7 Nights
yrarenitI
EERTNIAD & SALGUOD TROP
WWW.VISITPORTDOUGLASDAINTREE.COM
PORT DOUGLAS & THE DAINTREE
An extraordinary escape await
One of Australia’s most remarkable destinations, Port Douglas and the Daintree offer a seamless blend of barefoot luxury and nature-based adventure, a place where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Daintree rainforest and exceptional experiences come naturally. This 7-night guide has been designed to help you confidently plan itineraries in this region for travellers seeking something truly extraordinary.
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree acknowledges the custodianship of the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef by the local Kuku Yalanji and Yirraganydji people whose rich cultures, heritage values, enduring connections and shared efforts protect our natural assets for future generations, and we pay our respect to elders past, present and emerging.
2
PORT DOUGLAS & THE DAINTREE
7 nights itinerary PAGE 4
WELCOME TO PORT DOUGLAS Your perfect base to explore the reef, rainforest and hinterland.
PAGE 5
DAY 1 Travel through the iconic Reef Drive to Port Douglas.
PAGE 6
DAY 2 Reef Day: The World’s finest adventure on the Great Barrier Reef.
PAGE 7
DAY 3 Freshwater and cultural activities.
PAGE 8
DAY 4 Scenic and Outback.
PAGE 9
DAY 5 Rainforest Day: Unforgettable adventures in the Daintree World heritage Rainforest.
PAGE 10
DAY 6 Adventure and flavour meet in the Daintree Rainforest.
PAGE 11
ADD ON EXPERIENCES So much more to do in Port Douglas & the Daintree.
PAGE 13
WINING & DINING Port Douglas Food Lover's paradise.
PAGE 14
TROPICAL STAY Accommodation in Port Douglas & Daintree. 3
DISCOVER THE WONDERS AROUND PORT DOUGLAS Gateway to the World’s Finest Adventures. Port Douglas is the ideal base for experiencing the very best of Tropical North Queensland, with seamless access to both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, as well as the Tablelands. From this vibrant tropical village, guests can effortlessly experience a wide range of iconic adventures, from snorkelling and diving the reef, sailing to Low Isles, and exploring Mossman Gorge, to river cruises, wildlife encounters and scenic hinterland touring.
Staying based in Port Douglas allows travellers to enjoy maximum variety with minimal travel time, making it the perfect hub for a well-paced, experience-rich 7-night itinerary. Between adventures, Port Douglas offers a thriving dining scene, from relaxed seaside cafés to award-winning restaurants showcasing the region’s freshest tropical flavours. With so much at your doorstep, every day brings a new opportunity for discovery, indulgence, and unforgettable memories.
4
GETTING HERE
DAY
1
Welcome to Paradise!
Coastal Drive & Port Douglas Fly into Cairns. the closest major airport to Port Douglas and the Daintree, before travelling just under an hour north along the spectacular Great Barrier Reef Drive. This coastal route offers a stunning introduction to the region: Coral Sea vistas on one side and lush mountain rainforest on the other.
Transfers options include Port Douglas Transfers, or SR Coaches, for seamless, comfortable travel. Private transfers options with Port Douglas Transfers and Port Douglas Tours & Limousines. On arrival, the perfect opportunity to explore Four Mile Beach, one of the world’s most iconic tropical beaches. Followed by the easy-access Flagstaff Hill Headland trail right from town, then browsing the shops, cafes and restaurants along Macrossan Street.
5
DISCOVER THE WONDERS AROUND PORT DOUGLAS
DAY
2
Explore the Reef
The World’s finest adventures on the GREAT BARRIER REEF Full Day Outer Reef: A full-day reef adventure, snorkelling or diving crystalclear coral gardens and marine wonders. Quicksilver: Outer Reef & reef pontoon trips, snorkelling & dive. Calypso: Small-group snorkel & dive. Sailaway: Sailing & snorkelling. Reef Sprinter: High-speed reef trips. ABC Snorkel Charters: Boutique small-group snorkelling.
Other Reef Options: Sailing to Low Isles A relaxed and scenic way to explore a stunning coral cay just off Port Douglas. Sailaway: Day sailing with snorkelling or a champagne sunset cruise. Shaolin: Authentic Chinese junk with seafood lunch or sunset sail options. Liquid Desire or Indigo: Private charters for couples or small groups. Windswell: Private charters with SUP, kite surfing and adventure add-ons. Quicksilver (Wavedancer): Spacious, comfortable sailing to Low Isles.
6
DISCOVER THE WONDERS AROUND PORT DOUGLAS
Culture & Freshwater DAY
3
Culture & Freshwater Activities: An immersive day combining cultural storytelling with the Kuku Yalanji, Traditional Owners of the area, learning about their deep spiritual connection to land and water. Enjoy guided insights into their traditions, wander the tranquil rainforest trails of Mossman Gorge, and complete your day with a refreshing freshwater experience in one of the region’s most pristine natural settings.
Walkabout Cultural Adventure: An immersive Aboriginal cultural tour led by Kuku Yalanji guide, sharing traditional knowledge, stories, and ways of living in harmony with the rainforest and coastline. Mossman Gorge: Discover the lush rainforest sanctuary of Mossman Gorge, where you’ll wander elevated boardwalks through towering trees, crystal-clear streams, and explore the stories and traditions of the region’s First Nations people. Back Country Bliss: A tranquil Mossman River drift snorkel under rainforest canopy in the most peaceful of settings. 7
DISCOVER THE WONDERS AROUND PORT DOUGLAS DAY
4
Scenic & outback
Scenic and Outback: A range of unforgettable adventures easily accessed from your Port Douglas base, offering rainforest, wildlife, culture, fishing, and scenic experiences. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: Soar above the rainforest canopy for sweeping tropical views. Cairns Adventure Group: Adventure experiences across the region, from rainforest and river activities to active outdoor toours Kuranda Day Tour: A relaxed guided visit to the colourful village of Kuranda. FNQ Nature Tours: Small-group nature tours led by expert local guides. Tropic Wings: Full-day Kuranda tours including attractions and wildlife encounters. Rainforestation Nature Park: Rainforest activities, wildlife encounters, and Aboriginal cultural presentations. Down Under Tours: High-quality guided touring across the region’s top attractions. Fishing & Marine Adventures Hook Up Charters: Reef and coastal fishing charters for beginners to experts. East Coast Angling: Specialist reef and sportfishing adventures with a conservation focus. Akula Sportfishing: Sportfishing charters offering exciting fishing adventures from Port Douglas Wildlife Parks: Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures: a renowned wildlife park featuring crocodile shows and lagoon cruises. Wildlife Habitat: an immersive wildlife park with close-up animal encounters in open, interactive habitats.
8
DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF THE DAINTREE
Tropical Rainforest Adventures DAY
5
The World’s Finest Adventures in the Daintree World Heritage. Discover the World’s Oldest Living Tropical Rainforest.
Daintree Discovery Centre: Elevated boardwalks, aerial walkways, and interpretive displays in the heart of the rainforest. Solar Whisper Wildlife Cruises: Quiet, solar-powered Daintree River cruise, perfect for eco-conscious travellers. Daintree River Cruise Centre: Daintree River cruises spotting crocodiles, birdlife, and more.
9
DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF THE DAINTREE
Tropical Rainforest Adventures DAY
4
Treetops Adventures Zipline Tour: A thrilling zipline tour through the rainforest canopy, combining adrenaline and breathtaking views of the Daintree.
Daintree Fruit Farm: for a tasting experience of local tropical fruits. Daintree Ice Cream Company: for a tasting of unique, handmade ice creams crafted from tropical fruits grown on site.
10
DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF THE DAINTREE
Add-Onn Experiences
Daintree & Cape Tribulation:
Cape Trib Horse Rides: A once-in-a-lifetime ride along Cape Tribulation beach. Daintree Barramundi Farm (Hook-a-Barra): Catch-and-release or taste sustainable barramundi in a unique farm setting. Daintree Discovery Tours: Small group tours offering in-depth rainforest exploration. Ocean Safaris: A half-day reef adventure, snorkelling around a coral sand cay with crystalclear coral gardens and abundant marine life. Tony’s Tropical Tours: small group and private tours into the Daintree and Cape Tribulation. Masons Tours Cape Tribulation: Guided rainforest walks and freshwater swimming holes.
11
DISCOVER THE WONDERS AROUND PORT DOUGLAS
adds on -not to miss
Iconic, local & leisurely:
Port Douglas Sunday Market: Local produce, handmade crafts, and tropical atmosphere by the sea. Nautilus Aviation: Scenic helicopter flights over the reef and rainforest. Lady Douglas: A classic inlet cruise with crocodile spotting and local insights. Also not to miss while in Port Douglas: Forever Reef Project: Step inside the world’s first Coral Ark, a living library preserving hundreds of coral species and showcasing groundbreaking conservation. Tropical Trike Tours: Trike Tours for single, couples or groups (up to 10 people) around Port Douglas and surrounds. Cycling: Explore Port Douglas by bike with rentals from The Bike Shop and Hire. Wellness: Niramaya Spa: Holistic treatments and wellness rituals in a tranquil tropical setting. The Healing Waters Spa: (Silky Oaks Lodge) rainforest spa experience inspired by Indigenous traditions. Vie Day Spa (Pullman Port Douglas): provides beauty and body treatments.
12
PORT DOUGLAS: A FOOD LOVER’S PARADISE
Wining & Dining
From beachfront cocktails to award-winning restaurants, Port Douglas offers an exceptional food and wine culture that captures the essence of tropical North Queensland. Salsa Bar & Grill: tropical fusion, a Port Douglas icon. Harrisons: Refined dining by acclaimed chef Spencer Patrick. Lagoon House Restaurant: Resort dining with lagoon views. Zinc: Contemporary Australian cuisine in a chic setting. Cosmos: Stylish cocktails and share plates in the heart of Port Douglas. Seabean: Spanish tapas by the marina. La Cucina: Authentic Italian cuisine. Choo Choos at the Marina: Relaxed waterside dining. St Crispins Cafe: Café dining in a tropical garden setting. Café Fresq: Popular spot for fresh breakfasts and coffee. Grant St Kitchen: Artisan Bakery meets casual cafe’ Court House Hotel: Classic pub dining in a historic venue. Hemingway’s Brewery: Craft beers and casual marina-side dining. Santi, (Niramaya Restaurant): Contemporary cuisine in serene setting The Treehouse Restaurant (Silky Oaks Lodge): Rainforest fine dining above the Mossman River.
13
STAYING IN STYLE - PORT DOUGLAS
Tropical Stays
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa: A refined coastal retreat offering spacious suites, courtyards, and penthouses, centred around an expansive lagoon pool.
Niramaya Villas & Spa: Elegant tropical luxury with private pools nestled in lush gardens.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort: Port Douglas iconic luxury by the lagoon, set against Port Douglas’ palmfringed coastline.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve: Eco-luxury amidst rainforest and reef, with treetop-style retreats overlooking pristine coastline and natural bushland.
14
STAYING IN STYLE - PORT DOUGLAS
More places to stay
Luxury, Boutique, Premium Stays:
Peppers Beach Club The Boutique Collection Port Douglas Getaways Villa Amari Escape Villas Executive Retreats Coconut Grove Resort Mandalay Luxury Apartments Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel The Port Douglas Beach House
15
STAYING IN STYLE - PORT DOUGLAS Mid Range:
More places to stay
Mantra Aqueous Mantra Heritage, Inlet & Village (Accor) Mantra Portsea (Accor) Silkari Pavilions Silkari Reflections of Port Douglas Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas Bay Villas Resort Cayman Villas Port Douglas Oaks Resort Port Douglas Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas The Meridian at Port Douglas Villa San Michele Pool Resort Port Douglas Regal Port Douglas Shantara Resort Freestyle Apartments Garrick House Port Douglas
Budget & Holiday Parks: Lazy Lizard Motor Inn Dougies Backpackers Resort Big 4 Glengarry Holiday Park
16
STAYING IN STYLE - DAINTREE
Tropical Stays
Daintree (South of Daintree River): Perfect for guests wanting rainforest immersion with easy access to Port Douglas and Mossman Gorge. Daintree Ecolodge: Immersed in the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, staying in eco-luxury treehouses set side by side.
Silky Oaks Lodge: A sanctuary of luxury nestled in the rainforest, with elevated treehouse-style suites overlooking the Mossman River.
Daintree (North of Daintree River - Cape Tribulation): Perfect for guests seeking deeper rainforest immersion, remote beaches, and a truly nature-rich escape. Cape Trib Beach House: Enjoy barefoot beachfront living in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest.
18
STAYING IN STYLE - DAINTREE
More places to stay
South of Daintree River (Mossman, Lower Daintree) Cassowary Falls Gateway Daintree (south side) North of River (Cape Tribulation, Cow Bay, Diwan, Thornton Beach) Cape Trib Beach House Heritage Lodge Secrets Rainforest Daintree Siesta Wilderness Lodge Mist at Cape Trib Ocean Safari Cabins Cape Trib Camping
19
PARADISE AWAIT
Enjoy every moment
“Port Douglas and the Daintree invite visitors to slow down, connect with nature, and indulge in world-class experiences between reef and rainforest. We look forward to welcoming you soon to discover the magic for yourselves.