Things to do

From Port Douglas, you have access to two of Australia’s most famous wilderness areas - the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. There are also a range of various activities to enjoy whether you are after action, adventure, rest and relaxation, shopping or fun things to do with the family.

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for 2,600 kilometers over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometers. The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia. Whether you snorkel, dive or swim, the Great Barrier Reef will introduce you to a captivating underwater world.

The Daintree Rainforest

The region referred to as 'The Daintree Rainforest' encompasses an area of approximately 1,200 square kilometres, from the Daintree River north to Cooktown and west to the Great Divide, representing the single largest block of tropical rainforest in Australia. The area protected under World Heritage listing covers an area of approximately 12,000 square kilometres, stretching from Townsville to Cooktown 75 per cent of which is tropical rainforest, an area equivalent to about the size of Sydney.

Mossman Gorge

Crystal clear water cascades over large granite boulders in the Mossman River gorge. Lush rainforests cloak steep mountainsides. The Mossman Gorge is located at the entrance to the Daintree National Park. Home to the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal Community, the gorge is the ancient site of many local aboriginal legends.

Cape Tribulation

Rain forested mountains sweep down to long sandy beaches. One of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. It is one of a few places in Australia where the rainforest meets the sea.

Fishing

The Great Barrier Reef and surrounds has some of the best fishing in the world. Please see reception and we can recommend a number of game and deep sea fishing adventures and private boat charters.

Flames of the Forest

Ignite your senses as you walk along a flame lit trail beneath the canopy of the oldest rainforest in the world. Feel the wonder of this legendary place and explore the culture and cuisine in this spellbinding candlelit drama that is the enchanted forest. (Bookings are Essential)

Foaming Fury

Foaming Fury has been successfully operating full day Russell River and half-day Barron River white water rafting adventures for the past 12 years.

Four Mile Beach

This is the premier beach of Port Douglas. From the main Port Douglas district, you can walk to the beach in under 5 minutes and then continue to walk along the sandy beach for hours under the tropical sun. Four Mile Beach begins at the northern rocky headland - great for kids to explore and play with the small crabs that make the beach their home. Then the 4 miles of beach unfold in a gentle curve that continues as far as the eye can see.

Please be aware of the presence of marine stingers in the summer months of the year generally between October and May. A large stinger enclosure net is used at the northern end of 4-Mile Beach for people to swim in. Swimming outside the net can be dangerous.

Hartley’s Creek Crocodile Adventures

Situated on the magnificent coastal drive between the popular destinations of Palm Cove and Port Douglas. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is the best place to see crocodiles and native wildlife in Tropical North Queensland. Take a boat cruise on Hartley’s lagoon where crocodile sightings are guaranteed! Don’t miss the ‘Croc Attack Show’ daily at 3pm where you’ll see large crocodiles demonstrate the notorious death roll.

Hot Air – Ballooning

Enjoy your balloon ride, a delicious hot breakfast, champagne toasts & door to door transfers.

Rainforest Habitat

The Rainforest Habitat is a wildlife park of the future and world leader in mixed immersion exhibits. It is situated in Port Douglas on the corner of Port Douglas Road and the Captain Cook Highway on eight acres of land that has been recreated to provide a window into our natural environment. Visitors can wander through three different and unique environments that depict numerous species of the surrounding rainforest, wetlands, and grasslands. One of the “Must do” activities for visitors to the area is the Breakfast with the Birds, which is served daily from 8am until 10:30am.

Skyrail

Gliding just metres above the rainforest canopy in comfortable six-person gondola cabins, the Skyrail journey immerses you in an intimate rainforest experience where you’ll see, hear, smell and become part of the tropical rainforest environment. Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway train ride back to the coast. Located just North of Cairns.

The Sunday Markets

The Sunday Markets held every Sunday in Anzac Park (northern end of Macrossan Street near St Mary’s Church) from 8am until 3pm. It is a great place to pick up fresh local produce, clothing, artwork and craft.

If you would like to experience any of the above adventures please contact reception to discuss a range of exclusive and unique tours.