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Port Douglas is one in all our favorite coastal cities in Australia as a result of it’s packed stuffed with issues to do!
We simply find it irresistible in Far North Queensland – it’s tropical residing at its greatest and there are a great deal of issues to do in Port Douglas with youngsters.
We desire it as a base to discover the encompassing area over Cairns as we expect Port Douglas has a extra charming city.
Just a bit means offshore you may have the world’s greatest reef system – the Nice Barrier Reef – after which hugging the shoreline is the oldest rainforest on the earth, the 140 million-year-old Daintree Rainforest.
Most individuals use Port Douglas as a gateway to the Daintree, however we urge you to spend a bit extra time within the city.
“Port” is hip, it’s occurring, it’s chilled out, but in addition slightly upmarket and a terrific place to vacation as a household with a pleasant steadiness of leisure and journey.
On this information, we share all the highest issues to do in Port Douglas with youngsters and counsel some locations to eat and locations to remain!
Issues To Do In Port Douglas With Youngsters
Beneath are a few of the hottest Port Douglas points of interest that we loved with our household. We hope you discover one thing to do from this record!
1. Drive The Cairns to Port Douglas Scenic Drive
Simply attending to Cairns from Port Douglas is a tremendous Port Douglas attraction.
Port Douglas is simply an hour’s drive north of Cairns, and after leaping off our flight we picked up our rental automobile to drive the newly named and spectacular Nice Barrier Reef Drive with the Coral Sea on one aspect and the forest on the opposite.
The Nice Barrier Reef Drive is a windy highway however presents loads of alternatives to tug over and admire the quite a few seashores and gorgeous views.
First cease was Ellis Seashore for breakfast.
The Ellis Seashore Bar & Grill sits proper throughout from the seashore (5 minutes North of Palm Cove) and presents a cool and informal vibe serving up good meals and occasional – we suggest the Brekky Burger (bacon, egg, roast tomato, avocado, rocket & hollandaise).
With full tummies and our espresso repair finished, a mild stroll alongside picturesque Ellis Seashore was so as.
A little bit additional alongside the Cairns to Port Douglas drive, we stopped off at slightly cove crammed with hand constructed rock towers – apparently they’re known as cairns!
Look out for them on the right-hand aspect and perhaps your youngsters will take pleasure in constructing their very own tower.
Earlier than no time we arrived in Port Douglas, QLD to spend just a few days exploring the native space, to take pleasure in sundown views, palm timber and to eat nice meals.
That’s the one option to do it in Queensland.
2. Go to the Nice Barrier Reef and snorkel or dive
Port Douglas is a good base for getting out and exploring the magic of the Nice Barrier Reef, one of many world’s pure wonders.
Consisting of 900 islands and a couple of,900 particular person reefs, it’s the world’s largest coral reef and the most important residing construction on the planet.
If that is your first time visiting the Reef, contemplate happening a day journey to the Outer Reef as a result of that’s the place the very best snorkelling and scuba diving may be had. You would possibly solely go to the Reef as soon as, you’ll want to see it at it’s greatest!
In the event you solely have a half day, then you are able to do a 2 hour tour to the Low Isles which departs at 7:50am and returns at 10:00am, so you may have the remainder of the day free.
We selected a tour with Quicksilver Cruises that took us to the famend Agincourt Reef, a jewel-like ribbon reef on the very fringe of the Nice Barrier Reef.
To get to Agincourt Reef from the marina in Port Douglas takes about 80-minutes by high-speed catamaran.
This tour moors at a big pontoon which implies you get off the catamaran and spend your time primarily based on a spacious exercise platform which we discovered most sensible for us with younger youngsters.
The pontoon provides you room to maneuver round with out being confined to a ship, and from the pontoon you’ll be able to select to snorkel, dive, watch the fish feeding from the underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory, experience within the semi-submersible and even take a helicopter flight over the reef.
It was Savannah’s first time snorkelling, and what’s nice concerning the pontoon is the straightforward entry to the water from the submerged platform.
The steps that lead down from the principle deck to the snorkel platform let you sit down and put in your masks and fins, making it straightforward to slip into the water.
Plus, Quicksilver have snorkelling security officers (lifeguards) who preserve watch and help you along with your gear and provide tricks to totally benefit from the expertise.
We beloved Agincourt Reef. We noticed loads of lovely coral and fish and the youngsters felt protected snorkelling within the designated roped off part subsequent to the pontoon.
Nice Barrier Reef Excursions from Port Douglas
3. Play at 4 Mile Seashore – Port Douglas Seashore
In search of that traditional palm fringed tropical seashore to calm down on, or maybe take a stroll or run?
You’ll see locals and guests alike having fun with lovely 4 Mile Seashore in Port Douglas. There are a number of entry factors on the finish of principal road (Macrossan Avenue) or at varied intervals on the different finish – at 4 Mile!
In the event you occur to go to in stinger season, close to the surf membership a stinger internet is positioned for many who take pleasure in a swim.
And in the event you’re an early riser, how a couple of dawn stroll or do what I did and go down for a dawn photograph – it was slightly overcast while we have been in Port Douglas however nonetheless a website price crawling away from bed for!
This Port Douglas seashore typically makes many greatest seashores in Australia lists.
4. Expertise Sundown and Dawn at Rex Smeal Park
Rex Smeal Park is the place to be for sundown in Port Douglas for the traditional palm tree shot. It’s a preferred place to be with the locals and vacationers to look at the solar go down with a big grass space and a close by playground for the youngsters.
Seize a picnic or only a glass of wine and get amongst the chilled vibe of others enjoying drums, throwing frisbees or kicking again of their chairs.
While hottest at sundown, in the event you come down for some early morning gentle like Caz did you’ll nearly have the place to your self – and the lighting is gorgeous.
Dawn and sundown is certainly one of many high free issues to do in Port Douglas with youngsters.
5. Respect the views at Flagstaff Hill Lookout
4 a sweeping view overlooking 4 Mile Seashore, head as much as Flagstaff Hill Lookout. It’s a straightforward drive from the centre of city or you’ll be able to stroll up the hill.
In all probability greatest considered at dawn, it was nonetheless slightly overcast on the morning Caz took a drive there however positively well worth the time. Hopefully you’ll be able to catch this Port Douglas Seashore on a stunning sunny day.
Check out how lovely 4 Mile Seashore seemed when Craig and I visited a few years earlier.
One other superior and free issues to do on a Port Douglas vacation.
6. Store and eat on Macrossan Avenue
Cosmopolitan and vibrant Macrossan Avenue is the principle road in Port Douglas and oozes that tropical vacation vibe and ambiance.
Lined with cafes, bars, boutiques and classy buying, and palm timber, as soon as the day will get going.
It’s a hive of exercise and presents ample alternatives to seize breakfast lunch or dinner, or only a espresso and a chilly drink, or maybe a brand new designer outfit or items to take house.
We loved a chew to eat at a number of spots alongside Macrossan (preserve studying).
7. Take in the serenity at Port Douglas Marina
The long-lasting Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas is Queensland’s northernmost marina and one in all Australia’s premier nautical locations.
Positioned on Dickson Inlet and flanked by the mountain ranges of the Atherton Tablelands and Daintree Rainforest, it’s positively probably the most scenic marinas we’ve got visited in Australia.
The Marina is endeavor a serious redevelopment and the place you’ll discover al fresco waterfront eating with spectacular views over the Coral Sea, quite a few leisure and buying choices, and a spot to take pleasure in a craft brew, espresso or wine proper on the water and watch the Port Douglas life sail on by.
8. Go Historical at Mossman Gorge, Daintree Rainforest
Only a 20-minute drive from Port Douglas brings you to Mossman Gorge on the southern most finish of the Daintree Rainforest.
In the event you don’t have time to go to the UNESCO World Heritage Web site, the Daintree Rainforest, north of the Daintree River, we suggest not less than a full day within the lovely Mossman Gorge as a terrific various.
It’s historical, pristine and stuffed with excessive vibrational vitality. Mossman Gorge is free to enter, however you do should buy a cross to catch the shuttle bus into the principle strolling space. Or you’ll be able to stroll the 2km your self.
A boardwalk takes you to the Mossman River and a lovely swimming space. The river may be harmful after heavy rain, which is why it was really useful we not swim after we visited.
The Mossman River water is claimed to be the second most purest on the earth. (Fraser Island in Southern Queensland additionally claims a title to pure water)
To study extra concerning the gorge, its wildlife habitat and its religious connection, maybe you’d take pleasure in a Dreamstime stroll with a information from the gorge’s native residents, the Kuku Yalanji individuals.
Well-liked Mossman Gorge Excursions
9. Smile on the Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
Our youngsters love wildlife experiences and 25 minutes south of Port Douglas is Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures.
Hartley’s is a spot to not solely rise up shut with large crocs (and a terrific place to get educated about them) however the place you’ll be able to view and study different Australian animals.
They’ve over 2,100 metres of timber boardwalks and pathways that lead you on a journey of discovery by way of woodlands and rainforest the place you’ll be able to see an array of wildlife.
We jumped on Hartley’s Mammal Magic tour the place one of many Mammal Keepers took us on a behind the scenes interactive tour that allowed us to feed and maintain a few of our most beautiful and lovable Australian mammals.
How cute are these younger alligators we bought to feed?!
For extra cuteness overload, Kalyra bought private with a squirrel glider and little refus betong, to not point out everybody’s favorite, the koalas.
Oh, and the not so cute 15kg Burmese python
You may match this in in your drive from Cairns to Port Douglas or from Port Douglas to Cairns!
10. Try the Port Douglas Sunday Markets
The Port Douglas Markets happen each Sunday from 8:00am till 1:30pm at Market Park, adjoining Anzac Park.
The market is a energetic place, with reside music, recent meals being cooked in entrance of you, and jovial stall holders at all times eager to speak to you and inform you about their merchandise, it’s the place to be on a weekend.
You may decide up distinctive objects, comparable to arts and crafts, in addition to recent produce and artisan merchandise. It’s price testing to really feel the thrill of this group!
11. Go Whale and Dolphin Watching (Seasonal)
The most effective time to see whales is July till September, which is when the humpback whale is migrating north to hotter pastures.
One of the simplest ways to see them is on a ship tour from Port Douglas.
Eye to Eye Marine Encounters is the unique tour operator that does seasonal whale watching excursions. They’ve strict moral tips to make sure you don’t disturb these mild giants of their pure habitat, and have additionally researched the whales and know the place they are going to be swimming.
In truth, they even declare to recognise the identical whales every season!
Video: Watch our journey to Port Douglas & Daintree with youngsters
Locations to Eat in Port Douglas with youngsters
Port Douglas is well-known for its wonderful eating places, cafes, and bars. Beneath are locations we loved a chew to eat at or a drink and are only a pattern of what’s on provide in Port.
The Little Larder
When in Port Douglas have breakfast at The Little Larder cafe at 40 Macrossan Avenue. They’re well-known for his or her yummy breakfasts and we are able to now verify that.
We grabbed a desk on the footpath to benefit from the nice temperature and to look at the world go by on Macrossan Avenue while the okayids loved their waffles and we tucked into our Spanish beans and eggs with trout. And the espresso was oh so GOOD.
Wrasse & Roe
We love our seafood, so we suggest Wrasse & Roe, situated within the Coconut Grove Complicated on Macrossan Avenue.
They’re an award profitable seafood restaurant and the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a mouth-watering array of succulent seafood ready recent every day accompanied by the very best Australian and worldwide wines.
You may dine on the terrace or in air-conditioned consolation. They’re well-known for his or her oysters!
The Seashore Shack
About 10 minutes drive south of Port Douglas is the Seashore Shack – a fab and tropical eating expertise and a locals favorite.
With sand on the ground and a sit back bar, it’s laid again, informal and child pleasant. You’ve got a alternative between a restaurant menu or a extra relaxed pizza bar menu.
We beloved this place to eat in Port Douglas!
Hemingways Brewery
We’re at all times up for a craft brew and the newly opened Hemingway’s Brewery is a high spot to pattern an area brew proper on the water on the marina.
A microbrewery, bar and restaurant, it’s positive to turn out to be a locals favorite, and why not, with reside acoustic music enjoying and a surprising location I do know we didn’t need to depart.
On our subsequent Port Douglas vacation we’ll linger longer.
Courthouse Lodge
After a giant time out on the reef snorkelling, we have been on the lookout for a chilly beer, a glass of chardonnay and a view and the Courthouse Lodge didn’t disappoint.
It’s the oldest pub in Port Douglas and we beloved the character and vibe, and household friendliness!
We went upstairs to the balcony which presents good views out over the park and when it’s not overcast we have been advised it’s a high spot for sundown.
The Surfy Port Douglas
Each time we go to Port Douglas with youngsters, we discover ourselves on the Surfy Port Douglas.
One other native’s favorite for lunch, dinner, espresso, or a chilly drink and we just like the informal setting and placement proper throughout the highway from 4 Mile Seashore.
They serve up tasty meals at cheap costs and there’s a youngsters playground – win,win!
Flames of the Forest
One of the vital distinctive issues to do in Port Douglas is dinner on the Flames of the Forest – Australia’s solely rainforest eating expertise.
You may select from two distinctive eating experiences amongst the rainforest – the Aboriginal Cultural Expertise or the Rainforest Eating Expertise while having fun with an award-winning menu and inspirational leisure.
We haven’t personally dined right here but, however we’ve got visited the property for a pre-dinner drink and the setting and ambiance is wonderful and might solely think about what the complete expertise can be like.
Video: Watch our expertise eating at eating places in Port Douglas
The place to Keep in Port Douglas for Households
Now you recognize what to do and the place to eat, listed below are some locations we stayed and loved.
Coconut Grove Residences
Our first two nights we stayed on the trendy and fashionable Coconut Grove Port Douglas which is completely situated within the coronary heart of city on Macrossan Avenue and a straightforward 140-metre stroll to 4 Mile Seashore.
We love staying in flats as a household as they provide more room and a homely really feel, and are a pleasure to return to after a giant day exploring.
And at Coconut Grove you may be excused for by no means wanting to go away – consisting of 33 glamorous vacation flats that come full with their very own outside entertaining terrace, big residing space, and an onsite pool, you may have every part you want to be totally self-contained.
However the easiest of Port is merely a stroll away and in the event you’re trying to be centrally situated in luxurious, these flats can be laborious to beat – particularly in the event you go for a rooftop or degree one residence that includes its very personal swimming pool, spa and outside entertaining services.
Oaks Port Douglas Resort – wonderful household resort
On our final night time, we stayed on the uber funky Oaks Port Douglas Resort, previously QT Port Douglas in a 2-bedroom villa with a pool view.
We love the QT properties, having stayed on the one on the Gold Coast a number of occasions they usually’re simply so vibrant, hip and a enjoyable place to remain.
At their Port Douglas property, you may have an open-spaced setting with a up to date but quirky tropical really feel.
The pool and swim up bar is successful – we couldn’t get the youngsters out of the pool – which was high quality as we had cocktails to maintain us firm, and we tag teamed for some further indulgence and child free time on the QT spa.
Our room got here with kitchen services, lounge room with balcony and every day service, and once more was good for us as a household.
And in the event you’ve by no means dined at their onsite Bazaar Restaurant, it’s a buffet with a distinction or what they cal an ‘interactive market’ – their dessert bar alone will put a smile in your face!
Extra Tropical North Queensland Journey Ideas
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