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Port Douglas

 
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Port Douglas

Whether you are in Port Douglas to run the marathon, to cheer the runners on or just to watch the solar eclipse, there is plenty to do and see in and around this beautiful town.

Port Douglas is the perfect Great Barrier Reef holiday destination but it also offers a range of other activities that are bound to satisfy the discerning traveller.

Visit the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, stroll along Four Mile Beach, visit the local art galleries or sample the local cuisine at one of several excellent restaurants. The choices are endless. This is our idea of the perfect day in Port Douglas.

 

 

Tours and activities

Port Douglas tours encompass every unique attribute this region offers. For those who want an aquatic adventure, a trip to the Great Barrier Reef is a must with a range of options available, including state-of-the-art fast catamarans, sailing yachts, luxury motor yachts, extended live aboard trips, reef sprinters and even a traditional Chinese junk.

The Solar Eclipse Marathon holiday package includes an all-day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. For other fun things to do, check out the list below.

 

Fun things to do include:

  • Sea kayaking
  • Jungle surfing
  • Canopy tours
  • River fishing for barramundi
  • Visiting a world-class discovery centre with the most delicious locally-made ice cream ever produced
  • Discovering the essence of Port Douglas with a morning stroll along the famous golden sands of Four Mile Beach before enjoying the perfect coffee
  • Heading to the Sunday craft and produce markets for a coconut cocktail
  • Enjoying the history of Port Douglas and visiting the picturesque St Mary’s by the Sea chapel and the old courthouse, followed by a drink in one of Port Douglas’s historical pubs
  • Waking up to a fantastic breakfast with the birds
  • Shopping at Meridien Marina and along the many boutiques on Macrossan Street
  • Enjoying a round of golf at an 18-hole championship golf course
  • Indulging in a luxurious spa treatment and massage.

 

 

Restaurants and bars

Despite being a small seaside village, Port Douglas is home to a host of eateries and restaurants. Check out the Zinc Restaurant & Lounge Bar, an award-winning establishment which is a restaurant by day and lounge bar by night. Or visit the popular Salsa Bar & Grill which specialises in tropical modern Australian cuisine featuring local produce and where everything is made inhouse. The multi-award winning establishment has hosted former US President  Bill Clinton and current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. For a special al fresco dining experience, visit the Nautilus Restaurant, an outdoor five-star restaurant set in a lush, tropical garden.

Port Douglas' restaurants offer every dining experience, from hearty breakfasts served fresh from the frying pan, and exquisite cakes and treats from an assortment of coffee houses and cafes, buffet lunches at the Rainforest Habitat or fresh, contemporary selections from a collection of cafes, right through to à la carte offerings at the popular Bistro 3 and Watergate Port Douglas restaurants. Read more in our Food and Wine section.

 

Art & Galleries

Port Douglas Art & Galleries coupled with a talented range of musicians and artists supported by the local theatre and live music scene, showcases a range of art media including photography, oil paintings, collage, watercolours and sculpture.

Port Douglas Art & Galleries boasts two theatres, including the Clink Theatre, showcasing local dramatic and musical productions together with travelling musicians and artists, and the Karnak Theatre, which offers a range of local, Australian and International performances throughout the year.

 

We recommend: the perfect day in Port Douglas

The perfect start to the day: a peaceful yoga session on the idyllic Four Mile Beach and to the sound of rippling waves in the background. The class is situated close to the Surf Lite Saving Club. Times: from June to November at 8am every morning. 

Next, go back to the hotel for breakfast. Or take yourself to one of the lovely cafés in town. It's such a treat, you'll be having seconds and thirds, so don't plan an early lunch!

Go for a stroll in the village. Check out the shops on Macrossan Street and indulge in coffee and cake at one of the many cafes. Or walk up Wharf Street and climb up to the lookout on top of the hill for a fantastic view of Four Mile Beach and Port Douglas. By now, you'll be wanting lunch and we know just the place. Visit the Salsa Bar & Grill and don't forget to write home to tell friends and family that you dined at an award-winning establishment that once hosted former US president Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton. 

After a full lunch, it's time to soak up some sun on the beach. Rent deckchairs and even chess sets if you like, or if you want to work off those extra calories you just consumed, you can hire sea kayaks, sailboards, boogie boards or cricket sets for some great afternoon exercise. 

And if you have any energy left, why not go for a leisurely bike ride before dinner. Port Douglas is quite flat and biking is a great way to explore the town. PD Bike Hire on Warner Street (daily and weekly rates). Bike back to your hotel for a candle-lit dinner at one of the resort's excellent establishments. Or unwind to some in-room dining and relax in the comforts of your room or apartment.

 

Find out more: watch the Port Douglas film. Read about the holiday or the marathon.

 
 
 
 
 

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The Solar Eclipse Marathon - the experience of a lifetime

 
 

 
 
 
 

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