Top Things To Do In Port Douglas

Map of the Great Barrier Reef

Port Douglas is the ideal destination for a weekend away. Whether you’re looking to kick back and relax, round up the family, or go on adventures, Port Douglas has something that everyone will love.

Port Douglas Queensland

It’s not hard to see why Port Douglas is such a popular tourist destination, with all of the things to do in Port Douglas. Let’s jump right in and see the top things to do in Port Douglas.

Kayaking

Most tourists head to Port Douglas for some time on the beach, but there’s more to it than just getting your toes wet in the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

Grab a kayak and check out the nearby islands, and then explore what land is available once you get back on shore. The tranquil waters of Trinity Inlet and other bays are ideal for exploring from the view of a kayak, as you can paddle around at your own pace and stop when you see something interesting.

Scuba Diving

The nearby reef is one of the most popular destinations for scuba diving in the country, with more than 300 different species of tropical fish, coral and other marine life that you can experience.

Time your visit for between May and September to see the spectacular sea turtles visiting, or head out into open water for a sneak peek at some of the larger creatures that call this home.

scuba at Port Douglas

Surfing

Surfing is one of the most popular activities on offer in Port Douglas, as it’s only a short drive from Cairns and has plenty of beaches to suit all levels of surfing ability. Whether you’re looking for beginner waves or a more advanced spot, there’s something to suit everyone on the coast.

The beaches in Port Douglas are also prime spots for some of the best surfing in the country, whether you prefer surfing along a beach or in an ocean break.

Dolphin and Whale Watching

There’s something very special about seeing dolphins in the wild, and while it can be achieved at Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, it’s less crowded and offers more opportunities to see up close at Port Douglas.

Enjoy a day out with dolphin watching as you float above them on a glass-bottomed boat and experience the thrill of seeing these amazing creatures up close.

Horse Riding

Enjoy a day out with the kids on horseback, as most of Port Douglas’ nearby centers offer horse riding sessions that are available for beginners through to experienced riders. With some fantastic spots for horse riding within the area, you can enjoy some time on horseback in the rainforest and work your way towards the waterfront along the beach.

Golfing

Port Douglas is home to one of Australia’s top golf courses and you can check it out for yourself to see how challenging it can be.

With 36 holes designed by Greg Norman, it’s not surprising that this 18-hole championship course is so popular with tourists and locals alike. The course is located just a short drive from Port Douglas and is a popular place for tourists to visit since the course can be played at night when it’s all lit up.

Mirage Country Club

As golf is one of the most popular activities in Port Douglas, it’s not surprising that golf cart rental is something that’s available for visitors. Rent a golf cart for your preferred day and explore the beautiful countryside around your resort, with more than 40 different courses to choose from that are within three hours’ drive of Port Douglas.

Shopping in Port Douglas

Port Douglas has some great shopping opportunities, with some of Queensland’s top boutiques and stores spread out along Main Street and nearby suburbs. There’s also plenty of shopping opportunities around the area with an IGA supermarket and a Woolworths supermarket within ten minutes’ drive.

Fishing

Whether you’re looking for some fresh seafood or have your own catch that you’d like to keep, Port Douglas has fishing locations on the coast of Trinity Inlet and also offshore for fishing in deeper water.

There are plenty of places to hire gear and equipment, as well as access to local tackle shops that are available if you want to buy some new gear or supplies.

Go Karting

Just down from Port Douglas, Cairns is home to one of Australia’s busiest go-kart tracks and there’s something entertaining for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a thrill or just want to explore, you can rent a kart for some time on the track and race against your friends, or enjoy some quality time on the track with family.

cairns go carting

In conclusion, Port Douglas is an ideal weekend getaway for those who want to escape the city and enjoy some time in the country. With all of these things to do in Port Douglas, you’re guaranteed to find something you’ll enjoy during your stay in this unique seaside town.

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greatbarrierreef.org is a 'Web Magazine' website that is dedicated to all things related to the Great Barrier Reef. We are passionate about Australia's great natural wonder, its vast marine life, its golden sun-kissed beaches, its warm turquiose waters and the unforgetable experiences that are waiting for all who visit. Our aim is to discuss the Great Barrier Reef, its history, its environment, its marine life and its spectacular destinations. We hope that this website will inspire all who visit, just as much as the Great Barrier reef has inspired us.

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