Port Douglas information

The relatively small resort of Port Douglas occupies a headland approximately one hours drive north of Cairns in Far North Queensland, and is perfectly situated to act as a base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, as well as other popular mainland areas inland or north such as Cape Tribulation and beyond.

Far North Queensland has so much to offer the visitor and rarely can you find such a perfect base as Port Douglas, with such easy access and yet secluded enough not to suffer the hustle and bustle of larger tourist centers.
There is definitely something unique about this place and I've been fortunate enough to stay in the town on several occasions, so I can speak from experience!

A major feature of the town is Four Mile Beach which runs up the eastern edge of the headland - unbroken golden sands edged with palm trees one side and clear blue surf the other.

There are several resorts that front onto the beach offering the perfect place to stay, but as anywhere along the northern Australia coast you need to be aware of the box jellyfish season with regard to swimming in the sea and stay within the netted swimming areas which you'll find in various places along the length of the beach.

On the opposite side of town to Four Mile Beach is a modern marina, the Marina Mirage, which is the point of departure for all Barrier Reef cruises and activities that leave from Port Douglas, such as diving trips or day fishing trips out to the reef.
The marina also includes a shopping complex and numerous eateries, making it an easy place to while away a few relaxing hours.

Another jewel in the Port Douglas crown is the Sheraton Mirage Resort, located at the southern tip of town - a massive complex that is host to numerous top class accommodation choices, swimming pools and man-made lagoons, golf course, tennis courts and just about everything else that you would expect from any world-class 'country club' style facility.
Of course, what makes the Sheraton Mirage so inviting is its geographical location in the world - out of the way maybe, but being so close to the Great Barrier Reef makes it a very special resort indeed!

Port Douglas offers many types of accommodation to the visitor, the Sheraton Mirage being about the finest with all grades available throughout the town, down to low-budget backpackers hostels. Basically, whatever budget you are on, Port Douglas will certainly have the accommodation to match!

A very popular day trip to the Great Barrier Reef is one which takes in Low Island, a tiny island located approximately 20 kilometers to the north-east amidst perfect Barrier Reef territory.

The coral reefs around Low Island are very easily accessible and provide the opportunity for a great reef snorkelling experience, or if you prefer not to get wet then there is the option of taking a trip over the coral in a glass bottom boat with a guide to point out the different species of animals that you see.

A day trip to Low Island from Port Douglas is highly recommended if you find yourself in the area and haven't yet experienced the Great Barrier Reef first hand. There is a choice of tour operators that offer trips out to the Reef around Low Island, the biggest being Quicksilver with their 30 meter sailing catamaran, Wavedancer.

Another land-based attraction at the southern end of Port Douglas is the Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary. Here you can experience four different habitats, found throughout the area, that have been accurately recreated and have been made homes to 180 different native species of animals.
The Rainforest Habitat makes for a great day out and shouldn't be missed by anyone with even the smallest interest in nature and the local environment.

Of course, from Port Douglas you can see for yourself the real habitats and animals by taking day trips out of the town, particularly by heading north towards the small township of Mossman and beyond.
Some of the world's most ancient and undisturbed rainforest can be seen here, along with the wildlife that goes with it. There are several walks available, one of the most popular being to the scenic and tranquil Mossman Gorge.

All in all, Port Douglas is a fantastic place to stay if you want to experience The Great Barrier Reef and Far North Queensland without the hustle and bustle of staying in a larger town such as Cairns.
Port Douglas has everything to offer and, from my personal experience, shouldn't be missed!

 

Related links:

Port Douglas web site.