Your accommodation in Port Douglas, The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The hugely popular beachfront town of Port Douglas has a well earned number 3 spot on the Australian Traveler Magazines list of the 100 best towns in Australia. Just under an hour’s drive north of Cairns, this tropical oasis has absolutely everything to offer, with the perfect mix of un-spoilt natural forest areas, sensational landscapes and up market modern amenities.

The only place on Earth that has not one, but 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, the breathtaking destination has still managed to preserve their small town charm and charisma with a laid back sophistication that brings visitors from the city to relax and refuel on their summer holidays.

Velvety skies and balmy summer days make this a popular wedding destination, with plenty of beachfront holiday accommodation along the picturesque coastline. Luxury holiday villas tucked discretely away in this romantic destination, make a favourite among honeymooners, who want to have a perfect and secluded getaway by booking into one of the romantic and private beachfront self catering holiday homes dotted along the seaside.

Activities in Port Douglas

Whether you have come here to relax and take in the sunny summer sun, or to check out the ancient aboriginal sites or to walk through the rainforests along the coast, you will be absolutely blown away at the tranquillity and the amazing adventures that are just waiting to be explored here.

For aquatic adventure lovers, you will literally be spoilt for choice. Swim off the Great Barrier Reef with the most unbelievable marine life including sea turtles, dolphins, masses of schools of fish, and the most spectacular array of coral and creatures only ever seen in National Geographic. The stunning colours and jaw-dropping surroundings are so spectacular, that it can be seen from space! Snorkelling, diving and surfing are just some of the activities, and you don’t need to worry about bringing your own equipment, check out the information in your holiday rental and find out about hiring everything directly from the beach.

For the most indulgent of all Spa experiences, the Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa, has to be it. Right in the centre of the most tranquil rainforest in the world, check into one of 15 of the most exclusive ‘’Bayans’’, the gorgeous tree top getaway, a luxurious holiday villa on stilts, right in the tree tops of the rain forest, complete with all the modern bells and whistles, such as air-conditioning. Get the most exclusive Spa treatments from the boutique resort.

Take a reef cruise, a 4x4 trail through the forest, or explore your inner Tarzan and Jane, and join a zip line tour through the tree tops of the rainforest. Helicopter rides, sea plane tours, kayaking, cycling, trail walking and shopping in the centre of town add to the menu of fun. You can go scuba diving as well. Notable operations Port Douglas include Blue Dive, which is operated by PADI-certified trainer Mark Fraenkel.

Relax in your hammock and read your book and meander down from your sundeck of your holiday home, to some of the best beachfront restaurants. Grab a sundowner and experience some of the freshest and best seafood in the area. The cuisine is world class and the service exceptionally friendly and laid back. Grab deep fried prawns and a cold beer and relax with the sand between your toes and the sun setting along the horizon.

The tropical climate of Port Douglas means that even though the coast brings the cool sea air to the area, the summers are still hot and balmy and the winters warm. An all year round rainfall area, the most rain falls between the summer months of January and March, with the heaviest rains coming in February. The most popular time of the year for visitors are the months between May and September, where in winter, the average daily temperature is around 25 C, the humidity is much less it is not as wet and uncomfortable. All the holiday accommodation in the area will be well equipped to manage the changes in temperature, and will have air conditioning and climate control.

Getting there from the UK

Fly direct from all international departures, Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Belfast (All airports have daily flights) to Cairns. Hire a car and enjoy a one hour, picturesque drive, north, on one of the most spectacular coastlines in Australia, directly to the front door of your holiday home.

Want to read more? Check out our Port Douglas holiday guide and our Port Douglas city guide.