There are plenty of Port Douglas activities available for people from all walks of life, young, old, single, or a couple. There are also day trips you can take to explore the nearby attractions, like the Tablelands or Mossman Gorge. Port Douglas is best known for its beautiful 4 Mile Beach and easy access to The Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, but there are also sporting, adventure, wildlife, and culinary activities to enjoy in the Douglas Shire and near Port Douglas.
This post began years ago and we’ve tracked changes in Port Douglas over the years. Some activities are no longer available, in which case we tell you. But many new ones have opened. We are travel bloggers based in Port Douglas, we try to stay on top of all changes and we test all of these activities for ourselves.
Best Port Douglas Activities
There are many activities in Port Douglas. We’ve done them and recommend and review them below. We try to keep this post up to date and we live in Port Douglas, so that’s usually easy, but please double-check all details for yourself.
Port Douglas Hiking Activities
There are a few good walks or hikes in and around Port Douglas if you’d like to stay active on your holiday. Of these the Flagstaff Hill walking trail is in Port Douglas, near Macrossan St. For the Bump Track, Spring Creek Walk or the hike to the Devil’s Thumb, you’ll need transportation.
Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail
Port Douglas walking trail, Flagstaff Hill, central Port Douglas. There are other walks and hikes nearby, including The Bump Track, Hartley’s Falls, Spring Creek and The Devil’s Thumb.
If you want to stay active on your holiday, this Port Douglas walking trail is easily accessible from Four Mile Beach or Macrossan Street. It’s short and not too taxing but there are a lot of steps making it unsuitable for most buggies and prams or people with mobility problems. We don’t think it would be wheelchair accessible.
The Port Douglas walking trail is free and sometimes you’ll find art installations here and interesting wildlife.
This is a popular area with runners too and offers great views out to sea. There are viewing platforms popular with Instagrammers. It is not lit at night, take a head torch if you’re running before dawn.
Take a Walking Tour of Port
Walking tours of Port Douglas with K Star tours have become popular, give it a go. Kevin “KStar” should be able to answer all of your questions about our area and share some valuable local knowledge.
Take a Hike Up The Bump Track & Other Walks
The Bump Track is a bit of a local secret. It’s a historic track up the mountain at the back of the Mowbray Valley. This is the route bullock tracks would take when delivering cargo to The Sugar Wharf a century ago.
The bump track is great exercise and the view from the top on a clear day is spectacular. You will need to be fairly fit and active to walk up here, it’s pretty steep.
Real enthusiasts run or cycle up and down it or you can let a horse take the strain. You can take a mountain bike tour up here, which you can book locally.
If you’re looking for an easier walk in Port Douglas, take the walking track around Flagstaff Hill. It’s newly repaired and has some great lookouts. Alternatively, walk along Spring Creek or hike to Hartley’s Falls.
Port Douglas Evening Activities
Port Douglas evening activities and nightlife are fairly limited. Restaurants close early, but the pubs are busy and some open as nightclubs after normal hours.
There are a few special activities that take place in Port Douglas in the late afternoon and evenings, but sadly, a few were forced to close in recent years.
Sunset at Rex Smeal Park
The sun sets behind the mountains in Port Douglas, for the best view inland, head to Rex Smeal Park. It’s at the end of the Flagstaff Hill walking track, and very close to Macrossan Street.
Locals and visitors head here for sunset and maybe a picnic or BBQ. You can watch the boats returning from a day on the reef and the sunset cruisers heading out. It’s a pretty spot.
There are gas BBQs, water taps and public toilets nearby. There was also a kids’ playground here but it has recently been removed.
Dining Activities – Enjoy Fantastic Food in Port Douglas
Port Douglas dining is pretty good! For formal dining we recommend Sassi, Salsa, and Zinc. Casual meals with a great view overlooking The Inlet try The Combined Club, also known as The Tin Shed.
Sassi is our favourite venue in Port Douglas for Italian food.
If you’re looking for casual family meals with a playground (currently removed) on hand, try The Surf Club.
Fish and chips are available at Dave’s on Macrossan Street and for pizza, bar snacks, or tapas try The Beach Shack. (Beach Shack is currently closed and has been sold, but will re-open soon,)
Our new favourite for breakfast is St Crispin’s Cafe. It’s at the turn-around station of the Bally Hooley steam train and has a waterside setting with golf course and mountain views. It’s featured in the photo above.
Most restaurants have outdoor seating and most do not have aircon. You may need to book a table a way in advance. Some restaurants are not open every day and may be closed in the wet season.
Update – The Australian Muster Experience has shut.
Just outside town, past Mareeba, Daintree Station and The Australian Muster Experience will gave you a slice of country Australiana. They held regular bull riding events as well as zorbing. The bull riding often got bloody and ambulance crews were always on standby.
Port Douglas Open-Air Cinema Has Closed
Port Douglas had its own open-air cinema during the dry season. You could catch a movie under the stars. Unfortunately, this is not currently happening. I’ll let you know if Moonlight Cinema returns.
At low tide the beach is firm and smooth for running, even cycling, but if the tide is high and the creeks full with wet season rain, you may struggle.
Take an Evening Cruise on a Chinese Junk
The red Chinese junk you will see in Port Douglas marina offers sunset sails and daytime trips to Low Isles. The junk itself is a beautiful sight to see as it sails out into the Coral Sea around 5pm.
Book a Sunset Sail From Port Douglas on a Luxury Catamaran
Some activities in Port Douglas are for adults only, these luxury sunset sails on a beautiful catamaran, with canapes and drinks, are perfect for couples. A romantic sail with no kids around. This is one to do on your Port Douglas honeymoon! Not all sunset sails are adults only, so check the small print when you book.
Port Douglas Beach Activities
4 Mile Beach
You can enjoy beautiful Four Mile Beach in many ways. The beach is the perfect place in Port Douglas to run or walk at dawn. This is a favourite Port Douglas activity for locals.
You’ll usually find activities such as yoga classes on Port Douglas’s Four Mile Beach, fitness classes, kayak hire, SUP, kite surfing, and more. At very low tides the water drops so far you can see the coral. Fishing is pretty good here too.
You are quite likely to see a sea turtle from the rocky headland at the northern end of Four Mile Beach.
More people use the town end of the beach, near the lifeguard station and stinger net, the southern end (above) near Sea Temple, is usually pretty empty.
In high season beach equipment is available for hire near the lifeguard station. Water activity equipment like paddleboards, surf boards, loungers, kayaks, giant tires, etc are usually available.
Further south along Four Mile there is kite surfing available.
Port Douglas Adventure Activities
Hot Air Ballooning Port Douglas
You can’t take a hot air balloon ride in Port Douglas, but you can in the Port Douglas hinterland. One hour flights, transportation to the departure point, and a champagne breakfast can be arranged from Port.
All year round, weather allowing, helicopters are available for rides over the reef and Coral Sea islands, the views are to die for.
There are a couple of options in the tours section above, prices start around $300 US but can vary. This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing to do and it’s well worth it. If you have the cash, just do it! Book here.
Bungee Jumping and Giant Swing Activities Port Douglas
South of Port Douglas, on the outskirts of Cairns, you will find bungee jumping and a daredevil giant swink at AJ Hackett, now SkyPark Cairns
Sky Diving Port Douglas
There is skydiving available near Port Douglas at Sky Diving Cairns, based at Innisfail. Beach landings are at Etty Bay. If you’re into adrenaline activities, this must be spectacular. This is one activity I won’t be testing for our readers.
The Ballyhooley Steam Railway Port Douglas
We haven’t seen this little steam engine running in Port Douglas for a long time now. The Ballyhooley engine and carriages have been retired and converted for restaurant use at the Marina. Choo Choos, one of the Marina restaurants has these today.
Port Douglas Sunday Activities
Most Port Douglas activities are open or take place on Sundays, almost every day of the year, weather permitting, But one event in Port Douglas only takes place on Sundays, the Port Douglas Sunday Markets.
Port Douglas Sunday Markets
On Sunday get yourselves along to Port Douglas Market, browse, shop, eat, and enjoy our beautiful tropical environment. The market starts early. Get there before it gets too hot.
You can buy jewellery, produce, local crafts and more. This is a good place to grab a bite to eat and a coffee too. There are a few food stalls and trucks usually including cakes, wraps, sausages, and so on.
In the summer months the market place can be hot, so visit early. There is some shade and a beautiful weeping fig tree for the kids to climb. There are a couple of small playgrounds down here too. There are taps for drinking water.
Port Douglas Water Activities
4 Mile Beach Water Activities
We already covered the various water activities available from Port Douglas 4 Mile Beach in our beach activities section, above. Briefly, water activities at 4 mile beach include SUP (stand up paddleboarding), kite surfing, limited body surfing in rough weather, water skiing, jet ski hire, kayak hire, swimming, snorkelling and flotation advice for hire. Availability can be limited to high season, weather conditions, and the time of day you visit the beach.
The Great Barrier Reef, Swim, Snorkel, Scuba Dive
Put at least one day aside to take a magical trip out to the Great Barrier Reef, it’s an experience you’ll never forget and suitable for most ages. If you’d like to know more about booking your reef trip, you need this post on reef tours from Port Douglas.
We went fairly often. The kids would snorkel from the age of about 4 and once they were in the water and could see the fish any fear of deep water evaporated. My kids joined us scuba diving around their 14th birthdays.
Lunch is usually delicious on the reef boats and you’re quite likely to see whales at the right time of year, along with turtles and sharks.
Visit Low Isles for Snorkelling
If you don’t want to head to the reef the Low Isles are a shorter trip. You can enjoy the beach as well as snorkelling by taking a trip out on Wavedancer or Reef Sprinter.
Swimming at Mossman Gorge in an Icy Rainforest Stream (Maybe)
There are a few options for safe, crocodile free, stinger free swimming in the hot season. For tourists, Mossman Gorge was probably the best bet and certainly the most beautiful site. Park at the visitor’s centre and take the shuttle bus up to the rainforest boardwalk. Last time we went there were new signs up saying no swimming. We were able to swim.
Port Douglas Nature and Wildlife Activities
Port Douglas is a nature lovers’ paradise with a variety of activities, on land and at see to see wildlife in nature reserves or wildlife parks, and in the wild. Enjoy tropical butterflies and unique creatures like cassowarries and tree kangaroos in and near Port Douglas. These activities for tourists are some of the most popular with international visitors to Port Douglas.
Port Douglas Wildlife and The Wildlife Habitat
Wildlife you will see around Port Douglas includes giant green tree frogs, rainbow lorikeets, fruitbats (spectacled flying fox), snakes, sulfur-crested cockatoos, spiders, abundant birdlife, and crocodiles. There are kangaroos, dingos, wild pigs, tree kangaroos and cassowaries around Port Douglas too.
The Sheraton Golf Course around dawn is a good place to spot one of Port Douglas’s resident dingos. Crocodiles have also been seen on the Sheraton Mirage golf course and at the Palmer Sea Reef golf course.
If you want to feed the ‘roos and get up close and personal with most of our Australian and local species, head to the Wildlife Habitat. It’s on the main road into Port Douglas near the IGA and has seen a lot of improvements and new features lately.
Swim With Crocodiles at The Habitat
The Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat has a new activity that allows you to get up close with their crocodiles.Iit’s an exhilarating experience and perfect for anyone who loves wildlife. We’ve done it ourselves and considered it to be very much worth doing.
You can book the experience online here. You can swim with the crocodiles by yourself or as a couple.
The activity involves a behind-the-scenes tour of the crocodile habitats and an explanation about crocodiles and how they are treated. This is followed by a ten-minute dip in the tank which is connected to two different saltwater crocodile enclosures.
Butterfly Sanctuary Port Douglas
If you are visiting Port Douglas Australia, you are very likely to see many beautiful tropical butterflies. Local species spotted often include the huge Cairns birdwing butterfly, the iridescent blue Ulysses butterfly, and less common, large swallowtail.
If you want a guaranteed sighting of the butterflies found in Far North Queensland, there is a butterfly sanctuary nearby.
The Australian butterfly sanctuary can be found at 8 Rob Veivers Dr, Kuranda QLD 4881 and can be combined with other Kuranda attractions or the cable car/railway journey from Cairns.
Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation
Just up the road from Port Douglas we have Daintree Rainforest and beautiful Cape Tribulation. You need to take a drive up there, in your own vehicle or with a tour. Your best chance of spotting a cassowary in Port Douglas is in the Daintree, or near Kuranda.
If you’d like to keep driving, you could head all the way up to historic Cooktown.
We’ve driven from Port Douglas, up the Cape to Cooktown and back in a day. It’s possible, but it’s a long day.
The coast road through the Daintree Rainforest is beautiful, but you’ll need a 4 wheel drive for dirt tracks and creek crossings. The inland road is more passable, but not very interesting.
Stay at a Paradise Hotel to Enjoy Port Douglas Activities
We have incredible hotels in Port. Sea Temple (Now The Pullman Sea Temple Resort and Spa, Port Douglas) and the Sheraton Grand Mirage are two of the best hotels in Port Douglas. Each with vast pools and swim-out rooms. Both are just behind the beach.
These are stunning world-class hotels, you’ll enjoy your own private villa, pay the extra for a swim-out to one of the biggest pools in the southern hemisphere and if you’re heading to Port Douglas take a look at it here.
If you’re on a budget look at Dougies backpackers resort, which was the first place we stayed when we came to Port as young backpackers over 20 years ago. It’s still good, if not better. With camping, dorms, and private rooms. Just click on the links above to take a look.
There are a few Airbnbs in Port Douglas but we no longer recommend this platform, the cleaning fees are steep, and the booking process takes too long. If you’re after a holiday home, villa, or apartment rental in Port Douglas, check these out.
Port Douglas Activities to Book Online
We use the company below when booking tours anywhere in the world, they have a lowest price or money-back guarantee and the reassurance of a big company supporting your booking. If your tour is available to book on this site, presumably they’re running. The last time we drove past in 2021, the Skyrail Cable Car was open. We’re checking and updating constantly, things change fast.
Kuranda Scenic Railway, Kuranda Visit, and Palm Cove, from Port Douglas. A full day out and loads of fun, here.
Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture and Heritage has now closed.
Port Douglas Boating Activities
Explore Dickinson Inlet by Self-Drive Boat and Check Out our Crocodiles
We love cruising up The Inlet. You can hire your own little boat from the marina or take a tour on the Lady Douglas, the view and the wildlife are spectacular. You can hire fishing gear too, just don’t lean too far over the edge or the crocodiles might get you. We survived, many times.
We’re currently checking the status of boat and fishing hire or rental in Port Douglas, we’ll be back to you soon.
Take A Cruise on The Lady Douglas
The Lady Douglas is a Port Douglas institution. An evening cruise on The Inlet is a wonderful opportunity to see salt water crocidiles along with various birds, including white breasted sea easgles.
I used to take my kids, often, they would always get a chance to steer the boat on the way back. Our good friends, John and Jenny, don’t own this business any more, they now run Wavelength Reef Cruises, but I hear good things about the new owners.
The Lady Douglas crocodile spotting and cruise departs from the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, normally daily, we’re checking the current situation for you.
Sports and Outdoor Activities, SUP, Kite Surfing, Segway Tours, River Snorkelling, and Wind Surfing
Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Kite Surfing and Wind Surfing are big news on Four Mile Beach. There are plenty of locals around happy to get you started in their sports. For something more gentle, yoga on the beach is a lovely way to start the day.
You can book various outdoor activities online and in advance to guarantee availability, for instance how do you fancy rainforest river drift snorkelling?
Activities Near Port Douglas – Day Trips
Take a Trip to Cairns & Scenic Drive
The drive between Port Douglas and Cairns is stunningly picturesque but of course, Cairns, being a huge tourist hub, has plenty to do. We now have a full post on things to do in Cairns. Including the famous Cairns Lagoon, Aquarium, Cairns Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, and other tourist attractions.
On the drive down to Cairns, check out some of the beaches along the way. Palm Cove is one not to miss.
Atherton Tablelands From Port Douglas
In the relative cool of the Atherton Tablelands you’ll find man-made and natural tourist attractions and things to do. Wineries, coffee and chocolate attractions, dairies, and of course, Lake Tinaroo are just the tip of the iceberg.
You can even spot wild platypus, pretty incredible! A full post on Atherton Tablelands, Herberton Historic Village, and more, coming soon!
The Scenic Drive To Kuranda
The drive up to Kuranda is spectacular, whether you choose the range road near Mossman or the Smithfield option. Kuranda is a pretty, sleepy, rainforest town full of markets, galleries, shops, and cafes.
If you’d rather not drive, you can book a tour or head up there on the Cairns Skyrail Cablecar or Kuranda Scenic Railway. They depart near Cairns, but tours are available from Port Douglas.
There is The Venom Museum, Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld, and Koala Gardens to keep the children happy in Kuranda. You could also take the cable car/train combo up to Kuranda and back. See the tours above for these options.
Port Douglas Cultural Activities
Take a Lesson in Aboriginal Heritage
Mossman Gorge has recently been handed back to its Aboriginal owners. Dreamtime tours, guided by our local Aboriginal tribe are, I feel, very helpful in understanding Australia’s history.
In the orange box above you’ll also see trips to Tjapuki and Aboriginal guided experiences just north of Port Douglas. This photo was taken elsewhere. I use this one because faces are covered, it’s important.
St Mary’s By The Sea
This popular wedding venue is a non-denominational church or chapel. St Mary’s has an interesting history.
It originally stood elsewhere but after near-destruction in a cyclone it was moved to its current almost waterside position. It’s at the southern end of the market ground, near the sugar wharf.
If you go inside, check out the stunning reef-themed stained glass windows
Port Douglas Seasonal Activities
Port Douglas Carnivale
Port Douglas has its own annual Carnivale in May each year. It was cancelled during lockdown but it was back for May 2021.
Port Douglas hosts various food and dining events and rounds off the festivities with a good old-fashioned street parade. The kids will love it, my favourite part was the Seafood Festival usually held on the Marina. Food, music, drinks, and fun in an amazing open-air setting.
May is possibly one of the best times to visit Port Douglas, things should be cooling down nicely, Stinger Season will be in its final throws and the big crowds are yet to arrive.
Port Douglas Conservation Activities
Help Our Environment with a Beach Clean Up
We always enjoyed volunteering with Tangaroa Blue beach clean ups. It’s a fun family day or half day, you’ll meet some interesting local people and discover beaches, or even islands, off the normal tourist track while doing your bit to help our marine environment.
So there’s plenty to keep you busy in and around Port Douglas, for singles, couples, kids, families, there’s plenty for everyone. How long are you staying in our old home town? What are you most looking forward to doing? Tell us in the comments below. Want more destinations and tips in and around Australia? You need our Australia Travel Blog.
Port Douglas Sporting Activities
Ironman Triathlon and Running Events
Major sporting events in the Cairns and Port Douglas region draw crowds to this area. I am an Ironman triathlete although this year I’m not competing, I’m doing the ultramarathon in Port Douglas instead.
Almost every activity on this page is suitable for families or kids, depending on their swimming ability and how happy the child is in the water. Possibly the most fun activity for kids in Port Douglas would be a visit to The Wildlife Habitat and Breakfast With the Birds.
Port Douglas Free and Cheap Activities
Walking is free, the Flagstaff Hill Walk, although very short, is good exercise and allows great sea views.
The other walks near Port Douglas will require transport, if you can find a cheap way to get out of town these are a good way to spend a day. Swimming, or sitting, in a rainforest stream at Spring Creek or Shannonvale is a great free activity.
Of course, the beach is free, and joining a beach clean up day is free. You may even get a free lunch!
Port Douglas Activities For Teens
There are plenty of activities for teens in Port Douglas. Most teens like to take on challenges, so learning to kite surf on 4 mile beach, or taking a scuba diving course (just behind Macrossan St, near the marina) could be perfect for your teen.
Teens are unlikely to enjoy family days at the beach, but a day snorkelling or scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef should suit your teen just fine. They don’t have to be amazing swimmers, but some kids and teens don’t like deep water, talk to your boat crew, they will help you.
Indoor Activities, Port Douglas Australia
Indoor activities in Port Douglas are rare. One or two restaurants have indoor, air-conditioned dining, but most dining is outdoors.
The theatre is indoors and various plays and classes are held here. The gym is indoors. You can get a massage or spa treatment indoors, but there is very little to do in Port Douglas indoors.
What To Pack For Port Douglas
Here’s what you need to pack for Port Douglas. You’ll want hot weather clothing and, in winter, maybe a light jacket for the evenings. But you probably won’t need it. For visiting Port Douglas and most of the activities and things to do above, don’t forget the following:
Rubber thongs, jandals, or flip flops. It’s very likely you’ll get wet feet and you don’t want to ruin your best leather sandals. On some of the boats running from Port Douglas, you’ll need to remove your shoes when you board, you’ll get them back at the end of the day. Rubber is better environmentally than plastic.
Reef-safe sunscreen. Look after our coral reef, please! You can order it online to save you a trip to the shops.
Sun hats and sunglasses. You really need eye protection on the water, but your hats will probably blow off on a fast-moving boat. A hat with a strap will be your friend. Likewise, attach your sunnies to your head with a neoprene strap like this. This helps to keep your sunnies afloat should you lose them in the sea. We use this brand of mail-order, fully colour-customisable sunglasses. Polarized is better for your eyes in the strong glare off water, as we have here.
Thanks for visiting. You’ll find more posts about activities in Port Douglas, Cairns, and Queensland on our site. Our Port Douglas archives are here.
