As would be expected, there is some fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling to be had near the shore and within a couple of hours' boat ride, along with unbeatable bushwalking and hiking. You can also kayak the Daintree River or kitesurf Four Mile Beach and even play golf at the Mirage Country Club.
Great Barrier Reef tours
The Great Barrier Reef proper is only a few miles offshore from Port Douglas and tours of the likes of Batt and Tongue reefs are popular. In addition, there are many fringe (inland) reefs to check out, with Morey Reef literally steps from town to the north and Alexandra Reef just off of Four Mile Beach.
Snorkeling and diving
As gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas has good options for diving and snorkeling, with tours regularly leaving Marina Mirage. You can snorkel over reefs and see all sorts of exotic fish and even whales, as well as take to the Mossman River and snorkel there.
Mirage Country Club
Located just south of town, the Mirage Country Club is perfect for the active, and especially for golfers. There is an 18-hole championship golf course here, along with an aquatic driving range, several tennis courts, a swimming pool, saunas and a Jacuzzi.
Rainforest tours
Rainforests surround Port Douglas and to discover them you can get on a tour or go it alone. Four-wheel driving tours and river cruises are both popular and you can also go kayaking or bushwalking. Mossman Gorge and Daintree National Park are both fun, while Cape Tribulation is farther north.
Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing is a very popular water sport in Port Douglas on account of the long, wide beach and windy conditions in season. The best time of year to kitesurf is during the June to August winter months when trade winds blow up from the south. Due to its northerly locale, it never gets cold in Port Douglas.
Nightlife
Port Douglas is not touted as a party town but there are many bars, pubs and live music dens here. Many of them can be found at the waterfront, along the Esplanade, behind the beach and at the port in Marina Mirage, while Macrossan Street (the main street) has loads of bars and cafés.
Find more information about Port Douglas and hotels in the area: Port Douglas hotels |
Australia hotels
