Port Douglas is the meeting place of rain forest and the reef, or at least nearer to it that makes the area as of the few places to explore two extremely different world Heritage listed landscapes from a single place. Port Douglas also has a pristine beach with numerous options of accommodation to live in and some of the best eating establishments to indulge in.
Where to stay
Port Douglas is a popular destination, attracting holidaymakers of every style and the village caters splendidly to every taste and budgets, including intimate B&Bs caravan holiday parks, luxury beach side resorts and holiday apartments.
You won’t find a building that is higher than a coconut palm. The excellent furnished accommodation and houses for rent in Port Douglas lies behind lush green tropical landscapes.
Families have the choice of spending holidays at private villas, serviced apartments, and luxury holiday rentals or there are resorts that have special facilities to cater children with child care, kids clubs and family friendly menus.
One of the special ingredients that sets Port Douglas holiday is luxury accommodation. One also finds a good number of modern resorts and condo for rent in Port Douglas that provide dual key apartment and is perfect for every holidaymaker. Then there are B&Bs that are to be found peppered along the private beaches and in the mountains that surround the area.
Port Douglas is most popular for the reef and rainforest. The Great Barrier Reef is nearest to the area and is yet another reason for the region’s popularity. The backyard of the reef is equally fascinating. Daintree is known for being the oldest living rainforest in the world and one can explore the rainforest on a vehicle, boat, horseback, bike or simply on foot.
What’s new
Situated in dense rainforest, north of Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge is a beautiful river gorge and is must-see here. This newly opened centre provides access to the gorge nearby, along with café, gift shops, and indigenous art gallery dotting the area. In addition, on Kuku Yalanji land, there are two Dreamtime Gorge Walks that are looked after the indigenous guides. There is a “smoking” ceremony that is meant to wards off bad spirits, before undertaking the journey through the rainforest with huts and humpies scattered around. One also get a chance to swim in a waterhole and have bush tea along the journey.
Don’t miss
Located between Port Douglas and Cairns, the Captain Cook Highway is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most beautiful stretches of road. Stretching along the coastline for most part, the mesmerizing views of the rainforest overlooking the sea in a necklace of white beaches is sure to keep you enchanting.
Where to eat
There are a good number of eating choices to be found in Port Douglas that are mostly found on the main street.
How to get there
A one-hour drive north of Cairns (about seventy kilometer) takes you to Port Douglas. There are regular flights by Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar from Sydney to Port Douglas.