Visit Port Douglas

Visit Port Douglas, Australia's Top Travel Destination

Welcome to Port Douglas – Australia’s Premier Tropical Escape

Port Douglas, once a hidden gem for movie stars and presidents, has transformed into Australia’s top tropical destination. Though it’s grown beyond its sleepy village roots, “Port,” as the locals affectionately call it, still retains its friendly, laid-back vibe with a lively energy. With the country’s highest number of restaurants per capita, Port Douglas is the perfect place to indulge in world-class dining while enjoying the tropical surroundings.

A Gateway to Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites

This coastal paradise is the closest hub to the Australian Wet Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef, two incredible natural wonders designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1988 and 1981. The Wet Tropics include 19 national parks, 31 state forests, and Aboriginal reserves, while the Great Barrier Reef offers breathtaking marine life and coral formations. Both areas provide endless opportunities for adventure and exploration.

Four Mile Beach and the Port Douglas Marina

Four Mile Beach, one of Port’s most iconic spots, is a sun-drenched stretch of sand, perfect for relaxation or a seaside stroll. The town’s marina bustles with activity, serving as the launch point for dive boats, private yachts, and various reef tours. Adventure lovers will find no shortage of activities here, with options like diving, snorkelling, rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, ballooning, 4WD tours, motorcycling, and mountain biking.

Accommodation for Every Visitor

Whether seeking a camping experience under the stars or a luxury escape at a 5-star hotel, Port Douglas has many accommodations to suit every taste and budget. You can easily access the Great Barrier Reef from here, with day trips starting at just 90 minutes. Choose from large, wave-piercing catamarans, smaller intimate vessels, or helicopter tours for a unique perspective. Extended stay charters to the Ribbon Reefs, Coral Sea, and Far Northern reefs are also available for those seeking a longer adventure.

Top ten attractions

Explore the Low Isles and More

Just 15 kilometres offshore, the Low Isles is a must-visit destination, featuring both a sandy cay and a mangrove cay set on a mid-shelf reef. Be sure to visit outside of August to February, when the mangrove cay is closed, to protect thousands of nesting Torresian Imperial Pigeons. Agincourt and Opal Reefs extend southwards from the Ribbon Reefs and offer exceptional snorkelling and diving experiences on the edge of the continental shelf.

Where to Eat in Port Douglas

Your Tropical Adventure Starts Here

Explore all Port Douglas offers—your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the Wet Tropics, and an unforgettable tropical adventure.