Things to do in Port Douglas

Port Douglas is a small destination in area only. The Port itself is not that big but provides a vast array of accomodation that would satisfy any budget. Port Douglas is out of the hustle and bustle of the main city of Cairns, but provides all amenities.Indeed, it can accomodate that intimate, quiet time out you have been craving for - or deliver an action packed, adrenalin filled holiday thrill seekers are looking for. Anything in between is catered for as well.We stayed during October, apparently reknowned for its winds. And yes, it was windy, but warm.We went to the Habitat and spent nearly a day eventhough we were Aussies and familiar with a lot of the wildlife it was still an intimate exposure to them and very interesting.We did the touristy thing and went out to the reef - hubby did 3 dives and I snorkelled. The Poseidon catered for each of our needs and gave good individual service. I would have been more nervous with a bigger operator.Our Rainforest tour with Tony's Tours was just great. Only 6 people so we heard everything and never felt like cattle being rustled through. Questions were answered and a lot of information and history was passed on. Loved eating at Port Douglas - (hey, I love eating anywhere!) which probably makes me a conossoir right!?You have to go to the Combined Services Club - as quoted 'million dollar views and nothing over $20.00.'The yacht club is pretty good too. But don't go past the good old pub in the middle of the main drag which served up the best steak and for the cheapest price. That's where the locals still go to eat.Our accomodation was great. We stayed at Freestyle where our hosts were just spot on with local knowledge without being obtrusive at all. Our unit was great and reasonably priced. And we knew that if we needed anything then Anne would be able to assist us.Port Douglas is warm - hot in summer - and you always need your sunscreen and hat!!!And always friendly and fun. Loved it!

Looking around, the village is full of nature, and the journey from Cairns to the village was amazing!!! 🌿 However, it was very hot at the end of October, so ice cream was a must🤣

The view of St. Mary's Church is very nice. It is right on the seaside.

Green Island is the closest to the pier. It only takes a little over an hour to get there. It is very good for people who are prone to seasickness. You can also go to the island. The beach is white and the water is clear. The seawater is blue and beautiful. It is very suitable for playing in the sand and swimming. The snorkeling area is very large. The coral reefs and fish on the seabed can be seen in the clear water. It is just too hot and too sunny. It is a pity that the boat arrived at the hottest time and returned in the afternoon. If it is in the evening, it should be cool and comfortable on the beach.

You must visit the 130 million year old Daintree Rainforest if you’re in tropical North Queensland! We went on a day trip from Port Douglas in a hire car. You can spend a whole day there if you plan properly or if you want longer there are multiple camp spots or eco lodges but one day could be enough. Book a croc river tour in the morning with Crocodile Express or Bruce Belcher’s tours which we did. Then drive towards Cape Tribulation by going across the river by ferry and stopping at the Daintree Discovery Centre, you’ll need an hour or so there to make the entry fee of about $30AUD worth it. Continue towards Cape Tribulation stopping at the boardwalk walks that take about 20mins each (there’s about 3 along the way). Grab some organic ice cream while you take in the sounds and smells of the one of the world’s oldest rainforests!

Palm Cove in Cairns is a bay full of tropical island style. Rows of palm trees on the coast sway in the wind, and wooden beach houses are hidden among them, giving people a feeling of relaxation and freedom. It is worth a visit.

The Barron Falls in Kuranda Rainforest is definitely the most spectacular scenery in this forest. The waterfall falls down from the peak step by step, stirring up layers of water. When there is abundant rain, the water volume is also very large and very spectacular, but in the dry season, there is also a waterfall like a white ribbon hanging in the mountains, which is extremely beautiful.

It’s a really lovely walk along the esplanade & the promenade - lots of beautiful views and wildlife.

It has been 15 years since we last visited and we were pleasantly surprised to see how much the gardens have grown in size and diversity. There is a wide variety of plants and trees. The greenhouses have many orchids and pitcher plants, as well as a few butterflies here and there. The Gondwana Forest has a large number of native plants and trees, including a variety of majestic Kauris fir.