Things to do in Port Douglas

Having existed for 200 million years, it should come as no surprise that crocodiles are as fascinating as they are fearsome. At Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures you’ll be as educated as you are entertained as you wander through the park at your own leisure, pausing for a number of wildlife demonstrations including the “Big Croc Feed” where you can personally participate. No trip to Hartley’s is complete without a cruise on Hartley’s Lagoon to observe crocodiles in their natural ecosystem of the coastal melaleuca wetland.

While you may think the park is dominated by the ancient reptile giants, visitors can learn about and interact with an array of other unique Australian wildlife within the Cassowary Walk precinct, Tropical Walk Through Aviary or the Gondwana Gateway that take guests on a journey through the evolution of some of Australia’s most intriguing flora and fauna.

Tip: Plan to dine in at Lilies Restaurant overlooking Hartley’s Lagoon where the menu features their reptile namesake.
Cost: Park entry including boat cruise – adult $41, child $20.50 and family $102.50 (self-drive). Some activities come at at an additional cost.

Fancy breakfast with the birds? Lunch with the Lorikeets? Or perhaps you would prefer to cuddle a koala and pat a kangaroo? At Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, you can explore five distinct habitats including the Nocturnal Habitat, where special lighting reverses nocturnal animals’ sleeping patterns so that visitors are able to witness Striped Possums, Bettongs, Mahogany Gliders and more at their most active during the day.

Other areas replicate woodland, wetlands, rainforest and savannah environments with a vast array of bird, mammal and reptile species to discover. Test your courage and cross the Predator Plank over crocodile-filled waters with five “salties” lurking below. 

Tip: Join a tour or presentation to learn more about the animals and watch them feed.
Cost: Adults from $37, children from $18.50 and families from $92.50

Over a dozen tour operators depart for the Great Barrier Reef daily from Port Douglas. Venture out to the outer reef to discover a vivid tapestry of corals overflowing with marine life or to the Low Isles for a relaxed island getaway just off the coast with Sailaway Port Douglas for a full day or Calypso Reef Cruises for a half day. Sailaway is also the only Port Douglas operator to journey to Mackay and Undine Cays while Calypso offers both snorkel and dive tours to the outer reef.  

Quicksilver Cruises’ Wavepiercer Catamaran is a smooth ride to the outer reef – perfect for landlubbers who get seasick. At the Agincourt Reef pontoon, partake in a range of activities including scuba diving, snorkelling, helmet diving, glass-bottom boats and visiting the underwater observatory. Pair your trip to below the surface with a scenic helicopter flight to view the tapestry of corals from above as you leave the Quicksilver Pontoon. 

The flavours of Southeast Asia await at Oaks Kitchen & Garden who run an outdoor cooking school at Oak Beach just south of Port Douglas. Here you’ll find an organic tropical garden that produces much of the ingredients that you’ll be cooking with, from mangoes and kaffir lime trees to many Southeast Asian herbs and vegetables. The seasonality of the garden reflects what’s on the menu and with a unique offering each day of the week ranging from vegetarian to Thai to cooking demonstrations. If you’d simply like to taste the flavours, without the hard work of cooking, book a Chef’s Table Long Lunches serving a set menu of eight dishes.

Tip: All classes and lunches are BYO
Details: Cooking classes $165pp for 4 hours, Chef’s Table Long Lunches $110pp

With the tune of Enya’s Orinoco Flow playing in your head, hop aboard Sailaway’s Luxury Sunset Sail. Relax and unwind as you set sail around the coast of Port Douglas, watching the sun fade behind the mountains of the Daintree Rainforest. You’ll be welcomed aboard with a complimentary drink and a selection of hot and cold canapes.

Beneath an avenue of raintrees more befitting to a Game of Thrones location, each Saturday morning in Mossman you’ll find an array of stalls stocking locally grown produce, handmade goods and food. On Sundays, the famous Port Douglas Markets overtakes the Port Douglas waterfront at ANZAC Park. Whether you’re a window shopper, after some mementoes from your Port Douglas getaway, or are in it just for the food, you’ll love the laidback vibes of these markets. 

Tip: Don’t forget to bring a hat and wear sunscreen.
Details: Mossman Markets – Saturday 7am-1pm, Port Douglas Markets – Sunday 8.30am-1:30pm

With the Coral Sea just a stone’s throw away and rainforest streams nearby, no trip to Port Douglas is complete without hitting the water. Windswell offers an array of aquatic options, raging from wild to mild. Those looking for an adrenaline fix can try foilboarding, wakeboarding or tube riding. You can even embark on a kiteboarding “crash course” over a series of three lessons on the aptly named Zero to Hero Package. Not feeling the need for speed? Turn down the tempo and opt for stand up paddle boarding. With a Daintree Rainforest stream, Low Isles, Snapper Island and Four Mile Beach to choose from, all you need to do is pick your paradise.