This Port Douglas itinerary will help you see the best of the nearby Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef!
Just an hour north of Cairns City, Port Douglas is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the region.
A true tropical paradise, beautiful Port Douglas hangs on firmly to its sleepy seaside charm despite its glitzy reputation.
The star of the town? Four Mile Beach–a strip of golden sand surrounded by turquoise waters and swaying palm trees.
Most visitors spend their entire Port Douglas holiday at the beach, enjoying a scenic stroll, a sunbaking session, a day spa, or a sunset sail.
But there’s more to Port Douglas than cabanas and cocktails. Beyond the town are reefs to swim in, rainforests to hike, and hidden gems to discover.
That said, we’ve created a four-day itinerary to help you explore Port Douglas without missing the nearby attractions.
Explore more of Queensland with these amazing road trip ideas!
How Many Days is Enough for Port Douglas?
If you plan to visit the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and the Atherton Tablelands, four days in Port Douglas is the perfect time frame.
With a four-day itinerary, you can spend one day each in these attractions and still have an extra day to relax in Port Douglas, explore Palm Cove, or do whatever you please.
You can tweak this itinerary to fit your schedule and preference. If you’ve been to the Daintree Rainforest, you can instead go river drifting in Mossman Gorge.
Or, if you wish to explore the Tablelands on a separate trip, opt for half-day tour or a full-day boat cruise and excursion of Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure instead.
Explore the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas!
The Perfect 4 Days in Port Douglas Itinerary
Port Douglas is the poshest resort town in Tropical North Queensland. For all its sophistication and exorbitant prices, it’s bursting at the seams with natural beauty, which doesn’t cost a dime to enjoy!
Day 1
Morning: Arrival
While you can drive to Port Douglas from almost anywhere in Australia, the quickest and easiest way to get there is by plane. The closest airport is in Cairns.
Cairns, 70 kilometres south of Port Douglas, is the capital of Tropical North Queensland. In the city, you can hire a shuttle service or rent a car.
The hour-long journey from Cairns to Port Douglas is one of the most scenic rides you’ll experience on your Australia trip. You’ll pass the stunning beaches of the Far North Queensland coast, including Palm Cove.
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
Afternoon: Check-in at Port Douglas
Macrossan Street, located right smack in the heart of town, is where you’ll find chic cafes, fancy restaurants, and upscale boutiques. You can have lunch here if you haven’t already.
But if you’re looking for a more casual vibe, go to the less touristy Wharf Street. Just around the corner from Macrossan, Wharf is the town’s eat street because of its eclectic dining options.
Tip: If you visit Port Douglas on a Sunday, check out the markets at Anzac Park, located at one end of Macrossan Street.
Late Afternoon: Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas
A short walk from Macrossan is Four Mile Beach. Head here for a sunny stroll or to dip your toes in the water.
Always observe the safety signs, as the beaches in Tropical North Queensland aren’t safe for swimming in the summer months because of stinger season. But the beach is still stunning to enjoy from land!
Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas
Sunset: Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail
As the day winds down, stroll the Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail. The 1.5-km walk ends at Rex Smeal Park, a favourite spot for sunsets.
Halfway along the trail is a lookout, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the Coral Sea and the Low Isles.
If you’re feeling fancy, join a sunset sail while savoring canapes and cocktails.
Day 2
Full Day: Great Barrier Reef
While you can visit the Great Barrier Reef independently, we recommend you hire a local guide or join a tour for a safer and more enlightening trip.
Due to the reef’s delicate ecosystem, you should visit with an expert who knows the area thoroughly, including designated moorings, no-fishing zones, and the best scuba diving spots.
But, if you go on your own (i.e., charter a boat), carefully read the responsible reef practices.
You’ll find many tours to the Great Barrier Reef, ranging from half-day trips to multi-day live-aboard adventures. A full day cruise with sightseeing and snorkelling in the outer reef might be your best option.
If you don’t want to get into the water, book a half-day glass-bottom boat tour of the reef’s Low Isles.
Evening: Back in Port Douglas
After a day well spent, explore the nightlife in Port Douglas.
Head to Jimmy Rum’s Mixing Lounge and treat yourself to a delicious cocktail while soaking up the cozy ambience and art deco furnishings.
Read next: Brisbane to Cairns Drive – The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary
Day 3
Morning: Atherton Tablelands
The drive from Port Douglas to the Atherton Tablelands takes two hours. Hit the road early to maximize your time in this gorgeous part of Tropical North Queensland!
Drive inland on the Mossman-Mt Molloy Road, then follow the Kennedy Highway toward Mareeba, the gateway to the Tablelands.
Once in Mareeba, stop for a quick breakfast at Earth’s Kitchen or The Hungry Pug. If you’re a staunch coffee lover, drop by Jaques Coffee Lounge for its artisanal coffee.
Continue driving to Yungaburra, about 45 minutes from Mareeba, to see the 500-year-old Curtain Fig Tree.
Stop next at the Crater Lakes National Park, a 10-minute drive from Yungaburra. It’s home to two incredible lakes: Eacham and Barrine.
If you have time to spare, join a 45-minute boat cruise on Lake Barrine or swim in Lake Eacham. On the banks of Lake Barrine is a teahouse where you can have lunch.
Afternoon: Waterfalls Circuit
After lunch, go deep into the heart of the Waterfalls Circuit. The total drive time is around 1.5 hours. But allow four hours for stops, swims, and strolls in the rainforest.
It would take a whole day to see all the waterfalls in the area. Because time is short, it’s best to focus on the most popular falls: Millaa Millaa, Zillie, and Ellinjaa.
All three are a short driving distance from each other. You can swim in Millaa Millaa and Ellinjaa, while Zillie is excellent for picnics and photo shoots.
Note: Other waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands include Josephine, Tchulpa, and Nandroya. Consider spending an extra day here if you don’t have time to see them all.
Millaa Millaa Falls
Late Afternoon: Back to Port Douglas
For a change of scenery, drive on the Kuranda Range Route instead of going back via the Mossman-Mt Molloy Road. The trip may take around 2.5 hours.
Tip: For a stress-free trip, you can join an Atherton Tableland Wilderness Tour instead of self-driving. An Atherton Tablelands Food and Wine Tasting Tour is great for foodies.
Day 4
Morning: Depart Port Douglas for the Daintree Rainforest
To get to the Daintree Rainforest, you can take a local coach bus or join a guided tour. You can also self-drive, which gives you the most flexibility.
The drive from Port Douglas to the Daintree Rainforest is 1.5 hours.
First stop is Mossman Gorge, 30 minutes from Port Douglas. Park at the visitor centre and take the shuttle bus to the trailhead.
Hike the 2.4-km Rainforest Circuit, cross the suspension bridge, and swim in the sheltered swimming hole. You can also join a guided walk with an Indigenous Kuku Yalanji guide!
Mid-morning: Daintree River Crossing
The Daintree River is 20 minutes from Mossman Gorge. The only way to reach the northern part of Daintree, including Cape Tribulation, is by crossing the river on a ferry.
The ferry runs from 5 AM to midnight daily. The trip takes about five minutes, but there may be a 10-minute waiting time.
After crossing the river, drive to the Daintree Discovery Centre.
Here you can check out the iconic rainforest views from the 11-metre-high Aerial Walkway and Canopy Tower!
Noon: Drive to Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation is a remote township in the heart of the Daintree. To get there from the Daintree Discovery Centre, it’s a 35-minute scenic drive through the forest.
Along the way, stop by for lunch at Daintree Fan Palm Farm, a health food store and cafe famous for its organic menu.
Cape Tribulation: where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef!
Afternoon: Cape Tribulation Beach
Stop at the Kulki car park, then follow the 600-metre boardwalk to the beach.
Cape Tribulation is the only place on Earth where two World Heritage-listed sites meet. So from the beach, you can see both the ancient Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef!
Due to stingers and crocs, swimming on the beach is not recommended. But it’s a lovely place for strolls. If the tide is out, hike to the Kulki Lookout.
After spending time at the beach, start driving back south. On the way, you can stop at more attractions if you have time.
The Dubuji Boardwalk is a 1.2-km loop through mangroves and swamp forests. For more coastal views and endless stretches of sand, stroll along the remote Myall Beach.
Then, treat yourself to a tropical fruit gelato or sorbet at the Daintree Ice Cream Company.
Late Afternoon: Return Trip to Port Douglas
After a day in the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, head back to Port Douglas for the evening.
After all the hiking, you might want a day spa massage or a casual dinner and cold beer at Hemingway’s Brewery.
Have more time to explore Cairns? Check out these fun things to do!
Port Douglas Travel Guide
With your Port Douglas plans in place, here’s everything you need to know about when to go, how to get around, and where to stay.
When to Visit Port Douglas
The best time to visit Port Douglas is the dry season from May to October. You’ll enjoy sunny days, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. It’s also the stinger-free season, so swimming is safer.
The downside is it’s the peak season. Prices are higher, and crowds are thicker.
For fewer visitors, November to April may suit you. Downpours are common during the wet season, but you’ll enjoy lush scenery and lower prices.
Port Douglas is better in the dry season, but it’s still stunning year round.
Getting Around Port Douglas
Port Douglas is small and compact, making it easy to explore on foot. You can also hire a bike or a scooter to get around.
Public transport outside Port Douglas is limited. You can hire shuttle services from the Cairns Airport to Port Douglas. If you want to visit attractions outside the town, rent a car or join a tour.
Where to Stay in Port Douglas
Port Douglas has numerous accommodations to suit all traveler types.
There are luxury resorts with exclusive beach access, hostels close to the town centre, and boutique hotels in quiet neighborhoods.
So, you’ll definitely find a Port Douglas accommodation that fits your taste, style, and budget.
The Best Hostel – Port Douglas Backpackers
Perfect for budget travellers, Port Douglas Backpackers offers private units, dorm rooms, and a fun, social atmosphere.
Facilities include a bar, pool, shared kitchen, laundry, internet, and hire bikes.
Best Mid-Range Hotel – By The Sea Port Douglas
Located next to Four Mile Beach, the resort features apartments with a fully-fitted kitchen, private barbecue, and a terrace with sea views.
Guests can enjoy free bikes, beach umbrellas, high-speed Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, and underground parking.
Best Luxury Hotel – Temple Resort and Spa Port Douglas
With its direct beach access, guests can easily enjoy stunning ocean views. But the resort’s main draw is its cosy and spacious units, featuring a kitchenette and garden views.
Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, day spa, restaurant, and fitness centre.
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