Port Douglas is a scenic town nestled on the Coral Sea, on the Northern side of Queensland in Australia. Most people only know about the Great Barrier Reef that lies around the region but there are lots of more places to go to in this paradise of a town than you know of. Don’t think that because it is a small town, there is not much to see. If you are visiting Port Douglas, here is a guide to the top 10 places to visit in Port Douglas which will not only introduce you to the many aspects of the city but will also make sure that your trip to Port Douglas is a memorable one.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Port Douglas
The town of Port Douglas is the only city on planet Earth to have two UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, meet within its periphery. Here is a list of more:
- Heart Reef at the Great Barrier Reef
- Daintree National Park
- Four Mile Beach
- Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
- The Bally Hooley Station
- Port Douglas Court House Museum
- Kuranda and Mowbray National Park
- Saint Mary’s by the Sea
- Palmer Sea Reef Golf and Country Club
- Ngarru Art Gallery
1. Heart Reef at the Great Barrier Reef
At the Great Barrier Reef, the Heart Reef is one of the most beautiful sights. The UNESCO Heritage Site of the Great Barrier Reef is definitely a place you must visit in Port Douglas. The Heart Reef deserves a special mention as it is a set of naturally formed heart-shaped corals, making it a marvelous sight for tourists to visit. Unfortunately, the Heart Reef can only be accessed through helicopters, a light plane or a seaplane as the area has been declared protected.
Where? In North-Eastern Australia, off the coast of Queensland.
Timings: The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is from 9:30am to 5pm.
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2. Daintree National Park
The Daintree National Park is spread over a sprawling area of 12,000 square kilometers and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Daintree National Park, also known as the Daintree Rainforest is filled with lush green vines and canopies, a sight that our urban souls long yearn. If you like trekking and going on nature trails, you will definitely love the Daintree National Park. The Daintree National Park is one of the best places to visit, North of Port Douglas as it is full of beautiful sights and thrilling experiences for travelers of all age groups.
Where? 2333 Cape Tribulation Road, Cape Tribulation Queensland 4873, Australia.
Timings: 8:30 am to 5 pm.
Suggested Read: Snorkeling in Australia: 10 Best Spots For Enjoying The Aussie Snorkeling
3. Four Mile Beach
The Four Mile Beach is lined with palm trees all through the four miles that it stretches over. The beach is said to be the premier beach of Port Douglas and you will know exactly why when you visit the place. Whether you just want to bask in the sun’s glory or you want to go swimming in the clear waters of the sea, the Four Mile Beach is the best place for you. You can also go to Flagstaff Hill for breathtaking top views of the Coral Sea and the Four Mile Beach. To reach Flagstaff Hill, you can either drive down the Wharf Street or even walk the path down from the northern end of the beach.
Where? A short walk from the main Port Douglas district
Timings: Open all through the day and night.
4. Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
The Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas is an award-winning environmental habitat where you can get a hands-on experience of the wildlife, in spitting distance. A visit to the Wildlife Habitat is a visual and experiential treat for nature and wildlife lovers and is one of the best places to visit in Port Douglas. The Wildlife Habitat gives you a chance to meet pythons, watch slithering crocodiles, cuddle with Koalas, look at the beautiful Australian birds and feed kangaroos, all at one place.-You will also be able to see the endangered Southern Cassowary and the Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo at the nature reserve.
Where? Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas, Queensland- 4877, Australia.
Timings: 8am to 5pm
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5. The Bally Hooley Station
A visit to the Bally Hooley Steam Railway will make you travel back in time, to the days when steam trains were the main medium of transport and will make you relive the romantic era of the sugarcane pioneering days. Bally Hooley has a historic collection of locomotives running between the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina and St. Crispins, these trains played a significant role in transporting sugarcane from the neighboring fields to the Mossman mill. Hop onto one of the trains for a fun train ride in the steam train where you can enjoy the views of the tropical mangroves that are behind the bustling streets of Port Douglas.
Where? Wharf St, Port Douglas, Queensland- 4877, Australia.
Timings: Bally Hooley remains open on all days of the week, you can check the train timings on their official website and book the packages in advance.
6. Port Douglas Court House Museum
The Court House Museum was built in 1879 and is said to be the second oldest courthouse that is open to the public. The Court Museum is one of the best places to visit around Port Douglas, especially interesting for people who are history buffs and for those interested in courtroom stories. The Court Museum exhibits the story of Ellen Thompson, the only woman who was ever hung to death in Queensland. She was charged for the murder of her husband, William Thompson and sentenced to death for the crime. It also houses a graphic display of the events that took place around the Battle of the Coral Sea, off the coast of North Queensland, in the year 1942.
Where? Wharf Street, Port Douglas, Shire of Douglas, Queensland, Australia.
Timings: Open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 1pm.
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7. Kuranda and Mowbray National Park
The Kuranda and Mowbray National Park lie adjacent to each other and fall within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Both the natural parks have a rainforest and an open Eucalypt forest that plays a significant part in protecting Australia’s wildlife. The Black Mountain Road that runs through both, the Mowbray and Kuranda national parks, passes through the local pine plantations, the native forests and farmlands, giving visitors beautiful views.
Where? Mowbray is about 9 kilometres away from Port Douglas.
Timings: The national parks are open 24 hours a day but we suggest you visit during the day.
8. Saint Mary’s by the Sea
Saint Mary’s by the Sea was the only church in Port Douglas in the year 1986 and the most beautiful one. The church has a window that opens to the views of the Coral sea and the reef, making it a picture perfect place to visit in Port Douglas and one that lives up to its name to the t. Saint Mary’s by the Sea has stained glass windows, wooden pews and a church garden which is lined with palm trees, it is one of the best feelings to douse in the tranquil vibes of the church. The church has now become one of the most sought-after venues for weddings in Port Douglas.
Where? 8 Dixie St, Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia.
Timings: Open throughout the day.
9. Palmer Sea Reef Golf and Country Club
The Palmer Sea Reef Gold Course is inspired by the St. Andrews Golf Course in Scotland which is the most prestigious golf course in the entire world. Spread over a sprawling area of 6135 meters, the golf course is designed by a world-renowned golf course design company. Palmer has an eighteen-hole link style course which suits both, beginner golf players and professionals. We are sure you will have a good time here.
Where? Old Port Rd, Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia.
Timings: From 6am to 6pm on all days of the week.
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10. Ngarru Art Gallery
The Ngarru Art Gallery sits in the heart of Port Douglas, on Macrossan Street and is one of Australia’s finest art galleries. The art gallery displays classic indigenous art including the Maningrida sculpture, authentic termite-hollowed didgeridoos, finely done fiber weavings, and high-end art-inspired gift articles. The gallery also encourages and promotes aspiring artists, so you will also find modern paintings at the gallery, as well.
Where? 1/31 Macrossan Street, Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia.
Further Read: Paragliding In Australia: 10 Best Places For Touring The Australian Sky
Port Douglas has a collection of Australia’s wildlife that resides within the extensive natural parks, glistening beaches, exquisite art galleries, an interesting museum, sprawling golf courses and much more. When are you booking your tickets for a fun-filled holiday in Australia? Once there, don’t forget to give these amazing places to visit in Port Douglas a go.
Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Port Douglas
What airport do you fly to get to Port Douglas?
Cairns Airport is the nearest airport to Port Douglas and fortunately enough is just 68 kilometers away from Port Douglas. It will hardly take you an hour or so to reach your destination.
What are the places to visit in Port Douglas?
Some of the best places to visit in Port Douglas are Saint Mary’s, Kuranda and Mowbray National Park, The Bally Hooley Station and Four Mile Beach.
Can you swim in Port Douglas?
There is a place to swim at the Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas which offers safe swimming conditions and fun experience.
What is the best time to visit Port Douglas?
The best time to visit Port Douglas is between April to October as the weather conditions are favorable and you can take a swim too. From November to March, Port Douglas becomes home to box jellyfish.
What is Port Douglas known for?
Port Douglas is a World Heritage Site and the nearby Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest add on to its beauty.
What should I wear in Port Douglas?
Loose and comfortable clothing, open shoes, swimwear, sunglasses, and hats or caps are some of the things that you can wear in Port Douglas.
Is Port Douglas a safe place to visit?
Yes, Port Douglas is a pretty safe place to visit. The roads are in a great condition so it’s pretty safe for driving and there is a swimming enclosure for water babies making Port Douglas safe for indulging in swimming too.
Is July a good time to visit Port Douglas?
Yes, July is a great month to visit Port Douglas. The temperatures range between 23 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius making it pleasant and comfortable.
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