Things to do in Port Douglas Australia

You could fill a holiday without even leaving the village of Port Douglas. The number of attractions and activities in this small area is so numerous; it can be difficult to know where to start. So here's an idea of how you can spend your time in the tropic village.

Four Mile Beach

This is the premier beach of Port Douglas. From the main Port Douglas district, you can walk to the beach in under 5 minutes and then continue to walk along the sandy beach for hours under the tropical sun. Four Mile Beach begins at the northern rocky headland - great for kids to explore and play with the small crabs that make the beach their home. Then the 4 miles of beach unfold in a gentle curve that continues as far as the eye can see, without a hint of development. In fact, the accommodation and houses are neatly hidden behind the swaying palms.

Please be aware of the presence of marine stingers in the summer months of the year. A large stinger enclosure net is used at the northern end of 4-Mile Beach for people to swim in. Swimming outside the net can be dangerous.

Dicksons Inlet

Dicksons Inlet is the harbour entrance of Port Douglas. This narrow and shallow estuary is the departure point for all cruise boats, and is a popular and successful fishing spot for anglers. You can't swim in Dicksons Inlet - the crocodiles may nibble on your toes - but it's a good example of a mangrove inlet in tropical north Queensland.

Marina

Also located in Dickons Inlet are two large marinas that house internationally recognised racing yachts and super yachts of the rich and famous. Take a wander down the floating pontoons and admire all the wealth piled aboard these floating craft.

Port Douglas Market

If you're making a visit to Port Douglas, be sure to drop by the markets. It's located in a grassy park, right on the waterfront overlooking the Coral Sea. Vendors come from all over the Far North to sell their products to inquisitive tourists and Port Douglas locals. Here you'll find arts and crafts, jewellery, fruit and vegetables, glassware, books, coffee, boats, and more.

Sporting facilities

For the more actively inclined, sporting facilities are offered in Port Douglas. There are two golf courses in the village:

• World championship standard Links Golf Course
• Mirage Country Club

Many of the resorts and hotels in Port Douglas have tennis courts, squash courts, swimming pools, gyms, table tennis facilities and more. While some accommodation require you to be a guest at their complex to use the facilities, others will allow visitors to use their equipment.

Restaurants and Cafés

Don't snack on junk food during the day - you need to save your stomach for the fine dining that awaits in Port Douglas. Internationally acclaimed restaurants line the main street in the village, providing diners with a selection of cuisine that is virtually impossible to find in other towns of this size.

Pubs

Hey, don't forget this is a North Queensland town! After a hard day basking in the sun or floating around on the warm tropical sea, pull up a chair at any of the local pubs and soak up some of the Aussie atmosphere. The traditional Australian pub is the only place to truly experience Australian beer in its finest form.

Shopping

Oh, don't worry about being in a small seaside village. The shopping in Port Douglas rivals major capital cities in its scope and selection. Aside from the major grocery supermarkets, chemists (drug stores), and other convenience stores, Port Douglas offers fine retail stores that sell everything from fine clothing to rare artefacts from the sea. Indigenous artwork and crafts are accompanied with European labels such as Louis Vuitton and Polo Ralph Lauren, just to name a few. Whether you need new swimming bathers for the beach or a plush outfit for a night on the town, Port Douglas can provide.

Parks

Anzac Park is located at the mouth of Dickson Inlet. This grassy area meanders down a gentle slope to a small sheltered cove that is ideal for kids to play, and for a spot of fishing. Playground equipment, picnic tables, and ample shade from the huge trees are features of Anzac Park.

Other facilities in Port Douglas include:
Major Banks, Post Office, Doctors, Dentists, Lawyers, motor mechanics, newsagents, supermarkets, bottle shops (liquor stores) etc.

Accommodation in Port Douglas

The amount of accommodation available in Port Douglas is massive. At any given time, there can be more tourists in the village than locals. Whatever your budget, whatever your tastes, Port Douglas accommodation has the scope to suit your needs.

• International resorts
• Hotels
• Apartments
• Fully serviced villas
• Bed and Breakfast
• Motels and holiday rentals
• Motor parks
• Backpacker lodges
• Caravan parks