As one of the best days trips from Cairns, the charming seaside community of Port Douglas is where the rainforest meets the reef. Perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers, this quaint village boasts a relaxed atmosphere and some of the best beaches in Northern Queensland. Whether you fly in from Brisbane or drive up the Queensland coast, Port Douglas is the perfect place to explore the natural beauty of the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. This is an excellent stop in a 5 day itinerary.
The 40-kilometer trip north of Cairns will have you winding your way along with the ribbon of highway separating the northern rainforest and the warm water of the Coral Sea. The hustle and bustle of Cairns begins to melt away.
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Arriving in Port Douglas is like coming to paradise! Its beachy vibe has everything you want for a vacation destination – great beaches, fantastic restaurants, and local shopping. Aside from the breathtaking views and incredible beaches, you will also find plenty of things to do. Should you choose to spend the night, accommodation options suit every budget. Although there is a rainy season, the weather is pleasant year-round.
Things to do In Port Douglas
- Four Mile Beach
It is no secret that Australia has some of the most stunning beaches globally. Four Mile Beach is one of them. Four Mile Beach is a fantastic sweeping arc of sand within walking distance from town. This is what attracts most guests on day trips from Cairns. This wide sandy beach with calm, blue-green waters is perfect for a dip on a hot sunny day. Though marine stingers are present from October to May, the northern end of the beach employs stinger nets to help protect patrons from these dangers.
From the beach, enjoy listening to the palm trees in the breeze, watch the sailboats go by, or go snorkeling near the rocky outcrop. Perhaps you could be persuaded to take a Segway tour of the beach and town. With training and assistance from a guide, you will learn about local traditions, wildlife, and the surrounding area while balancing on your own Segway vehicle. Whatever activity you choose, this stunning beach is sure to please.
- Trips to the Barrier Reef
One of the most incredible natural attractions lies just off the coast of Port Douglas. A great deal of marine life is present on the Great Barrier Reef. This includes fish, stingrays, turtles, clams, and coral gardens.
Several companies provide tours to this UNESCO World Heritage Site that include snorkeling and diving. Take a few hours or go for the day; the reef is a must-see in Port Douglas. It may take longer to get to the outer reef, but the diversity will be worth it. It is important to note that tours that depart from Port Douglas rather than Cairns often have fewer guests.
If an in-water activity is not your thing, you could opt for a glass-bottom boat tour. This will allow you to experience all the wonders of the reef with a knowledgeable biologist without getting your feet wet.
- Macrossan Street
After spending the day on the beach, hiking through nearby trails, or venturing into the undersea world, on your day trip from Cairns, you will find yourself drawn to Macrossan Street for some mouth-watering meals to finish the day. This tree-lined street hosts many of the restaurants in town.
Aside from fantastic dining, Macrossan Street also provides a wide selection of clothing boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops to enhance your experience in Port Douglas. Be sure to walk through this charming street which adds to the laidback vibe of the town.
- Marina
The Meridien Marinas Port Douglas is a beautiful shopping and dining complex located at the marina. Enjoy a meal on Wharf Street while viewing beautiful scenery and fresh sea air, or spoil yourself in the local shops. Tourist information services is also found at this location. If you decide to spend the night, information services can help plan the accommodation you require.
- Trinity Bay Lookout
For exceptional views of Four Mile Beach and the Coral Sea beyond, Trinity Bay Lookout is the place you want to go. This is a must-see on your day trip from Cairns, despite the steep road and the limited parking. If you are more adventurous, you could take the 2.4-kilometer Flagstaff Hill Trail and hike your way to the top of the lookout. The Four Mile Beach Lookout is just a little onto the trail, which offers a more unobstructed view of the stunning beach.
- Sunday Markets
The Sunday Markets, located at the waterfront, are a great way to explore the arts, crafts and jewelry, and Australian souvenirs from the local people. A view of the Coral Sea and the mountain ranges are in the background. The market has the distinctive feature of being a “Cotter’s market,” meaning the maker or their family must sell their goods.
Local fruits and vegetables are also for sale. Buy some produce and make a picnic lunch to take to the beach.
- Sunset Cruise
If you did not get out for a day trip to the reef, why not go out for a sunset sail? This is another way to experience the stunning views of the north Queensland coastline without even getting wet. It is the ideal way to start an evening in paradise if you are staying the night. Pair it with a meal, and it makes a perfect romantic getaway.
Where to Eat in Port Douglas
There are so many places to eat in Port Douglas, it would be hard to place them on one list. Where to go can depend on the time of day, your budget and of course your taste. Port Douglas has pub food, casual dining, and a few high-end restaurants. Whether it is breakfast, lunch, coffee, dinner or just drinks, you will find something to appease your appetite or quench your thirst in Port Douglas. Here are a few suggestions:
- Breakfast and Coffee
The Hi-Tide café is located on the esplanade overlooking four-mile Beach is the perfect way to start the day. It offers a full breakfast with a great view.
Choo Choos on The Marina is a converted steam train carriage that has been converted to a dining car. It boasts some of the best views of the marina and makes great eggs Benedict. They are also licensed so if you need a morning pick-me-up, this is the place to go.
Origin Espresso is a locally owned espresso bar/café. They source, roast, and brew the coffee themselves. Locally made cakes and treats are also available.
- Lunch
The Salsa Bar and Grill is one of the most popular with tourists on a day trip from Cairns. Located on Wharf Street, it entices with selections of seafood, salads, and pastas.
If you are looking for an amazing burger, then N17 Burger Co is the place to go. They have many varieties to suit everyone even those that do not want hamburger in the hamburger. In other words, they have vegetarian options. They are also a sports bar so it could be busy if a game is on.
Epicurean offers a different twist on the lunch scene. They have a unique French flavor and offer picnic boxes to take away for a poolside nibble, a sunset picnic, or a date night. French bread, cheese and wine are their specialty.
- Afternoon Drinks and Snacks
After spending the day on the water, Hemingway’s Brewery on the waterfront is a great way to re-hydrate. With craft beers to suite most tastes, you will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the great views of the marina and the hills behind.
The Tin Shed is a great spot to watch the boats coming back from the reef. They are more of a pub so deep-fried foods are expected. Cooked prawns are also available as a snack with a simple cocktail sauce.
If you prefer a more casual atmosphere with pool tables and sports on TV, try Rattle and Hum. They offer great pizza from a wood-fired oven.
- Dinner
The Court House has more of a family friendly budget and serves typical pub food such as fish tacos, nachos, and chicken parmigiana. If you are there on Sundays, great views of the waterfront markets can be had.
At the upper end of the scale is the Sassi La Cucina and Bar where authentic Italian dishes are served, and seafood is a specialty. Amazing desserts can finish the evening meal.
Star of Siam is a local favorite for a delicious combination of Thai food and seafood.
For a true fine dining experience, head towards Harrison’s inside the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. This is a nationally awarded restaurant with an innovative British menu.
Whether you choose Port Douglas as a day trip from Cairns or as a weekend getaway, you will be amazed at what this small town has to offer. Take the bus, rent a car, or book a tour. It will be worth your while to travel north of Cairns to experience everything the charming town of Port Douglas has to offer. If you are in Port Douglas for a special occasion, this would be perfect for a memory.
RELATED: Get your copy of the Cairns and Northern Queensland Travel Guide available on Etsy.
Have you been to Port Douglas?
What did you enjoy the most?
If you are looking for a different type of Day trip, try a Cairns Outback Tour.
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Port Douglas looks wonderful. It was not part of my itinerary but I would definitely like to add it. The beach, the shops and the restaurants are darling!
Thanks, Peggy. Definitely add it! The atmosphere here is wonderful!
Great post. Northern Queensland is one of the best regions I’ve ever visited and I liked Port Douglas, even though didn’t get a chance to spend much time there. Four Mile Beach does look like paradise, yes, and totally agree that glass floor boat, snorkelling and scuba diving are top of the list. We also loved the rain forest further inland.
Thanks, Stefan. Yes, Port Douglas makes a great place to use as a base for other activities and sights in the region.
Great post, I loved Port Douglas! Such a pure, beautiful town. I ended up wishing we’d had more time there, as much as a day trip was fab.
I totally agree. Next I time I go, it be an overnight stay.
Would love to take this day trip from Cairns to the charming seaside community of Port Douglas. So beautiful!
Yes, almost a hidden gem!
Wow! It’s so beautiful! I bet the seafood is amazing there! I went diving on the Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach further south, but I would have loved to have gone further north to explore Port Douglas. Just means I have to plan another trip!
I also spent some time in Airlie Beach. Snorkeling and diving are comparable but different. Another trip for sure.
Indeed it looks like a paradise! (it’s a shame though about the stingers in the water)
We are yet to visit Cairns, but when we do – Port Douglas will be on our list too!
Most people use stinger suits and still enjoy the water. When the larger jellyfish come, they usually only last a few days. Still beautiful though!
The trail to that lookout is right up my alley! Lovely view! I bet the sunset cruise is beautiful, as well. We did one of those in Key West and it was one of the highlights of the trip.
Yes, Paul, you would love the area. Hiking further north at Cape Tribulation would also be your cup of tea!
Was only in Port Douglas briefly in the way to the Daintree but liked what we saw. Those views and four mile beach are just beautiful. Salsa bar sounds familiar I think that’s were we had lunch. Would like to spend more time there next time.
I agree. Need to spend more time there. Weather did not cooperate so we also continued on to Daintree. Next time an overnight stay for us!
You won me over with rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef. We would absolutely love to go snorkelling on the reef. Port Douglas looks delightful and it’s great that it has such a vibrant restaurant scene. Love the idea of that picnic box!
Yes, I’ will have to remember about the picnic box the next time I go.