Astonishing. Alluring. Mesmerising. These are just a few words that could best describe Port Douglas in North Queensland. From experiencing the lush greeneries, exploring the Great Barrier Reef, to river floats and wildlife park adventures, to relaxing on coconut palm-lined beaches that meet the turquoise, tropical waters, this is the perfect tropical getaway you wouldn’t want to miss this 2022.
Have we sparked your curiosity and interest yet? Here’s a couple of exciting experiences that await you when you come together with your loved ones to Port Douglas this year:
Explore the famous Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world. It is made up of thousandsof kilometers of coral, marine life, and untouched white sand beaches. See stunning biodiversities like tropical fishes, sea turtles, whales, dolphins, porpoises, molluscs, and giant clams that are more than 120 years old! Experience it in many ways–snorkel, charter a yacht, or even book a helicopter flight. Over a dozen tour operators depart for the Great Barrier Reef daily from Port Douglas so you’re sure not to miss it!
Be captivated by the Daintree National Park
Another must-see attraction in North Queensland is the world-heritage listed Daintree Rainforest, the oldest surviving tropical rainforest on earth. Take the time to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature as you wander through the rainforest from elevated walkways at the Daintree Discovery Centre. Day trips from Port Douglas depart daily or you can also choose to drive and explore at your own pace! You can also experience the crystal clear waters of Mossman Gorge, surrounded by the rainforest, which is 20 minutes away from Port Douglas.
Marvel at the amazing wildlife
The North Queensland trip is never complete without visiting Australia’s unique wildlife!
Ever been to a crocodile adventure? At Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, you’ll both be educated and entertained with its “Big Croc Feed” demonstration. You can also board on a cruise on Hartley’s Lagoon and observe the crocodiles in their natural habitat.
Take it even further by exploring the Wildlife Habitat, where you get to see the famous Nocturnal Habitat! This is where special lighting reverses nocturnal animals’ sleeping patterns so that visitors are able to witness Striped Possums, Bettongs, Mahogany Gliders, and more at their most active time even during the day!
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also give River Drift Snorkelling a try! From a raft, you can dive below the surface with a mask and snorkel to spot turtles, over 30 species of fish, water dragons, and an elusive platypus!
Go for a stroll at the PortDouglas Markets
On Sundays, the Market Park is filled with an array of stalls selling jewelry, local handicrafts, pottery, tasty treats, and beach-inspired homewares. There are also boutiques that sell major international labels and unique local designs. Whether you’re a window shopper, a shopaholic, or a foodie, you’ll surely love the laid back ambiance of the Port Douglas Markets.
Plant your footprints on the postcard-perfect Four Mile Beach
The Four Mile Beach is the main beach in Port Douglas where you can relax and just enjoy the breath of fresh air. As the name suggests, the sand stretches for about four miles (6.5 kilometers), making it a perfect place to stroll or unwind in. Swimmers can find the water here pleasantly warm, while children could also enjoy rock hopping along the beachhead to discover a number of small crabs and invertebrates! The northern end features a hill with a lookout point, which is a great place for you to watch the sunrise over the Coral Sea!
Experience a full or half day Cultural Adventure
Complete your trip to Port Douglas by joining the Walkabout Cultural Adventures. Port Douglas is home to the Kuku Yalanji Aboringal People, whose relationship with the land and sea dates back tens of thousands of years. On a full or half day guided tour, you can explore the Kuku Yalanji country, the only place where two world heritage sites meet–the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef! Learn about the environment while appreciating the history, culture, and traditions of the Australian Aboriginal people. While you’re at it, you might even catch a mud crab or other delightful seafood, which is cooked by your guide for you to enjoy while on the tour!
Plan out your future getaways to North Queensland with us! Learn how you can travel with us and gain access to over 600,000+ world-class resorts, hotels, and more by visiting www.rci.com.
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