Port Douglas Queensland, Australia Travel Guide
Great Barrier Reef: An unmissable day trip. Explore the world's largest coral reef system.
Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation: An unmissable day trip. Immerse yourself in ancient rainforest. See where the rainforest meets the reef.
Getting to and from these destinations is easy with various options.
For the Great Barrier Reef, boat tours depart from Port Douglas Marina.
Cairns has shuttle bus services, self-drive, or private transfers.
Beyond the main attractions, the region features diverse natural landscapes.
Daintree National Park, a World Heritage rainforest, offers diverse ecosystems. The broader Wet Tropics World Heritage Area encompasses the Daintree, recognized for its unique biodiversity.
The coastal drive on Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and A Gateway to the great barrier reef and daintree rainforest. Views from Flagstaff Hill. The unique meeting of rainjungle and reef at Cape Tribulation. Waterfalls and volcanic craters in the Atherton Tablelands.
Remote Daintree Beaches like Cow Bay and Thornton Beach. Caution: these areas have estuarine crocodiles. The countryside Tablelands feature rolling hills, farmlands, and charming small towns.
From November to April, waterfalls in the Daintree and Tablelands are at their fullest, truly spectacular.
From May to October, clear skies have superb visibility for reef trips.
Discover historical sites and rural communities beyond Port Douglas.
Cooktown, a historic town further north, is significant for Captain Cook's landing. This is a multi-day trip or a long day trip via 4WD. Cairns features historic buildings and wharf areas.
Kuranda, a rainforest village, is known for its markets and arts scene. The Atherton Tablelands hosts small agricultural towns, coffee, and products from milk farms where you can sample local produce.
The Mossman Gorge Centre's Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk offers a deep dive into local Aboriginal culture. Learn about the Kuku Yalanji people, the traditional custodians of this land.
Pilgrimage sites are not a prominent feature in this region's tourism offerings. Focus instead on its natural splendor and cultural heritage.
Engagement with local culture is possible through various avenues.
A good example of cultural preservation through guided walks at Mossman Gorge.
Find authentic pieces at reputable galleries supporting local artists.
A place to find local produce, crafts, and connect with community members.
Extend your trip beyond Port Douglas for a regional experience.
Stay in an eco-lodge within the Daintree Rainforest for immersion and wildlife spotting.
Spend a night or two exploring the Tablelands to visit more waterfalls, cheese factories, and places where coffee is grown.
Stay an evening in Cairns to explore city attractions or use it as a base for different day trips.
Commence in Port Douglas, proceed to Daintree/Cape Tribulation, then Cairns, Atherton Tablelands, and Kuranda. A circular self-drive route.
Commence in A Gateway to the great barrier reef and daintree rainforest, then Cairns, Mission Beach, Townsville, and the Whitsundays. Options for air or drive.
An overnight stay in the Daintree brings greater rainforest connection.
