Port Douglas

1. Mossman Gorge

Mossman Gorge is part of Daintree Rainforest, which is a World Heritage Listed site. This beautiful wilderness area is named for the gorge created by Mossman River, and it’s a popular place for visitors looking to get a breath of fresh air and spend some time outdoors. Visitors can hike into Mossman Gorge from the Mossman Gorge Centre, but it is a long walk, so there’s also a shuttle which, for a small fee, will take visitors regularly (every 15 minutes or so) to the trailhead for the walking trails at the Gorge. At the Gorge, visitors can hike, take a guided tour, swim, and learn about Australia’s Indigenous cultures and their connection with the area.

2. The Great Barrier Reef

Port Douglas is full of fun and entertaining attractions, but undoubtedly its biggest draw is its proximity to The Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral system in the world, with nearly three thousand individual reefs that extend and cover over 134,000 square miles. The reef is teeming with underwater life, with over 1500 species of fish that call it home. There are a lot of ways to see the reef, whether it’s in the water, via snorkeling or diving, or from a glass-bottomed boat or semi-submersible vessel. Each offers its own benefits and is bound to be an unforgettable experience.

3. Four Mile Beach

With an expansive stretch of soft, golden sand where the coast meets the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea, Four Mile Beach is a huge draw for visitors to the Port Douglas region. The beach itself is a tropical paradise and is popular for sunbathing, kite surfing, enjoying a walk or a jog along the sand, swimming and playing in the water, and picnicking. For early birds, it’s also the perfect place to watch the sunrise over the watery horizon, and the light cast by the sunset is also beautiful. Four Mile Beach has tidal rock pools that are great for children to play in, and a scenic walk around the grassy bluffs at the edge of the beach.

4. Wildlife Habitat

Australia is home to some pretty distinctive wildlife, and at the Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas, visitors will have the chance to get up close and personal, and interact with some of the animals who call the region home. Meet and greets, and photo opportunities are available for animals like koala bears, pythons, and kangaroos at this interactive zoo and wildlife education center. Visitors can see crocodiles from Predator Plank, feed colorful birds, and see the Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo at Wildlife Habitat, which is one of only two zoos in the world to feature this creature.

Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia, Phone: +61-7-40-99-32-35

5. Shopping in Port Douglas

Whether it’s souvenirs you’re after, or something in particular, there’s no shortage of shopping opportunities in Port Douglas . Just a short walk from Four Mile Beach is Macrossan Street, which is a major shopping district in Port Douglas with plenty of boutiques selling everything from t-shirt souvenirs to high fashion to handmade crafts. Macrossan Street is also home to the Port Village Shopping Center, which has some major-brand retailers. Nearby Marina Mirage has waterfront shopping opportunities that range from unique furniture to glittering gems, and on Sundays, the Port Douglas Market is held in Anzac Park.

6. St. Mary’s by the Sea

Built in 1913, St. Mary’s by the Sea is a non-denominational church that is listed as a heritage site. As the name suggests, St. Mary’s is located on a scenic bit of land right along the coast, and it’s big glass window by the altar overlooks the sea for a beautiful view. St. Mary’s is a popular venue for weddings of up to 100 guests, and is perfect for small ceremonies whether they are casual or more formal. Wheelchair access to St. Mary’s by the Sea is available, but must be requested ahead of time in order for staff to set it up, and the chapel is air conditioned, so wedding party and guests won’t sweat through the ceremony.

8 Dixie St, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia, Phone: +61-4-18-45-68-80

7. Kuranda

The stunning mountain town of Kuranda is located south of Port Douglas, and is accessible by about an hour’s drive, or by scenic railway from Cairns. Kuranda is surrounded by lush green rainforest on all sides, much of which is accessible for walking and exploring. Visitors will find colorful parrots nestled in the branches of the fig trees, flocks of butterflies around the tropical flowers, and koalas munching on eucalyptus. Kuranda attractions include the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, and the Kuranda Koala Gardens, where guests can meet and cuddle with these iconic Australian creatures.

8. Port Douglas Market

Every Sunday from 8am to 2pm, near Aznec Park in Port Douglas, the Port Douglas Market opens for business on the Wharf. This seaside market is a Port Douglas classic, and it’s a great opportunity to find some unique goods and gifts you won’t find anywhere else. Local artisans and vendors sell handmade jewelry and crafts, antiques, vintage clothing, books, fresh-brewed coffee, handmade baked goods, locally grown produce, and so much more. The shopping experience itself is worth going for, as the market is held beneath the shade of tall, swaying palm trees, and well in reach of the refreshing breeze from the ocean.

LOT 81 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia