Port Douglas is a seaside holiday village favoured by world leaders. Wide country streets, bordered by high end fashion stores, indigenous art galleries and delightful cafes and restaurants, empty out on to the golden sands of Four Mile Beach and open parklands with views over the Coral Sea.
If you want a tropical escape, but with the trappings and sophistication of a cosmopolitan getaway, then this is the place for you. The setting is magical. Rainforest-clad mountains tower behind you, while in front, the glittering waters of the Coral Sea, home to the Great Barrier Reef, shimmer golden in the sunset. In between is Port Douglas. Home to Four Mile Beach, Marina Mirage, Sheraton Mirage, Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary, Rex Smeal Park, Anzac Park, shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, clubs, spas, galleries and markets.
This vibrant little village offers so much, in one delightful seaside package. Reef trips depart daily and you can choose between wave piercing catamarans and graceful sailing ships. Or stay on land and enjoy the ocean views from the golden sands of Four Mile Beach. The sea is calm, perfect for swimming, snorkelling and just relaxing.
The restaurants and shopping are as fine as you will find anywhere in Australia. Macrossan Street is bursting with choices: cafes, bars, pubs, clubs, boutiques and spas, it’s all here. Favourites for dinner have to be Salsa Bar and Grill, or if it’s a cold beer at the end of a long day, The Courthouse Hotel is the perfect venue for you. There are pizzerias, Asian fusions, Irish Pubs and steakhouses. For retail therapy, choose between boutiques with exclusive labels, galleries with unique art, craft and jewellery, surfwear stores with bikinis, flip flops and sarongs, pharmacies and grocery stores.
Golf? There are two amazing golf courses in Port Douglas, at Sheraton Mirage and Sea Temple Resort & Spa Port Douglas. Animals? Breakfast with the Birds and Lunch with the Lorikeets at Rainforest Habitat are a great introduction to some of the many colourful residents that call Australia home. Set on 8 acres, Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary is an award winning attraction which allows you to wander through different environments and habitats, including wetlands and grasslands. Watch the crocodiles and feed the kangaroos.
Markets are held every Sunday in Port Douglas’ Anzac Park, giving you the opportunity to purchase a unique, hand-made souvenir to take home. Port Douglas is also within driving distance of Daintree National Park and Mossman Gorge, providing some spectacular day trip possibilities.
Port Douglas Carnivale is an annual event held in May. If you are in the area at this time of year, there is a range of events and activities you can participate in including: longest lunch, street parades, golf tournaments and seafood extravaganza.
Driving there is half the fun:
Port Douglas is 70 kilometres north of Cairns. Take the Captain Cook Highway on the great ocean road of Far North Queensland and enjoy amazing views over the Coral Sea. This sweeping coastal highway winds its way north, tracking along the beach and hugging the edge of the mountain. The views really are amazing and there are photo opportunities along the way. The drive usually takes about an hour.
