Top 17 Things to Do Port Douglas Cairns Region
Top 17 Things to Do Port Douglas Cairns Region. Join us on a whirlwind adventure to the Cairns and Port Douglas region. Read on as we uncover the essential experiences this area has to offer. Whether you’re in search of a tropical escape or simply a dose of winter sunshine, the Cairns and Port Douglas area is the taste of Queensland paradise you’ve been searching for. So, sit back as we walk you through some of the area’s standout attractions.
Due to the far North Queensland location, most holidays in the area start with a flight to Cairns Airport. Cairns is a destination adored by backpackers, international travelers, and local Aussies alike. It is the true tropical north so let’s do so sightseeing!
- Backpackers, don’t forget to take a look at my story about the Australia working visa!
1. Trike Tour from Cairns Airport to Port Douglas
Embark on an exhilarating trike tour. Choose to be collected directly from Cairns Airport if you wish. This will provide a thrilling 40-minute journey to Port Douglas. Enjoy a scenic ride along the Great Barrier Reef Drive, offering breathtaking views of aqua-blue water and white sand beaches along the way.
We were staying at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, so the Trike dropped us and our luggage at the doorstep.
2. Explore 4 Mile Beach Behind the Sheraton Mirage Resort
Discover the iconic 4 Mile Beach, stretching vast distances in both directions. Popular among locals as a walking beach, it transforms into a patrolled swimming beach in summer, boasting crystal clear waters. The Beach is adjacent to the Sheraton Mirage Resort so you can take an early morning walk after breakfast. Just take note of those Achtung Crocodile signs if there is no one around. Remember, “Never smile at a crocodile!”
3. Scenic Helicopter Flights Over World Heritage Sites
Experience the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree rainforest with a scenic helicopter flight. Departing from the Sheraton Mirage Resort, soar over the resort, golf course, and 4-mile beach. Marvel at the magnificently landscaped grounds of the resort from the air. You will find yourself mesmerized by the landscape and the thrill of soaring below the clouds. We even spotted dolphins and manta rays swimming in the water.
4. Relax with a Hit of Golf at Premier Courses
Take a relaxing round of golf at one of the area’s premier courses, complementing the backdrop of white sand beaches and Coral Sea views. Options include the top-rated course at Palmer Sea Reef and courses in Cairns for avid golfers.
5. Hemingway’s Brewery: A Local Queensland Beer Experience
Indulge in the local Queensland brewery experience at Hemingway’s Brewery. Sample a range of beers made on-site, enjoy tasting paddles, and savor a meal in a vibrant atmosphere. Locations are available in both Cairns and Port Douglas.
6. Mosman Gorge Cultural Centre & Tours: Gateway to Daintree
Explore Mosman Gorge, managed by the Kuku Yalanji people, with eco-tourism development. Visit the Cultural Centre for artwork, information, and a cafe. Choose between independent travel or guided tours from Cairns or Port Douglas. Once you arrive at Mosmon Gorge Cultural Centre you can purchase a transfer ticket to the Gorge where you can hike the easy trails and swim in the cool waters of the gorge.
7. Mosman River Snorkel Drift Experience
Higher up the Mosman River, immerse yourself in a 2-hour snorkeling and drifting experience. Walk through the rainforest, don wetsuits, and jump on a river sled to witness the aquatic scene below. Drift along with the flow of the water, negotiating boulders and rapids.
8. Daintree National Park Tour or Self-Drive
Continue an hour further to the Daintree Discovery Centre, taking a tour or self-driving (ferry required). Explore aerial walkways, and rainforest boardwalks, and rise to the canopy tower to experience all levels of this heritage-protected rainforest.
9. Hartley Crocodile Adventures: Explore the Daintree River
Discover the large population of saltwater crocodiles along the Daintree River. Take a crocodile tour for a unique wildlife experience, learning about these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
10. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway with Diamond View Option
One of the must-do experiences in the area. Embark on Skyrail, a gondola cable system set high above the rainforest to Kuranda Villiage. As an added option you can choose the Diamond View option featuring a glass floor gondola for unparalleled views. The journey takes 90 minutes with stops at Red Peak and Baron Falls.
Take a look at Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
11. Kuranda Markets & Attractions: Quaint Village in the Rainforest
Visit Kuranda, a quaint village on the Atherton Tablelands, famous for its markets, stalls, and attractions. Explore art galleries, encounter koalas, and visit Bird World, or the Butterfly Sanctuaries for a unique rainforest experience. Enjoy lunch at one of the cafes or the pub and have a slow day in the relatively cooler mountain climate.
12. Kuranda Scenic Railway: Historic Journey Down the Mountain
What goes up must come down. Experience the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway for a picturesque 2-hour ride down from Kuranda to Cairns. Choose between Heritage Class or Gold Class, with plush decor and complimentary refreshments. Capture stunning photos at Baron Falls Lookout.
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13. Rusty’s Market Cairns: Iconic Weekend Market
Explore Rusty’s Market, an iconic Cairns destination operating from Thursday through Sunday. With over 180 stalls, discover diverse produce, fresh flowers, delicatessen items, local dairy, seafood, and international food and beverage stalls. Operating since 1975.
14. Cairns Esplanade Picnic & BBQ Area
Laze on the grassy foreshore of Cairns Esplanade, taking occasional dips in the saltwater lagoon. Facilities stretch 2.5 km, featuring walking paths, cafes, takeaways, and showers. Take advantage of the BBQs and Muddy’s Kids Playground for a quiet picnic.
15. Snorkeling Adventure at the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Choose a full-day catered tour with Reef Magic, departing from the Cairns Fleet Terminal. Enjoy snorkeling, fish feeding, and exploring the wonders of the outer reef. You can also choose to upgrade to a dive experience.
16. Motor Home Hire to Explore Surrounding Areas
The Cairns Port Douglas region is also the gateway to so many exciting surrounding areas. Hire a motor home and do some exploring. Day trip to Millaa Millaa Falls on the Atherton Tablelands and try a lap around the waterfall circuit. The waterfalls make for some beautiful photography.
17. Innot Hot Springs: Natural Thermal Mineral Springs
Travel down the scenic Kennedy Highway to Innot Hot Springs, a haven of natural thermal mineral springs. Surprisingly, this water registers between 74 and 85 degrees Celsius. Now if that seems a little hot for swimming you needn’t worry, the thermal water is tempered by the cooler creek water. It may seem like a simple pleasure, but relaxing in the natural mineral water is just too blissful to describe.
I hope you have enjoyed my top 17 things to do in the Cairns Port Douglas region. Does this information help you in planning your Cairns and Port Douglas getaway? There are so many wonderful attractions and activities in this tropical paradise, so be sure to allocate enough time to experience all your favorites. “Discover an exciting world of travel inspiration by liking and following.
