And while you could quite easily spend all of your time basking in the relaxing atmosphere of the Reef House boutique hotel in Palm Cove, if you’re looking to discover the local area, then a day trip to Port Douglas might just be on the cards.
To help you plan out your day trip to Port Douglas from Palm Cove, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite things to do in and around Port Douglas.
But before we jump straight into the list, let’s learn a little more about Port Douglas.
What you need to know about Port Douglas
Port Douglas is a town in Far North Queensland that is about 36 km north of Palm Cove, and 70 km north of Cairns. Its close proximity to Cairns makes it a popular holiday and tourist destination, especially for those who are looking for Reef adventures but who may also want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the larger Cairns.
Port Douglas was named after a former Queensland Premier – John Douglas – and was discovered in 1877 after the discovery of gold at Hodgkinson River.
Its enviable location, sandwiched between the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforests means that there is so much to see and do. And like Palm Cove, there really isn’t a bad time of year to visit Port Douglas making it a great place to visit – even if it’s just for a day.
Day Trip Activities in Port Douglas
Steam Train Tour
If you want to discover the town or enjoy a novelty mode of transportation, then a trip on the Bally Hooley train might just be one of the most fun ways to do so.
The Bally Hooley train system offers visitors a nostalgic ride through the town onboard one of their historic diesel and steam engine locomotives.
The trains are staffed by railway enthusiasts who are more than happy to share the rich history of the trains, which are actually restored locomotives that used to transport cane from nearby fields to the mill in Mossman.
The Bally Hooley trains can be either a way for you to get from point A to point B in Port Douglas or just to see the sights.
Four Mile Beach
With four miles of soft golden sand, the aptly named Four Mile Beach is an unmissable destination for visitors to Port Douglas.
It’s located only a short walk from the main street of Port Douglas but once you’re there, you would find it hard to believe that civilisation is that close by.
Offering spectacular sights of the horizon, Four Mile Beach is a popular place to watch the sunrise or set, as well as being a place that you can do just about anything at. You can sunbathe, swim in the rock pools, take a scenic walk along the shoreline, or even try your hand at various water-based activities, like kite surfing.
Whether you’re looking for total relaxation or a little bit of action and fun, Four Mile Beach is the perfect place.
And if you want to soak in the beauty of Four Mile Beach but avoid getting sandy, then a trip to Trinity Bay Lookout is a great option. You can view the stunning area out to the horizon.
Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
If you’re keen to see some of the unique native wildlife of Australia but don’t want to take your chances out in the wild, then a trip to Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas might just be for you.
The Wildlife Habitat is an award-winning and advanced eco-certified wildlife sanctuary that allows visitors to interact with Australian animals in a safe environment that replicates the animal’s natural environment.
There are five distinct environments within the sanctuary, including woodlands, wetlands, rainforest, savannah and nocturnal, so you can discover a whole host of Australian animals.
Designed to be a fully immersive experience, you can hand feed wallabies and kangaroos, meet koalas, swim with crocodiles, and even see some of the rarer animals of the region, like the Southern Cassowary and Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo.
If you’re an animal lover, a visit to the Wildlife Habitat should not be missed.
Macrossman Street Precinct
If you want to get a taste of local life in Port Douglas, taking some time out on Macrossman Street is a great way to do just that.
It’s essentially the retail and restaurant hub of the town and links the Harbour to Four Mile Beach.
Enjoy a spot of shopping, dine at one of the many cafes and restaurants, or enjoy some people watching and drinks in the area.
Macrossman street is also home to many galleries where the works of local artists are on display. If you’re a little short on time but want to visit the area, taking some time out to explore Macrossman Street is a great way to learn more about Port Douglas and still see some of the natural beauty of the region.
Sunset Sailing
A magical way to end a day or start a night is on a sunset sailing experience with Sailaway.
Onboard a first-class catamaran, you can discover the true meaning of tranquillity out on the calm waters of the Coral Sea while you sail along the coast line of Port Douglas.
Welcome drinks, delicious canapes and spectacular views are on the cards in this experience. There’s nothing quite like watching the sun sink into the horizon from the ocean.
Our recommendation is to start your night with this sunset sail before making your way back to the Reef House for a degustation dinner at our restaurant, under the stars.
Visit the Reef House in Palm Cove today
If you’ve been wanting to plan a holiday where you can experience true relaxation, as well as learn about the local region and discover some of the most incredible natural attractions in the world, then there is no better place for your trip, than here at the Reef House in Palm Cove.
Palm Cove is a small seaside village that sits hidden along the Queensland coastline halfway between Port Douglas and Cairns. You can have the best of both worlds – escaping the fast-paced lifestyles of bigger cities but being close to a variety of activities and experiences if you want to discover Far North Queensland.
Stay with us here at the Reef House in Far North Queensland.
