Experience
Port Douglas FAQs – Useful Visitors Tips
Think of a tropical paradise where the amazing reef meets the rainforest, that’s how we would describe Port Douglas. It’s the only place on earth where two World Heritage-listed sites meet, the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Clear blue waters, superb rainforest, golden beaches and a friendly village vibe, what’s not to like? Port Douglas has it all!
If you go to Port Douglas, you need to know the risks though. There is a high risk that you will fall in love with the chilled-out lifestyle, the perfect weather, the awesome food and the spectacular beaches. Now you have been warned.
Check our 9 Must-Do Day Tours in Port Douglas blog.
1. What is Port Douglas known for?
Port Douglas is truly a gem! It’s well-known for its World Heritage listings – the captivating Great Barrier Reef and Daintree National park. It’s also known for its warm, tropical North Queensland weather, golden sand beaches, resorts and a wide range of adventurous activities.
It’s a perfect holiday destination for everyone – couples, singles, families and friends.
2. Where is Port Douglas?
Port Douglas is located in the far north of Queensland about 70km from Cairns. The town has the Great Barrier Reef on the east side and Daintree Rainforest on the west side.
The easiest way to get to Port Douglas depends on where you are travelling from. The closest airport is Cairns airport and from there it is about a one hour drive along the beautiful and scenic Captain Cook Highway. We’ve heard it’s one of the best coastal drives in the world. But if you don’t have access to a car, don’t worry. You can grab the bus, shuttle, taxi or Uber from Cairns’ Central Station.
3. When is the best time to visit Port Douglas?
Thanks to the beautiful and amazing Port Douglas weather you can visit all year around. Even though that’s the case, you might want to consider what things you want to do while you’re there as it can help determine what season you should plan your holiday. Should you choose winter or summer, wet or dry season or avoid the stinger season? Do you prefer less humidity and colder temperatures? June to August is the most popular time of the year to visit but Port Douglas is an amazing place to visit at any time during the year.
4. What to do in Port Douglas?
You have been warned about the risks of falling in love with Port Douglas. Whether you are looking to laze in the sun, swim in the crystal clear blue water, go crocodile spotting, immerse into the beautiful nature, get a taste of the Indigenous culture or try out some adventurous activities, there is something for everyone. The experiences and activities are pretty much limitless.
Want to explore the Great Barrier Reef? There are plenty of reef tours to pick from whether you want to experience it on a boat or from the sky. Want to explore the lush green nature or learn about the Aboriginal way of life? Then Daintree National Park is worth a visit!
Even after the sun goes down, you can explore the town’s vibrancy. There are plenty of things to do in the palm-fringed paradise once it’s too late to call lounging by the resort pool an activity.
Check our 9 Must-Do Day Tours in Port Douglas blog.
5. Where to eat in Port Douglas?
Let’s face it, after all the sightseeing you will definitely have built up an appetite and thankfully Port Douglas has plenty of fantastic dining options to offer. Everything from a laidback pub feed to fine dining and everything in between. It’s a heaven for foodies and holiday goers, no matter budget, age and food preferences. And what better place to enjoy a delicious meal than in these amazing surroundings?
Looking for a specific place? Look no further, check out AGFG’s list of places to eat in Port Douglas.
6. Can you swim in Port Douglas?
The amazing crystal clear blue water looks deliciously inviting, we know! But here comes the but. Due to the prevalence of crocodiles and stingers, ensure you only swim at patrolled beaches in between the flags.
Stinger season runs from November to May and swimming enclosure at local beaches is in the water to provide safer and more secure swimming conditions during the dangerous marine stinger season. A qualified lifeguard service also patrols the main beach.
7. Are there crocodiles in Port Douglas?
The short answer is yes there are crocodiles in Port Douglas. The saltwater kind of crocodile, the dangerous kind. They can be found in the wild in the Port Douglas area such as in rivers, lakes, streams and occasionally at Four Mile Beach.
A summary of all current crocodile sighting and crocodile concerns can be found on the Queensland Government Environment and Science Department’s page CrocWatch. Please be mindful and safe when swimming in Port Douglas.
If you want to see crocodiles, we recommend booking a tour or a cruise that allows you to experience it in a safe setting.
8. Where to stay in Port Douglas?
Port Douglas has a wide range of resort accommodation options. Freestyle Resort Port Douglas is perfectly located only moments away from the famous Four Mile Beach and Macrossan Street, where you will find restaurants, cafés, bars, shops and supermarkets. The resort is ranked as the Top Hotel in Port Douglas in 2018.
The resort offers spacious 1 and 2 bedroom apartments styled like a classic, elegant north Queenslander house. The resort features a lush tropical garden, pool, spa and discount on activities.
Book your stay at Freestyle Resort now and get 10 % off.
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