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Port Douglas is one in every of our favorite coastal cities in Australia as a result of it’s packed filled with issues to do!
We simply adore it in Far North Queensland – it’s tropical dwelling at its greatest and there are a great deal of issues to do in Port Douglas with youngsters.
We choose it as a base to discover the encircling area over Cairns as we expect Port Douglas has a extra charming city.
Just a bit method offshore you may have the world’s largest reef system – the Nice Barrier Reef – after which hugging the shoreline is the oldest rainforest on the planet, the 140 million-year-old Daintree Rainforest.
Most individuals use Port Douglas as a gateway to the Daintree, however we urge you to spend a bit extra time within the city.
“Port” is hip, it’s taking place, it’s chilled out, but additionally slightly upmarket and a fantastic place to vacation as a household with a pleasant steadiness of leisure and journey.
On this information, we share all the highest issues to do in Port Douglas with youngsters and counsel some locations to eat and locations to remain!
Issues To Do In Port Douglas With Children
Under are among the hottest Port Douglas points of interest that we loved with our household. We hope you discover one thing to do from this checklist!
1. Drive The Cairns to Port Douglas Scenic Drive
Simply attending to Cairns from Port Douglas is a tremendous Port Douglas attraction.
Port Douglas is simply an hour’s drive north of Cairns, and after leaping off our flight we picked up our rental automotive to drive the newly named and spectacular Nice Barrier Reef Drive with the Coral Sea on one facet and the forest on the opposite.
The Nice Barrier Reef Drive is a windy street however affords loads of alternatives to drag over and admire the quite a few seashores and gorgeous views.
First cease was Ellis Seaside for breakfast.
The Ellis Seaside Bar & Grill sits proper throughout from the seashore (5 minutes North of Palm Cove) and affords a cool and informal vibe serving up good meals and low – we suggest the Brekky Burger (bacon, egg, roast tomato, avocado, rocket & hollandaise).
With full tummies and our espresso repair executed, a mild stroll alongside picturesque Ellis Seaside was so as.
A little bit additional alongside the Cairns to Port Douglas drive, we stopped off at slightly cove full of hand constructed rock towers – apparently they’re referred to as cairns!
Look out for them on the right-hand facet and perhaps your youngsters will take pleasure in constructing their very own tower.
Earlier than no time we arrived in Port Douglas, QLD to spend a number of days exploring the native space, to take pleasure in sundown views, palm bushes and to eat nice meals.
That’s the one technique to do it in Queensland.
2. Go to the Nice Barrier Reef and snorkel or dive
Port Douglas is a superb base for getting out and exploring the magic of the Nice Barrier Reef, one of many world’s pure wonders.
Consisting of 900 islands and a couple of,900 particular person reefs, it’s the world’s largest coral reef and the most important dwelling construction on the planet.
If that is your first time visiting the Reef, think about happening a day journey to the Outer Reef as a result of that’s the place the very best snorkelling and scuba diving could be had. You may solely go to the Reef as soon as, you’ll want to see it at it’s greatest!
In case you solely have a half day, then you are able to do a 2 hour tour to the Low Isles which departs at 7:50am and returns at 10:00am, so you may have the remainder of the day free.
We selected a tour with Quicksilver Cruises that took us to the famend Agincourt Reef, a jewel-like ribbon reef on the very fringe of the Nice Barrier Reef.
To get to Agincourt Reef from the marina in Port Douglas takes about 80-minutes by high-speed catamaran.
This tour moors at a big pontoon which suggests you get off the catamaran and spend your time primarily based on a spacious exercise platform which we discovered most sensible for us with younger youngsters.
The pontoon offers you room to maneuver round with out being confined to a ship, and from the pontoon you’ll be able to select to snorkel, dive, watch the fish feeding from the underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory, trip within the semi-submersible and even take a helicopter flight over the reef.
It was Savannah’s first time snorkelling, and what’s nice concerning the pontoon is the straightforward entry to the water from the submerged platform.
The steps that lead down from the principle deck to the snorkel platform help you sit down and put in your masks and fins, making it straightforward to slip into the water.
Plus, Quicksilver have snorkelling security officers (lifeguards) who maintain watch and help you together with your gear and provide tricks to absolutely benefit from the expertise.
We cherished Agincourt Reef. We noticed loads of stunning coral and fish and the children felt secure snorkelling within the designated roped off part subsequent to the pontoon.
Nice Barrier Reef Excursions from Port Douglas
3. Play at 4 Mile Seaside – Port Douglas Seaside
Searching for that traditional palm fringed tropical seashore to chill out on, or maybe take a stroll or run?
You’ll see locals and guests alike having fun with stunning 4 Mile Seaside in Port Douglas. There are a number of entry factors on the finish of essential road (Macrossan Road) or at varied intervals on the different finish – at 4 Mile!
In case you occur to go to in stinger season, close to the surf membership a stinger web is positioned for many who take pleasure in a swim.
And in case you’re an early riser, how a few dawn stroll or do what I did and go down for a dawn photograph – it was slightly overcast while we had been in Port Douglas however nonetheless a website price crawling off the bed for!
This Port Douglas seashore typically makes many greatest seashores in Australia lists.
4. Expertise Sundown and Dawn at Rex Smeal Park
Rex Smeal Park is the place to be for sundown in Port Douglas for the traditional palm tree shot. It’s a well-liked place to be with the locals and vacationers to look at the solar go down with a big grass space and a close by playground for the children.
Seize a picnic or only a glass of wine and get amongst the chilled vibe of others enjoying drums, throwing frisbees or kicking again of their chairs.
While hottest at sundown, in case you come down for some early morning mild like Caz did you’ll virtually have the place to your self – and the lighting is gorgeous.
Dawn and sundown is certainly one of many high free issues to do in Port Douglas with youngsters.
5. Recognize the views at Flagstaff Hill Lookout
4 a sweeping view overlooking 4 Mile Seaside, head as much as Flagstaff Hill Lookout. It’s a simple drive from the centre of city or you’ll be able to stroll up the hill.
In all probability greatest seen at dawn, it was nonetheless slightly overcast on the morning Caz took a drive there however undoubtedly well worth the time. Hopefully you’ll be able to catch this Port Douglas Seaside on a beautiful sunny day.
Check out how stunning 4 Mile Seaside appeared when Craig and I visited a few years earlier.
One other superior and free issues to do on a Port Douglas vacation.
6. Store and eat on Macrossan Road
Cosmopolitan and vibrant Macrossan Road is the principle road in Port Douglas and oozes that tropical vacation vibe and ambiance.
Lined with cafes, bars, boutiques and stylish procuring, and palm bushes, as soon as the day will get going.
It’s a hive of exercise and affords ample alternatives to seize breakfast lunch or dinner, or only a espresso and a chilly drink, or maybe a brand new designer outfit or items to take residence.
We loved a chew to eat at a number of spots alongside Macrossan (maintain studying).
7. Take in the serenity at Port Douglas Marina
The enduring Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas is Queensland’s northernmost marina and one in every of Australia’s premier nautical locations.
Positioned on Dickson Inlet and flanked by the mountain ranges of the Atherton Tablelands and Daintree Rainforest, it’s undoubtedly one of the crucial scenic marinas we’ve visited in Australia.
The Marina is enterprise a serious redevelopment and the place you’ll discover al fresco waterfront eating with spectacular views over the Coral Sea, quite a few leisure and procuring choices, and a spot to take pleasure in a craft brew, espresso or wine proper on the water and watch the Port Douglas life sail on by.
8. Go Historic at Mossman Gorge, Daintree Rainforest
Only a 20-minute drive from Port Douglas brings you to Mossman Gorge on the southern most finish of the Daintree Rainforest.
In case you don’t have time to go to the UNESCO World Heritage Website, the Daintree Rainforest, north of the Daintree River, we suggest a minimum of a full day within the stunning Mossman Gorge as a fantastic different.
It’s historic, pristine and filled with excessive vibrational power. Mossman Gorge is free to enter, however you do must buy a move to catch the shuttle bus into the principle strolling space. Or you’ll be able to stroll the 2km your self.
A boardwalk takes you to the Mossman River and a wonderful swimming space. The river could be harmful after heavy rain, which is why it was advisable we not swim once we visited.
The Mossman River water is claimed to be the second most purest on the planet. (Fraser Island in Southern Queensland additionally claims a title to pure water)
To be taught extra concerning the gorge, its wildlife habitat and its non secular connection, maybe you’d take pleasure in a Dreamstime stroll with a information from the gorge’s native residents, the Kuku Yalanji individuals.
Standard Mossman Gorge Excursions
9. Smile on the Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
Our youngsters love wildlife experiences and 25 minutes south of Port Douglas is Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures.
Hartley’s is a spot to not solely rise up shut with large crocs (and a fantastic place to get educated about them) however the place you’ll be able to view and find out about different Australian animals.
They’ve over 2,100 metres of timber boardwalks and pathways that lead you on a journey of discovery via woodlands and rainforest the place you’ll be able to see an array of wildlife.
We jumped on Hartley’s Mammal Magic tour the place one of many Mammal Keepers took us on a behind the scenes interactive tour that allowed us to feed and maintain a few of our most attractive and cute Australian mammals.
How cute are these younger alligators we bought to feed?!
For extra cuteness overload, Kalyra bought private with a squirrel glider and little refus betong, to not point out everybody’s favorite, the koalas.
Oh, and the not so cute 15kg Burmese python
You may match this in in your drive from Cairns to Port Douglas or from Port Douglas to Cairns!
10. Take a look at the Port Douglas Sunday Markets
The Port Douglas Markets happen each Sunday from 8:00am till 1:30pm at Market Park, adjoining Anzac Park.
The market is a full of life place, with dwell music, contemporary meals being cooked in entrance of you, and jovial stall holders all the time eager to speak to you and inform you about their merchandise, it’s the place to be on a weekend.
You may choose up distinctive gadgets, comparable to arts and crafts, in addition to contemporary produce and artisan merchandise. It’s price trying out to really feel the excitement of this neighborhood!
11. Go Whale and Dolphin Watching (Seasonal)
The perfect time to see whales is July till September, which is when the humpback whale is migrating north to hotter pastures.
The easiest way to see them is on a ship tour from Port Douglas.
Eye to Eye Marine Encounters is the unique tour operator that does seasonal whale watching excursions. They’ve strict moral tips to make sure you don’t disturb these light giants of their pure habitat, and have additionally researched the whales and know the place they are going to be swimming.
Actually, they even declare to recognise the identical whales every season!
Video: Watch our journey to Port Douglas & Daintree with youngsters
Locations to Eat in Port Douglas with youngsters
Port Douglas is well-known for its glorious eating places, cafes, and bars. Under are locations we loved a chew to eat at or a drink and are only a pattern of what’s on provide in Port.
The Little Larder
When in Port Douglas have breakfast at The Little Larder cafe at 40 Macrossan Road. They’re well-known for his or her yummy breakfasts and we will now affirm that.
We grabbed a desk on the footpath to benefit from the nice temperature and to look at the world go by on Macrossan Road while the okids loved their waffles and we tucked into our Spanish beans and eggs with trout. And the espresso was oh so GOOD.
Wrasse & Roe
We love our seafood, so we suggest Wrasse & Roe, positioned within the Coconut Grove Complicated on Macrossan Road.
They’re an award profitable seafood restaurant and the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a mouth-watering array of succulent seafood ready contemporary every day accompanied by the very best Australian and worldwide wines.
You may dine on the terrace or in air-conditioned consolation. They’re well-known for his or her oysters!
The Seaside Shack
About 10 minutes drive south of Port Douglas is the Seaside Shack – a cool and tropical eating expertise and a locals favorite.
With sand on the ground and a relax bar, it’s laid again, informal and child pleasant. You have got a alternative between a restaurant menu or a extra relaxed pizza bar menu.
We cherished this place to eat in Port Douglas!
Hemingways Brewery
We’re all the time up for a craft brew and the newly opened Hemingway’s Brewery is a high spot to pattern an area brew proper on the water on the marina.
A microbrewery, bar and restaurant, it’s positive to turn into a locals favorite, and why not, with dwell acoustic music enjoying and a shocking location I do know we didn’t wish to depart.
On our subsequent Port Douglas vacation we are going to linger longer.
Courthouse Resort
After an enormous time out on the reef snorkelling, we had been on the lookout for a chilly beer, a glass of chardonnay and a view and the Courthouse Resort didn’t disappoint.
It’s the oldest pub in Port Douglas and we cherished the character and vibe, and household friendliness!
We went upstairs to the balcony which affords good views out over the park and when it’s not overcast we had been advised it’s a high spot for sundown.
The Surfy Port Douglas
Each time we go to Port Douglas with youngsters, we discover ourselves on the Surfy Port Douglas.
One other native’s favorite for lunch, dinner, espresso, or a chilly drink and we just like the informal setting and site proper throughout the street from 4 Mile Seaside.
They serve up tasty meals at cheap costs and there’s a youngsters playground – win,win!
Flames of the Forest
One of the vital distinctive issues to do in Port Douglas is dinner on the Flames of the Forest – Australia’s solely rainforest eating expertise.
You may select from two distinctive eating experiences amongst the rainforest – the Aboriginal Cultural Expertise or the Rainforest Eating Expertise while having fun with an award-winning menu and inspirational leisure.
We haven’t personally dined right here but, however we’ve visited the property for a pre-dinner drink and the setting and ambiance is wonderful and might solely think about what the total expertise could be like.
Video: Watch our expertise eating at eating places in Port Douglas
The place to Keep in Port Douglas for Households
Now you already know what to do and the place to eat, listed here are some locations we stayed and loved.
Coconut Grove Residences
Our first two nights we stayed on the fashionable and trendy Coconut Grove Port Douglas which is completely positioned within the coronary heart of city on Macrossan Road and a simple 140-metre stroll to 4 Mile Seaside.
We love staying in flats as a household as they provide extra space and a homely really feel, and are a pleasure to return to after an enormous day exploring.
And at Coconut Grove you could possibly be excused for by no means wanting to depart – consisting of 33 glamorous vacation flats that come full with their very own outside entertaining terrace, large dwelling space, and an onsite pool, you may have every part you want to be absolutely self-contained.
However the perfect of Port is merely a stroll away and in case you’re trying to be centrally positioned in luxurious, these flats could be onerous to beat – particularly in case you go for a rooftop or stage one house that comes with its very personal swimming pool, spa and outside entertaining amenities.
Oaks Port Douglas Resort – wonderful household resort
On our final night time, we stayed on the uber funky Oaks Port Douglas Resort, previously QT Port Douglas in a 2-bedroom villa with a pool view.
We love the QT properties, having stayed on the one on the Gold Coast a number of occasions and so they’re simply so vibrant, hip and a enjoyable place to remain.
At their Port Douglas property, you may have an open-spaced setting with a recent but quirky tropical really feel.
The pool and swim up bar is a success – we couldn’t get the children out of the pool – which was tremendous as we had cocktails to maintain us firm, and we tag teamed for some further indulgence and child free time on the QT spa.
Our room got here with kitchen amenities, lounge room with balcony and day by day service, and once more was excellent for us as a household.
And in case you’ve by no means dined at their onsite Bazaar Restaurant, it’s a buffet with a distinction or what they cal an ‘interactive market’ – their dessert bar alone will put a smile in your face!
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