Things to do in  Port Douglas

Marking the southern border of Daintree National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mossman Gorge is one of the most popular places to experience the world’s oldest rain forest. Dating back more than 130 million years, the dense forest and scenic river gorge harbor a rich biodiversity and provide a stunning backdrop for hikers and swimmers.

From the dramatic jungle-clad gorges, wild rivers, and tumbling waterfalls of Daintree National Park to the deserted coast of Cape Tribulation along the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest is Australia’s largest stretch of rain forest, covering 460 square miles (1,200 square kilometers). A protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and a hiker’s paradise, the rainforest is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity.

The Agincourt Reefs are part of the larger Great Barrier Reef, sitting toward the northern end of the reef system and at its outer edge. Off the coast of Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation in Northern Queensland, the Agincourt Reefs are popular with divers, and there are around 16 different dive sites.

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures introduces visitors to Australia’s most famous reptiles (and other native species) through an informative and educational day out. Visitors can observe crocs on a cruise through a lagoon mimicking the creatures’ natural habitat and learn how crocodiles are sustainably farmed.

The Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas provides a chance to see Australia’s native animals—including koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, and cassowaries—in the context of conservation. The animals live in expansive enclosures that mimic their natural environments, and the 8-acre (3-hectare) park comprises five areas: woodlands, wetlands, rain forest, savannah, and nocturnal.

Captain Cook (at the time a lieutenant) beached his ship, the HMS Endeavor, in this remote spot on June 17, 1770. Today, the small waterfront community of Cooktown attracts day-trippers from Port Douglas who come to visit the James Cook Museum, relax on the beaches, and soak up the historic frontier vibe.

A series of small coral cays, the Low Isles lie just off the coast of Port Douglas on the edge of the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef. The hard and soft corals in the waters are a habitat for tropical fish, reef sharks, and sea turtles, creating excellent conditions for snorkeling and diving.

Four Mile Beach is exactly that—4 glorious miles of unimpeded golden sands stretching into the distance. The long stretch of beach, backed by palm trees and with little development in sight, offers access to the calm waters of the Coral Sea, perfect for swimming. A reef offshore provides an easy snorkeling opportunity.

Australia’s only rain forest dining experience invites travelers for an evening of food and entertainment under the stars in one of the world’s oldest rain forests. The multi-course meal, highlighting ingredients from the rain forest, is served by candlelight to the sounds of live acoustic guitar or Aboriginal music and storytelling.

Couples book months in advance to tie the knot at the quaint, nondenominational chapel of St Mary’s by the Sea in Port Douglas, and it’s easy to see why. Surrounded by palm trees and manicured lawns, the white timber chapel was built in 1914 with picturesque stained-glass windows and views of the sea.