Embark on a unique escape to Port Douglas, where natural wonders, luxe stays, and delectable dining await.
Sydney, Perth, Adelaide… Australia is filled with unforgettable travel destinations. Way up north in tropical Queensland, there’s a cool little town called Port Douglas that lures travellers and celebrities from all over the globe. Renowned as the gateway to two Unesco World Heritage Sites (the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest), it’s home to lush rainforests, pristine beaches, vibrant marine life (crocs included), boutique shopping, a thriving cafe culture, and plenty of wellness offerings.
This charming, laid-back coastal town also offers a truly unique and immersive escape from city life and a chance to explore the world’s largest coral reef system and oldest living rainforest. Take your pick, it’s all here in Port Douglas – just dive in!
Port Douglas guide: Where to stay
1. Silky Oaks Lodge
Located in the pristine heart of the Daintree Rainforest, this private eco-luxe haven immerses guests in the lush beauty of nature while providing top-notch amenities. There’s plenty to do here, like dipping into the solar-heated pool, kayaking along the Mossman River, zenning out with healing water spa treatments, strolling around the kitchen gardens, and discovering the rich biodiversity with guided rainforest walks and eco-programs.
The treehouse-style accommodations, set high in the treetops, offer breathtaking views and an unforgettable sense of tranquillity. Each villa features rainforest-inspired decor and private balconies to soak in the sights and sounds of the rainforest. Outdoor bathtub, anyone? Dining at the Treehouse Restaurant is a culinary and visual delight, with a focus on locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients. Sustainability also takes centre stage at the Advanced Ecotourism-certified lodge, with a strong commitment to preserving the rainforest and its biodiversity.
Silky Oaks Lodge 423 Finlayvale Road, Mossman, QLD 4873
2. Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort is an iconic stay that offers a fantastic beachfront location and an extensive lagoon-style pool. Guests can choose from 295 harmonious rooms including hotel guest rooms, suites, thoughtfully designed villas and many dining options. There’s also an on-site spa, bicycles for hire and a golf course nearby.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 168-190 Port Douglas Road, QLD 4877
3. Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa
Indulge in five-star accommodation at spacious, modern and well-appointed rooms and apartments, as well as a stunning pool area that’s perfect for toddlers through to adults. There’s an on-site restaurant serving buffet-styled breakfasts and you can’t go wrong with Aluco Restaurant and Bar, which serves fresh, seasonal modern Australian fare throughout the day.
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa, Mitre St, Port Douglas, QLD 4877
4. Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Thala Beach Nature Reserve is set on a private headland between Cairns and Port Douglas and offers bungalow-style accommodations amidst the rainforest and views of the Coral Sea. Don’t miss out on dining amongst the treetops in Osprey’s Restaurant for a unique experience.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve, 5078 Captain Cook Highway, Oak Beach, QLD 4877
5. ReNewell Holiday House
There are endless Airbnb choices for every budget and style, but Executive Retreats’ ReNewell Holiday House in Newell Beach is a standout tropical paradise. Located within a 30-minute drive north of Port Douglas, this stunning accommodation promises an unforgettable escape that seamlessly marries luxury and natural beauty.
The extravagant four-bedroom beachfront home boasts views of the Coral Sea. Designed by an award-winning architect, this luxe home was created to maximise and capture the natural light and sea breezes. With two kitchens including one poolside with a gas BBQ, Renewell won’t disappoint for a tranquil and secluded tropical adventure.
ReNewell Holiday House, Newell Beach, Port Douglas, QLD 4877
Port Douglas guide: Best restaurants
6. Salsa Bar & Grill
Salsa is an iconic open-air setting restaurant – you’ll need to book well in advance to bag a table in this vibrant tropical gem. The beloved eatery, located in the heart of Port Douglas (opposite the extremely photogenic heritage-listed St Mary’s by the Sea Church), offers a delightful fusion of flavours. From fresh seafood to mouthwatering Australian cuisine, every dish is a masterpiece and captures the essence of Port Douglas’ charm.
Salsa Bar & Grill, 26 Wharf Street, Port Douglas, QLD 4877
7. Wrasse & Roe
Wrasse & Roe is a hidden treasure for seafood lovers seeking culinary excellence in this tropical paradise. The menu is curated with locally sourced ingredients and brings in the freshest seafood from the reef, beautifully prepared and presented with friendly service in a gorgeous tropical alfresco setting.
Wrasse & Roe, 9-11/56-64 Macrossan Street, Coconut Grove Building, QLD 4877
8. Nautilus Restaurant
For a magical dining experience, you can’t go past Nautilus Restaurant where artistry meets top-notch seafood cuisine. Tucked away in the open air, this is a dining oasis that offers an unforgettable tasting experience. Rich with local flavours, this dream location creates the perfect ambience for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
Nautilus Restaurant, 14 Macrossan Street, QLD 4877
9. Hemingways Brewery
Hemingways Brewery is a must-visit for those seeking craft beer and vibrant waterfront views, with industrial-chic design enticing locals and tourists. Offering a diverse selection of beers, from hoppy IPAs to refreshing lagers, it’s a beer lover’s paradise. The food menu is equally impressive, with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re sipping a cold brew, enjoying live music, or savouring a meal with a view, Hemingway’s Brewery is the ultimate laid-back destination.
Hemingways Brewery, 44 Wharf Street, QLD 4877
10. NuNu Restaurant
Our top tip: take a day trip and check out this restaurant in Palm Cove for laid-back absolute beachfront dining. There’s something for everyone on the menu, which features locally sourced ingredients and fuses tropical flavours. Every dish is a masterpiece, both in presentation and taste. Meanwhile, the stunning ocean views create the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal.
NuNu Restaurant, 1 Veivers Road, Palm Cove, QLD 4879
Port Douglas guide: Fun things to do
11. Try local tours
There’s nothing better than immersing yourself in the Unesco-protected Daintree rainforest and learning about its mysteries. The best way to conquer this is to take a full-day Walkabout Adventures Tour with a local First Nation guide. You’ll be collected from your accommodation with other guests and taken on a grand adventure through nature’s trails to learn about the amazing relationships that the indigenous Kuku Yalanji have with their land.
Discover the history, culture and traditions of the Aboriginal people while you stroll through the rainforest and coastal habitats. You’ll learn about (and eat) local fruits and medicines that can treat everyday ailments. You’ll also drive to show-stopping lookouts and enjoy incredible island views (we see you, Cape Tribulation). Look out for the elusive and endangered Cassowary bird in your travels!
Another way to experience the Daintree and Mossman Gorge is with a Dreamtime Mossman Gorge Tour. Conducted by the Indigenous people, it starts with a smoking ceremony to cleanse and ward off bad juju. There are five tours daily that take visitors along private, gentle tracks, visiting special places that are culturally significant to the First Nations locals. Kids will love this tour as they’ll have the chance to enjoy traditional bush tea and damper at the end.
12. Cruise, dive and snorkel
Book a tour to experience the immense and Unesco-protected Great Barrier Reef. Quicksilver Cruises offers a range of options. Even non-swimmers can visit the reef in submersibles like the underwater observatory and the submarine. But for a truly authentic local experience, take the Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel tour where you’ll hear stories of traditional owners who have passed down tales from over tens of thousands of years.
Tip: for more fun, take a Mossman river drift snorkelling tour lying atop river sledges (yes you read right), with Backcountry Bliss. Float, paddle, snorkel, swim, walk and explore throughout this incredible ancient rainforest with a local guide. The surroundings took about 180 million years to arrive where they are today, so don’t hesitate to book your front-row seats.
How to get there: You can take daily direct flights from Singapore to Cairns via SilkAir and Singapore Airlines in six hours and 40 minutes. From Cairns Airport, take a transfer or arrange car hire to Port Douglas, which is a one-hour drive north along a stunning road that hugs a crystalline coastline.
Bookmark this guide for your next visit to the seaside town and tropical playground!
