Port Douglas
Port Douglas is a one hour drive north of Cairns along the spectacular Captains Cook Highway. Make sure to stop at Rex Lookout, where you have sweeping views back over Wangetti Beach. This is also a popular spot for hang gliding.
Port Douglas used to be a small fishing village where two UNESCO World Heritage sites were side by side. Now it has become one of Queensland’s most popular vacation destinations. Many travelers want to get out of the more hectic pace of Cairns and find a more tropical paradise.
Even though it has become a glamorous hotspot it has still managed to stay unpretentious yet relaxed; low key yet sophisticated. No building is more than three stories high, so the palm trees are still taller, and the crème de la crème is the absolutely gorgeous Four Mile Beach. A wide beach with pristine sand and small waves, it is the spot to swim, sit and relax or go for that early morning wander. There is a Surf Life Saving club at the north end of the beach for those who want to swim in protected waters.
The main street in Port Douglas, Macrossan Street, has a parking lot in the middle, set amongst trees, that you can pull into from each direction. This street is lined with boutique shops, restaurants and cafes, pubs and a few smaller hotels. It is fun to sit outside and enjoy alfresco dining of fresh fish and local produce.
From the local marina, which also has a great shopping center, you can go out to the Great Barrier Reef. As the reef is closer to the coastline at this point it takes less time to get out to the Outer Barrier Reef than it does from Cairns. If you would prefer not to go so far out, then you have the Low Isles which are only 9 ½ miles off the Port Douglas coastline.
Port Douglas also has some more adventurous type activities with horseback riding through a nearby valley or even along a local beach. There is a bike and hike group that also goes up to the local valley for a day trip. For the fisherman you have a choice of saltwater or freshwater fishing.
However one of the main areas that people go to from Port Douglas is the Daintree Rainforest which is a couple of hours drive north. This will be discussed in another section in more detail.
Not far from Port Douglas near the small town of Mossman, is a place where you can stay in a tree house or a river house. Relaxing in your hammock you can listen to the Mossman River flowing through. This gorgeous resort also has a spa that has been written up in many articles.
