MileHacker Logo
Where to Stay in Port Douglas

Where to Stay in Port Douglas

Port Douglas Queensland, Australia Travel Guide

Finding Your Stay

Types of Accommodation

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly, with dorm beds and private rooms. A social atmosphere develops. Port Douglas Backpackers.

  • Motels and Budget Hotels

    Simple, comfortable rooms. Value lodging for basic amenities. Port Douglas Motel.

  • Apartment Hotels

    Kitchen facilities and laundry, often multiple bedrooms. Good for families or long-term stays. Sea Temple A Gateway to the great barrier reef and daintree rainforest.

  • Mid-Range Resorts

    More amenities, typically pools and restaurants. A comfortable resort experience. Mantra Portsea.

More Options

  • Luxury Resorts

    High-end service and extensive facilities, often beachfront. Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Smaller, stylish properties. A unique, personalized experience.

  • Eco-lodges

    Near Daintree Rainforest, for nature immersion. Sustainability is a focus. Thala Beach Nature Reserve.

  • Holiday Homes and Villas

    Available via rental platforms. Flexibility, space, and kitchen facilities. Good for groups.

Port Douglas Districts

Each district holds its own character, influencing your stay.

Macrossan Street Town Centre

Benefits
  • Central location
  • Walk to eateries and stores
  • Lively atmosphere
  • Easy access to tours
Considerations
  • Can be noisier
  • Potentially more expensive
  • Busy evenings

Four Mile Beach Area

Benefits
  • Direct beach access
  • Peaceful environment
  • Often better value
  • Apartment-style accommodation
Considerations
  • Longer walk to Macrossan Street
  • Short shuttle ride to dining
  • Less immediate local charm

Port Douglas Road Area

Benefits
  • Often larger resorts
  • Extensive facilities
  • Good for families
  • Can be more affordable
Considerations
  • Transport needed into town
  • Further from main street
  • Less instant access to local spots

Considerations for Districts

Safety:

All areas of Port Douglas maintain a very safe environment. Standard personal safety actions apply, like securing belongings and avoiding walking alone in poorly lit areas late at night.

Proximity & Ambiance:

Macrossan Street/Marina are ideal for walking to shops, restaurants, and reef departures, serving as the main shuttle hub. Macrossan Street is the most lively. Four Mile Beach and Port Douglas Road areas are generally quieter, calming environments.

Booking Your Stay

Smart booking strategies help secure the best accommodation at good prices.

Booking Recommendations by Season

  • High Season (May-October): Book 6-12 months ahead, especially for popular resorts and during Australian school holidays. Demand is high.
  • Shoulder Season (April, November): Book 3-6 months ahead. Good availability and reasonable prices are typical.
  • Low Season (December-March): Book 1-3 months ahead. Last-minute deals may appear.
  • Prices are highest during the dry period and during breaks from school. Lowest prices are typical during the peak wet season (Jan-Mar).

Trusted Platforms & Policies

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia are reliable for wide options.
  • Direct Booking: Book directly through hotel websites. A few specialized Australian travel sites also show deals.
  • Vacation Rentals: Platforms like Vrbo, Airbnb, and Stayz (Australian) are common. Local real estate agents also concentrate on holiday rentals.
  • Negotiation: Generally not customary for hotels/resorts, notably during the busy time. Small motels might offer a slight discount for direct walk-ins during low season.

Deposit and Cancellation Policies

Deposit Rules:
  • Policies vary by property.
  • Many require a deposit.
  • Typically the first night's fee or 50% of total.
Cancellation Rules:
  • Range from 24 hours to 30 days prior.
  • Always check the specific policy.
  • Helps avoid unexpected charges.

Specialized Stays

Housesitting:

For long stays and pet care, explore TrustedHousesitters.com.

Chain Hotels:

Consider options like IHG Hotels for loyalty programs.

Budget Hostels:

For social, low-cost options, check Hostelworld.com.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are top picks for different budget levels and travel needs.

Budget and Mid-Range Picks

Port Douglas Backpackers Budget

Central, social atmosphere.

  • Price Range: AUD 30-60/night
  • Dorms, basic amenities
  • Good for solo travelers
Mantra Portsea Mid-Range

Resort feel, apartment-style rooms.

  • Price Range: AUD 180-300/night
  • Lagoon pools, family-friendly
  • Comfortable resort experience

Luxury and Unique Picks

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Luxury

Iconic, beachfront, extensive facilities.

  • Price Range: AUD 350-800+/night
  • Expansive lagoons, golf course
  • High-end service
Thala Beach Nature Reserve Unique

Eco-friendly, private beach, treehouse bungalows.

  • Price Range: AUD 400-800+/night
  • 15 min drive from town
  • Nature immersion

Traveler Specific Recommendations

  • Family-Friendly

    Mantra Portsea, Oak Beach House, Sea Temple A Gateway to the great barrier reef and daintree rainforest. Look for multiple bedrooms, kitchens, large pools.

  • Solo Traveler

    Port Douglas Backpackers for socializing. Small guesthouses or self-contained studios for more privacy.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Many apartment-style hotels and holiday homes have weekly or monthly rates, well-suited for longer visits.

Historical Significance

  • The Central Hotel

    A historic pub in town. Though not accommodation, it holds historical value.

  • Saint Mary's by the Sea

    A lovely historic church. Its beauty and past make it worth a visit.

Accommodation Comparison Table Illustrative

Budget Options

Port Douglas Backpackers (AUD 30-60/night): Dorms, social atmosphere, central.
Dougies Backpackers Resort (AUD 35-70/night): Dorms/cabins, pool, bar, lively.

  • Features: Basic amenities
  • Suitability: Solo travelers
  • Atmosphere: Social
Mid-Range Options

Port Douglas Motel (AUD 100-180/night): Comfortable rooms, pool, good value.
Mantra Portsea (AUD 180-300/night): Lagoon pools, apartment-style rooms.

  • Features: Comfortable, good value
  • Suitability: Families, general travelers
  • Atmosphere: Relaxed resort feel

Luxury and Unique Stay Options

Peppers Beach Club & Spa

AUD 300-500+/night: Tropical gardens, stunning pool, spa, walk to beach. Lush and tranquil.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort

AUD 350-800+/night: Expansive lagoons, golf course, direct access to the beach. Iconic and grand.

Thala Beach Nature Reserve

AUD 400-800+/night: Eco-friendly, private beach, treehouse bungalows (15 min drive from town). Unique and immersive.

← Previous
Getting Around Port Douglas
← Back to Port Douglas
Next →
Best Restaurants in Port Douglas

Next Up: Best Restaurants in Port Douglas. Food, Dining, Local Cuisine

Continue to Best Restaurants in Port Douglas