Four Mile Beach, the epitome of Port Douglas, is exactly that, with palm trees in the background, the clear blue waters of the Coral Sea hitting the perfect golden-white stretch of sand every few seconds. Take a break from exploring Port Douglas and enjoy the panorama as you walk the 4-mile-long (6.4 km) shoreline, particularly at sunset.
Four Mile Beach
Address: Port Douglas QLD 4877
Website: Four Mile Beach
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Admire amazing views of Coral Sea at St Mary's by the Sea
On Wharf Street in Port Douglas stands the stunning heritage-listed church of St Mary’s by the Sea. This historic, fully restored church was built in 1913-14 and it features a jaw-dropping church bell, beautiful, traditional wooden pews, and kaleidoscopic stained glass windows. However, the highlight of the church is a massive glass altar window which offers breathtaking, panoramic vistas of the Coral Sea. Visit St. Mary’s by the Sea for its important association with Port Douglas’ early development as well as stunning Coral Sea views.
St Mary's by the Sea
Address: 8 Dixie St, Port Douglas QLD 4877
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Enjoy a meal at the historic Central Hotel Port Douglas
How’d you like to guzzle a beer at one of Port Douglas’ oldest pubs? The old-fashioned, 1978-built Aussie pub of Central Hotel, formerly North Australian Hotel, is a unique Queenslander which has stood the test of time, having been completely rebuilt to include lush tropical landscaping, giant sail structures, and open-plan timber decks which include a beer garden! Sit in the famous Public Bar, one of the three in the hotel, and wet your whistle with a pot of icy cold beer, taking in the best of Port Douglas.
Central Hotel Port Douglas
Address: 9 Macrossan St, Port Douglas QLD 4877
Website: Central Hotel Port Douglas
Opening hours: 10am - 12am (daily)
8. Check out indigenous Australian art at Ngarru Gallery
On Macrossan Street in the heart of Port Douglas lies Ngarru Gallery, showcasing one of the best collections of high-end indigenous art in the country, which not only mentors but also promotes numerous upcoming and aspiring artists. An array of high-quality giftware inspired by art, authentic termite-hollowed didgeridoos, fiber weavings, Maningrida sculptures and more - all find themselves a place at the Ngarru Gallery. Feast your eyes on the creations of dedicated artists as you walk through the wonderful world of indigenous Australian art.
Ngarru Gallery
Address: 1/31 Macrossan St, Port Douglas QLD 4877
Website: Ngarru Gallery
9. Marvel at the sunset at Rex Smeal Park
Swaying palm trees with the high seas in the background make for views of a lifetime at Rex Smeal Park, which is a five-minute walk from Macrossan Street. The sailboats make for a pretty picture as they begin filing past 4 pm every day. Prop up a garden chair or spread out a picnic blanket, bring lots of sunscreens, and pack a picnic basket with tons of food, diet coke, and beer, and let the sun steal the show for a panoramic, unobstructed, orange-hued view across the azure blue of the Coral Sea.
Rex Smeal Park
Address: Port Douglas QLD 4877
Website: Rex Smeal Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Snap amazing pictures at Trinity Bay Lookout
For sensational, breathtaking views of the Coral Sea and Four-Mile Beach, head to Trinity Bay lookout at the cul-de-sac of Island Point Road. Watch the Port Douglas coastline curve slightly as the confluence of the sand and sea makes for a great picture. Surprisingly empty of tourists, this gorgeous, oft-overlooked lookout can be accessed by walking up the hill from Rex Smeal Park. The best time to visit is early morning, but the views at sunset are equally spectacular.
Trinity Bay Lookout
Address: 48 Island Point Rd, Port Douglas QLD 4877
Website: Trinity Bay Lookout
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
11. Watch the nautical vessels at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina
One of the country’s (and continent’s) premier nautical destinations as well as Queensland’s northernmost marina, Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, is popularly known as the “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef”. The much-visited marina is home to many permanent and visiting vessels, as well as superyachts less than 50 meters (164 feet) of length. Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina is also home to the popular pub of Hemingway’s Brewery and it is a great place to watch birds and fish jumping out of the water and catch views of a spectacular sunset.
Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina
Address: 44 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877
Website: Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
12. Play a game of tennis at Port Douglas Tennis Club
Posted by Port Douglas Tennis Club on Saturday, 3 December 2016
If you’re a tennis freak in Port Douglas, then the Port Douglas Tennis Club should be on your must-visit list. The small but welcoming club features updated infrastructure with two synthetic grass courts, one hard court, and upgraded lighting, offering tennis play for all levels of players. So, grab a tennis racket, a friend or family member to play with and head for a refreshing game of tennis at Port Douglas Tennis Club.
Port Douglas Tennis Club
Address: 35 Davidson St, Port Douglas QLD 4877
Website: Port Douglas Tennis Club
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Relax at Bruno Reidwig Memorial Park
Great park with 3 swings, slide, climbing frame. Also a secondary park for the smaller children. BBQ and picnic tables. Nice green grassy areas for a picnic. Beach access available
Posted by Amanda Adams on Friday, 1 March 2019
For families with children, vacationing in Port Douglas, one of the best ways to spend time and explore a new place in town is by heading to the beachside Bruno Reidwig Park located at the end of Solander Boulevard. The well-maintained, new-looking playground features an amazing, wide range of Kompan play equipment for toddlers and children. There’s even a fun Kompan train to keep children occupied, allowing parents to rest with a beer and use the well-maintained public barbeque while watching stunning views of the Coral Sea.
Bruno Reidwig Memorial Park
Address: Port Douglas QLD 4877
Website: Bruno Reidwig Memorial Park
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free admission
14. Go on a snorkelling cruise to the Great Barrier Reef (from USD 208.0)
Have you ever wondered what life is like underwater? With the Port Douglas snorkeling adventure cruise, you don’t need to imagine, for you’ll be able to feast your eyes on some jaw-dropping marine life and coral formations of the outer Great Barrier Reef. Board a luxury catamaran to the Agincourt Reef off the coast of Port Douglas and indulge in oodles of water-based fun including a boat tour that is semi-submersible in character, fish feeding, and snorkeling before breaking for a delicious lunch and ending your smashing day with a one-of-its-kind Ocean Walker helmet dive.
Port Douglas to Great Barrier Reef: Snorkel Tour with Lunch
Duration: 8 hours
15. Enjoy all kinds of delicious beers and ales at Hemingway's Brewery
Swig some amazing locally brewed beers and craft ales made from the wonderful waters of the Mossman Gorge at the idyllic Hemingway’s Brewery, a much-loved and patronized craft brewery and brewpub in Port Douglas. Must-try beers and ales include Pitchfork Betty’s Pale Ale inspired by a pitchfork-wielding publican, the refreshing, light Prospector Pilsner, the pub’s most popular beer which won a Champion Beer trophy at the Australian International Beer Awards, and others such as the Hard Yards Dark Lager, Watson’s Session IPA, Endeavour IPA, 4-Mile White Lager, Doug’s Courage IPA, and more. Dig into a range of barbecue-style food, tapas, burgers, and gourmet pizzas along with these glorious beers.
Hemingway's Brewery
Address: Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, 44 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia
Website: Hemingway’s Brewery
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)
16. Ride on the magical Bally Hooley Steam Railway
Experience a nostalgic train ride of the past with the 2-foot (0.6-meter) narrow-gauge heritage railway of Bally Hooley Steam Railway, which is a true icon of Port Douglas. On Wednesdays and Sundays, traverse the meandering 4-km (2.5-mile) distance between Marina Mirage and St. Crispin’s Station, a trip which takes just over an hour for a return journey. Wednesdays are the turn of the diesel locomotive “Mowbray”, while Sundays see steam locomotives of Nelson, Bundy (with a special coal car), and Speedy come out on the track.
Bally Hooley Steam Railway
Address: Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877
Website: Bally Hooley Steam Railway
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 3pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
17. Enjoy a game of golf at Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course
Ranked amongst Australia’s top 100 golf courses, the 6,135-meter-long (20,128-foot) Palmer Sea Reef is the country’s only tropical links-style golf course. The huge golf course features three different teeing grounds for golfers of all levels, right from beginners to seasoned veterans. Well-placed mounds and swales, 89 bunkers and huge greens, and wide, undulating fairways, including short game practice facilities, a 220-meter-long (722-foot) driving range, and an 18-hole championship golf course, as well as a restaurant and a bar. Grab your clubs and head over to the spectacular Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course.
Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course
Address: Old Port Rd, Port Douglas QLD 4877
Website: Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
18. Pick up some amazing souvenirs at Funstuff by Lynda
After a holiday is over, its the souvenirs that keep the memories alive. For unique, original souvenirs, head to Funstuff by Lynda where each item is drawn and painted by hand, making each a one-of-a-kind original! Think hand-painted diaries, cards, acrylic canvas artwork, lampshades, faux fur purses, anything glass including shot, champagne, and wine glasses, as well as tea lights and glass bottles. For some truly amazing handcrafted souvenirs from Port Douglas, head to Funstuff.
Funstuff by Lynda
Address: Shop 20, Port Village Shopping Centre, 11-17 Macrossan Street, Port Douglas QLD 4877
Website: Funstuff by Lynda
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 3pm; Sun: 10am - 2pm
19. Admire views of the Coral Sea waterfront at Anzac Park
The gorgeous headland, Anzac Park, is the perfect place to relax on the Port Douglas waterfront and watch sweeping views of the Coral Sea and the cruise boats, even as palm trees sway musically in the background. Dedicated to the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps), the park also allows views of the rolling mountains of Mount Lewis and Spurgeon National Parks in the west, mangroves on the Daintree River, and the Sugar Wharf Jetty. Pack a bag with food, drinks, games, books and settle down for the day in Anzac Park, where you can even enjoy a night picnic!
Anzac Park
Address: Port Douglas QLD 4877
Website: Anzac Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
20. Have drinks at Court House Hotel
The Court, as the Court House Hotel is affectionately known as, is not only Port Douglas’ oldest pub but also one of Australia’s most iconic pubs. It’s a striking heritage Queenslander façade and a wide patio open out to the verdant Anzac Park and the charming Port Douglas harbor. The local pub represents the true soul of Port Douglas and focuses on pub grub dining using fresh local produce to whip up delectable meals, of which must-try ones include the Seafood Platter, Mahi Mahi, Barramundi Fish N’ Chips, Chicken Salad, Coral Sea Curry, Cheese Plate, Chicken Schnitzel with Garlic Mashers, and more. Wash everything down with a variety of Aussie beers on tap as you sway to amazing live music by bands featured every week at Court House Hotel.
Court House Hotel
Address: 18-20 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877
Website: Court House Hotel
Opening hours: 9am - 12am (daily)
21. Try out the beer at Paddy's Irish Pub & Grill
Every mid-sized town in the world is home to an Irish pub, and Port Douglas is no exception, wherein lies Paddy’s Irish Pub and Grill with the best-tasting Guinness in Far North Queensland! Featuring a tropical edge ambiance, complete with shamrocks and green everywhere, this genuine Irish bar even features a “Guinness Wall of Fame” where your photo goes up on their wall if you manage to drink 100 pints of Guinness! Sit on the large front deck and swig on beers while digging into steamed white wine mussels, spinach and ricotta lasagne, roast pumpkin, fish pie, and lamb shanks as you watch the world of Macrossan Street go by.
Paddy's Irish Pub & Grill
Address: 8 Macrossan St, Port Douglas QLD 4877
Website: Paddy’s Irish Pub & Grill
Opening hours: 11am - 12am (daily)
22. Relish fine seafood with cocktails at On The Inlet
For more than two decades now, the multi-award-winning On The Inlet in Port Douglas has served some amazingly fresh seafood, paired with a curated selection of New Zealand, Australian and other imported wines and delicious tropical and classic cocktails. Located right on Wharf Street with breathtaking views of the perfect Coral Sea, On The Inlet has been extremely popular for daytime meals, dinners, and even sundowners. Craft cocktails and live mud crabs are absolute specialties.
On The Inlet
Address: 7/18-20 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877
Website: On The Inlet
Opening hours: 12pm - 12am (daily)
23. Go on an exciting river cruise on Lady Douglas (from USD 30.0)
Wind up your perfect Port Douglas holiday with a quintessential Australian experience of cruising the Dickson Inlet aboard the charming riverboat of Lady Douglas. Spot everything from shipwrecks and fauna like mudskippers, crabs, crocs, and birds, and the waterfront Marina to the historic, vintage architecture of Port Douglas and the stunning surrounding coastline of the Coral Sea. Enjoy a live commentary provided by the skipper as you indulge in a uniquely Australian experience on a calm section of the river.
River Cruise
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
24. Go on a helicopter tour from Port Douglas (from USD 241.0)
How would you feel about swooping low over the lush greenery of the Daintree Rainforest or soaring high above the pristine blue of the Great Barrier Reef? Get on a thrilling chopper tour from Port Douglas, flying over the coral reefs, the sand cays, and the islands of the Great Barrier Reef. For the ultimate, thrilling experience of a lifetime, go in for the longer flight where, apart from the reef, you also get to see the gorges, waterfalls, and rugged peaks of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Daintree Rainforest.
Scenic Reef & Rainforest Helicopter Flight from Port Douglas
Duration: 1 hour
25. Explore the marine ecosystem on a kayak tour from Port Douglas (from USD 77.0)
The Queensland coast is a stunning cluster of views of marine life in the form of dolphins, dugongs, and sea turtles, and lush mountain rainforests. How about seeing this world as you float by on your very own kayak? Explore the Coral Sea coast off of Queensland on a kayak guided by an expert. Explore the rich marine ecosystem of the Coral Sea coast at your own pace as you kayak away to glory.
Port Douglas Half-Day Kayak Tour
A thrilling destination
Natural beauty, historic architecture, an interesting variety of pubs and restaurants with delicious food, parks and gardens, and water-based fun - Port Douglas is thrilling for every kind of traveler. So pack your bags and indulge in these amazing things to do in Port Douglas.
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