Take A Day Trip From Port Douglas

If you’re going up to Tropical North Queensland soon, Port Douglas is the ideal place to make your base. Not only is it drop dead gorgeous with a beautiful 4 Mile Beach, it’s nearby many attractions that make for the perfect day trip before you return to this tropical oasis. Here are just a few suggestions on where to go from this beautiful beachside town.

Day Dives On The Great Barrier Reef

Port Douglas is one of the nearest mainland locations to the Great Barrier Reef, and as a result, there are many snorkel and dive companies based here that will take you for a full day or overnight on the reef. Packages and costs can vary depending on what you want, but you’re looking at around $230pp for a full day on the reef, including lunch and equipment.

A Journey Into The Daintree Rainforest

On the edge of Tropical North Queensland, Port Douglas is also the starting point for many inland tours to the Daintree Rainforest. From hiking to four-wheel-driving, highlights can include the Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation, Bloomfield Falls and Daintree River, where you can get off the road and take a cruise. The rainforest is where you can spot many of Australia’s tropical species, such as crocodiles, lizards, turtles, butterflies and birds, including the extraordinary Cassowary.

A City Escape To Cairns

Just one hour’s drive south of Port Douglas is Cairns. It’s basically Port Douglas on a bigger scale, with a tropical culture, palm tree-fringed beaches and festivals galore. If you miss the buzz of a city, take advantage of the many restaurants and bars, head to the dance floor and shop ‘til your feet fall off. If you have a car, you can get to Cairns and back no problem, or you can book a transfer on the Port Douglas Bus.

Go High In The Sky In Kuranda

A mountain retreat in the Atherton Tableland area of the Cairns Highlands, Kuranda begs you to go high, whether on the scenic railway or Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, to get to it. Through the mountains and over rivers, this rainforest village is a journey to get to, but it’s worth it once you experience the markets, relaxed culture and laidback village life of Kuranda.
Wherever you decide to go, return to Port Douglas from your day trips to comfort and style at United Backpackers Port Douglas. Situated in the heart of town, 5 minutes from 4 Mile Beach, this recently-opened accommodation features comfy beds in dorms or private rooms, with super soft bedding, air-conditioning and swipe card access for convenience and security. If you’ve not got any activities planned – no worries – because there’s plenty here to help you pass the time, including an outdoor pool, a pop-up cinema, bikes, a TV lounge, a bar and BBQs. To make day trips even easier, United also provide a free shuttle from Cairns when you stay for three nights or longer. With great rates, it might just make you hang around a bit longer…

The Port Douglas region is amazing and has such a deep connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage. You won’t believe the incredible experiences you can have here, like guided walks through the lush rainforest and learning all about traditional Aboriginal hunting and fishing techniques. It’s like stepping into a whole new world.

Take the first step and visit www.unitedportdouglas.com.au or call 07 4099 5011 to book your holiday in Port Douglas.