Port Douglas Experiences

Spa and wellness

Tropical North Queensland is arguably the most heavenly location to achieve ultimate relaxation. Surrounded by tranquil rainforest and backdropped by the azure reef, pamper yourself with a well-deserved retreat. Allow the talented professionals at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort in Port Douglas nurture you with a variety of beauty and massage treatments when you book in with Kaia Day Spa.

Person lying on a towel sunbathing, with hands behind head and dappled sunlight around.

Water sport

Discover Low Isles, a coral cay off the coast of Port Douglas, boasting 55 acres of reef and home to hard and soft coral, molluscs, sea cucumbers and many other unique fish. Spot vibrant parrot fish, clownfish, trevally, angelfish and moon wrasse to name just a few.

Stretching along the northern coast, explore Ribbon Reef, out from Port Douglas, Agincourt Reef off the north-east and several other small reefs dotted along the edge of the Great Barrier Reef Continental Shelf. A natural habitat for some of the most kaleidoscopic marine life, this sought-after diving spot frequents sharks, stingray, turtles, whales, groupers, cods, Maori wrasse and so much more.

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Wildlife

Venture just 25 minutes from Port Douglas to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. Surrounded by Queensland’s World Heritage listed rainforest, Hartley’s spans 2100 metres with tracks, trails and five different zones of the lush wildlife park for you to traverse. Jump aboard a boat cruise through the lagoon and wetlands, spotting prowling crocs. Wander through the Cassowary Walk and say hello to Australia’s endangered, flightless birds. Stroll along the Wildlife Discovery Trial to observe all the different wildlife that lives here, from the freshwater crocs and swimming turtles to the scurrying lizards and chirping birds. Tour the Crocodile Farm and learn how crocodile farming contributes to conservation.

Shopping

Stroll the tree-lined Macrossan Street Precinct and enjoy the laidback shopping vibe featuring boutique stores, designer labels, beachwear and streetwear. Don’t miss the range of art galleries boasting talented local artists’ pieces you’ll want to take home with you, including Indigenous Australian art and crafts. Indulge your tastebuds at one of many cafes, bars or restaurants that dot the street and pop into Port Village Shopping Complex, also located on Macrossan Street to live like the locals. There are many shopping centres around Port Douglas including Meridien Marina Mirage and Portico.

Port Douglas is famous for their Sunday morning markets. Head down to Market Park or ANZAC Park after 8 a.m. every Sunday and stroll through the stalls that look out over the Coral Sea. The Port Douglas Sunday Markets prides itself on being a ‘Cotters Market’, meaning everything sold must be handmade by the seller, so you know you’re getting a one-of-a-kind treasure.

Golf

Imagine teeing off on a luscious fairway fringed with palm trees and overlooking the golden sands and azure waters of the Coral Sea. It’s possible when you visit Mirage Country Club in Port Douglas. The luxurious 18-hole international standard championship golf course was designed by British Open legend Peter Thomson and is surrounded by an impressive panoramic backdrop of the stunning mountains. As a country club, the Pro Shop is stocked with everything from golfing apparel and equipment to fresh sandwiches and beverages to take out on the green.