Things to Do in Port Douglas: What to See, Do and Eat in Australia’s Favourite Town

Looking for the best things to do in Port Douglas? This guide covers what to see, do and eat, as well as where to stay.

Mention Port Douglas to almost any Australian and you’ll get the same reaction: a little sigh and “oh, I love it there.”

So it’s not surprising that in 2026, Australian Traveller ranked Port Douglas #2 overall in its 100 Best Towns in Australia list (and #1 for nature and adventure), beaten only by Bicheno in Tasmania.

Sitting about an hour north of Cairns, Port Douglas is a small town with an outsized reputation. Smaller than its tropical neighbour, it’s slower, walkable and has direct beach access from the middle of town (although keep an eye out for crocs and stingers!).

It also sits between two of Australia’s biggest natural drawcards, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, which makes it a brilliant base to explore Tropical North Queensland.

If you’re planning a trip, here are the best things to do in Port Douglas, whether it’s your first time or you’re a repeat visitor.

Silhouetted palm trees against a pink and blue dusk sky in Port Douglas

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Best things to do in Port Douglas

Here are my favourite recommendations for what to do in Port Douglas. You can easily fill two or three days here – or better yet, plan a week here.

Relax on Four Mile Beach

Four Mile Beach is the main beach in town. Fringed by palm trees, this is where you’ll find most visitors sunning themselves or frollicking in the water.

The sand here isn’t quite as fine as what you’ll find further north, but it’s a lovely, wide stretch of beach with plenty of room to spread out.

You can rent a sunlounge for around $20 or an umbrella for $10 if you want to set up for the day, and there are water stations and toilets along the beach. You’re also a short stroll away from cafés and restaurants – or you can pack some snacks for a picnic.

It’s patrolled by lifeguards and has a stinger net in season (you’ll also find bottles of vinegar on the beach in case of a sting). This is also croc country, and sightings do happen occasionally, even at Four Mile Beach, so keep an eye on any crocodile warning signage, especially near the northern end closer to the estuary.

Sun loungers and umbrellas lined up along the sand at Four Mile Beach, one of the top things to do in Port Douglas

→ READ NEXT: What to see on the Cairns to Port Douglas drive (COMING SOON)

Visit Mossman Gorge

Just 20 minutes from Port Douglas is Mossman Gorge, a landscape that’s somewhere between 135 and 180 million years old – that’s older than the Amazon Rainforest!

Mossman Gorge is just one part of the Daintree Rainforest and the easiest part for most people to access. It’s home to some great walks, all of them short enough to fit into a half day.

I particularly recommend the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk if you want to learn more about Kuku Yalanji (the Traditional Owners of this area) culture from an Indigenous guide. We spent the morning with our guide learning all about how her ancestors have used the trees and plants for food, medicine and shelter for tens of thousands of years. The experience starts with a smoking ceremony to welcome guests and ends with delicious damper and honey with steaming hot tea. I’ve covered it in full in my Mossman Gorge guide (COMING SOON).

→ READ NEXT: What to do at Mossman Gorge (COMING SOON)

Take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef

You might know Cairns as the more famous departure point for Great Barrier Reef trips, but there are plenty of quality operators running out of Port Douglas too. You can usually reach the outer reef faster from Port Douglas since it’s closer to some of the best sites.

We did the Low Isles day trip with Sailaway Port Douglas and really enjoyed it. The full-day trip was on a catamaran and included two snorkelling stops (or you can swap the second for a glass-bottomed boat trip instead), plus a walk around Low Island itself, which is full of history and wildlife, including a working lighthouse and a small research station.

I’ve written up the whole experience in a separate Great Barrier Reef boat trip review (COMING SOON).

Low Island and lighthouse viewed from the water on a Great Barrier Reef boat trip from Port Douglas

🐠 BOOK THE LOW ISLES DAY TRIP WITH SAILAWAY PORT DOUGLAS HERE 🐠

Walk to Flagstaff Hill Lookout

One of the best short walks in Port Douglas is the Flagstaff Hill Lookout trail. This is a short walking track, around 1.5km, that links Four Mile Beach with Rex Smeal Park.

Part of the track is flat and accessible, while the rest climbs steadily with some steps and uneven, rocky sections underfoot, so wear proper shoes rather than thongs or open-toed shoes. At the top, there are sweeping views over Trinity Bay, the Coral Sea and out to Low Isles and Snapper Island.

I love the last part of the track toward the Rex Smeal Park end, where the trail winds through weeping fig trees and past a row of palm trees. It’s a lovely, shaded stretch to finish the walk on.

Sunset is the best time to go, both for the softer light and because it’s cooler than doing this walk in the middle of the day.

Boardwalk and railing leading down to the ocean at dusk on the Flagstaff Hill lookout walk in Port Douglas, with the coastline stretching into the distance

Person (the author’s husband) walking beneath the tangled roots of an ancient banyan tree on the Flagstaff Hill Port Douglas walking track

Catch sunset at Rex Smeal Park

Rex Smeal Park is a lovely spot to watch the sunset (with a great playground if you’re travelling with kids). Pack a picnic and lay a blanket out on the grass to catch the sun sinking into the ocean.

St Mary’s by the Sea, the picturesque little chapel among the palm trees that you’ll see in half the wedding photos from Port Douglas, sits right on the foreshore adjoining the park – it must be one of the most photographed spots in town!

Group of people watching the sunset from the grass under palm trees at Rex Smeal Park, one of the best free things to do in Port Douglas

St Mary's by the Sea, the historic white chapel surrounded by palm trees, a popular photo spot and wedding venue in Port Douglas

Shop at the Port Douglas markets

If you time your visit right, you can head to one of Port Douglas’s weekly markets to pick up some souvenirs or edible treats.

The Sunday Markets run from 8am to 1.30pm right by the water at Rex Smeal Park. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of products here – handmade candles, jewellery, soaps and moisturising creams, clothing, ceramics, paintings, and homemade spice rubs and sauces, all made by local artisans. You’ll also find tarot readings and Thai massage on offer if that’s your thing, plus a bit of food (I got a delicious lemon curd cronut from Grant St Kitchen’s stall) and fresh fruit and veggies.

The Wednesday Marina Markets are the other markets if your visit doesn’t line up with a Sunday. This market has a smaller but still worthwhile range of stalls. It’s held at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina from 11am to 5pm from April through October.

Stallholders and shoppers browsing the Port Douglas Sunday markets under shaded trees

Take a river cruise

Get out on the water and see nature from the comfort of the Lady Douglas. This iconic riverboat has been taking visitors on tours since 1989, and departs daily from Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, with morning, midday, afternoon and sunset cruise options (I’d recommend the sunset cruise for the best light).

You’ll cruise up the Dickson Inlet past mangroves, with commentary from the captain plus a good chance of spotting sea eagles, ospreys, kingfishers and various wading birds, along with a couple of old shipwrecks. Spotting a croc is pretty likely (though obviously never guaranteed).

It’s a family-run business. Your ticket includes a complimentary drink and a snack box, with additional drinks available to purchase on board.

🐊 BOOK A RIDE ON THE LADY DOUGLAS HERE 🐊

Swim with a croc at Wildlife Habitat

Wildlife Habitat is a free-roaming wetland zoo experience where you can get up close to Australian wildlife – including the option to swim with a saltie if you’re up for something adventurous! From inside the safety of a glass cage, you can see these reptiles up close – all 400 kilos of them!

For something a little less heart-pounding, have Breakfast with the Birds and Koalas. This experience includes a delicious breakfast surrounded by birds and overlooking the Koala Habitat. Here you’ll also be able to see the elusive cassowary, one of Tropical North Queensland’s most fascinating birds.

I’m not normally a fan of zoos, but Wildlife Habitat is eco-certified and home to the Tropical Animal Rehabilitation Centre, which helps injured animals.

Learn about Indigenous culture at Walkabout Cultural Adventures

Walkabout Cultural Adventures is 100% Aboriginal-owned and operated, run by Juan Walker, a Kuku Yalanji man taking visitors through Mossman and the Daintree. I think this is such a worthwhile way to learn about Indigenous culture.

This is a very active tour – the full-day option has you out walking the rainforest and coastal habitats, sampling seasonal bush tucker, collecting shellfish and learning traditional hunting techniques, having a go at spear throwing and cooling off with a swim in a pristine freshwater stream, all woven together with stories and explanations of how the plants around you are used for food and medicine.

Lunch and hotel pickup are included, and there’s a shorter half-day version if you can’t spare a full day.

It’s one of a select group of tours nationally recognised as part of Tourism Australia’s Discover Aboriginal Experiences collection, so you’re in very good hands.

Native seeds, nuts, ochre and clap sticks used on an Aboriginal cultural tour in Port Douglas

See crocs up close at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is a bit of an institution, and it sits on more than 15 hectares of bushland between Cairns and Port Douglas at Wangetti, right up against the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest. Alongside saltwater and freshwater crocodiles you’ll see pythons, monitors and tortoises, plus koalas, wombats, kangaroos, wallabies and birdlife spread out as you walk the more than 2,500 metres of boardwalks and pathways.

A lagoon boat cruise is included with general admission, so you can see the crocodiles in a more natural setting (compared to a feeding demonstration alone), and there are keeper talks scheduled throughout the day.

You should be aware that Hartley’s is also a commercial crocodile farm, so keep this in mind when you make a decision about whether to visit here. Crocodiles are farmed for their skin and meat – but conservationists say this helps with illegal poaching… I will leave you to make up your own mind. Either way, it’s a great way to get to know more about these prehistoric reptiles.

Catch your lunch (sort of) at Hook-A-Barra

Try your hand at catching a barramundi – without needing to charter a full fishing trip. Hook-A-Barra is at the Daintree Saltwater Barramundi Farm at Wonga Beach, where a series of stocked ponds hold more than 1,500 barramundi.

It’s a catch-and-release setup rather than a guaranteed catch (these are still wild fish, so landing one comes down to skill and a bit of luck!), with sessions running around 1.5 hours and all gear and instruction included. It suits complete beginners through to experienced anglers, and there’s a fly-fishing option if you want more of a challenge. Non-fishers can still enjoy the picnic area and viewing tanks while everyone else has a go.

The on-site café serves up barramundi fish and chips if you’d rather eat one than catch one. They say they’ve got the freshest fish and chips in Far North Queensland.

Shop and dine at Crystalbrook Marina

The marina area is home to boutique shopping at Marina Mirage, and it’s also where a lot of the Great Barrier Reef boat trips depart from, so you’ll likely pass through here at some point during your visit to Port Douglas.

For food, Hemingway’s is a great pub right on the marina, with trivia nights on Thursdays. Choo Choos at the Marina is a great brunch spot if you’re heading out early for a boat trip.

→ READ NEXT: What to know before renting a Jucy campervan (COMING SOON)

Where to eat in Port Douglas

There’s everything from fish and chips to pub meals to fancy dinners in Port Douglas. Here are some of the places we ate at on our most recent trip.

Hemingway’s Brewery – a great, breezy pub right on the waterfront, with trivia on Thursday nights
Seabean Tapas Bar – good for sharing plates and a more relaxed dinner
The Tin Shed – a great local spot with good ocean views from the deck and slightly cheaper prices – but the good balcony seats get snapped up early, so head there around 5pm to try your luck for sunset (we’ve never been lucky at getting a balcony seat!)
Choo Choos at the Marina – good breakfast options and decent coffee, you can even sit in the train carriage out the back
Court House Hotel – a lovely renovated pub with a breezy balcony and outdoor seating on the footpath, pub food and live music every night
Whileaway Books & Coffee – a relaxed spot for coffee, with the bonus of a bookshop attached
Origin Espresso – good for a solid coffee fix, my husband went here for a takeaway coffee every day on our most recent trip!
Grant St Kitchen – I picked up a delicious lemon curd cronut at the Sunday Markets, but they also have a brick-and-mortars café which is great for breakfast

Book restaurants ahead of time during the high season, especially on a Friday or Saturday night.

Exterior of Hemingway's Brewery in Port Douglas, a popular spot for craft beer and casual dining for those planning where to eat in Port Douglas.

Where to stay in Port Douglas

I’ve written a full guide where to stay in Port Douglas (COMING SOON) covering options for all budgets in more detail, but the shortlist includes:

Sheraton Grand Mirage – huge resort with multiple lagoon pools, a restaurant (the buffet breakfast is good) and two bars | Check rates and availability on Booking.com and Expedia
Peppers Beach Club – a great choice for families, Peppers is just a short walk to Four Mile Beach – but the onsite lagoon pool has its own sandy beach | Check rates and availability on Booking.com and Expedia
Thala Beach Nature Reserve – a little out of town, the extra distance is worth it: this eco-retreat sits on a 145-acre private nature reserve with its own private beach, and bungalow-style rooms built in the trees | Check rates and availability on Booking.com
By the Sea – great value self-contained accommodation that’s close to the action | Check rates and availability on Booking.com
Tropic Breeze Caravan Park – where we stayed, this is a great option if you’re travelling with a caravan or campervan like we were (check out my Jucy campervan review COMING SOON) | Check rates and availability

Jucy campervan with its side door open showing the made-up bed, parked at a caravan park in Port Douglas with camping chairs and a table set up alongside

→ READ NEXT: Where to stay in Port Douglas (COMING SOON)

What to know before you visit Port Douglas

Here are a few handy things to know before you book your trip to Port Douglas.

Best time to visit Port Douglas

Port Douglas is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, roughly May to October. During these months you’ll get great weather and conditions: warm, sunny days, lower humidity and stinger-free swimming. Of course, this is also peak season, so expect higher prices and more crowds, especially so during the school holidays.

The wet season (November to April) means heat, humidity and the possibility of monsoonal rain. Plus, it’s marine stinger season, so you’ll want to stick to netted areas for ocean swims or book a place with a pool. It’s also quieter and cheaper, and the rainforest is at its lushest, so it’s not without its charms if you don’t mind the humidity and the occasional downpour.

Tea tree-lined street in Port Douglas with campervans and cars parked along the roadside, a popular base for exploring things to do in Port Douglas

Things to do in Port Douglas: Final thoughts

Port Douglas earns its reputation as one of Australia’s favourite places to visit. It’s super relaxed, but there’s plenty here – beaches, markets, reef trips, rainforest day trips, a solid food scene – to fill several days. Whether you’re here for a long weekend or using it as your base for exploring the wider region, it’s one of those towns that’s easy to fall for. You’ll meet many people visiting who just keep coming back year after year!

→ READ NEXT: How to plan a 7-day Cairns to Cape Tribulation road trip (COMING SOON)

FAQs: What to do in Port Douglas

How many days do you need in Port Douglas?

I reckon three to four days is a good amount of time to cover the main things to do in Port Douglas, including a reef trip and a visit to Mossman Gorge. If you’ve only got a day or two, prioritise time spent on Four Mile Beach and one day trip (reef or gorge).

Is Port Douglas better than Cairns?

It depends what you’re after. Port Douglas is smaller, quieter and has direct beach access, which is why I personally prefer it. Cairns is bigger, has more infrastructure and a wider range of tour departure options and is a better base if you want a bit more city energy alongside your day trips.

Do you need a car in Port Douglas?

While you don’t need a car to get around town, since it’s very walkable, having your own wheels will make life a lot easier. You’ll be able to get from Cairns to Port Douglas easily (although there are transfers available) and explore further afield, like driving to Mossman Gorge or up toward the Daintree and Cape Tribulation. Having said that, there are plenty of day tours available.

Is Port Douglas good for families?

Yes – Port Douglas is a fantastic family holiday destination. Four Mile Beach, Rex Smeal Park’s playground, a trip out to the Great Barrier Reef, Wildlife Habitat and Hook-A-Barra are all great family-friendly things to do in Port Douglas, and the town itself is easy and safe to walk around with kids in tow.

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I hope my guide to the best things to do in Port Douglas has helped you plan a trip to one of Australia’s favourite towns. What are you keen to do? Let me know in the comments below.