Holidaying with Teenagers Port Douglas, Tropical Far North Queensland, Australia

On consultation with our own Cairns Holiday Specialists and with parents of teenagers, below we have listed the top best holiday places to stay when holidaying with teenagers in Port Douglas.

The major consideration for parents with teenagers seemed to be accessibility to the town centre for all the action. This allows more independence for their teenagers. Happy teenager = happy holiday!

If the holiday accommodation is further away from Macrossan Street, then having access to bicycles or ease of transport like the local shuttle bus  to have accessibility into town was deemed important. 

Having two bedrooms, or having a separate accommodation like a holiday house was seen as desirable.  For family accommodation private apartments can work out cheaper than the serviced apartments in the resorts, so it is worth researching different options.

All holiday accommodation has a swimming pool, other accommodation has access to gymnasiums, tennis courts, golf courses, outdoor cinemas, game rooms and all have wifi – all important for the teenager that wants to stay ‘plugged in’ to their friends back home.

On-site restaurants or being near to a supermarket or restaurants/cafes to feed your fast-growing teenager’s appetite was also a high priority. Though there are food delivery services available in Port Douglas with Domino’s pizza (and other pizza makes), Chinese and Indian.

Most tours from Port Douglas will pick up from your holiday accommodation so all the tours and activities in the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef are on your doorstep. So if your teen does wish to partake in an activity different from you the logistics are easy.

Check out these recommendations below – some tours also have exclusive deals to help stretch that family holiday budget even further.

1-Sea Temple Private Apartments – Port Douglas

The Sea Temple Private Apartments Port Douglas are the ultimate in style and discernment and will be sure to impress your teenager.  Not only are they secluded and private but all have a spa bath, some have a swimout area directly to the expansive 3000m2 Sea Temple pool, others have a private plunge pool and courtyard areas. There are one, two and three bedroomed apartments and are ideal for people having a longer stay as they offer such spacious accommodation. Some apartments are dual key, which is great for a teen to be near you, but to have separate independence. The Sea Temple apartments have access to the Palmer Sea Reef Golf and Country Club which is an 18 hole golf course with its own restaurant and club house facilities.

• Vie Spa – Massages, manicures and pedicures, waxing, wraps
• Snack/Cocktail pool bar
• TV with Movielink

For the active teenager:

• Gymnasium
• Four Mile Beach 2 minute walk away
• Regular shuttle bus to town
• Large 3000m2 pool
• 18 hole golf course

2-Silkari Lagoons – Port Douglas

With 6 swimming pools (1 heated in winter) and direct access to the pool from your balcony your teen can stay wet and away from annoying adults!  With your teen you can choose from a two bedroom “Deluxe” (2 bath) interconnecting apartment with full kitchen and corner spa; two bedroom “Deluxe Swimout” that has direct access to the pool from your balcony, or add  a balcony corner spa pool (2 bedroom “Private Plunge”). There is also a three bedroom (2 bath) option.

Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas is a short 3 minute walk to the expansive white sands and calm ocean of Four Mile Beach. Give a teenager a hammock and their iTunes and they’ll be happy.  From Four Mile they can paddleboard or learn how to kitesurf. Regular shuttle buses every 15-20 minutes can take your teen into town and back.

• High bandwidth in-room internet (Free with certain packages)
• Full kitchen facilities
• Some Apartments have separate study with fold out sofa – which could be used as a second bedroom
• DVD Player
• Pool BBQ Area

For the active teenager:

• Choose from 22 private swim out pontoons (ground floor) or balcony spa (upper levels)
• Shuttle Bus to town centre every 15-20 mins (extra cost)
• 3 minute walk to Four Mile Beach
• 3 minute walk to Kitesurfing (extra cost, dependent on conditions) – Four Mile Beach
• 3 minute walk to SUP – stand up paddle boarding – Four Mile Beach

3-Oaks Resort – Port Douglas 

Oaks Resort is THE hip and trendy resort in Port Douglas.  With its contemporary yet quirky tropical décor this will give any teenager a ‘cred’ place to hang out and look cool for their all - important Instagram - Facebook posts. 

QT’s two bedroom apartments with kitchenettes have optional adjoining rooms so you can choose how independent you want your teenager to be and if you wish to be more self-catering.

• Free internet so your teenager won’t be separated from their umbilical smart phone with Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for long. 
• Lounge outside in the tropical sun by the large lagoon style pool whilst plugged in to their favourite iTune sounds and with a swim up bar where they can order soft drinks throughout the day. 
• 24 hour service will ensure that anything your teen wants can be ordered at any time.
• The Bazaar Restaurant is a unique buffet style dining experience allowing fussy teens to be able to choose only the food items they like.
• Outdoor cinema there between June and October
• SpaQ day spa offers many pampering treatments, including manicures and pedicures so your teen can keep up appearances whilst away.

For the active teenager:

• Gym,
• Tennis court
• Lane swimming pool  (25m)
• Table tennis
• Snooker table
• Outdoor Cinema between June and October
• 4 km (2.5 miles) from the centre of Port Douglas
• 2km (1.25 miles) from Four Mile Beach
• 2km (1.25 miles) from Kitesurfing and SUP (stand up paddle boarding)
• Complimentary beach bikes (helmets supplied)

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4-Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas

Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas resort offers casual tropical elegance in the centre of the Port Douglas township.  Peppers lagoon pool is designed as a sandy beach despite having the real life Four Mile Beach only two minutes’ walk away.  You can choose from a selection of one, two and three bedroom family suites, some with private swim up deck areas for access to the pool.  Inclusive breakfasts or internet access depends on the family package holiday that is booked.

• Drinks and food can be served from the Sublime restaurant
• Near centre of town restaurants, cafes and bars 2 minutes’ walk away
• Spa for a range of beauty treatments and massages
• Free movies
• Free WiFi

For the active teenager:

• Gymnasium
• 50m long pool gives a good length for keen swimmers (though might have to dodge a few people with cocktails later in the day).
• 5 min walk from skateboard ramp
• 5 minute walk from Port Douglas Sunday Market
• 5 minute walk from Anzac and Rex Smeal Park
• 2 minute walk to Four Mile Beach
• 2 minute walk from rental of catamarans, SUP boards, Tubes and Kayaks – Four Mile Beach

5-Mantra Portsea – Port Douglas

The Mantra Portsea Resort Port Douglas is situated in Port Douglas and is within walking distance (10 minutes) from Macrossan Street, where all the cafes and restaurants are.  This is a very popular modern beach resort. With two bedroom spacious family apartments there’s enough room for you (up to 5 people) and your teenagers to spread out. There is a kitchenette so self-catering is an option and there are poolside BBQ’s.  The internet is at an extra cost as are the movies on Foxtel.

• Foxtel TV
• Spa facilities including pedicures, manicures (including Shellac)
• Continental breakfast served in dining area (depending on package if included in price)
• Internet in accommodation – at extra cost
• Internet room
• 10 minutes’ walk from the centre of town
• Waterslide (for the young at heart teenagers)

For the active teenager:

• 3 Pools including a swim up pool bar with snacks and soft drinks
• 2 single lane lap pools – 25 metre
• 1 minute to Four Mile Beach
• Fitness Room
• Tennis court (with minimal equipment hire cost)
• 10 minute walk from skateboard ramps
• 15 minute walk from Port Douglas Sunday Market
• 15 minute walk from ANZAC and Rex Smeal Park
• 10 minute walk from rental of catamarans, SUP boards, Tubes and Kayaks – Four Mile Beach
   

6-Luxury Holiday Villas – Port Douglas

This is a magnificent Port Douglas residence and is perfect for large families or a couple of families! Featuring 5 bedrooms, (3.5 baths), large balconies on both levels extending the width of the property with chairs and tables overlooking a large swimming pool, this property is ideal for spreading out.  The great thing about this villa is that it has two living areas, so kids and teens can have their own cave away from the adults! Luxury Holiday Villa's swimming pool can even be heated in the winter so your teenagers won’t be freezing off any of their precious bits.  The living areas are set on different levels with the upstairs having the kitchen, open plan dining and living area where the TV, DVD and Stereo with a full length rear balcony so you can keep an eye on the kids in the pool.  Downstairs is another massive living area that is ideal for the kids, with a TV, DVD player, lounge, kitchenette, small fridge and microwave, so they can even help themselves to their own snacks.

• Upstairs Living Area with own TV and DVD and stereo
• Downstairs Living Area with kitchenette, TV and DVD
• Multiple Outdoor Areas
• Two large balconies with seating and dining
• Swish Restaurant (Rendez Vous Resort) within walking distance
• BBQ facilities

For the active teenager:

• Lap pool across the road
• Gymnasium across the road
• Large pool (heated in winter)
• Just a short walk to the main Port Douglas Road to catch the shuttle into town
• Four Mile Beach – 2 minute walk away

As you can see from the above information that’s a few suggestions that will make your teenager give their holiday in Port Douglas a big ‘10’ for a great time (and a safe one).

With so much to see and so much to do they won’t be bored for long and Mum and Dad will certainly get a big ‘high five’ for choosing a holiday destination that means that you can cut your teenager some slack and they can enjoy their greater independence.

  This will be a family holiday in Port Douglas that you will all never forget.  If you have any further questions then just call our expert team of Port Douglas travel specialists who will be able to advise you on the best holiday accommodation and tours for your whole family to enjoy.

1. Snorkel the Reef from Port Douglas - Being so near to the iconic Great Barrier Reef it’s an opportunity for your teenager to discover this amazing underwater world for themselves. There are a choice of snorkel and dive boats that visit the outer Barrier Reef and all are professional and safe.  The snorkel trips that visit three separate snorkel sites in one day are good for restless teenagers.  If they would like more interaction then you can join a guided snorkel tour led by one of the marine biologists snorkel guides. If your teen wants to go off by themselves, that’s fine as well, as all activities are well supervised.  The permanent Quicksilver pontoon is also good as they can also get a ride on a semi-submersible submarine as well as snorkelling and they have freedom to do what they want and you’ll always know that they don’t have far to roam.
    

2. Scuba Diving from Port Douglas - For teenagers, trying something new and exciting is all part of being a teenager! If they have been water babies and love the water this could be an activity that could get them ‘hooked’ and will last them for the rest of their life.  An introduction to scuba diving course will begin with learning some basic safety skills after which they will go on a scuba dive with a scuba diving instructor.  In a small group of four people the scuba diving instructor will take them on a guided scuba diving tour where they will discover the amazing underwater life on the Great Barrier Reef. Check out the medical requirements beforehand to avoid disappointment (asthma, epilepsy, ear surgery, diabetes) are no no’s unless with a doctor’s sign off.  If they would like to sign up for a full dive course then there are scuba diving schools in Port Douglas that can take them to get their certification. This will take about 4 days and is a great way for teenagers to be engaged and learning and they can walk away with a new skill for life!
    
3. Explore the Daintree Rainforest with Teenagers - Most teenagers love the idea of going out into the bush and camping and living off the land. There are many rainforest tours that can give them a taste of that life as they explore the wonders of the Daintree Rainforest.  On a cultural tour they will have a chance to be shown around by a local Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal tribesman as their tour guide (who are the traditional Indigenous owners of the land) who will impart knowledge about surviving off the land that their ancestors have amassed over the last 50,000 years. Your Aboriginal tour guide will show how they have lived off the plants for food and medicine, how they made paint and how they built their huts from rainforest tools. Your teenagers will even be able to paint themselves with traditional Aboriginal body paint.  For extra adventure and if you are staying in Cape Tribulation you can discover the Daintree Rainforest by night where you might spot a Bandicoot, a Python or Goanna. The Daintree Rainforest has the best animal diversity in Australia with over 12,000 insects, a third of its mammals and frogs and a quarter of its reptiles.  It is a wonderful place for exploration and discovery that can capture any teenagers’ attention longer than a session on Facebook.
    
5. Discover Local Wildlife Around Port Douglas - If your teenager loves to see animals close up and personal (and we are not just talking about the cuddly ones), then there are many activities that they can partake in. Visit the local Wildlife Park in Port Douglas where your teenager can have Breakfast with the Birds, Lunch with the Lorikeets or hand feed kangaroos and wallabies. They can even Swim with a Crocodile, have their photo taken with a koala, a baby crocodile or python – great for them to post on their Facebook page to show their friends.  See the amazing open jaws of a feeding crocodile as it leaps out of the water – that’s what locals call a ‘snappy handbag’.  See a real life wild one sunbathing on the banks of a local river as you cruise through the mangrove fringed river ways of this stunning World Heritage Area.
    
6. Stand up paddle boarding  - SUP in Port Douglas - If your teenager is more of the laid back kind then SUP (Stand up paddle boarding) could be the answer. With minimal instruction and effort they can look cool and enjoy gliding down a stunning river in the Daintree Rainforest.  Paddling under the trees and ferns of the Daintree Rainforest on crystal clear water is an amazing experience. This will make them turn off their latest Jason Derullo album and soak up the sights and sounds of the jungle. They can also SUP over the amazing reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. A visit to the idyllic Low Isles off of Port Douglas, will have them SUP over cruising turtles, colourful reef fish as they traverse the clear blue waters of the Coral Sea.  Stand up paddle boarding is so relaxing and accessible an activity its even one that Mum and Dad could enjoy as well!
    
7. Kitesurfing in Port Douglas - If your teenager has bags of energy, enjoys surfing, skateboarding and generally trying new things to test their abilities then kitesurfing could be the next big tick on his/her list. When waves are ankle busters or they have a blow out of a day in normal surf, then as long as there is a wind there is kitesurfing! Port Douglas is highly regarded as the best place to learn kitesurfing in the country.  With onshore winds (so you won’t lose them out at sea) and shallows that allow for kitesurfing learners to step off of boards easily, their learning cycle in these ideal conditions will be much shorter. Kitesurfing is a great activity that they could take home with them (as long as you live near a lake or the sea and there’s a wind blowing) and help to keep them off of the streets – and up in the air on a kitesurf!
    
8. Bungy Jumping Cairns - This will literally have your teenagers screaming for joy (or fear!).  Throwing oneself off a tower that is 50m (164ft) high attached by a piece of elastic on a bungy jump (don’t worry Mum, these are specially designed elastics)  is going to get any teenager’s adrenalin pumping.  With 16 different bungy jumping positions to choose from for different levels, including the “XXX Rated”, “BMX” (yes, that’s with a BMX Bike!), to a “Pendulum” and “Roof Jump”, there’s plenty of excuses to get back up those 196 steps and do another bungy jump (day passes are available)! If you would like to do an activity as a family then have a ride on the World’s Fastest Minjiin Swing that can hold up to 3 people at a time.  The family that screams together stays together!
    
9. Zipline in the Rainforest -   Enjoy the Daintree in a whole new way with a full day Ultimate Daintree zipline tour. Our guides will take you past all the beautiful sights of the Daintree rainforest and Cape Tribulation including an amazing zipline experience.  You’ll explore the rainforest canopy by ziplining up to 15m above the ground, stroll along one of the best boardwalks and hop on a river cruise to see Cape Trib’s famous inhabitants: the estuarine crocodiles!  Our guides will take you past all the beautiful sights of the Daintree rainforest and Cape Tribulation including an amazing zipline experience with our friends from Treetops Adventure.  You’ll explore the rainforest canopy by ziplining up to 15m above the ground, stroll along one of the best boardwalks and hop on a river cruise to see Cape Trib’s famous inhabitants: the estuarine crocodiles!
    
10. White Water Rafting Cairns - This is a half day or full day of adventure exploring Grade 2-4 frothy white water rapids.  Your teenager will love this white water rafting thrilling experience as they hurtle down the Barron River in the foaming fury of this Daintree Rainforest river on their watery adventure. White water rafting is so exciting they’ll have to be careful not to scream as they’ll get a mouthful of water! No experience is necessary as all instruction will be given on this exciting river adventure, with rapid names such as “kitchen sink”, “butchers pass” “rooter tail” and “cheese churn” you know it’s going to be a memorable day for them and the nearest they’ll get to feeling like they’ve been in a washing machine.  Times of the year will dictate availability and grading of the rapids. Dry season is typically April - October. Free transfers from Port Douglas

11. Fishing in Port Douglas - There’s nothing quite like family bonding as you all go out on a fishing charter boat to catch your own fish for dinner.   There are a number of fishing trips that leave from the Reef Marina Port Douglas that head out to the Coral Sea and the amazing world class fishing on the Great Barrier Reef. Your teenager will certainly be putting down their smart phone as they get caught up in the excitement of landing the catch of the day. Depending on the season you might find on the end of your line a Red Emperor, Coral Trout, Sea Perch and other tasty varieties.   The crew will prepare your fish ready for cooking for your dinner at the end of your fishing day.  What a memorable day when you sit down for dinner that evening and relive the memories of the day whilst tasting your freshly caught fish. Private Fishing Charter Boats are also available from Port Douglas.
     
12. Go Sailing to the Low Isles From Port Douglas - Nothing beats the sound of the wind in the sails and the gentle splashing of the waves on the bow as your sailing boat traverses the Coral Sea and out to the reefs of the Great Barrier Reef.  Your teenager can kick back on the spacious foredeck and sunbathe or enjoy the environs of one of the most beautiful places in the world. You can visit the Low Isles located 15km from Port Douglas, which is a tropical paradise.  Low Isles is an uninhabited island surrounded by the stunning fringing reefs of the Great Barrier Reef.  The white sands of this coral cay and the crystal clear aquamarine water makes it look like you are swimming in a postcard.  Your teenager will love to go off and snorkel and there’s a high chance that they will get to swim with a passing turtle.  They will love the myriad of colourful reef fish going about their business and the sight of the massive giant clams. If you want to go on your own private sailing charter and would like the boat just to yourselves you can charter it for the daywith a departure from Port Douglas. 

1. Delivery Pizza with a host of pizza places that also deliver (so you don’t have to interrupt their film viewing) – Chilly’s Pizza (0423 510 720), Domino’s Pizza (07 4099 6001), The Beach Shack (07 4099 1100). This is the ultimate food for hungry groups of teenagers.
    
2. Chilly’s Pizza and Trattoria is a good place to eat out as a family in Port Douglas.  There are many chairs and tables in a scenic outside setting under tropical palm trees and fairy lights – check their website for live music events.  It is also BYO (Bring your own wine – they have a licensed bar for beer). Drinking age in Port Douglas and Australia is 18 years old and over.
    
3. Grab a Chinese Meal – Han Court - (07) 4099 5007 - This is a BYO (bring your own alcohol if over 18 years old) restaurant where you can sit at large round tables and have fun with the lazy Susan in the middle spinning the food around the table.  By ordering a mixture of dishes everyone can enjoy having a taste of different ones.  They also can arrange for delivery to your Port Douglas holiday accommodation.
    
4. Big Burgers – There are a couple of places where your teenager can get nourishment by chowing down on a tasty beef, chicken or fish burger. With no Macca’s in Port Douglas there are other much more tastier home-made options. Try Dave's Takeaway or 4 Mile Takeaway... Dave's Takeaway even does deliveries for orders over $30.
    
5. Rattle n’ Hum – Pub/Restaurant – For good solid bar food that have large portions and are great value for money the Rattle n’ Hum in Port Douglas has portion sizes to fill up any hungry teen. From a range of burgers to pastas and salads and with their own pizza oven they have some scrummy pizzas. You order at the till, so waiting time if stomachs are growling is minimal. Great, young, friendly atmosphere that teens can feel at home in. Food served all day from 11.30am – 8.30 pm.
   
   
    
6. Paddy’s Irish Bar and Grill - Set in the centre of Port Douglas, this pub is open for lunch  (11.00-2.30pm) and dinner (4.00 – 9.00pm) and most nights it has live sport, live music and on Sundays specialises in a $15 roast, which is very good value for money.  They have a $1 chicken wings (Spicy, BBQ, Honey Soy) offer between 4-5.00pm every night and is a great way to fill up hungry teenagers at a very reasonable price.
    
7. The Beach Shack - If your Port Douglas holiday accommodation is further out of town around Four Mile, then this is within easy walking distance and you don’t have to get into the centre of town. Their menu offers something for everybody, from a pizza menu to a delicious restaurant menu and is reasonably priced.  With its sandy floor, colourful lanterns and relaxed vibe it’s the place where the locals go to relax. Dinner is served from 5.30-9.00pm.
    
8. Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club - The blandness of its title belies the ambiance and standard of food.  This is one of the best kept secrets in Port Douglas.  Located with an Al Fresco setting on a large back deck with views through the palm trees to Four Mile Beach. Their accent is on tasty, good quality food at a reasonable price. It is Asian Fusion style and their Coral Trout Tacos and Lamb Massaman are highly recommended. Eat in a relaxed family environment on their large open back deck.  You can even kick a football around or go for a dip in the ocean between courses! Lunch 12.00-2.45pm Dinner 5.00-7.45pm.
    
9. Wicked Ice Creams – What teenager doesn’t like ice cream and with a name like ‘wicked’ it’s a cool name for a place selling heavenly delicious ice creams and sorbets.  There are tables and chairs outside so you can eat in comfort.  Try their ‘rock salt and caramel’, or ‘butterscotch bits’ ‘rum and raisin and double chocolate’ and ‘macadamia nut’ – there are so many flavours to choose from!
    
10. Oaks Resort Port Douglas – The restaurant, pool and facilities are open to all visitors.  With the accent on style and cool you’ll be the hippest parents for the day! You can eat in their buffet style Bazaar Restaurant (great for picky teenagers) that has a mosaic of foods from different cultures, wood-fired pizzas, rotisserie served meats, crabs, prawns – there are no rules – just help yourself! Breakfast 6.30-10.30am, Dinner 6-9.30pm. Use the pool or have a game of table tennis or snooker and the spa can even give your teenage offspring a pamper and a manicure! And check out our exclusive accommodation deals here at Oaks Resort Bookings are recommended (07) 4099 8900.