Day 1 in Port Douglas

Welcome to Port Douglas! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted with the beautiful seaside town of Port Douglas and take a leisurely stroll along Macrossan Street, the main stretch in town, brimming with upscale restaurants and sophisticated cafes offering al fresco dining. The town is overflowing with world-class cuisine giving visitors a wide variety of options, enjoy some lunch and the scenic surroundings.

After some lunch, continue strolling along Macrossan, a beautiful tree-lined street and check out the upscale boutiques and fine retail stores to pick up some rare items and souvenirs.

Next, check out some of the town`s historic landmarks such as St Mary`s by the Sea, which was constructed in 1911, it is one of the oldest buildings in town and was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992. See the quaint wooden church boasting an idyllic setting with tropical palm trees and gardens in a picturesque location with views of the sea.

Visit the Port Douglas Court House Museum another heritage listed building dating back to 1879, the second oldest surviving timber courthouse ever commissioned by the Queensland Government. The courthouse is filled with history, including the story of Ellen Thompson, she was tried for murdering her husband, the only woman to ever be hanged in Queensland.

As evening approaches, head over to Rex Smeal Park, a picturesque public park situated right on the waterfront. This is one of the best spots in town to capture a spectacular sunset with serene surroundings, classic palm trees line the waterway. Many of the locals gather here in the evenings with picnic areas, a children`s playground and live music.

Alternatively, you can take a sunset cruise, the Port Douglas Yacht Club offers free sunset sailing on the Coral Sea. The Yacht Club will set you up with a free sailing experience or you can jump on board a 62-foot catamaran Aquarius for a 90-minute cruise. Watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand and relax.

Make your way back down to Macrossan for a delicious dinner, Port Douglas has no shortage of excellent eating establishments such as Bistro H by Harrisons boasting remarkable fish dishes others include 2Fish, Zeus, The Living Room, and Salsa. Bask in the tropical outdoor climate with unique outdoor dining experiences with lush tropical garden and beachside settings.

Day 2 in Port Douglas

Start off your morning with a hike up Flagstaff Hill to the magnificent Trinity lookout point which offers sensational views over the beach and the Coral Sea. This is the best location on the island to watch a spectacular sunrise and take in the beautiful surroundings and breathtaking scenery. Afterward, Grab some breakfast at one of the many al fresco cafes found on Macrossan Street.

Spend the rest of your morning at the famous Four Mile Beach, this is the main beach in town offering a long, wide stretch of sand ideal for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and kitesurfing. This lovely beach is fringed by palm trees providing shade and a relaxing tropical atmosphere, it has been voted `Australia`s Best Beach` every year. Enjoy some of the activities offered on the beach including yoga, fitness classes, bike riding on the firm sands or kayaking.

Enjoy some lunch at one of the many beachfront eateries offering outdoor seating and spectacular views of the Coral Sea. Many of these restaurants offer freshly caught fish and seafood along with a variety of other local dishes, sip on a tropical cocktail and take in the seaside ambiance.

Make your way to the spa this afternoon and indulge in a relaxing spa treatment. The Niramaya Day Spa boasts a tropical rainforest location with a wide range of services including massage, facials, wraps and healing treatments.

Check out the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and capture another stunning sunset. This iconic marina is a dining and entertainment hub in town where celebrities come to hang out and dock their multi-million dollar super yachts. The marina is home to some of Port Douglas`s most popular bars and restaurants, choose one of the upscale eateries that suit your taste and dine on some delicious cuisine with outdoor seating and unbeatable views.

After dinner check out some of the new hotspots including Barbados, a chic cocktail bar where you can relax on day beds with a stylish cocktail. Hemingway`s Brewery is a fun place to hang for the night with a hip vibe and a great selection of beers.

Day 3 in Port Douglas

Today get out and explore two of the most spectacular locations found just outside of Port Douglas. The Great Barrier Reef can be reached by a boat ride offered by numerous tour companies in town. Visiting one of the natural wonders of the world is well worth it with over 900 islands and 2,900 individual reefs it is the largest living structure on earth, offering visitors endless hours of snorkeling and scuba diving.

The Agincourt Reef is one of the best dive sites, a jewel-like ribbon reef situated on the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef, this is a popular spot for tour companies to take their passengers. There is a large pontoon boat at the reef which is your base for activities including snorkeling, food, drinks, and entertainment.

The protected coral cay of Low Isles is situated just 15 minutes by boat from Port Douglas, comprised of two small islands, Woody Island and Low Island, on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef offering snorkeling with vibrant coral and an abundance of marine life including sea turtles.

Alternatively, stay on dry land and explore the tropical wonderland of the 140 million-year-old Daintree National Park, which hugs the coastline. Day trips are offered daily to this spectacular location from Port Douglas where visitors can experience some of the best outdoor scenery in the world in the oldest living rainforest on Earth. This is where the blockbuster movie Avatar was filmed. There is an abundance of tours and activities offered in the forest including 4WD, crocodile spotting, river cruises, zip line tours, nature walks and Night tours with plenty of wildlife to be seen. Cape Tribulation is located within the Daintree National Park and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and is renowned for its breathtaking scenery including remote beaches where kayaking can be enjoyed along the coastline where the rainforest meets the reef.

The Mossman Gorge is also located inside the Daintree Rainforest, a mountainside cleft with natural freshwater swimming pools and mint green waters. The area can be explored via several hiking trails and guided Aboriginal bush walks. The water in the Mossman River is said to be the second purest in the world.

On your last evening in Port Douglas, experience a unique dining experience at the Flames of the Forest, the only rainforest dining experience in Australia. Guests can enjoy an award-winning menu set in the candlelit rainforest and watch an Aboriginal cultural show with storytelling, traditional music, and singing.

Additional Days in Port Douglas

If you are able to spend additional days in Port Douglas play some golf at the world-class golf courses found in Port Douglas. The Mirage Country Club at the Sheraton Mirage Resort offers well maintained and manicured greens set amongst some of the best scenery in the region. The Palmer Sea Reef offers a tropical links course along with unexpected crocodile sightings.

Attend Port Douglas Carnivale held annually in May for 10 days with parades, food, music and entertainment attracting over 10,000 people. Porttoberfest is held annually in October and The Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival also held in October.

Your Last Day in Port Douglas

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.