Port Douglas has quickly ascended the ranks of Australian tourism to become one of the most popular holiday destinations for backpackers, honeymooners and those looking for a less commercialised tropical getaway.
With a carefree atmosphere coupled with some absolutely stunning scenery - with a strong tip of the hat to the Great Barrier Reef - Port Douglas has something for everyone, most of which has to do with the aquatic beauty of the Reef, or the lush greenery of the World Heritage-listed rainforest that surrounds it further inland.
With such a wide array of activities, tours and things to do, forming an enjoyable and efficient itinerary (especially for a short stay) for Port Douglas can be daunting, especially as most visitors obviously want to get the best value for money that they possibly can.
Thus, in response to requests from our customers, Experience Oz has put together some recommended itineraries for Port Douglas holidays for people staying for lengths of 2, 3, 4 and 5 days. We hope that these suggestions will assist the first-time visitor in formulating an efficient and highly enjoyable sightseeing plan that assures no essential sight is left unseen, and that your time in Port Douglas is maximised to its fullest!
Experience the Great Barrier Reef with a Port Douglas Outer Reef Cruise. Venture to the outer reef on a high-speed, air-conditioned catamaran to explore vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life. It's the ideal way to discover the beauty of the Reef from Port Douglas.
Explore the Reef with snorkeling, a semi-submersible, and an underwater observatory. In Port Douglas, a 4WD tour leads you through Cape Tribulation's ancient rainforest with wildlife, a rainforest canopy experience at the Daintree Discovery Centre, and a visit to Mossman Gorge's waterfalls. A must for your Port Douglas itinerary, combining natural beauty and adventure.
Experience a perfect day on the unspoiled Low Isles of the Great Barrier Reef with a romantic sailing cruise aboard a luxurious 30-meter catamaran. Enjoy a glass-bottom boat tour, guided beach walks, snorkelling with a marine biologist, or simply relax on the beach or the boat's decks. Ideal for adults and families, it's a tropical paradise for all.
Jungle Surfing: One of the most unique experiences in the Port Douglas region. Jungle Surfing offers a unique and exhilarating way to explore the Daintree Rainforest. Suitable for all ages, this adventure involves flying on zip lines through tall trees, with five tree platforms for stunning bird's-eye views of the rainforest and the reef. It's an up-close, thrilling experience with fantastic photo opportunities.
Hot Air Ballooning Port Douglas / Bungee Jumping/Flames of the Forest: The final item on this suggested 7 day itinerary aims to combine a true appreciation for the natural beauty of the region with a hot air ballooning experience in the morning, get some adrenaline pumping with a bungee jumping experience, then caps off the day with the unique "heart of the rainforest" cultural dining theatre show Flames of the Forest at night.
A hot air balloon ride provides sweeping views of the reef and the rainforest from several thousand feet above, and several packages are available to choose from in order to find the best option for you.
Bungee jumping is the quintessential Cairns experience, and can easily be visited from Port Douglas due to their close proximity to one another - simply a thrill-seeker's delight!
Lastly, Flames of the Forest is one of the most unique dining experiences one could ask for - held in the heart of the rainforest and allowing you to enjoy a combination of candlelit drama, tropical dining, authentic Aboriginal culture and much more.
In addition, if you're looking for further ideas on activities, attractions, tours and other things to do in Port Douglas, be sure to check out our main Port Douglas region page for an extended catalogue of options, general information about Port Douglas, and much more!