Port Douglas Hotels

Famous for watersports and serious icons like Four Mile Beach, the Daintree Rainforest and the nearby Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas is one of Australia’s most beautiful and unspoilt areas. With more postcard-perfect vistas than you can poke a Canon at, weather that sits at a constant 30 degrees and a rich indigenous culture still very much a part of local life, Port Douglas is the perfect holiday destination for every taste.

Even if you get sick of the natural gems and the sun (what’s wrong with you?), the shopping at Marina Mirage and on Macrossan Street will keep you and your credit card very happy.

Port Douglas is like Cairns was before that bigger, gaudier southern neighbour transformed itself into a giant backpacker hostel. You’ll still get the funny accents in Port Douglas, but not the associated determination to keep drinking until comatose. Instead, there’s still a ‘small town’ vibe to the place that sounds like an insult but is actually part of its appeal.

PORT DOUGLAS’ TOP 10

PORT DOUGLAS LOCAL

Central

The luxe, resort-heavy central area of Port Douglas is the appropriate place to find Macrossan Street. Not only is Macrossan lined with boutiques, it also has a massive range of restaurants, trendy bars and cafés, as well as a number of kitschy souvenir stores packed with tropical-themed gifts to take back home. And it that isn’t enough for you, check out the beautiful Marina Mirage.

There again, if shopping isn’t something you equate with relaxation (husbands of the world, unite!), check out Four Mile Beach, one of Port Douglas’ most famous stretches of sand and sea. There’s also a range (ho ho!) of golf courses to perfect your putting.

Mossman

The rural town of Mossman is a15-minute drive from Port Douglas and is the hub of the sugarcane industry. The town is not only a scenic wonderland, but is also home to some of the best wineries (Shannonvale Tropical Fruit Winery) and art galleries (Janbal Art Gallery) Queensland has on offer.

Start your day with a walk through the Daintree National Park and then take a dip in the stunning waters of Mossman Gorge. The Wet Tropics is another beautiful spot to explore while you’re there. Once you finish your nature expedition, take the time to hit up the Australian Muster Experience, a little north of the town, to experience a true-blue adventure.

Daintree

Home to the magical Daintree Rainforest, this area is about a 40-minute drive from Port Douglas. In this tropical oasis you’ll not only find unspoiled rainforest that’s home to stacks of rare and endangered flora and fauna, but also some of the most beautiful, pristine and secluded beaches in the world.

For a proper tour, push the cassowaries aside and visit the Daintree Discovery Centre, where you’ll find tour guides waiting for you – plus the vertigo-inducing Canopy Tower and Aerial Walkway, both of which give you a hell of a view (and nightmares).

If you want a culture-hit, stop by the quaint Daintree Village, where you’ll find a bunch of art and craft galleries (many of them featauring local indigenous art) and lots of cultural tours. More of an animal lover? The Wildlife Habitat is yours. Hungry? Don’t forget to get those tastebuds over to the iconic Daintree Ice Cream Company, the number one place to get your sweet fix.

PORT DOUGLAS EAT & DRINK

PORT DOUGLAS EVENTS

For 10 nights in May, Carnivale takes over Port Douglas for a massive celebration of culture and entertainment. This fiesta started as a small street party but has transformed into a massive hit over the 18 years of its run.

The Cairns Blues Festival in mid-May is a massive favourite with locals and visitors alike. This one-day event welcomes a stack of blues stars from across the country (and overseas) and hosts concerts and performances, from morning till night. Come and get your groove on, cool cats.

Go Troppo is an annual arts event (held in late-October) that celebrates the slightly unconventional side of the art world as well as the ordinary. Head to a class or workshop to bring out your arty side or be inspired by some of the coolest exhibits and performances you’re ever bound to see.

WHEN TO GO

Port Douglas has a tropical climate and enjoys hot, humid summers and pleasantly warm winters. Heavy rains tend to hit during December to March, so if you’re not up for getting wet, it’s probably best to stay away during those months.

· Winter average: 19°C

· Spring average: 26°C

· Summer average: 30°C

· Autumn average: 23°C

WHAT TO MISS

· The beautiful waters of Port Douglas can be home to some not-so-beautiful and dangerous creatures. You’re most likely to encounter the notorious blue-ringed octopus, crocs or stingrays, so be wary of your surroundings while taking a dip in rivers and beaches. Always (and we mean always) obey warning signs/rules.

· Don’t be tempted to feed endangered species like cassowaries – if you’re caught, you’ll be slapped with a massive fine, not to mention the fact that it can be harmful to the birds.

GETTING AROUND

There are a variety of shuttle buses that scoot all over the area, but at approximately $15 for a one-way trip, they can get mighty expensive. If you want to get a lot of travel under your belt, hiring a car is probably your best option.

HotelClub Blog

Australian Snorkelling Sites

Port Douglas Visitor Guide

World's Top 10 Romance Hotels