Located just an hour north of Cairns, Port Douglas is a small town known for its picturesque beauty and relaxed atmosphere. But Port Douglas wasn’t always the tourist destination it is today. Here’s a brief history of Port Douglas:

The Indigenous people of the area, the Kuku Yalanji, have been living in the area for thousands of years.

In the mid-1800s, gold was discovered in the nearby Hodgkinson River, and Port Douglas became a busy port town for the miners.

The town continued to grow, and by the early 1900s, it was a bustling hub for sugar cane farming and logging.

In the 1980s, Port Douglas began to transform into a tourist destination. Today, it’s known for its beautiful beaches, world-class resorts, and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.

Despite its growth as a tourist destination, Port Douglas has worked hard to maintain its small-town charm and relaxed atmosphere.

Useful Information: You can use our shuttle service from Cairns to Port Douglas to visit the small town. 

Things to do in Port Douglas

Port Douglas may be a small town, but there’s no shortage of things to do. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore the natural wonders of the area, Port Douglas has something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to do in Port Douglas:

Visit the Great Barrier Reef

One of the most popular things to do in Port Douglas is to visit the Great Barrier Reef. There are many tour companies that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to explore the reef and its diverse marine life.

Explore Mossman Gorge

Mossman Gorge is a stunning natural attraction located just outside of Port Douglas. Visitors can take a guided tour of the gorge, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or simply take in the breathtaking views of the rainforest.

Take a scenic drive

The scenic drive to Port Douglas is an attraction in itself, with stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding rainforest. Visitors can also take a drive to nearby Daintree National Park, which is home to some of the oldest rainforest in the world.

Visit the Sunday markets

Every Sunday, Port Douglas hosts a popular market where visitors can browse and buy locally made goods, including art, jewelry, and crafts. The market also features food stalls serving up delicious local fare.

Enjoy the nightlife

Port Douglas has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. Visitors can enjoy live music, cocktails, and delicious food while taking in the stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding hills.

Visit the Wildlife Habitat

The Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas is a one-of-a-kind park that offers visitors an exceptional opportunity to get up close and personal with a diverse range of Australian animals. From kangaroos and wallabies to koalas and crocodiles, visitors can see these fascinating creatures in their natural habitats and even interact with them in some cases.Visitors can also take a guided tour to learn more about the park’s conservation efforts.

Go on a fishing trip

Port Douglas is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, with plenty of charter companies offering guided fishing trips. Visitors can try their hand at catching a variety of fish, including barramundi, marlin, and tuna.

Take a hot air balloon ride

For a unique perspective on the beautiful scenery of Port Douglas, visitors can take a hot air balloon ride. This is a great way to see the rainforest, the ocean, and the surrounding hills from a bird’s-eye view.

Relax on the beach

Port Douglas has several beautiful beaches to choose from, including Four Mile Beach and the quieter, more secluded Rex Smeal Park Beach. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking on the sand.

Overall, Port Douglas offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy, from exploring the natural beauty of the region to relaxing on the beach or indulging in the local nightlife.