After visiting Australia as young backpackers, we returned to Port Douglas, Australia, where we lived for nearly seven years.
My husband was a hospitality worker in the town, which allowed us to see behind the scenes of the hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. We returned later with the teenagers.
In the Port Douglas Blog section, we can provide you with all the insider tips and information.
Port Douglas Australia
Port Douglas is a small, tourist-friendly town in Far North Queensland. The city is located on Australia’s northeastern coastline and features a sandy beach that the Coral Sea laps. Port Douglas Marina has a fleet and yachts that are available for fishing, snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, and trips to The Low Isles.
Port Douglas has a wide range of hotels, from 5-star luxury resorts to hostels and camping grounds. Many bars and restaurants offer marina views. The shops are adequate for essentials and souvenirs. Cairns is about an hour away and has more stores.
Port Douglas is a great base to explore the Great Barrier Reef and Cape Tribulation. Mossman Gorge and Atherton Tablelands are also easily accessible.
Why do people love Port Douglas, Australia, so much? Port Douglas has a wealth of natural beauty and wildlife. It is also home to conservation zones that are listed on the World Heritage List. Port Douglas is tropical and laid-back, with a small-town feel. It is also luxurious and exclusive.
From scuba-diving to hot-air ballooning, it is the gateway to incredible adventure activities. No wonder Port Douglas is so popular.
Natural Beauty
It doesn’t matter if it’s Port Douglas Four Mile Beach or Great Barrier Reef Tours. Cape Tribulation has pristine beaches, and the Daintree rainforest is also beautiful.
The drive between Port Douglas and Cairns was one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. I also recommend taking a walk along the beach at dawn to watch the sunrise over the Coral Sea.
There are plenty of things to do for all ages and interests in this region.
Port Douglas Sunday Markets
On Sunday, everyone in the town goes to the market. Locals stop and chat with their friends while they shop for fruits and vegetables. Tourists enjoy browsing the craft stalls and listening to the traveling musicians. Children climb trees, play, and have their faces painted. Port Douglas Sunday Markets is a must-see.
Boat Trips to the Reef
Everyone can enjoy a day at the reef, regardless of age or ability.
There are a number of boats in Port that can take you to the largest reef in the world. You can find a boat that suits you, whether you are a scuba diver or snorkeler, even if water is not your thing.
Wildlife Encounters
Wildlife Habitat, Port Douglas. Hand-feeding a Kangaroo. Stoking a Koala. Keeping your distance from some impressive Reptiles.
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is a great option if you love crocodiles, but the Habitat doesn’t satisfy your craving. You can even go out and spot your croc if you know what to look for.
If you’re interested in a unique experience, the Wildlife Habitat at Port Douglas has recently opened a new attraction. You can now swim with a saltwater crocodile.
Look out for residents, such as giant green treefrogs and rainbow lorikeets.
You can see dolphins or humpback whales, depending on the season. Sea turtles, stunning reef fish, and sharks are all likely to be seen.
At Four Mile Beach, you may also be able to see a sea turtle. This is especially true if you walk along the Flagstaff Hill trail.
Swimming at Port Douglas
Our tropical climate allows us to swim all year round in Port Douglas Australi.. Be aware of the seasonal jellyfish and crocodiles.
Four Mile Beach has lifeguards on duty between certain hours. It also features stinger nets. Port Douglas has many hotels and houses with their pools.
There are many freshwater waterfalls and swimming holes in the Port Douglas region. Bathers love them, especially during summer. Winter can be cold!
Port Douglas Carnivale
Port Douglas celebrates Carnivale in May. Port Douglas hosts Carnivale in May.
Port Douglas Attractions
Port is a good base to explore this part of Queensland. Mossman Gorge, just down the road from Port, is a great place to explore this part of Queensland. You can go on an Aboriginal guided tour or swim in icy water in tropical rainforest settings.
The adventurer can take the high road to the Atherton Tablelands or drive through Cape Tribulation and Cooktown for a different climate.
The Tablelands hold attractions as diverse as Cairns with its free-swimming lagoon and airport, as well as large shops that are about an hour’s drive away.
Self-catering or Dining in Port
Enjoy a cold drink at The Courthouse or watch the cane-toad races at The Iron Bar (now elsewhere). Or, try a more upscale restaurant like Salsa or Sassi or Nautilus.
You can self-cater or camp in Port Douglas. There is a large Coles on Macrossan St. and an IGA close to the Wildlife Habitat.
The Saturday market at Mossman or the Sunday Market in Port are also good places to buy fruits and vegetables. Fresh prawns are best bought straight from the boat. We also have two fishmongers.
You can choose from a wide range of fast, take-out, and home foods, including pizzas, fish and chips, and other take-out and fast food.
Great Hotels and Resorts
Port Douglas offers a range of hotels, hostels, and resorts that will suit you and your family. There are many affordable options in Port Douglas, including Dougies and Parrot Fish Lodge. Camping is available right in the town.
The interactive map below will help you find the perfect hotel in Port Douglas.
Weather in Port Douglas
Port Douglas has a tropical climate. Port Douglas has two seasons: “the dry” and “the wet,” “the build-up” being the season before “the rain.”
Local tourism boards have recently publicized three seasons or times of the year: “Tropical Beach Season,” Gondwana Greentime,” and “Warm Autumn Rain.” What do these poetic descriptions mean?
Tropical Beach Season can be described as the winter and spring months in the Southern Hemisphere Tropics. This is roughly April to November.
Gondwana Greentime. Summer, from December to February.
Warm Autumn Rain March. March.
Use the old-fashioned definitions.
Summer. Summer. Summer.
Winter. Winter. Winter.
The period before the wet. The period before the rain.
Stinger season may affect your decision-making.
Stinger Season is roughly from December to April or May (summer or Gondwana Greentime).
Port Douglas at its Best
We always enjoyed Port during the shoulder of the rainy season. The skies should be blue, the water clear, stingers are absent, and temperatures should not be too high. The best time to visit Port Douglas is between April and May or around October and November.
You can go to the island at any time and enjoy a wonderful holiday. I would avoid the cyclone season (November, or more likely Christmas, to around April) because you may experience days of rain, and your reef trip could be canceled.
In general, rain during the wet season isn’t that bad. You’ll enjoy a tropical downpour late in the afternoon. The frogs will start singing. Tropical storms can cause disruption.