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Port Douglas: Things To Do
Updated: 2024
OVERVIEW
Port Douglas is like paradise on earth. It has everything you could want for a heavenly break in the sun - a dreamlike location, lots of incredible things to do, and enough restaurant options to keep you happy.
Located one hour north of Cairns, the weather is usually great all year round and it's beach (Four mile beach) is a fantastic sweeping arc of sand that is difficult to stay away from. It does have it's dangers though - jellyfish and crocodiles - directly in the water off the coast.
This lively fact is an indicator of the adventure on offer in far north Queensland, with plenty of exciting tours and activities. The great barrier reef is not far away and the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation are absolute highlights. Explore the list below to decide what you want to do when you travel to Port Douglas.
All Things To Do In Port Douglas
Ranked by popularity
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Need info on 'How to get to Port Douglas?' or 'Where to stay?'
Go to the second page of our travel guide for the full run down.
Or, go to the third page for all the 'Essential info' like getting around, food, shopping, and much more.
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Visiting The Daintree and Cape TribulationThe Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, Crocodile cruise, Daintree tours and Mossman gorge - all detailed above - can all be done in a single day trip from Port Douglas. You can do this by taking a tour but it can also be done by yourself. With little public transport options however, hiring a car would really be the only option. Links: - - Daintree Discovery Centre - Cape Trib Cruises - Aboriginal Dreamtime Walk - Kuku Yalanji crab hunting tours - River drift snorkelling Note that the ferry to cross the Daintree river is $30 per car return and long queues can form due to the limited space on board.
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Day tours / activities available in Port DouglasLinks to Day Tours / Activities mentioned above: - - Cape Trib Cruises - Lady Douglas river cruises - Horse riding - Hot Air Balloon ride - Helicopter flight - Microlight flight - Fly to a deserted island - Swim with Minke Whales - Stand up paddle board or surfing - Bike 'n' hike - Rainforest mountain bike tour - Devil thumb hike - Fishing - Ride a dirt bike - Ride a motortrike - Ride a segway - Coconut tour - Bush tour with 'Man and a dog' - Brett's outback tasting adventure
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Sunset cruises and SailingLinks to sunset cruises: - - Sailaway - Lady Douglas - Shaolin Sailing: - - Wavedancer - Escape
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Safety Tip - Swimming in Port DouglasFour Mile beach is the only beach you can swim at in Port Douglas - the inlet on the opposite side of town (around the marina) has a high risk of crocodiles being present. Crocs can be found at Four Mile beach too, but it is rare and lifeguards are watching out for them. Stinger (jellyfish) season comes with a stinger net that protects an area of the beach near to the town centre, so be sure to use this when advised (usually November to May). Always follow the advice on the warning signs and only swim between the flags where the lifeguards are present. More info here and here. Other swimming options include your hotel swimming pool (most have them) or freshwater swimming holes that are too cold for crocs (see above).
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AUTHORED BY
Christopher Jubb, Founder of Travel Unpacked
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