12 Must-Do Experiences in Port Douglas That Will Have You Coming Back for More!

Australia’s Port Douglas is a charming tiny town located in Queensland’s northern region. Port Douglas has the ideal combination of the ocean, water sports, rainforests, and locally designed activities to make you feel as though you are a long-lost native returning to your birthplace. Because the people of Kuku Yalanji are so hospitable, you will only want to stay longer in Port Douglas to get to know their way of life and culture. The top 12 things to do in Port Douglas are listed here, and they’ll make your trip truly unforgettable!

Top 10 Things To Do In Port Douglas

This is the definitive resource for anyone looking to explore some truly amazing activities in Port Douglas, Australia. Just be sure to cross the majority of them off your list when you go:

1. Spa at Daintree Eco Lodge

Unmatched in its ability to combine the elements of local culture with the powers of nature and nurture, the Spa at Daintree Eco Lodge offers a mind-blowing wellness experience. Located adjacent to the Daintree River, in the heart of the oldest rainforest in the world, the resort boasts approximately fifteen tree houses—recall our childhood dreams of living in tree houses? The Eco Lodge also features an amazing health spa, which was motivated by the indigenous ideas about soul healing in a jungle setting. With a soothing massage and the sound of a waterfall tumbling beside you, the Eco Lodge Spa offers an authentic jungle experience!

2. Bally Hooley Train

Originally, the primary means of transportation for newly harvested sugarcane being transported to the Mossman Mill was the historic steam train known as the Bally Hooley Train. Take a ride on the steam train and experience some of Port Douglas’ most picturesque settings. Starting from Crystal Brook Superyacht Marina, your train ride will take you to St. Crispins. This is a short escape from the bustling city life, a return to bygone eras. A hat, sunglasses, binoculars, and train tickets are all you’ll need for this train excursion!

3. Night tour the Daintree Rainforest

One of the top activities in Port Douglas is visiting the Daintree Rainforest, which is located along the Cape Tribulation Road. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see koalas, kangaroos, and a variety of other Australian wildlife that is only available on the night tour through the Daintree rainforest.

4. Go to Mossman Gorge

Without a little adventure, a trip is never truly complete, is it? When visiting Port Douglas, the Mossman Gorge is unquestionably something you should not miss. A stunning location inside the Daintree Rainforest is the Mossman Gorge. A Kuku Yalanji member can bring you down the Gorge and to the emerald waters where you can cool yourself and soak your feet.

5. Shop at the Port Douglas Markets

A holiday wouldn’t be the same without going shopping. Visiting the Port Douglas market on a lazy Sunday is one of the nicest things to do in the Port Douglas area. The market is open every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features a large number of merchants offering a wide range of goods, including jewellery, exotic fruits, flowers, and handcrafted items. Since the market is located directly in front of Port Douglas beach, you will know where to go after your shopping is done!

6. Crab fishing

Going crab fishing with the Kuku Yalanji people in the area will transport you to their ancestral homeland on the Cooya beach, making it an unforgettable cultural experience for anyone seeking authenticity. When you get to Cooya beach, your local guide will start by introducing you to the country’s cultural significance. After that, guests will learn about spear throwing and handling, which are the main techniques for catching crabs that are still widely used by the Kuku Yalanji tribe. This two-hour activity is quite rare in Port Douglas, but it’s definitely something you should undertake if you want to gain a deeper understanding of the customs and way of life of the inhabitants.

7. Great Barrier Reef

One of the most popular activities in the Port Douglas area is a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Both residents and tourists swarm to the Great Barrier Reef to take in the breathtaking vistas and squeeze in some adventure. Sailing is another option available on the Great Barrier Reef. Many cruise lines provide trips that take you around the reef, and some of them even include packages that let you go swimming and snorkelling.

8. Flames of the Forest

Australia’s very own rainforest restaurant, Flames of the Forest, is a great place to unwind and enjoy some delectable meals. You will be mesmerised by the lighted tables arranged beneath a gorgeously designed canopy as soon as you enter Flames of the Forest, together with the loosely hanging fairy lights. Inspired by the tropics, the Flames of the Forest dining menu pairs well with some of Australia’s most well-liked drinks. One option is to take part in Flames of the Forest’s Aboriginal Culture Experience, where two local Aboriginal brothers present traditional storytelling tales about their culture.

9. Visit the Sacred Waterfalls

Sacred Waterfalls, also known as Wujal Wujal, which translates to “many falls,” is the name given to the several waterfalls that are located in the Kuku Yalanji community. You will be in awe of the Sacred Waterfalls’ beauty as it encompasses the nearby mountain ranges, rivers, and reefs. You should definitely stop into the Wujal Wujal Art Center while you’re here to see the exquisite creations made by the Nyungkul, Jalunji, and Yalanji people. At the Art Center, you will find a plethora of textiles, paintings, and even jewellery items that symbolise the ideals and the surrounding landscape of these three settlements.

10. Visit Daintree Ice Cream Company

Take a break and visit the Daintree Ice Cream Company, which serves freshly crafted ice cream made with unique fruits grown right in the Daintree Rainforest. The Daintree Ice Cream Company was founded in 1993 and has grown to become one of the most well-known ice cream businesses. In addition to serving freshly made ice cream, the company offers guests the opportunity to stroll through the gardens and learn about the fruit gardens by exploring the orchard. This ice cream shop serves four scoops of ice cream, each flavour changing every day.