Top Port Douglas Outdoor Activities

Get up close to Australia’s native wildlife at the award-winning Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas. Spot kangaroos and koalas as you wander through the wetlands; tiptoe past crocodiles in the savannah; meet nocturnal critters under a starry sky in nocturnal habitat; then take in views of the rainforest from the treetop canopy walk. Upgrade to include breakfast with the birds or “swimming” with the crocodiles.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love this one-hour crocodile-spotting cruise on the Daintree River. Unlike many other tour boats, this one is solar powered so it's very quiet, doesn't disturb the wildlife (or you), and is free of fumes. Look out for crocs as well as other wildlife like snakes, frogs, and many kinds of birds.

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders and Aboriginal heritage of Australia's Tropical North Queensland on this full-day tour from Cairns. First, head to the Mossman Gorge to take part in a traditional smoke ceremony with the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people. Then, enjoy lunch in the Daintree Village. After lunch, join a wildlife cruise on the Daintree River where you might see a crocodile, and learn about the fragile ecosystem of this impressive, serpent-like river system. Finally, head to Thornton’s Beach, where the rainforest meets the reef.

The Daintree River, which meanders through one of the oldest rainforests in the world, is home to wildlife that you’re more likely to spot from the water. On this experience, cruise down the river with a guide looking for native wildlife such as crocodiles, tree snakes, and many species of birds. Learn about the unique tropical ecosystem along the way and return to the visitor center after about 60-90 minutes.

Get set for a wet and wild adventure as you hurtle down the Mulgrave River on a giant tube! Hang on tight as you navigate small rapids and then soak up the scenery as you drift through the rainforest. This fun-filled morning tour includes hotel pick-up and round-trip transport from Cairns, plus around 2 hours of tubing. Best of all: there’s no experience necessary, so everyone can give it a go!

Discover the vibrant underwater world of the outer Great Barrier Reef with a Quicksilver snorkeling cruise from Port Douglas. Board a luxurious catamaran to Agincourt Reef, where you can tailor your day with activities like snorkeling, fish feeding, semi-submersible tours, or the unique Ocean Walker helmet dive. Complete the adventure with a tasty buffet lunch and options to take your exploration deeper with scuba dives for beginners or certified divers alike.

Admire the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Daintree Rainforest while someone else takes care of logistics on this full-day, small-group tour. Get picked up from Port Douglas, spot crocodiles on a river cruise, learn about local flora and fauna at Marrdja Botanical Walk, explore Mossman Gorge, and soak up the scenery at Mt. Alexandra Lookout. Plus, take a beach walk to the spot where the rainforest and Great Barrier Reef meet.

This is a great tour for those who only want to spend a half-day out or are short on time. We visit two areas on this trip, Daintree River and Mossman Gorge. We begin with a drive along the Captain Cook Highway, on the way to the Daintree River, and share a little history along the way. Here, we board a cruise along the Daintree River, looking out for local wildlife, including the estuarine crocodile, snakes, birds, frogs, and more. After the Wildlife Cruise, we enjoy morning tea with Lamingtons and tea/coffee. Once in Mossman Gorge National Park, we conduct an interpretive walk along an elevated boardwalk. Weather dependent, we can enjoy a dip in the crystal-clear rainforest stream, whilst being surrounded by the beautiful and healing Mossman Gorge rainforest. What a memorable way to spend your morning!

See Australian wildlife up close and in its natural setting during this short river cruise along the Daintree River. Float 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) down river in a comfortable boat with sun cover to see lush rainforest and tropical birds darting between mangrove trees and watch for animals swimming in the water below and foraging for food on the banks.

This exclusive, small group Daintree Rainforest and Cassowary Falls adventure tour is on a magnificent private property, located in the Daintree Valley of tropical North Queensland. It includes an all-action ATV ride, crossing creeks and rivers with jaw dropping views. An experienced rainforest guide shares their knowledge of this ancient forest during the tour. The highlight is swimming at the stunning Cassowary Falls, a pristine natural environment, where you can leave your worries behind and feed fish and turtles. It is one of the few places it is safe to swim in the Daintree, with no crocodiles here. This one is for people of all ages who love adventure, nature and the thrill of getting offroad. Dress to get wet and dive right in to the cool, refreshing waters of the beautiful Cassowary Falls. This tour also includes an Army Truck rainforest ride and transfers to and from Daintree Village.

Marvel over colorful corals and schools of tropical fish on this half-day tour of the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas. Set sail for a thrilling cruise around the Low Isles by luxury catamaran, including a delicious afternoon tea served onboard. Enjoy free time to swim or snorkel at the beaches or join a guided snorkeling tour or glass-bottom boat cruise, and learn more about the reef’s myriad sea life. This cruise is limited to 33 passengers and includes hotel pick-up and snorkeling gear.

See snapping crocs in action on this half-day tour to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. Departing from Cairns or Palm Cove, explore the five different zones of this eco-park and working crocodile farm, including a narrated boat tour through a coastal lagoon. Stroll along elevated boardwalks to observe cassowaries, turtles, lizards, and koalas, and admire the mighty stars of the attraction at the thrilling Crocodile Attack Show.

Be amazed by the tropical fish, coral, and possibly even turtles at the Low Isles Reef, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ride a speed boat out to the reef, which is just offshore from Port Douglas, minimizing the risk of sea sickness. Enjoy an intimate small-group tour in which you’ll learn more about the reef as well as seeing it up close. Use of snorkeling gear is included.

Experience the beautiful Daintree River on a guided cruise. Choose from a variety of tour options, including morning trips with complimentary coffee and slushies for children, a lunch excursion with a meat pie and a cold drink, and afternoon adventure with a glass of wine, beer, and snacks. See crocodiles and an array of beautiful birds.

Escape crowded reef sites on this small-group snorkeling tour to the outer Great Barrier Reef, perfect for travelers who want a more personal, wildlife-focused experience. With a capped number of participants and one instructor for every six guests, you receive attentive guidance and support in the water. Spend the day exploring remote reef locations, where fewer visitors mean clearer views of vibrant coral and diverse marine life.

We are the only half day Outer reef tour departing from Port Douglas offering you the opportunity to visit the Outer Reef in 3.5 hours. We visit our own exclusive snorkelling site and with a maximum of 14 passengers allows you more space to snorkel at your leisure. The speed boat ride is half the fun and is too fast to get seasick.

Tackle the grade II and III rapids of the Barron River on this adrenaline-pumping half-day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Prepare to get wet and wild as you hurtle over the rapids, then float downstream past the jagged cliffs, plunging ravines, and lush rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park. Best of all: With full instruction provided, this tour is suitable for all levels, including complete beginners.

Watch the sunset from the deck of a luxury catamaran on a relaxing evening cruise from Port Douglas. Admire the coastline during golden hour for epic photos, and enjoy being outside when temperatures have cooled. Your captain steers your vessel to prime viewpoints for watching the sunset and the Coral Sea, the Low Isles, and the gorgeous coastline around Port Douglas.

Explore Northern Queensland’s natural beauty on a full-day tour of Cape Tribulation and the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Daintree Rainforest from Cairns. Start the day spotting koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles at a wildlife park in Port Douglas, then head to Cape Tribulation beach. Take a guided hike through the rainforest, looking out for native birds such as cassowaries. End with a cruise on the Daintree River and perhaps spy wild crocodiles.

Explore the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest on a full-day tour from Cairns. Take a guided nature walk through some of the oldest rainforests in the world at Mossman Gorge, look out for crocs on a cruise down the Daintree River, and stroll on the famous Cape Tribulation Beach. Enjoy a tropical lunch in a rainforest setting and stop for a refreshing snack at the Daintree Ice Cream Company. Round-trip luxury coach transfers complete this memorable adventure through the Wet Tropics of Queensland.

Charter your own boat for a fun-filled day of snorkeling and cruising from Port Douglas. Your captain takes your private group sailing on the Coral Sea aboard a Chinese junk boat that accommodates up to 13 passengers. Customize the itinerary to your interests, with options such as snorkeling, visiting a historical lighthouse, and looking for wildlife during a nature walk. Lunch, snacks, and snorkeling gear are provided.

Take to the treetops for a thrilling ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway with this customizable full-day tour from Port Douglas. Ride the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway, browse the stalls at the Kuranda Heritage Markets, or pay a visit to Birdworld, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, or Kuranda Koala Gardens (extra cost).

Experience the beautiful Daintree River on this sunset cruise. Enjoy a small-group tour with ample wildlife viewing—crocodiles, snakes, kingfishers, flycatchers, herons and other animals are often spotted—that’s perfect for capturing memorable photos. Learn about the the river’s ecosystem from an informative local guide and take advantage of access to otherwise inaccessible corners of the Daintree in a small but comfortable vessel.