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Port Douglas is one among 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 children.
We desire it as a base to discover the encircling area over Cairns as we predict Port Douglas has a extra charming city.
Just a bit means offshore you’ve 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 in addition slightly upmarket and an awesome place to vacation as a household with a pleasant stability of rest and journey.
On this information, we share all the highest issues to do in Port Douglas with children and counsel some locations to eat and locations to remain!
Issues To Do In Port Douglas With Youngsters
Beneath are a few of the hottest Port Douglas sights that we loved with our household. We hope you discover one thing to do from this listing!
1. Drive The Cairns to Port Douglas Scenic Drive
Simply attending to Cairns from Port Douglas is an incredible 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 highway however presents loads of alternatives to tug over and admire the quite a few seashores and beautiful views.
First cease was Ellis Seaside for breakfast.
The Ellis Seaside Bar & Grill sits proper throughout from the seaside (5 minutes North of Palm Cove) and presents 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 carried out, a delicate 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 stuffed with hand constructed rock towers – apparently they’re known as cairns!
Look out for them on the right-hand facet and possibly your children 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 timber and to eat nice meals.
That’s the one approach 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 pair 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, contemplate happening a day journey to the Outer Reef as a result of that’s the place the perfect 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!
For those who 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’ve 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 based mostly on a spacious exercise platform which we discovered most sensible for us with younger children.
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 in regards to the pontoon is the simple entry to the water from the submerged platform.
The steps that lead down from the primary deck to the snorkel platform permit you to 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 along with your gear and provide tricks to absolutely benefit from the expertise.
We cherished Agincourt Reef. We noticed loads of lovely coral and fish and the youngsters 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 seaside to calm down on, or maybe take a stroll or run?
You’ll see locals and guests alike having fun with lovely 4 Mile Seaside in Port Douglas. There are a number of entry factors on the finish of primary road (Macrossan Avenue) or at numerous intervals on the different finish – at 4 Mile!
For those who 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 for those who’re an early riser, how a few dawn stroll or do what I did and go down for a dawn picture – it was slightly overcast while we had been in Port Douglas however nonetheless a website value crawling off the bed for!
This Port Douglas seaside usually 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 preferred 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 youngsters.
Seize a picnic or only a glass of wine and get amongst the chilled vibe of others taking part in drums, throwing frisbees or kicking again of their chairs.
While hottest at sundown, for those who come down for some early morning gentle like Caz did you’ll virtually have the place to your self – and the lighting is gorgeous.
Dawn and sundown is unquestionably one of many prime free issues to do in Port Douglas with children.
5. Respect the views at Flagstaff Hill Lookout
4 a sweeping view overlooking 4 Mile Seaside, head as much as Flagstaff Hill Lookout. It’s a straightforward 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 positively definitely worth the time. Hopefully you’ll be able to catch this Port Douglas Seaside on a beautiful sunny day.
Check out how lovely 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 Avenue
Cosmopolitan and vibrant Macrossan Avenue is the primary road in Port Douglas and oozes that tropical vacation vibe and ambiance.
Lined with cafes, bars, boutiques and classy purchasing, and palm timber, as soon as the day will get going.
It’s a hive of exercise and presents ample alternatives to seize breakfast lunch or dinner, or only a espresso and a chilly drink, or maybe a brand new designer outfit or presents to take house.
We loved a chunk to eat at a number of spots alongside Macrossan (maintain studying).
7. Take in the serenity at Port Douglas Marina
The long-lasting Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas is Queensland’s northernmost marina and one among Australia’s premier nautical locations.
Positioned on Dickson Inlet and flanked by the mountain ranges of the Atherton Tablelands and Daintree Rainforest, it’s positively some of the scenic marinas we now have visited in Australia.
The Marina is endeavor 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 purchasing 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.
For those who don’t have time to go to the UNESCO World Heritage Web site, the Daintree Rainforest, north of the Daintree River, we suggest no less than a full day within the lovely Mossman Gorge as an awesome different.
It’s historical, pristine and filled with excessive vibrational vitality. Mossman Gorge is free to enter, however you do should buy a cross to catch the shuttle bus into the primary strolling space. Or you’ll be able to stroll the 2km your self.
A boardwalk takes you to the Mossman River and an attractive swimming space. The river could be harmful after heavy rain, which is why it was really useful we not swim after we visited.
The Mossman River water is alleged 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 in regards to 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.
Well-liked 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 an awesome place to get educated about them) however the place you’ll be able to view and study different Australian animals.
They’ve over 2,100 metres of timber boardwalks and pathways that lead you on a journey of discovery by means of 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 lovely Australian mammals.
How cute are these younger alligators we obtained to feed?!
For extra cuteness overload, Kalyra obtained 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 possibly can match this in in your drive from Cairns to Port Douglas or from Port Douglas to Cairns!
10. Try 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 energetic place, with stay music, contemporary meals being cooked in entrance of you, and jovial stall holders at all times eager to speak to you and let you know about their merchandise, it’s the place to be on a weekend.
You possibly can choose up distinctive objects, reminiscent of arts and crafts, in addition to contemporary produce and artisan merchandise. It’s value trying out to really feel the excitement of this group!
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.
One of the simplest ways 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 pointers 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 children
Locations to Eat in Port Douglas with children
Port Douglas is well-known for its glorious eating places, cafes, and bars. Beneath are locations we loved a chunk 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 Avenue. 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 Avenue 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, situated within the Coconut Grove Advanced on Macrossan Avenue.
They’re an award successful 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 perfect Australian and worldwide wines.
You possibly can 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 fab and tropical eating expertise and a locals favorite.
With sand on the ground and a sit back bar, it’s laid again, informal and child pleasant. You might have a selection between a restaurant menu or a extra relaxed pizza bar menu.
We cherished this place to eat in Port Douglas!
Hemingways Brewery
We’re at all times up for a craft brew and the newly opened Hemingway’s Brewery is a prime spot to pattern an area brew proper on the water on the marina.
A microbrewery, bar and restaurant, it’s positive to develop into a locals favorite, and why not, with stay acoustic music taking part in and a surprising location I do know we didn’t wish to go away.
On our subsequent Port Douglas vacation we’ll linger longer.
Courthouse Resort
After a giant day trip 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 presents good views out over the park and when it’s not overcast we had been informed it’s a prime spot for sundown.
The Surfy Port Douglas
Each time we go to Port Douglas with children, 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 highway from 4 Mile Seaside.
They serve up tasty meals at cheap costs and there’s a children playground – win,win!
Flames of the Forest
One of the crucial distinctive issues to do in Port Douglas is dinner on the Flames of the Forest – Australia’s solely rainforest eating expertise.
You possibly can 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 now have visited the property for a pre-dinner drink and the setting and ambiance is wonderful and may solely think about what the complete 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 understand what to do and the place to eat, listed below are some locations we stayed and loved.
Coconut Grove Residences
Our first two nights we stayed on the trendy and trendy Coconut Grove Port Douglas which is completely situated within the coronary heart of city on Macrossan Avenue and a simple 140-metre stroll to 4 Mile Seaside.
We love staying in residences as a household as they provide more room and a homely really feel, and are a pleasure to return to after a giant day exploring.
And at Coconut Grove you can be excused for by no means wanting to depart – consisting of 33 glamorous vacation residences that come full with their very own outside entertaining terrace, enormous dwelling space, and an onsite pool, you’ve every part it’s essential to be absolutely self-contained.
However the easiest of Port is merely a stroll away and for those who’re trying to be centrally situated in luxurious, these residences could be arduous to beat – particularly for those who go for a rooftop or stage one condo that includes its very personal swimming pool, spa and outside entertaining services.
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’ve an open-spaced setting with a recent but quirky tropical really feel.
The pool and swim up bar is successful – we couldn’t get the youngsters out of the pool – which was fantastic as we had cocktails to maintain us firm, and we tag teamed for some additional indulgence and child free time on the QT spa.
Our room got here with kitchen services, lounge room with balcony and each day service, and once more was good for us as a household.
And for those who’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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