Port Douglas, Queensland is a popular holiday destination for many travelers in Australia. Families, couples and singles visit the warm tropics of Port Douglas each winter to escape the cold from southern Australia. Others visit Port Douglas as part of a longer Australian road trip. Understandably, there are also numerous weddings and events at the top Port Douglas restaurants, and stunning beaches every year.
I have visited with my family, partner and friends, all on separate occasions and loved each stay. Port Douglas is the perfect place to unwind with guaranteed warm weather, gorgeous beaches and lots of dining and shopping options.
When visiting a popular tourist destination like Port Douglas, it can be difficult to choose where to begin, when deciding where to stay, eat and drink or which activities to prioritise.
To assist you in planning the best possible holiday, here are my top recommended things to do in Port Douglas.
(See locations in the below Port Douglas Queensland Map).
PORT DOUGLAS RESTAURANTS
The Surfy
The Surfy is a quieter Port Douglas restaurant, set on 4 Mile Beach. The relaxed lunch and dinner spot is located 2 minutes drive away from the centre of town (Macrossan street). The Surfy is situated in front of the Port Douglas Life Saving Club.
With only one other kiosk style cafe over the road, this beach side area is otherwise quiet and a great spot for sitting outdoors for lunch or dinner, snack or drink with a view and close by beach access.
I love the fish ‘n’ chips, salt and pepper squid and tacos at The Surfy. Also available are a range of curry’s, burgers, gnocchi and a kids menu.
The Surfy is perfect for casual dining away from the noise of the main streets in Port Douglas. I love staying in this area of Port Douglas as it is close enough to walk into town, while staying near the beach in a quiet area!
Salsa Bar and Grill
Salsa Bar and Grill is ideal for a special night out in Port Douglas. This restaurant serves local seafood and delicious cocktails and the service is warm and professional. The menu consists of delicious modern Australian highlights like spring rolls for an entree, or specialty dishes from linguine to local barramundi for a main meal.
Rattle N Hum
Rattle n Hum has a fun beer hall vibe with a pool table, burgers and chips and the usual beers on tap. Accompanying the low key basic drinks and food is a casual atmosphere, making this bar fun and best suited to young groups.
The Iron Bar
The Iron Bar is the must see tourist bar for Port Douglas. Here you can grab a steak or preferred pub meal and beer, and even have a dance when the DJ arrives on the weekends. The Iron Bar previously hosted the famous Cane Toad Races, which have now moved to Chillys Pizza & Trattoria.
Chillys Pizza & Trattoria
Chillys is a great outdoor pizza restaurant, and one of the most popular Port Douglas restaurants for families. The casual outdoor dining suits the warm Port Douglas nights and gorgeous sunsets. The authentic Italian pizzas are affordable and delicious!
Barbados
Barbados at the Marina serves impressive afternoon cocktails with a stunning view of the marina and even more spectacular at sunset. This is one of the best places to take a holiday snap and enjoy watching the sun drop past the horizon.
Beach Walks
Walking along the long stretch of 4 Mile Beach in Port Douglas in the early morning or at sunset is one of my top things to do when visiting this holiday town. When the sun is shining, which is often, the sea is glistening in the early to mid mornings- perfect for a beach stroll before the heat of the day sets in.
Crocodile Tour
I took the Lady Douglas tour from the Port Douglas marina which was heaps of fun! The small boat heads up the river with a tour guide at the helm. Drinks and snacks are provided and the tour is funny and eye opening!
Crocodiles and Port Douglas history are explained over nibbles and beer or wine with the open air boat perfect to really see the crocodiles in their natural habitat!
The Lady Douglas looks like a funny tour boat when you arrive, especially beside the rich boats hovering at the marina, but it is one of the most memorable tours I have done due to the down to earth tour guide and fun.
The Marina
The Marina in Port Douglas, Queensland is a relaxed and fun place for a meal, coffee, cocktail or walk. The sunsets here are gorgeous and many will head here to take pictures as the sun drops. Sitting at Barbados bar, overlooking the sunset is perfect, with an aperol spritz in the late afternoon.
Mossman Gorge
Mossman Gorge is a beautiful swimming spot and rain forest hike not far from Port Douglas (20 min drive). The water in the pool-like gorge is crystal clear and cold! But ohh so refreshing! Swimming at Mossman Gorge is especially cleansing after some salty swims in the Port Douglas sea. You can drive directly to Mossman Gorge or take one of the tours available. There is a cultural centre at the site, as well as options to take guided hiking tours. Book ahead and learn more here.
The Daintree And Cape Tribulation
It’s a 2 hour drive from Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation, discovering the tropical Daintree Rainforest along the way. There are day tours available, or staying overnight is an option at one of the beach front or rainforest lodges.
Cape Tribulation and The Daintree are incredible places to visit for the lush forest, warm climate and the beautiful beach, all in the one location. Hiking is popular in the area on one of the many trails as well as exploring the reef at Cape Tribulation when the tide is out.
Markets
The Port Douglas markets are held each Sunday from 8am, at market park on Wharf street. These markets are extensive and provide crafts, books, clothes, fresh produce and delicious food and coffee. These are definitely markets to visit for the vibrant atmosphere and variety of stalls available. Grab a coffee or if it’s particularly hot, some tropical fruit or frozen ice treats are recommended to start the day.
CAIRNS OR PORT DOUGLAS
Where is better Cairns or Port Douglas? In my opinion, Port Douglas is a much better holiday destination than Cairns. The beaches, resorts, and relaxed lifestyle are perfect for a getaway. Whereas Cairns is a noisier, less visually appealing city.
The 1 hour 15 drive from Cairns to Port Douglas is worth the travel, to experience a truly memorable part of Australia.
Port Douglas Queensland MAP
Use this Port Douglas Queensland Map to navigate the top Port Douglas restaurants and best Port Douglas activities.
Conclusion
I’ve always loved visiting Port Douglas, Queensland. It’s an ultimate holiday destination where you can really relax, and 99% of the time the weather is guaranteed to be warm and sunny. It’s easy to find quiet areas as the town is spread out, while still feeling connected with everything you need in close proximity.
Port Douglas is the place to go when you need to truly unwind in warm weather on the beach or by a pool. The town has caters for everyone, with fine or casual dining at a variety of Port Douglas restaurants, and nearby tours for snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef. Port Douglas and this whole part of northern Queensland (See above Port Douglas Queensland Map for size) is truly a beautiful destination for a beach holiday amongst the rainforest.
