17 of the best things to do in Port Douglas in 2026

Planning a trip to Port Douglas? This gorgeous little town in the heart of Tropical North Queensland is a fantastic place to spend a few days (or longer) exploring, relaxing and, of course, eating. It’s the ideal spot to visit the Great Barrier Reef, get lost in dense rainforest and learn about Indigenous culture. You’ll find yourself unwinding and feeling all too at home in this perfect beachside destination. If you need some inspiration on the very best things to see, do and eat while you’re there, I’ve got you covered. Having spent time getting the most out of the area, I’ve pulled together my top tips for what you absolutely must do in Port Douglas.

Planning your trip?
•••
Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
Travel eSIM: Simify

I register as an affiliate for anything I use and recommend. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click these links and make a purchase I may earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, and in some cases, these links may even unlock savings or give you bonuses I’ve negotiated. You can find out more about this here and here.

---

1. Go out to the reef without getting boat sick!

Getting boat sick is the bane of my turtle-loving existence. Then I came across a little thing called a speedboat. Turns out, the savvy crew at Reef Sprinter have cornered the no-seasickness market by offering fantastic tours out to the reef that are budget, time and tummy-friendly. Their Low Isles Tour can have you out on the reef, snorkelling away, in 15 minutes with scarcely a spew bag in view. I cannot tell you how great this is. We had an AMAZING time on the reef, even though it was raining. It seems the fish don’t mind a bit of wet weather. We snorkelled for ages and saw a gorgeous little turtle, bright reef and beautiful fish, including some huge batfish. It was, seriously, fantastic. 10/10 would snorkel again.

2. Hit up the Sunday Market

Great news, you guys. There’s a market in Port Douglas, and it happens every Sunday, and it’s huge, and it’s awesome (the official market criteria, no?) Anyway, this market goes down every Sunday, and you cannot miss it. Drive to the end of Macrossan Street, toward Rex Smeal Park, and you’ll find it easily. It’s a fantastic market selling all kinds of yummy things, crafty things and arty, useful, cool things.

3. Catch the cane toad races at Chilly’s

If this is your first trip to Australia, I strongly recommend you attend this illustrious event. Yes, there will be racing. Yes, it will involve live cane toads, and yes, it will involve alcohol. Don’t question it, don’t try to hold yourself back, just let yourself go. The races now happen at Chilly’s Pizza & Trattoria, Tuesday through Saturday, starting at 6 pm, hosted by MC Nicky G. Entry to the racing arena is $5 per person, and it’s guaranteed entertainment for the whole family. Worth it. Find the cane toad races here. (No fascinator required).

4. Have breakfast with the birds at Wildlife Habitat

One of the best ways to start your day in Port Douglas is having breakfast surrounded by free-flying birds and koalas at Wildlife Habitat. You’ll sit down to a generous tropical breakfast spread including eggs, grilled specialties, antipasto and fresh coffee at the Curlew Café. While you eat, colourful parrots wander freely around you, and you can feed and interact with koalas right beside your table. The wildlife keepers are on hand to answer questions and share their passion for conservation. Your ticket includes access to all the daily wildlife presentations and a five-day re-entry pass, so you can explore the five different habitat zones at your leisure.

5. Watch the sunset among palm trees at Rex Smeal Park

My favourite way to end a day in Port Douglas (other than face down in a glass of booze) is at Rex Smeal Park. It’s honestly the best place to watch the sunset. There are these dreamy palm trees and a few other people scattered around the place listening to music, drinking and eating. The sun casts all kinds of pretty colours over the water, and it’s just…. wonderful.

6. Go to the Trinity Bay Lookout

One of the most famous lookout spots in Queensland, Trinity Bay Lookout is surprisingly void of tourists. I don’t know how or why, but every time I go there, I seem to be the only one. If you’re into fitness, you can walk (or run) up the hill to get to the lookout from Rex Smeal Park. It’s an easy enough walk, along bitumen, but at the top, you get treated to some fantastic views of Trinity Bay.

7. Eat really yummy gelato and sorbet

I live for sorbet, and the guys at Shakes Gelati Bar have a huge range of sorbet options, including chocolate and raspberry. They also have a big range of gelato as well, for all you milk-lovers. I’d definitely recommend it as a great place to end a lovely evening or just stop in mid-day for a scoop or four of yummy gelato. You can taste before you buy, which makes choosing between their 40-plus flavours a whole lot easier.

8. Visit the Mossman Gorge

Take a 20-minute drive north of Port Douglas, and you’ll find yourself at the stunning Mossman Gorge, part of the Daintree Rainforest. You can go for a hike through the jungle, then cool off in the crisp, cool and very refreshing water of the gorge. I have a killer blog post on must-know tips for visiting, you should definitely read that here.  It’s a Pulitzer Prize-worthy.

9. Eat dinner at Chilly’s Pizza & Trattoria

A great thing about Queensland weather, especially Tropical North Queensland, is taking advantage of outdoor dining. At Chilly’s, you’ll find yourself spoiled with a large outdoor eating area, complete with cool picnic-style and dining tables, strings of festival lights and cool music. The food is really delicious, especially their pizzas. There are options for vegetarians and gluten-dodgers, too. It’s kid-friendly, so if you despise small humans, you should go after 8:30 pm.

10. Take a trip to Palm Cove

It’ll take you 40 minutes or so to drive to Palm Cove if you have a day to spare. It’s a lovely drive and worth it. Snap a few photos of the iconic palm trees, laze around the beach, make yourself at home in a hammock or get cosy in a cafe for lunch. It’s a really lovely place and a nice spot to spend a day swimming, eating and relaxing.

11. Have dinner at Star of Siam

I freaking L-O-V-E Thai food, and Star of Siam does not disappoint. Don’t let its casual little shop-front fool you, these guys serve up dang delicious Thai food. Everything is so fresh and bursting with flavour; they don’t skimp on the number of veggies in the curry (I assume that will also apply to meat). I didn’t really know what to expect when we sat down at the table, but I ate every single bite. The food was fantastic. 10/10 would munch again.

12. Go shopping along Macrossan Street

It’s hard to miss the main street of Port Douglas, it’s Macrossan Street, and you’ll definitely be crossing it more than once. Sorry, that’s a terrible joke. Moving on… The main street is lazy with shops to explore, from cute boutiques and art galleries to cafes and more. One of my favourite shops in Moonshine Bay, this place is full of really bright, cool and quirky items from jewellery and clothing to bags and just… cool… stuff. Definitely, check it out. Also, the owner is a sweetheart, and there’s a cafe at the back.

13. Go stand up paddleboarding

To give your abs and legs a good workout, grab a paddleboard and spend a few hours paddling on the high seas. The guys at Windswell offer Kite Surfing and SUP tours and lessons. Port Douglas is a great place to learn, so jump in the water and give it a go.

14. Stop at the palm tree plantation at Thala Beach

Just a 15-minute drive south of Port Douglas, you’ll find one of the most photographed spots in Tropical North Queensland. Thala Beach Nature Reserve‘s coconut plantation features 650 palm trees planted in perfectly neat rows, creating an absolutely stunning visual. The property is a luxury eco-lodge, but you can stop by to snap photos of the palms (ideally with a drone if you’ve got one) and grab lunch at Osprey’s Restaurant, which sits high in the treetops with sweeping views over the Coral Sea. The restaurant is open to non-guests and serves modern Australian cuisine made with local produce.

15. Swim at famous Four Mile Beach

Four Mile Beach is the crowning jewel in Port Douglas’ beach empire. Does that make sense? You get the point. It’s a beach, and it’s really great. There’s a stinger net set-up so you can swim without worry. It’s a fantastic stretch of beach to spend the day. I recommend waking up at dawn to watch the sunrise, then throwing yourself into the ocean for a morning swim, followed by breakfast and coffee. Bliss.

16. Spend a full day on the outer reef with Quicksilver

If you want the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience, the Quicksilver pontoon tour is about as good as it gets. This tour takes you out to Agincourt Reef on the outer edge of the reef, where the water is crystal clear, and the coral formations are spectacular. The wavepiercing catamaran gets you there in comfort, and once you arrive, you’ve got a full day on a massive floating pontoon with everything you could want. You can snorkel to your heart’s content, take a ride in the semi-submersible to see the reef without getting wet, check out the underwater observatory, or chat with the marine biologists who are genuinely passionate about the place. If you’re prone to seasickness, this is your best bet because the pontoon is stable and you’ve got hours to enjoy the reef without worrying about the boat rocking. Optional extras like introductory diving and scenic helicopter flights are available if you want to go all out.

17. Dine at Silky Oaks Lodge

This very good tip comes from locals who highly recommend a trip to the incredible restaurant and accommodation at Silky Oaks Lodge. The food here is top-notch and absolutely not to be missed. You’ll dine along the river, enjoy gorgeous views and have a memorable meal. The lodge is tucked into the Daintree Rainforest on the banks of the Mossman River, about 20 minutes from Port Douglas, and it’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left.

Where to stay in Port Douglas

I stayed at Peppers Beach Club and had a fantastic time. The fully self-contained one-bedroom suites here are really great. They’re spacious, comfortable and have absolutely everything you could need, including a king bed, BBQ and balcony. I wrote a whole thing about it, which you should also most definitely read by clicking here.

Frequently asked questions about Port Douglas

How many days do you need in Port Douglas?

I’d recommend at least three to four days to really get the most out of Port Douglas. This gives you enough time to visit the Great Barrier Reef, explore Mossman Gorge and the Daintree Rainforest, relax on Four Mile Beach, and enjoy the town’s fantastic restaurants and markets.

What is the best month to visit Port Douglas?

The best time to visit Port Douglas is during the dry season from May to October. You’ll get warm, sunny days with low humidity and minimal rain. July and August are the coolest months, while September and October offer warmer weather before the wet season arrives.

Is Port Douglas better than Cairns?

Port Douglas offers a more laid-back, upscale vibe compared to Cairns. It’s smaller, quieter and feels more like a proper beach holiday destination. That said, both towns have their merits. Port Douglas is closer to the outer reef and the Daintree, while Cairns has more tour options and nightlife. I’d say visit both if you can.

Can you swim in the ocean at Port Douglas?

Yes, you can swim at Four Mile Beach, where there’s a stinger net set up during the warmer months (November to May). Always swim between the flags and inside the stinger enclosure. Outside of stinger season, the water is generally safe, but it’s always worth checking local conditions before diving in.

---

---