'''Port Douglas''' [http://www.pddt.com.au/] is a coastal resort town north of Cairns, near the Daintree National Park.

Understand

Port Douglas is ideal for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to the Daintree Rainforest, with Cape Tribulation a 90 minute drive on well maintained sealed roads.

Port Douglas maintains a village feel, as it is a town where the Palm Trees are taller than the buildings and you can meander through the town to do some shopping, or enjoy a wide variety of cafes, pubs, restaurants & bars, ranging from those offering excellent value to world class cuisine.

It is a very popular tourist, beach and reef destination, with the peak season being during the Australian winter.

Get in

Port Douglas can only be reached by road (it's about one hour drive from Cairns airport). It's best known for its "four mile beach". Macrossan street is where the action is.

Get around

There are 2 bus systems that will take you into town for $5 dollars round trip. The return ticket is only good with the bus company you went in to town with. On Wednesdays and Sundays there is a small train that runs into town. Tours to the reef or rain forest pick you up at your hotel.

Buses go past 4 times per hour from 7am til around midnight.

See

It is the place where the reef meets the rainforest, a tropical wonderland of diversity.

Port Douglas provides access to the Great Barrier Reef and also the Daintree Rainforest.

Another great day trip is also the nearby Atherton Tablelands.

  • The Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary. ort Douglas Road. 617 4099 3235. ttp://www.rainforesthabitat.com.au. Provides visitors with a chance to observe a huge range of flora and fauna, up close and personal. Visitors wander through three unique environments: The Rainforest, where boardwalks meander along the forest floor to the canopy allowing views of native species such as the Cassowary; The Wetlands, where wading birds can be seen foraging for fish in waterways, and The Grasslands, an open-air exhibit where you can hand-feed kangaroos and observe emus and crocodiles. Informative, free guided tours and presentations take place throughout the day. Famous for its Breakfast with the Birds and Lunch with the Lorikeets.

    Do

    Port Douglas really is the perfect place to laze or launch! From chilling out on the magnificent Four Mile Beach ( yes - it is really long ) to diving, bush walking, fishing or mountain biking, the list of first class activities is endless.

  • '''ParrotFish Dive''', 37 Warner St (''near Macrossan St''), Port Douglas, 07 4099 5011 (''info@parrotfishlodge.com'').Learn to dive in Port Douglas. Open Water dive courses start weekly. Spend 2 days diving on the Great Barrier Reef aboard Haba you will love it http://www.parrotfishdive.com
  • Get a free sunset sailing experience each Wednesday at the Port Douglas Yacht Club. All you need to do is be at the club and they will fit you up with an appropriate member_fs boat and voila ? you_fre sailing!
  • Swim in a rainforest glade at Mossman Gorge or anywhere in the lovely Mossman River, being very careful of the dangerous currents there. Take a snorkel and see what_fs really under the refreshing water.
  • Immerse yourself in the Port Douglas Sunday Markets at Rex Smeal Park. The quality and varied contents of the markets will keep everyone in the family happy.
  • Picnic at the gorgeous private beach on the far right hand side of Rex Smeal Park (you can even pick up some tasty eats and fresh juices in the markets!)
  • Catch a Sunday Session ? there are up to eight local bands playing in the shire every Sunday so just check out a gig guide or ask a local what they are recommending.
  • Bike along Four Mile Beach ? the firm sand is just sensational for cycling and the whole family will enjoy freewheeling along the beach.
  • Spot superstars in the streets ? Macrossan Street is tops for celebrity sightings and Marina Mirage is also no stranger to rich and famous faces (and their boats!)
  • Catch the cane toad races at The Iron Bar. Its as local as a mango tree but its so much fun ? take your visitors along to catch a piece of the Tropical North.
  • Fish off the beaches, off the wharf or in the creeks and rivers. Anglers of any experience will be satisfied with tossing a line into the waters around here.
  • Get in touch with the past and visit the Port Douglas Courthouse museum ? a gold coin donation is your link to an amazing array of riches in this conveniently located museum.
  • Buy

    Port Douglas plays host to a weekly Sunday Market where everything from fresh tropical fruit & vegetables, to clothes, jewellery and gifts.

    Eat

    There are plenty of restaurants on Macrossan street. 2Fish, Zeus, The Living Room and Salsa restaurants on Wharf street (among others are also very lively in the evening. "On the Inlet" restaurant offers great sea food, including many barramundi recipes. The Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary has a great buffet experience with Breakfast with the Birds or Lunch with the Lorikeets: as you dine, birds and other wildlife wander amongst the tables!

    Drink

    The Iron Bar - good patter

    For cocktail lovers, Watergate & Zinc are front runners.

    Sleep

    While there are a number of expensive places in Port Douglas, there are also some great cheaper options to allow everyone to rub shoulders with the rich & famous in Port Douglas!

    Budget

  • Dougias Backpackers. 300 metres from the beach. personalised and laid back atmosphere of a resort.

  • ParrotFish Lodge. 7 Warner St. ust off the main street. 61 7 4099 5011. nfo@parrotfishlodge.com. 61 7 4099 5011. ww.parrotfishlodge.com. 1am. 0am. orm beds starting at $25 per night, private rooms available. Relaxed friendly Vibe with a no noise after 11pm policy. On site Car Parking, Pool, Internet, Bar, Kitchen. Great staff and great people. Two blocks to the Esplanade and beach.

    Mid

  • Club Tropical Resort. lub Tropical Resort Port Douglas Australia. harf & Macrossan Sts Port Douglas QLD 4877. ttp://www.clubtropicalresort.com/. 4.00. 0.00. 20.00. 6285022. 45274569. CFully self contained accommodation with Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas Markets, Marina Mirage and many world class local Port Douglas Restaurants and hotels all within a short walking distance.

  • Lychee Tree Holiday Apartments. 5 Davidson Street. On the left as you come into town, just past the fire & ambulance stations. 617 4099 5811. nfo@lychee-tree.com.au. ttp://www.lychee-tree.com.au. pm. 0am. 75-$215 AUD. 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. 4 minute walk to Four Mile Beach and is 10-15 minutes walk to town. There is a great pool, and generally a very easy going relaxed environment.

  • ''' The Newport on Macrossan''', [http://www.thenewport.com.au/]. The Newport on Macrossan offers 4 star holiday accommodation.
  • Shantara Port Douglas. 7 - 31 Davidson Street Port Douglas. 00 metres Macrossan St & 4 mile beach. 7 4099 4099. ttp://www.realestateportdouglas.com.au/1165. .00pm. 0.00pm. 155 - $370 AUD. Centrally located to Four Mile Beach, the shops and restaurants of Macrossan Street, and a to the Marina Mirage, the tropical styled three storey building features timeless classical architecture comprising studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartments. 2 large lagoon style salt water swimming pools and Tibetan-inspired gardens and water features, fully equipped gymnasium, and health and beauty spa. The day spa offers specially designed massage treatments, body wraps, aromatherapy salt exfoliation, facials as well as hand and foot care.

    Get out

    Port Douglas is minutes away from the Great Barrier reef. Scuba diving or snorkeling is a must. A trip to the outer edge of the reef will take between one and two hours on fast boats. Most boats, like the Quick Silver, Calypso, Poseidon, Haba or Aristocat will go the Agincourt Ribbon reef. Port Douglas is also close to the Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation. See the rain forest and its eco-system in Daintree forest or Mossman gorges. Watch out for crocodiles! Cape Tribulation and its pristine tropical beach is a dream.