Best things to do in Port Douglas

Get to know the secrets of the marine life-rich Great Barrier Reef on a scuba or snorkeling tour from Port Douglas. Accompanied by an expert marine biologist as your guide, you will have a chance to explore and perfect your skills, while learning about the region's varied underwater ecosystems. Whether you choose to snorkel and dive, or explore by a semi-submersible submarine or underwater observatory, colorful coral gardens and friendly sea turtles will be there to greet you. Some tours may have age restrictions--most last a full day, but you can also choose a multi-day option with additional activities.

A favorite local getaway at dusk and dawn, Four Mile Beach features a long stretch of golden sand gently lapped by clear water and lined with swaying palms. Feel the touch of a cool breeze while strolling with the locals along the beach that curves softly at its ends. Tourists mostly spend their time swimming, tanning, or dozing off under the endless row of palm trees. The unspoiled beach also offers plenty of entertainment for water-sports enthusiasts, such as kitesurfing, stand-up paddling, kayaking, and parasailing.

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures brings you to a crocodile paradise about 40 minutes north of Cairns. Walk along 2.1 km (1.3 mi) of timber boardwalks and pathways through woodlands and rainforest while spotting crocodiles, turtles, lizards, tropical birds, and more. Take a boat cruise of Hartley's Lagoon, the best area to observe crocodiles. Listen to a presentation to learn about Australian wildlife, including snakes, beautiful cassowary birds, and koalas. If you get hungry watching the crocodiles feed, stop in at Lilies Restaurant for a snack.

Embark on a journey through the lush green jungle at Mossman Gorge Centre. Find yourself under the tall canopy of the world's oldest rainforest navigating the endless maze of walking tracks at your own pace as you keep an eye open for metallic-blue butterflies and dragon-like lizards. Hire a local guide to learn about the history of this World Heritage-listed area. You might feel tempted to take a plunge into the cool stream, but beware of the strong currents and enter the river only with extreme precaution.

Palm Cove Beach is noted for its long stretch of white sand lined by tall palm trees. Located in a small village once used as a resting stop by the famous Captain Cook, this pristine beach is a major tourist attraction due to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree National Park. lifeguards patrol year-round and can direct you to safe swimming spots along the coast.  Make sure to stop by the Palm Cove jetty, one of the region's most popular fishing spots, where anglers regularly catch species such as mackerel, giant trevally, and shark. Nearby are dozens of shops, restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlors, and pubs, open conveniently late into the night.

Explore the coral gardens on a full-day snorkeling trip to Opal Reef. This jewel of the Great Barrier Reef sits right in the Coral Sea, some 48 km (30 mi) off the coast of Australia. Its crescent shape provides protection from winds. Keep an eye open for stingrays half-buried in the sand and the perfectly camouflaged lizardfish that sits on the corals waiting for its pray.