11th July 2019
Located in Far North Queensland, there's so much to experience both in the water and on land in Port Douglas. For example, head just a few kilometres west and descend into Mossman Gorge and you'll soon see why it gets its nickname the 'wet tropics' - but be sure to take an umbrella. Take one of the many Port Douglas tours on offer and your guide will explain that in these parts annual rainfall is measured in metres, not centimetres. Which makes sense given that it's one of the wettest places on earth.
9th April 2019
Australia's favourite holiday park brand BIG4 have just announced a fantastic three-year partnership with world-renowned children's entertainment group, The Wiggles.
20th February 2019
Port Douglas Magazine is celebrating love this February with its popular "Stories of Romance" Campaign.
4th February 2019
The Peninsula Boutique Hotel Port Douglas has been named amongst the top 10 hotels in Australia for 2019. Based on the reviews and opinions from 1,200 on TripAdvisor, the hotel ranked fourth overall.
8th January 2019
The Port Douglas Surf Lifesaving Club is inviting local residents to keep fit over the summer by participating in series of local swim-run event.
22nd November 2018
The completion of a state of the art reservoir has secured water for Port Douglas for the next 100 years.
25th October 2018
Port Douglas tourism has surged by almost 7% in the 2017/18 financial year.
Despite recent controversial media reports over the Great Barrier Reef, heavy rainfall, flooding and crocodiles, Port Douglas remains one of Australia's most sought-after holiday destinations.
27th September 2018
On Saturday September 29, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort in Port Douglas will celebrate the traditional rich culture of the Kuku Yalanji people during a spectacular evening that is not to be missed.
16th April 2018
Early last Friday Morning, Crystalbrook Collection admitted to withdrawing the development application for the recently announced Port Douglas marina expansion. This news comes just two months after Crystalbrook doubled the capital they were projected to spend on the luxury overhaul when they announced the $200 million application in January.
31st January 2018
Yet again travel opinion site Trip Advisor has compiled its global lists of outstanding hotels around and the world with four Far North Queensland accommodation providers being ranked among the best for 2018. However, Port Douglas has really shone with the popular holiday destination receiving mentions in two separate categories in the illustrious industry accolade.
17th January 2018
The Port Douglas marina is slated for a luxury redevelopment that now looks set to double its original minimum projected spend from $100 million to $200 million according to plans received by the Douglas Shire Council. The Crystalbrook Collection project anticipates further mark ups after they revealed a ‘clean slate approach’ will be taken.
27th December 2017
When you’re travelling in the tropics it’s not always easy to know what to pack, particularly if you’re from a cooler climate. Whether you’re visiting from down south or from further abroad, it doesn’t hurt to consider what is really essential and what is totally unnecessary when it comes to a visit to Port Douglas.
6th December 2017
Port Douglas is a popular holiday destination known for its wonderful weather and beautiful beaches, however the Far North Queensland hot spot is also known for its fantastic food. The gourmet and gastronomic delights on offer in the beachside hideaway are arguably one of the most desirable Port Douglas attractions, a theory that may have just been proved by Delicious magazine.
15th November 2017
The Port Douglas Marlin Challenge was on 9-12 November and saw anglers from all over the country and indeed the world, arrived in Port Douglas to fish for one of the ocean’s greatest prizes. Held every year in the first weeks of November, the event was predicted to draw a ‘hundreds of thousands of dollars’ boost to the local economy.
18th October 2017
If you were thinking about heading north and taking a break in the tropical sunshine of Port Douglas, there has never been a better time. Prices have dropped unusually low in the region in November, so now is the time to book your Port Douglas escape. If you’re hoping to snag a great deal, it really comes down to being in the right place at the right time, but with a little help from us that has become much easier.
4th October 2017
Port Douglas tourism operators are celebrating the news that Syrian billionaire Ghassan Aboud is planning a $100 million overhaul of the Reef Marina, set to bring a new level of international prestige to the far north town. Aboud’s latest blue-chip investment promises to assist in filling one of the biggest gaps in the popular holiday destination – Port Douglas accommodation.
20th September 2017
It seems Port Douglas has become a haven for rare marine life with lesser-known minke whales spotted in the waters last month and now this month, a sea creature so rare it’s known as the ‘unicorn of the sea’ by scientists, has also been spotted in the waters off Port Douglas. The strange-looking tubular creature that appeared to be several metres long was spotted by dive operator Jay Wink on a Port Douglas tour of the area.
30th August 2017
Port Douglas has had a bit of an identity crisis over the years. It began its life in the 1870s as a gold rush town. By the 1960s it had retreated to become a sleepy fishing village in the tropics. Then in the late 80s it exploded into a playground for the rich and famous. Now, 30 years later, it’s finally come of age and has emerged as a sophisticated holiday destination and popular coastal resort town.
16th August 2017
Calling all foodies. Far North Queensland’s premier annual food and beverage festival has once again come to Port Douglas. Renowned for being one of the best holiday destinations, Port Douglas is also famed as a culinary hotspot. With a thriving restaurant industry, food has always been a major Port Douglas attraction however last weekend, Taste Port Douglas saw foodies, restaurateurs and celebrity chefs converge on the stunning coastal town.
2nd August 2017
Tourism Tropical North Queensland director Wendy Morris was lucky enough to experience a close encounter with a little-known dwarf minke whale during a snorkelling expedition off Port Douglas. The tourism leader even managed to snap photographic proof of her encounter with the gentle giant which visited her tour boat on a local reef.
19th July 2017
Arriving in Port Douglas, long-running diver operator Divers Den has begun a new chapter in its 40-year history. One of the longest established reef dive operators in Cairns, the company has introduced AquaQuest, a brand new purpose-built vessel, to the waters of Port Douglas.
5th July 2017
Although an already popular port of call for cruise ships, the Port Douglas economy is set to expand as cruise ship visits double in the coming years. With 20 visits recorded last year, Port Douglas is already a favourite docking destination for Princess and P&O Cruises however, according to Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree Executive Officer Tara Bennett that number could nearly double to 36 by 2018/2019.
21st June 2017
In a thrilling beginning to the 2017 Cairns Adventure Festival, athletes conquered sand, sea, rainforest and road in Port Douglas on Sunday 4 June. An event that celebrates the athleticism and endurance of the human body, the 2017 Cairns Airport Adventure Festival ran from 4-12 June in onf the most iconic tropical locations in the world.
7th June 2017
Port Douglas could’ve been confused for Rio de Janeiro when Carnivale took over the town from the 26-28 May. Drawing record numbers, the event has gone from strength to strength over the last 23 years, culminating in its biggest-ever attendance this year according to organiser Melissa Head.
3rd May 2017
Wendy Morris arrived in Port Douglas on a sailboat with her family 40 years ago. Intent on being as close to the Great Barrier Reef as possible, she grew up in the tropical paradise with a curiosity and growing awareness for the wonders of marine life. This fascination led her to study Marine Biology at James Cook University and subsequently become a pioneering force around Port Douglas. Now, she invites you to join the Reef Society.
19th April 2017
In the wake of Tropical Cyclone Debbie and the damage she caused to Tropical North Queensland, Port Douglas has adopted the typical Australian attitude of ‘she’ll be right’, welcoming stranded holidaymakers to holiday in the untouched coastal destination. The message is that although certain parts of the state have sustained damage and destruction, the majority of Queensland is unaffected and Port Douglas is very much open for business.
29th March 2017
Coffee is one of the most important parts of the day and whether it’s as a kickstart in the morning or a delicious treat in the afternoon, we all have our favourite place to enjoy a cup of joe. The barista at your favourite coffee place back might know your name and order, but when it comes to finding the best brew while on holidays it can be trial and error that leaves a bad taste in your mouth. So forget all the obvious coffee hit around town, we’ve put together 5 unique ways to enjoy coffee in Port Douglas.
15th March 2017
Preparations are already underway for the biggest event of the year in Port Douglas. This year celebrating its 23rd anniversary, the 2017 Port Douglas Carnivale promises to be bigger and better than ever. Offering a taste of paradise, this long-running Port Douglas festival is a vibrant, annual celebration of culture, food, entertainment, art, music, and sports hosted in the northern reaches of Port Douglas, Mossman and the Daintree. Running for 10 days, the festival will begin on May 18 and continue to May 28, featuring the time-honoured Macrossan Street Parade and peaking with a variety of foodie and family fun.
22nd February 2017
The Cairns Airport Adventure Festival is an annual Ironman challenge and multi-sport event that takes place in June and while many athletes of all ages and skill levels train hard in the lead up to this iconic event, their sights are also firmly set on aftermath of the athletic event. Escaping the start of winter, heading north where temperatures are still in the high 20s is a delight for festival goers and many choose to stay on after the event for some well-deserved rest and relaxation and Port Douglas is the perfect place for recovery.
8th February 2017
Controversial Independent MP and state member for Cook, Billy Gordon has been slammed by local and federal government officials as well as Port Douglas locals after making disparaging comments about the Douglas Shire. Suggesting the Gold Coast was where tourists should head for a classic beach holiday, Gordon’s comments disappointed Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu who said “we are so much better than that”.
25th January 2017
The main bar at the iconic Court House Hotel in Port Douglas will be closed for the next six weeks and although regular punters may miss their favourite watering hole for the next month and a half, the serious makeover it’s receiving promises to make the bar bigger and better than ever. Receiving a complete refurbishment, General Manager of Projects for the Hilrock Hotel Group, Charles Warren promises customers that it will be worth the wait.
4th January 2017
New Year’s Eve saw Port Douglas transformed into party central with some of the seaside town’s best nightlife spots and restaurants welcoming 2017 in a spectacular fashion. The night sky lit up at 8.30pm with a fireworks display next to The Combined Club and then as the clock struck midnight, the foreshore of Anzac Park fired to life with an impressive fireworks display to ring in the new year. So what were the highlights of the party in Port Douglas?
14th December 2016
When the Port Douglas weather starts to heat up, you know that special time of year is upon us. You dust off the decorations, the parties just keep coming, the cold drinks are flowing and the kids are on the countdown to the big day. So with the advent calendar's daily goodies diminishing, it's time to embrace some Christmas cheer and start seriously planning your happy holidays and new year's. From carols in the park to Christmas Day on the reef and the best place to see in the new year, here's a rundown of what's on in Port Douglas this silly season.
2nd November 2016
Port Douglas has again lived up to its reputation as a vibrant and festive destination when the race that stops the nation brought party time to the town yesterday Tuesday, November 1. As with every year, the majority of the town's resorts and restaurants were primed for a 'feast of entertainment' for the 2016 Melbourne Cup.
12th October 2016
Port Douglas has long been known as a family-friendly holiday destination and occasional high-roller playground but the far north Queensland town is set to attract even more tourists with a major $85 million dollar overhaul slated to transform the iconic waterfront.
28th September 2016
Forget Tinder, recent research by self-service ticketing platform Eventbrite shows that 49% of those surveyed met a 'significant other' at live events, with almost half of those surveyed saying they had found love at a festival. Not only that but 4% of those surveyed actually went on to exchange vows! Whether it be a sporting spectacle, music festival or live event it seems these occasions are the right places to look for love.
7th September 2016
Port Douglas will soon be the most northern spot in Queensland where futuristic motorists will be able to fast charge a Tesla electric car after a charging station is installed. Revolutionising the auto industry, Tesla Motors are the leaders in a new market of electric cars, with the QT Port Douglas hotel set to be the first electric car charging service north of Mutarnee.
17th August 2016
Since it was built in the 80s, the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort has been a legendary figure responsible for putting Far North Queensland on the map. Now, the resort has undergone a legendary $40 million make over to restore it to its former glory with a flair for modern opulence.
3rd August 2016
Tropical North Queensland is known for its unique array of wildlife, particularly deadly critters such as the cassowary. However visitors and locals have been warned against some of the larger bodies of water in Port Douglas after some resident crocodiles have been brought out by recent warmer winter weather. These cold-blooded predators cannot generate their own heat and so rely on the sun to stay warm and the recent warmer-than-average Port Douglas weather appears to have brought them out onto footpaths and yards.
20th July 2016
From August 12 to 14, visitors to Port Douglas will have the opportunity to experience the lifestyle and food culture of Tropical North Queensland along with Australia's best chefs. The Taste Port Douglas Food & Wine Festival is presented by Sheraton Mirage and is an annual celebration of Tropical North Queensland's best food culture.
6th July 2016
One of the most popular Port Douglas attractions just got even more popular. The Reef Marina is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar upgrade and as part of that, Hemingway's Brewery is now open. While the marina has always been a dining and drinking hub popular with visitors and locals alike, it's now set to attract even more foodies and drink-ophiles with the new brewery.
15th June 2016
Last week the 2016 Cairns Airport Adventure Festival took place in one of the most tropical and iconic destinations in the world. The festival features a variety of athletic events for all ages and abilities including the Coral Coast Triathlon, the Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge, Ironman 70.3 Cairns, Quicksilver Reef Swim, RRR Mountain Bike Challenge, Ironkids Cairns and the Cairns Post Bright Night Run.
1st June 2016
Despite some unseasonal rain, thousands of locals and interstate visitors flocked to Rex Smeal Park, Macrossan Street and various locations along the Port Douglas foreshore from 12-22 May for what has shaped up to be one of the biggest and best Port Douglas Carnivale's yet.
4th May 2016
A simple yet stunning shot of Emmagen Creek has been voted best photograph in the recent Show Me Your Paradise consumer campaign from Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree. The modest but magnificent shot was captured by Jodi Noden and it has captured the imagination of judges, who deemed it to be the best image showcasing the striking beauty of Port Douglas and the Daintree region.
20th April 2016
The world's largest travel review site, TripAdvisor, has released the results of its annual travellers choice awards and Tropical North Queensland has fared well. Based on traveller feedback and booking interest across the last 12 months, the 2016 TripAdvisor travellers choice awards have ranked Australia's top 10 holiday hotspots, with Port Douglas coming in at number six, just under Cairns which came in at number five.
6th April 2016
One of the most popular Port Douglas attractions is celebrating the birth of a baby Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo and to commemorate the occasion, they're giving the public the opportunity to name the rare cutie. The latest addition to the Wildlife Habitat at Port Douglas, the joey was born in September of 2015 and has only recently emerged from the pouch. Born to father Quinton and wild-born rescued mother Ruby, the baby Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo is brave, inquisitive and beginning to explore her enclosure, climbing branches under the watchful eye of mum.
16th March 2016
Famous Australian actor Stephen Curry is one of many influential voices in the Australian film industry singing the praises of the Daintree and Port Douglas resurging in popularity as a film location. Having recently spend 8 days in Port Douglas as part of the Port Shorts Film Festival, Curry has been inspired to make a film here.
24th February 2016
Located 45 minutes north of Cairns and 15 minutes south of Port Douglas, Thala Beach Nature Reserve is a luxury lodge-style resort with a nature-based focus and some series ecotourism credentials. A unique spot where the rainforest meets the beach, the reserve is situated on a secluded beach surrounded by 58 hectares of native forest. Set atop a headland offering breathtaking views of the Coral Sea, Thala Beach Nature Reserve is fringed by World Heritage listed reef and rainforest and offers an island-feel eco retreat ideal for exploring the Daintree and Great Barrier Reef.
10th February 2016
National news outlet The New Daily has revealed the top 10 seachange towns in Australia, with Port Douglas coming in at a very respectable number 6. Ranked by an urban geographer and town planner, those that made the list were scored on everything from quality of beach and distance to beach to housing affordability, health and education, transport, climate, job prospects, X factor, natural beauty, vibrancy and their main street. Port Douglas scored a total of 40/55 on this criteria, but what is it about this seaside town that draws people in?
20th January 2016
There's nothing better than a leisurely seaside drive and in Australia we're some of the luckiest when it comes to scenic ocean roads. Holidaying within Australia is one of the most attractive options for 2016 thanks to the plummeting Australian dollar. In fact a recent study by Ford has found that 77% of families in Australia will be forgoing overseas trips this year and rather opt for a domestic holiday instead.
15th December 2015
Port Douglas is a stunning destination in tropical Far North Queensland, about an hour's drive north of Cairns. A relaxed beachside town, Port Douglas is known for its spectacular stretches of beach, swaying palm trees, lush rainforest and close proximity to the famous Great Barrier Reef. It's pristine beaches, gorgeous natural environment and swimsuit-worthy weather make it the perfect place for a mini-break, one that you can plaster all over Instagram and make your friends jealous. In fact, Port Douglas is so beautiful, you won't even need a filter #nofilter.
6th November 2015
Players at the beautifully designed and impeccably maintained world class golf course of the Mirage Country Club located at the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort are no stranger to a bit of bite off a shot with too much backspin. However, recently the local wildlife had been offering up a bite of their own kind. A 3.6m crocodile has been removed from the country club after getting a bit too close for comfort.
11th September 2015
Wealthy New Zealand property developers have just released $22 million worth of luxury properties in Port Douglas. Putting the picturesque Tropical North Queensland coastal hamlet near Cairns on the map, the multi-million dollar properties are set to attract more affluent visitors to the popular holiday destination.
19th May 2015
Although Port Douglas is famous for its characteristic laid back atmosphere, spectacular beaches and low-rise tropical old world charm, one of the things this beautiful coastal holiday destination is distinctly underrated for is its dining. Home to more than 50 cafes and restaurants, dining in Port Douglas is a culinary delight. With most Port Douglas restaurants located within easy walking distance of the most popular holiday accommodation, you can enjoy cuisine from all over the world.
4th February 2015
Located in Far North Queensland, Port Douglas is the perfect place to base yourself for exploring the Reef and Rainforest Coast. Although known as a popular holiday destination for its beautiful, relaxing coastal location and easy access to spectacular natural environment, Port Douglas also exudes a certain animal attraction that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
21st January 2015
The beautiful coastal location of Port Douglas lends itself perfectly to fishing. Whether you prefer to drop a lazy line in from the shore or love to get out on the water for some more serious fishing, Port Douglas offers some of the best reef fishing in the world. A sensational contrast, Port Douglas fishing spots are unrivalled by anywhere else in the world.
17th September 2014
Any port in a storm, or so the old saying goes, but when it comes to Port Douglas there is so much on offer that you'll never be forced to settle for anything less than fantastic. Located approximately 70km north of Cairns, Port Douglas offers Tropical North Queensland's famous sun, sand and surf without the crowds of some of the busier cities.
8th July 2014
While it may not match the feat of around the world in 80 days, seeing Port Douglas in just 6 days is impressive and affordable. With so much to see in and around Port Douglas, a 6 day itinerary is the perfect way to make the most of this spectacular region without having to take too much time off work. Time it over a long weekend and you've practically taken no holidays at all! Except you have, and you feel great for it. Not to mention, you get to enjoy beautiful Port Douglas! It's a win win.
16th May 2014
As winter begins to invade most of the country, particularly in the south, holiday makers are looking to combat the falling temperatures with blue skies, sunny days and warmer climes. However with most people's budgets as frozen as the morning dew, travellers are looking for a more affordable option and are therefore setting their sights on domestic destinations rather than costly overseas trips.
2nd May 2014
The place where the reef meets the rainforest, Port Douglas is a beautifully tropical and relaxed holiday destination on a 200km stretch of Coral Sea coastline, just 67km north of Cairns. Home to famous 4 Mile Beach, there are a huge range of Port Douglas attractions that continue to draw thousands of visitors to its shores every year.
21st March 2014
Located 67km north of Cairns, Port Douglas is a popular and picturesque holiday destination on the Queensland coast. Renowned for its laid back atmosphere, Port Douglas holiday packages are the ideal way to plan your holiday and take care of everything before you go, allowing you to enjoy your visit affordably and stress-free.
21st February 2014
Port Douglas holidays are the ultimate tropical North Queensland escape combining a relaxed atmosphere with some of the country's most amazing natural attractions including the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef.
7th February 2014
Offering a taste of paradise, Port Douglas Carnivale is a vibrant, annual food, culture, music, art, entertainment and sports festival hosted by the far northern villages of the Daintree, Mossman and Port Douglas. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the 2014 Port Douglas Carnivale is sure to be one of the biggest and best yet.
6th January 2014
Just over a year after the Rydges Sabaya Resort was transformed into QT Port Douglas, the new look designer resort is already making a name for itself as one of North Queensland's must-see, must-stay luxury accommodation options.
20th December 2013
Whether you want to call the golden sands of 4 Mile Beach home for Christmas or plan on taking off a little later to arrive in time to ring in the New Year, there are plenty of fantastic ways to celebrate in Port Douglas. If you're looking to see 2013 out in style and see in 2014 with a bang, the New Year's Eve White Party at Lure Restaurant and Bar has got your name written all over it.
