Visiting Port Douglas for the weekend? Make the most of a weekend in Port Douglas using this easy-to-follow Port Douglas weekend itinerary that covers the main spots to see and do in this gorgeous seaside and rainforest town!
Let’s go: Friday
It’s time for your weekend in Port Douglas. On your way to Port Douglas from Cairns, be sure to stop at some of the most do places between Cairns and Port Douglas (suggested read: Your Cairns to Port Douglas itinerary). If you’re low on time and can only stop at one spot make that spot Rex Lookout. Found approximately half way between Cairns and Port Douglas, the jaw-dropping view from Rex Lookout makes it a must do in any Port Douglas weekend itinerary!
Once you’ve arrived and checked into your hotel, it’s time to freshen up and head out to dinner. Port Douglas is a weekend holiday makers paradise as the town is simply buzzing with dining and drinking options suitable for a range of tastes. Head down to Macrossan Street in the centre of town. Popular options include Zinc, Watergate, Iron Bar and many pizza, Mexican, pasta and other options. Start your Port Douglas weekend getaway the best way by tucking into some delicious food and soaking in the vibrant Port Douglas atmosphere.
Weekend in Port Douglas: Saturday
Rise and shine. Your first full day of your Port Douglas weekend is here. Today you’re going to explore the Daintree National Park, the most famous section of the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. Thriving for over 130 million years, the Daintree Rainforest is a must do for everyone visiting Cairns and Port Douglas. With Back Country Bliss Adventures, you have the choice of two options depending how you want to spend your day. Start your morning with their River Drift Snorkelling tour, where over the course of a few hours you’ll explore the Mossman River via river sled. This unique excursion is THE definition of relaxation – but there is also a few little rapids along the way to keep the adrenaline flowing as well.
After you’ve spent the morning at River Drift Snorkelling with Back Country Bliss Adventures, you can continue the day if you choose their ‘Mossman Gorge Adventure Day‘ option. This option is the perfect way to combine maximum rainforest into your Port Douglas weekend getaway, as after spending the morning on your River Drift Snorkelling tour you then spend the afternoon exploring the incredible Mossman Gorge – which is one of the most beautiful sections of the Tropical North Queensland rainforest.
Rather just do the River Drift Snorkelling? Spend your afternoon at Wildlife Habitat, which is one of the best ways to get up, close and personal with Australia’s incredible wildlife. From feeding kangaroos, hanging out with koalas and even walking the plank over crocodile infested waters, Wildlife Habitat is a particularly fun experience for those travelling with families and young children.
After heading back to your hotel for a bit of rest and relaxation, be sure to head back into town for sunset at Rex Smeal Park. Found in the centre of Port Douglas (Google Maps location here), this is a popular spot loved by both locals and visitors to watch the sky turn golden and the sailing boats return for the evening. A Port Douglas weekend getaway bliss!
Weekend in Port Douglas: Sunday
Start your Sunday off with a visit to the Port Douglas Sunday Markets. Every Sunday from 8am – 2pm locals and visitors flock to the appropriately named Market Park (found beside Rex Smeal Park Google Maps location here) to purchase handmade goodies, delicious food and local produce. Enjoy breakfast at the markets and wander the market stalls.
Afterwards, for those who like to incorporate more fitness into your weekend getaways, get your sweat on on the Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail. Linking Rex Smeal Park with Four Mile Beach, this 1.5km trail is a great way to get your heart pumping (but still very enjoyable and not overly strenuous). Plus, you can relax at Port Douglas’ famous Four Mile Beach at the end of it!
Your Port Douglas weekend getaway may feel like it’s coming to an end, but there’s still a LOT more to enjoy. Port Douglas has spectacular proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, which is one of the major selling points for a Port Douglas weekend trip. Spend your afternoon with Sailaway Port Douglas on their Afternoon Sunset Low Isles Tour. This tour combines the best of both worlds with an island visit, snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef and a lush sunset sailing cruise to end the day. As well as being a turtle’s haven, Low Isles has an incredible range of soft and hard corals. Being able to snorkel straight for the beach is another great selling point, and Sailaway provides experienced marine biologists who can help you understand and learn more about the Great Barrier Reef.
There’s no better way to finish off your Port Douglas weekend getaway with a glass of bubbly and a view looking out across Port Douglas, the Daintree Rainforest and the Tropical North Queensland region.
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