Making the most of Port Douglas
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Port Douglas is a tender port. For a private tour, join the tender-ticket queue half an hour before the advertised distribution time so you can secure tickets for the first boat. Ship tours receive priority when ready to depart, which can considerably delay independent passengers.
It is an ideal starting point for excursions to the low isles.
Take a map with you.
On a calm, sunny day, Four Mile Beach is breathtaking, with sand and palm trees stretching as far as you can see. Head to Flagstaff Hill Lookout for an excellent view.
Getting around
For the ship's reef tour at Airlie Beach, the catamaran comes alongside and collects passengers directly from the vessel.
Time constraints make a ship excursion the recommended choice for Great Barrier Reef trips. For shorter outings, look here… Seas can occasionally be rough, in which case tendering might not be possible and the port may be skipped.
Food and shopping
Macrossan Street forms the centre of beautiful Port Douglas village. This vibrant, busy, tree-lined street contains world-class restaurants, bars, cafés, boutiques and galleries.
Money
The currency is the Australian Dollar.