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Port Douglas

Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
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Ranked #2 of 14 attractions in Port Douglas
Type: Landmarks/ Points of Interest, Bodies of Water
Owner description: Port Douglas is the natural place to holiday in AustraliaPort Douglas, once a sleepy fishing village, is 60km north from Cairns along the Captain Cook... more » Owner description: Port Douglas is the natural place to holiday in AustraliaPort Douglas, once a sleepy fishing village, is 60km north from Cairns along the Captain Cook Highway. The highway offers the first glimpses of this beautiful area, with stunning views across the water and along the coast.Visitors to this family-friendly, laid-back area can fish, golf, snorkel over the reef, walk through the rainforest or just relax on one of the many beautiful beaches the area is known for. The area is home to over 12,000, but during the tourist seasons the number can reach over three times this amount as tourists take advantage of the tropical climate and average temperatures of 26 C. Whether you want to self-drive or take advantage of one of the many tours on offer the Douglas area is easy to navigate and full of interesting attractions. Whatever the holiday there is a hotel, resort, lodge, backpackers or caravan park to suit your budget and needs and most offer pools, kids play areas and beach access. The Daintree Rainforest is one of Australia’s most spectacular regions, where the rainforest meets the reef.Just a short drive north of Port Douglas is the cable operated ferry which crosses the Daintree River and marks the beginning of this ancient land. From here the drive north to Cape Tribulation offers stunning scenic lookouts and picnic areas, emerald forests, golden sands and deep blue waters. The Daintree Rainforest is 140 million years old and is home to Cassowaries, crocodiles, goannas and Bennett’s tree kangaroos to name just a few. It’s also home to the highest number of threatened plant and animal species in the world and a large number of animals and plants not found anywhere else. The rainforest is a nature-lovers paradise with hundreds of species of birds, the beautiful Ulysses butterfly with its iridescent metallic-blue wings and millions of insects making their home here. Tropical fruit abounds in season, in all shapes and sizes, with passion fruit, jack fruit, mangosteen, papaya, rambutan, star apple and soursop among others. Tucked away in the Daintree are hidden swimming holes and peaceful bush walks through untouched forest, while stunning beaches separate the reef from the rainforest. The history and biodiversity of this area was recognised in 1998 when the forest was listed as a World Heritage site due to its evolutionary history and exceptional natural beauty. There are plenty of operators offering tours and guided hikes both during the day and in the evening, to spot the many nocturnal species, to help you make the most of your Daintree experience. « less
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533 reviews from our community

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Geelong, Australia
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 17, 2013 NEW

Not one complaint, everything was well above expectation. Definitely return again to this hidden oasis

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See 4 more reviews by Geoff F for Port Douglas
Ayr, United Kingdom
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 16, 2013 NEW

Stayed in Port Douglas for 5 nights and really loved it. We had been advised to stay here rather than Cairns and we're glad we did. The town it's self is lovely and although only really two main shopping street it's long with a great selection of shops, restaurants and bars. Be sure to check out Gelato, the ice cream... More

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See 2 more reviews by Alison M for Port Douglas
Chorley, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
22 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 14, 2013 NEW

Lovely small town, number of good restaurants, great trips to Barrier Reef and wildlife everywhere. Keep away from Cairns - pay the transport and come up to Port Douglas - you will not be disappointed!

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See 3 more reviews by BrianDerbyshire for Port Douglas
Brisbane, Australia
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 13, 2013 NEW

Port Douglas is an amazing town about a 1 hour drive from Cairns, with the wonderful four mile beach, beautiful tropical scenery, a very special place.

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See 2 more reviews by welcometotheshow for Port Douglas
sydney
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 12, 2013

We were here unfortunately during a very windy time, so although we didnt do the Barrier Reef trip as planned, we had a wonderful time visiting the markets, the Habitat, going to lunch and dinners, and going on Tony's Tropical Tours. It's a beautiful little village, still untouched by high rises. Got a cheap deal on a flight and was... More

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See 3 more reviews by alice s for Port Douglas
Sydney, Australia
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 36 cities Reviews in 36 cities
38 helpful votes 38 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed June 11, 2013

A day trip from Cairns is probably not the best way to review this place. However. A huge number of people will do just that. After all not everyone can afford to stay over in Port Douglas. Its a poor mans Noosa and the main street is a poor mans Hastings Street. If your curious make the the drive but... More

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Sydney, Australia
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 11, 2013

Lots to do but still the country feel. Relaxing but plenty of activity. Love the Sunday markets. There are lots of Spas but the best massages are the chinese massage or the Thai women at the markets.

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Maitland NSW
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 10, 2013

I love the atmosphere, the views, our accommodation, the variety of activities...the only thing is the prices of some things are a bit high.

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See 4 more reviews by julepet for Port Douglas
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 9, 2013

Located just 62km from Cairns airport, Sunshine Coast and gold coast this is NOT. Buildings are limited to the tops of the treetops (3 storeys high), there is no high rise developments and has the feel of a small country tourist town without the crowds. It seems the crowds get bused in daily from Cairns and get ushered onto the... More

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See 4 more reviews by waggerbj for Port Douglas
Melbourne Victoria
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
21 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 8, 2013

There is something truly magical about this place, which is pretty hard to deny. Have been 3 times, and want to return. The beach is just gorgeous!The people, well most ( accepting for a very nasty crabby old lady, we encountered at Rex Smeal Park, telling my kids and I off for having fun) and the odd surly shop/restaurant person,are... More

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See 21 more reviews by Chrisemmalee for Port Douglas

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