Planning a family getaway up north in Australia? Port Douglas can be a great destination, with the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, the Kuranda Scenic Railway and plenty of family activities.
Port Douglas is full of fun and interesting things to do with the kids, whether they prefer activities by the water or perhaps exploring the wildlife of the region.
Take the family north to discover the natural wonders and brilliant activities that guarantee you’ll all have a blast. If you need a base, Oaks Port Douglas Resort is a serene and spacious resort perfect for rest and relaxation.
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1. Explore the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the great natural wonders of the world, which is why any trip should include this Port Douglas family activity. There are so many ways to explore this UNESCO World Heritage-protected treasure, from helicopter rides to glass-bottom boat tours, but we think the best bet is a classic full-day reef tour. The kids will love snorkelling above the colourful coral, spotting Nemo and his friends.
This Great Barrier Reef cruise departs Port Douglas daily for the marvellous Agincourt Ribbon Reefs. No doubt you’ll make fin-tastic family memories!
2. Rainforest adventures in the Daintree
The area around Port Douglas is home to not one, but two fantastic UNESCO World Heritage sites. The second is the Daintree Rainforest, which is estimated to be 180 million years old. Sir David Attenborough has described it as “the most extraordinary place on earth”, and you can explore it in so many different ways.
It’s one of the most unique things to do with kids in Port Douglas, whether that’s joining a guided rainforest walk or trying something a bit different. For older kids and teens, a river drift snorkelling tour will make them float through the rainforest, down the crystal-clear Mossman River looking for platypus and turtles below and bright-blue Ulysses butterflies above.
3. Introduce the kids to Port Douglas wildlife
Port Douglas has a variety of wildlife parks and sanctuaries that give the kids the opportunity to learn and get closer to the Aussie native animals. Places like Wildlife Habitat and Rainforestation Nature Park, make it possible for the little ones to see koalas, feed wallabies and spot kangaroos.
It’s an ideal Port Douglas family activity to add to your itinerary, with a mix of WOW and “mum, can we take it home?” moments.
4. Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway on a Day Trip from Port Douglas
Kuranda is one of those easy wins when travelling with kids, especially when getting there is part of the experience. The Kuranda Scenic Railway day trip from Port Douglas takes you through rainforest and mountain landscapes, climbing from the coast up to the Atherton Tablelands. Built in 1891, this scenic service drops you in the heart of Kuranda.
Once in the charming mountain village, explore the markets then take the kids to the Koala Gardens, Birdworld, or the Butterfly Sanctuary. When the day is done, return via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Suspended high above the treetops, you’ll float above the rainforest and down to sea level.
5. Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
Wondering what to do with the kids in Port Douglas? This is where things get a bit more adventurous. At Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, the kids can come face to face with crocs, slithering snakes, and more. Meet these prehistoric dinosaurs in real life when you feed freshwater crocs and see mega saltwater crocs devouring a meal.
You can catch a crocodile farm tour during the day, as well as an exciting crocodile show.
6. Connect with culture at Mossman Gorge
Up to something a bit more cultural to do with the family? Meet the Kuku Yalanji, the traditional owners of the land and join a culturally rich tour of Mossman Gorge. A 20-minute drive from Port Douglas, located within the Daintree Rainforest, your Ngadiku Dreamtime begins with a traditional ‘smoking’ ceremony to cleanse and ward off bad spirits. Then your local guide will lead you through the forest and show you the different bush food sources and stories around the place.
You’ll end with a traditional bush tea and damper.
7. Swim with dwarf minke whales
From June to September each year, dwarf minke whales make an annual migration off the coast of Port Douglas. At around eight metres long, these whales aren’t exactly small, but they are friendly and may approach boats.
If you’re visiting during this time, it’s one of the greatest family activities in Port Douglas to do. Some reef tours offer the chance to enter the water and observe them up close.
8. Visit the Port Douglas Sunday Market
Every Sunday from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm, the Port Douglas markets pop up by the waterfront at Anzac Park. These markets are a true treasure where only locally grown or locally made goods can be sold. You’ll find original souvenirs, jewellery, clothing, furniture and toys, plus you can try some local produce and tropical fruits.
It’s one of those things to do with kids in Port Douglas that makes your Sunday morning a little different.
9. Play at Four Mile Beach
This expansive stretch of white sand and swaying palm trees is a clear representation of Tropical North Queensland. Find a quiet patch to sink your toes into the soft sand and let the kids run amok.
During stinger season (November to March), a dedicated swimming enclosure pops up so little ones can splash about without worry. At the northern end, you’ll find tidal rock pools with starfish and molluscs.
Afterwards, retreat to the Port Douglas Surf Club for lunch. There’s a beachfront playground for the kids, and seafood platters for mum and dad.
If you need a base in Far North Queensland, look no further than Oaks Port Douglas Resort, with its expansive resort-style pools and swaying palms. From here, many of the main things to do with kids in Port Douglas are within easy reach.
So, which of these would you try first?
