Top Three Exciting things to do in Port Douglas, Australia

Queensland’s Port Douglas is a famous tourist hub offering a perfect getaway to the largest living reefs in the world, The Great Barrier Reef and the heritage-listed Daintree Forest. It’s a tropical town with a low key charm and friendly locals to go with it making it a great place for relaxing vacation. This coastal area offers many attractions including great beach resorts, golf courses, multi-cuisine restaurants, wildlife, water-related activities, shopping opportunities and much more. Port Douglas is brimming with tropical energy and there are a number of ways to fully grasp it– here lies a few of them.

Dive into the depths of the Coral Sea

The beachfront location of Port Douglas has made it easier for water activities like cruising, surfing, scuba diving, sailing and so on to flourish. Cruising and snorkeling are amongst the most popular activities for the locals and tourists who visit here as they are key in exploring the depths of the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef. Seek out a Port Douglas snorkelling cruise and marvel at the unknown parts of the reef under proper guidance, a chance to experience the other side of the sea underwater. You can also learn much more about the sights you witness including the reefs as most of these cruises offer live commentary, where the captain will shed light about the vistas you see. Snap amazing photographs under the water and show off to your closest friends about the truly remarkable experience. Another way to get the most out of the waterways and the views surrounding it is to hop on Port Douglas cruise that offers a much more laid back and leisure vibe as you get to nibble away on complimentary eats and drinks with live music as companion. 

Explore the rivers and waterfalls in the area

Although Port Douglas is renowned for its famous Four Mile Beach and Coral Sea, this coastal town is also home to many waterfalls and fresh water rivers that really brings out the tropical beauty of the area. Gear up with all the necessary equipment for a swim and head to any of the closest falls and lay on the waters for as long as you want. One of these is Mossman Gorge, a rural area located only 15 minutes away from Port Douglas and having a population of less than 300. With sparkling waterfalls, breathtaking mountain peaks and wet forests, the views here are astonishing and as a bonus you can immerse yourself with stories about the culture and tradition of the Kuku Yalanji people from one of the accompanied guides. Another great example for an adventurous walk through a mesmerizing waterfall is the lookout track at Barron Falls. This cascade waterfall is a part of the Barron River and although you can't swim here, the view of the lush rainforest canopy and the dripping waterfalls is enough to take up this 40 minute walk. Other waterways you can explore are the Davies Creek Falls, Masons Store Waterhole and Shannonvale Waterhole all of which have easy access from Port Douglas.

Shop at the famous Sunday Markets in Port Douglas

Shopping will be on top of the bucket-list of things to do when you visit a new region, especially if you are accompanied by families. The trip will be complete only if you explore one of the traditional markets, buy a souvenir and taste some of the local snacks with your closest ones. The Sunday Market of Port Douglas is a Cotters Market, where everything available on the table will be handmade. Expect some eclectic handicrafts of the local artists of Port Douglas and Queensland; peculiar wall masks, kangaroo-leather wallets and belts, articles from driftwood to name just a few. Don’t worry if you get thirsty during the shopping as you will be roped into the pedals of the squeezing machine from which sugar cane juices are made.