Best of Port Douglas

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Port Douglas

A tropical holiday destination affectionately known as “Port,” Port Douglas is a laid-back seaside village just 40 miles north of Cairns. You won’t find a traffic light or parking meter in sight in the closest town to the Great Barrier Reef, making it the perfect place to escape everyday life while maintaining contemporary convenience. Head out to snorkel or dive the reef on one of many boat tours, or explore the terrestrial wildlife on the Kuranda Rail and Skyrail.

Previous kimkim travelers have gotten to meet some of Australia’s most adorable residents on the Breakfast with Koalas tour, which includes a breakfast overlooking a lagoon, boat cruise, and wildlife presentations — including the opportunity to pat a koala. Find something more aquatic with a river snorkeling trip in the Mossman River, or learn about the First Nations and their history on a cultural tour with Kuku Yalanji people that includes a painting class, smoking ceremony at Mossman Gorge, and guided walk through the bush featuring stories of traditional plant use and the Indigenous relationship with the environment.

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Tropical North Queensland: Hamilton Island, Port Douglas, Cairns & More - 7 Days

Explore North Tropical Queensland on this seven-day tour. Begin in Hamilton Island and snorkel, sea kayak, play a round of golf, or relax. Then, take a cruise to Whitehaven Beach and learn the area's history. Next, journey to Port Douglas to enjoy a leisure day, a Daintree Rainforest tour, and an excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. The trip winds down in Cairns, with plenty of native animal exhibits to visit and a scenic ride up the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Far North Queensland Getaway: Cairns, Port Douglas, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest - 5 Days

Explore Far North Queensland on this active, five-day getaway. Begin in Cairns, get acquainted with Indigenous culture and fare, and stroll through the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Next, take a day trip to the largest coral reef system on the planet—the Great Barrier Reef—where you can cruise, snorkel, and explore this world-famous destination. Then, take the trip to Port Douglas to visit local wildlife, the Daintree Rainforest, and the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people.

Explore the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

Cairns & Port Douglas: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 5 to 10 days is perfect for a well-paced Australia trip with stops in both Cairns and Port Douglas. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Sydney. Get inspired with the below ideas for Cairns and Port Douglas trips.

Aerial view of Noah Beach in the tropical Daintree region in Australia's far north: Queensland

Australia & New Zealand Highlights - 13 Days

Take on two of the world's most naturally stunning countries on this 13-day trip across Australia and New Zealand. Start in Sydney and explore the iconic Sydney Opera House before heading north to Queensland for snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef and a cable car ride through Daintree National Park. Then fly over to New Zealand for a little bit of everything the country has to offer, from the busy streets of Christchurch to the frozen landscape of Franz Josef Glacier / Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef with a private marine biologist guide

Australia Laid-Back Luxury Tour: Port Douglas & Sydney - 7 Days

Snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef and tick off the icons of Sydney with this luxury seven-day Australia trip that squeezes in two bucket list destinations. Picture yourself meeting cuddly koalas, swimming with sea turtles and tropical fish, and floating through an ancient rainforest near Port Douglas. In Sydney, you'll cruise across the harbor at sunset, go behind the scenes at the Opera House, cycle across the city, and join a private chef at home.

Seasonal Highlights of Australia & New Zealand - 14 Days

If you're planning to visit Australia and New Zealand between May and October, this 14-day itinerary ticks all the right boxes. Experience the best of each country, along with special seasonal activities such as whale watching from Sydney Harbour and sledding in the snow at Queenstown. While it might be winter and spring Down Under, you'll still be snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef and connecting with culture in Port Douglas and Rotorua.

Sydney, Uluru & Port Douglas - 11 Days

Spend 11 days enjoying some of the best of urban Australia as well as outback excursions you'll not soon forget. It begins in the global metropolis of Sydney, where you'll experience its city sights and postcard beaches on walking tours. Then, fly to the Northern Territory for spiritual expeditions into the red deserts at Uluru before finishing the trip on the Great Barrier Reef and in the ancient rainforests of Daintree.

Sydney, Uluru & Port Douglas - 9 Days

In nine days, you can hit the highlights of Australia, from the cities to the outback to the rainforests of the northern tropics. Start the journey in style with the city sights and culture of Sydney before embarking on the nearby Blue Mountains for nature hikes around this Grand Canyon of the south. Then, jet off to Northern Territory for spiritual stargazing near the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock) before finishing the trip on the Great Barrier Reef and in the rainforests of tropical Queensland.

Australia & New Zealand Natural Adventure: Sydney to Queenstown - 14 Days

This two-week trip to Australia and New Zealand will get your heart pumping with one-of-a-kind adventures and unusual destinations. Tick off the main sights in Sydney, then switch to lesser-known Port Lincoln, where you'll come face-to-face with great white sharks. Dive the Great Barrier Reef and visit Kuranda before flying to New Zealand, where big thrills await in Queenstown with jet boats, wilderness cruises, scenic hikes, and wine tasting.

See the iconic marsupial on Australia's Kangaroo Island

Sydney, Great Barrier Reef, Adelaide & Kangaroo Island - 12 Days

Experience some of Australia's best wildlife tours and incredible natural wonders on this 12-day outdoor adventure. It begins with city fun on a bicycle tour of Sydney's highlights, but you'll also take a day trip to the rugged mountains and vast gorges of the Blue Mountains. Then fly to tropical Queensland to snorkel the outer limits of the Great Barrier Reef and embark on rainforest hikes before heading south to spend time with kangaroos and enjoy the world-famous gastronomy of Adelaide.

Enjoy learning to surf at Australia's beautiful beaches

Australia East Coast Family Adventure - 13 Days

Featuring an energetic mix of wildlife excursions and fun outdoor adventures, this 13-day itinerary is a great introduction to Australia for the whole family. Take a selfie with the cute koalas at Brisbane's Koala Sanctuary then dive into the Mossman River for a snorkeling tour. Who knows, you might even find the elusive platypus! Spend the day discovering the Great Barrier Reef, then fly to Sydney, where a tour of the Royal Opera House and a trip to the spectacular Blue Mountains conclude this memorable family trip.

Sail in a hot-air balloon over Australia's Yarra Valley at sunrise

Epic Australia & New Zealand: Cities, Beaches & Mountains - 21 Days

On this three-week trip of a lifetime, you'll experience the highlights of Australia's eastern and southern coasts. It will take you from Sydney's iconic Opera House up to the famous Great Barrier Reef and down to Melbourne for wildlife excursions, and even a hot-air balloon ride over wine country. As if that isn't enough, you'll jet off to New Zealand for adventures in its unspoiled wilderness, including visiting glowworm caves, volcanic valleys, glacial fjords, and much more.

Highlights of Sydney, Port Douglas & Brisbane - 13 Days

In 13 days, this action-packed itinerary introduces you to Australia's eastern coast highlights using three cities as jumping-off points. Climb the Harbour Bridge and cycle through the waterfront neighborhoods of Sydney before flying north to Port Douglas, where the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient rainforests of Daintree await. Turn south to end in Brisbane, touring the famous Australia Zoo and adventuring through the waterfalls of Springbrook National Park.

See the ancient Daintree Rainforest from your 5-star eco-retreat (photo courtesy of Silky Oaks Lodge)

Luxury Australia Grand Tour: City, Outback, Rainforest & Reef - 10 Days

This 10-day luxury Australia trip squeezes in urban fun in Sydney, outback adventures at Uluru, and two UNESCO-listed wonders: the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Start in the city with a show at the Opera House and a full-day city tour. Fly to the Red Centre to experience Uluru from a luxury camp and dine under outback stars. Finally, land in tropical North Queensland, where you'll settle into an opulent rainforest eco-retreat and cruise around the Great Barrier Reef by private catamaran.

Sydney, Uluru & Port Douglas: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 10 to 12 days is perfect for a well-paced Australia trip with stops in Sydney, Uluru, and Port Douglas. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in eight or nine days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Melbourne, Cairns, or Brisbane. See more ideas for Sydney, Uluru, and Port Douglas itineraries below.

Little girl looks at a birdwing butterfly sitting on a plant in the Cairns' rainforest

Brisbane, Port Douglas & Sydney Family Adventure - 14 Days

This jam-packed two-week itinerary is perfect for active families wanting to explore the best of Australia's wildlife and outdoor lifestyle. Get up close and personal with the country's cutest and scaliest animals, see the city sights of Brisbane and Sydney by boat, bike, and kayak, and discover the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Along the way, you'll ride a cable car over the rainforest, dive into the Mossman River for a snorkeling tour, and wind up hiking the breathtaking Blue Mountains.

Explore Australia: City, Reef, Rainforest & Outback - 15 Days

Travel from city to sea, rainforest, and outback on this well-rounded tour of Australia, starting in Sydney and visiting its most iconic sites. Head to Port Douglas, where you'll discover marine life near the Great Barrier Reef. Explore Kuranda and its rainforest to mingle with butterflies at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Watch the sunset behind Uluru, then dine under the desert stars. Finish up your journey in eclectic Melbourne and take a hot-air balloon ride over wine country.

Noah Beach where the Daintree Rainforest meets the ocean

Highlights of Australia - 12 Days

This 12-day highlights tour combines stunning natural settings and diverse wildlife with heart-stopping activities. You'll begin in Sydney before flying into the outback, ending your stay along the coast, where you'll divide your time between the rainforest and the Coral Sea. You'll hug koalas in Kuranda, watch whales off the coast of Sydney, snorkel part of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as hike in the Blue Mountains, and catch a sunset over Uluru.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day excursion

Discover Queensland - 8 Days

Soak up everything the sunshine state of Queensland has to offer, from modern eateries and boutique shopping to winding rainforest roads, sandy islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Your eight-day adventure starts in Brisbane and continues north along the coast to Noosa and Fraser Island, capping the trip off with two nights in Port Douglas. Swim in freshwater lakes on Fraser Island, spot humpback whales off of Hervey Bay, and hang out with koalas and kangaroos in Port Douglas.

Watch the sunset over Uluru with a memorable al fresco dining experience

Australia Cities & Nature: Sydney, Port Douglas, Brisbane, Uluru & Melbourne - 17 Days

Combine vibrant cities and remote nature on this well-rounded 17-day trip through Australia. Tour the sights in Sydney before flying north to Port Douglas to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Head to Brisbane for an immersive introduction to Indigenous culture and a guided tour of its famous zoo, then escape to the outback's quiet to witness Uluru's wonders. Wind down in the cultural capital of Melbourne, with a day trip to nearby Phillip Island to see its famous "penguin parade."

Sydney, Uluru, Melbourne & Port Douglas: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 13 to 15 days is the perfect amount of time for an Australia trip with stops in Sydney, Uluru, Melbourne, and Port Douglas. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in 11 or 12 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some of our favorite itinerary extensions include Cairns. Get inspired with the below Sydney, Uluru, Melbourne, and Port Douglas.

Venture into the dense rainforest of Daintree National Park

Australia City, Outback, Rainforest & Reef Tour - 18 Days

See and do a little bit of everything on this fun and far-reaching 18-day tour of Australia. Start in Melbourne to explore its historic laneways by bike and take a day trip along the Great Ocean Road. Continue to Adelaide and Kangaroo Island before heading to the Red Centre to check out Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and other magnificent outback monoliths. Fly next to tropical northern Queensland for some time at the Great Barrier Reef, and end down in Sydney, Australia's largest city.

Spend a day discovering Bruny Island off Tasmania

Epic Australia Highlights Trip: Eastern, Central & Tasmania - 20 Days

Check off all the highlights and discover some off-the-beaten-path wonders on this far-reaching 20-day adventure through Australia. Touch down in Sydney, then snorkel along the Great Barrier Reef and head to the outback for dinner under the stars at Uluru. Return to city life in Melbourne's bustling back alleys, hop over to Tasmania for a taste of wild and wonderful nature, taste your way through Adelaide's famous culinary scene, then wind down your trip getting to know the local wildlife on Kangaroo Island.

Ultimate Australia: Cities, Reefs, Rainforests & Outback - 21 Days

This packed three-week adventure delivers the best of Australia. Discover the nation's culture capital of Melbourne on food tours and wildlife excursions before heading down the famed Great Ocean Road to the romantic fishing villages and rugged outback of South Australia. Then, fly north and explore the Great Barrier Reef before finishing the trip in Sydney with tours of its famous sights and hiking trips to nearby mountains.

Snorkel together as a family at the Great Barrier Reef

Ultimate Family Tour in Australia: Cities, Reefs & Rocks - 16 Days

This once-in-a-lifetime tour of Australia is designed for winter travel. It avoids the intensely hot summers and takes advantage of the pleasant dry season—in other words, perfect for families. Over 16 action-packed days, make your way through vibrant cities like Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, and Sydney, as well as Tasmania's coast, the Outback, and the Great Barrier Reef, for the ultimate adventure.

Journey across Australia to the remote Indian Ocean beaches of Cape Range National Park

Australia's East & West Coasts Adventure - 18 Days

Hit the highlights of Australia's east and west coasts on this glorious 18-day adventure. Start in Sydney, where you'll cruise its famous harbor and scale the heights of its iconic bridge. Head north to Port Douglas to snorkel through coral reefs and trek into the rainforest, then experience Melbourne with a food tour and hot-air balloon flight. Fly to the west coast to discover Perth and its stunning beaches, then finish your journey swimming with whale sharks in Exmouth and wine tasting in Margaret River.

Visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and watch the sun set

Australia's Wild Side: Tasmania, the Outback & the Reef - 19 Days

From the beauty of Tasmania's rugged coast to Central Australia's dry red heart and Far North Queensland's tropical coral islands, experience Australia's diverse landscapes on this 19-day adventure. Cruise the Tasman and Coral Seas, float along a Daintree Rainforest river, dine under the stars at Uluru, play tug-of-war with Tasmanian devils, and self-drive the Great Ocean Road. You'll also discover hidden urban gems in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney during guided walking tours.

An aerial view of Cape Tribulation in North Queensland, Australia

Australia Grand Tour: Sydney to Tasmania - 21 Days

Discover Australia's top highlights on this massive 21-day tour that takes you on a loop around the continent. Get your fill of city life in Sydney before heading toward the ocean to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Discover rainforests, national parks, and their wildlife near Byron Bay. Learn about Aboriginal culture at Uluru and Cave Hill, then mingle with kangaroos and koalas on Kangaroo Island. Go winetasting near Melbourne before getting to know Tasmania's remote beauty and relaxed vibe.

Other popular travel destinations in Australia
Sydney · Melbourne · Cairns · Uluru · Gold Coast · Perth · Whitsundays · Hamilton Island · Airlie Beach · Tasmania

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