Cairns Connect Overview
Port Douglas is one of the few places in the world that people instantly fall in love with. It is hard not to be impressed with this panoramic seaside village where you can find rusty old prawn trawlers side by side with multi million dollar cruising yachts. Everyone is relaxed, there are plenty of great restaurants with alfresco dining and there is as much or as little to do as your holiday deems necessary.

Population
Approximately 3800

Distance from closest major city
Approximately 70kms north of Cairns (along a very scenic and well sign posted road).

History
Port Douglas was founded in 1877 as the port town for the Hodgkinson River Goldfields. After a series of name changes it became Port Douglas in honour of the then Queensland Premier, John Douglas. The town was very prosperous until Cairns became the new centre for an upgraded rail link from the Atherton Tablelands. In 1911 a serious cyclone virtually destroyed Port Douglas. In recent years it has become well known as a major international tourist destination.

Feel of the town
The drive to Port Douglas along the picturesque Cook Hwy is superb, setting the mood for what to expect when you arrive in this charming seaside town. The road follows the coast for most of the way, occasionally venturing into cane fields with rugged mountain back drops. The road into Port Douglas is lined with hundreds of large palm trees. The famous Sheraton Mirage Resort and golf course create a striking first impression. The actual town of Port Douglas is like a small boutique city located adjacent to the Marina Mirage. Port Douglas has the charm of a sleepy fishing village and the sophistication of a world class holiday destination all rolled into one.

Anzac Park Markets

Things to see
The Marina Mirage is the departure point for Reef Cruises and also an up market shopping complex full of specialty fashion, art and gift stores. There are also a number of tour operators and restaurants located at the Marina Mirage Complex. There are interesting outdoor markets held every Sunday in Anzac Park. There is an excellent wild life attraction called Rainforest Habitat that has won many awards as an eco tourism wildlife park. St Mary's by the sea is a non denominational church very popular with locals as a place to be married. The views from inside the church are superb.

Marina Mirage

Things to do
Port Douglas is a good place to simply walk around, read a book and relax. There is plenty to do, especially with water based activities including reef trips, diving, fishing and paragliding. Golf is popular and the Sheraton Golf Course is considered one of the best in Australia. Low Isles is a beautiful island just off the coast. A day trip to Low Isles or the Great Barrier Reef is essential.

» Visit Tours To Go’s extensive range of Port Douglas tours

Places to Stay
There is a lot of accommodation in Port Douglas and it is either all full or all empty. There is five star complete luxury right down to youth hostels with the majority being motel style properties in the 3-4 star category. Most of the accommodation in Port Douglas is of a high standard with magnificent pools and tropical gardens encouraging people to make the most of the facilities offered. There are also a number of boutique style hotels in the main street - Macrossan St.

» Browse our Port Douglas accommodation

Marina Mirage Golf Course

Places to Eat
The mood in Port Douglas is relaxed. There are cafes and restaurants, many with outdoor dining to make the most of the weather and the views. Port Douglas has the best range of restaurants in Queensland. The theme is predominantly seafood and there are plenty to chose from. There are cheap takeaway fish and chips shops to sensational five star dining experiences at restaurants like the famous Nautilus. It is highly unlikely that you will go hungry in Port Douglas.

» Visit Cairns Dining’s Port Douglas restaurants section

Services
Port Douglas is much smaller than Cairns but it does have all of the services that people generally require. There are banks, chemists, newsagents, bookstores, supermarkets, post office, taxi service, tourist information centre, doctors, dentists, solicitors and mechanical services available.