Tropical Great Barrier Reef Resorts in Port Douglas, Australia

From being a small fishing town to becoming one of the most popular destinations for holidays in Australia, Port Douglas has a laid-back tropical feel. Home to not one but two UNESCO World Heritage-listed natural landmarks, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular destination.
Also in town, you can find some of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef resorts, making it a favourite for a proper coastal getaway.

Port Douglas has a tropical climate, so warm weather is pretty much a given.

During the year, it has two distinct seasons: the dry season, which runs from May to October, bringing blue skies, low humidity levels, and milder evenings, ideal for exploring Four Mile Beach or heading out to the Great Barrier Reef.

The green season runs from November to April, with higher humidity, warmer nights, and heavy showers that usually pass through quickly, but it's when the Daintree Rainforest really shows off. 

Start at Four Mile Beach and explore its golden sands and wide palm-fringed coastline. Stroll around Macrossan Street, where the soul of the town is. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafés, shops, and bars. Go on, treat yourself to dessert.

Head up to Trinity Bay Lookout. It’s worth the steps, we promise, when you reach the top and see the bay and the wild landscape from above.

Then make your way to Mossman Gorge. It’s the gateway to the ancient Daintree Rainforest. The nearby township of Mossman offer you a glimpse of everyday life.

If you’re staying at one of our North Queensland hotel resorts, these attractions will be easy to reach.

When you think of Port Douglas, golden sands and the Coral Sea usually come to mind. It’s where the reef meets the rainforest, and one of the most memorable places to experience the wild beauty of Tropical North Queensland.

It’s a great destination to experience some of the world’s natural wonders, such as the Great Barrier Reef, where you can go snorkelling and diving. Venture into the ancient Daintree Rainforest.

Want to connect with the Indigenous communities of the region? Join a guided tour in the forest filled with stories and local music, followed by a locally inspired dinner.

Enjoy a guided Dreamtime walk led by Traditional Owners under the lush rainforest canopy or go for a refreshing dip at Mossman Gorge. If you’re up for some action, head to Four Mile Beach and learn kiteboarding or go kayaking.

Choose Oaks Resorts in Port Douglas, Australia, as your base for balancing adventure with relaxed pool days.

Port Douglas’ food scene celebrates the best the region has to offer, especially its seafood. You’ll find fresh prawns, barramundi, mud crab, and reef fish on plenty of menus around town.

It’s a delicious blend of local ingredients with Asian and European influences, creating modern Australian cuisine filled with tropical flavours.

Taste some juicy fruits like passion fruit, mango, or papaya. Some restaurants have Indigenous-inspired dishes featuring native herbs, finger lime, and kangaroo.

Consider dining at an open-air restaurant like On the Inlet or Nautilus.

Port Douglas has a lively event calendar, including the Port Douglas Carnivale held in May. It’s a celebration of tropical living, with art exhibitions, family beach activities, and fireworks.

If you’re into sailing races, the Port Douglas Race Week is an event held on the Coral Sea that might interest you. Experience cooking demonstrations, tastings, and live music at the Taste Port Douglas Food and Drink Festival, held in August.

The Port Douglas Markets held every Sunday at Anzac Park where you can browse some local crafts and produce.

Cairns Airport’s the closest airport to town, with local and international connections. From there, you can take the daily airport transfer or shuttle service from Cairns to Port Douglas.

If you’re driving from Cairns, it’ll take around one hour to reach the town, but you’ll enjoy the scenic Captain Cook Highway.

Port Douglas is also a popular stop for yachts and charters coming to the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina.

Getting around is simple. The town centre is easy to explore on foot, particularly around Macrossan Street and the marina. Also, you can find frequent local and private shuttle services from the hotels to town. You might want to rent a car to have more flexibility and enjoy day trips to the Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, or the Tablelands.

When looking for a resort in Port Douglas, Australia, Four Mile Beach is one of the most popular areas to stay. It’s more peaceful than the town centre, and it's close to beautiful beaches and the Great Barrier Reef.

Kids will appreciate the beachfront playground at Four Mile Beach Park, while golf enthusiasts can enjoy nearby courses, including Mirage Country Club and Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course.

Our resorts near the Great Barrier Reef in Australia offer a prime location, close to the main attractions like the town centre, Four Mile Beach, and the Wildlife Habitat.

Choose from hotel rooms or a 1 and 2 bedrooms apartments with garden and pool views. They feature on-site dining, a day spa, a lagoon-style pool, and a swim-up bar.

Don’t wait and start planning your next Port Douglas family holiday today.