Instagrammable spots in Port Douglas

Written by @sofiaacullen
Image by @ashleydobson

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Often declared a picture-perfect holiday destination, it is no surprise that Port Douglas is, well, perfect for pictures! From the famous Great Barrier Reef to pristine beaches, cascading waterfalls, hidden swimming holes and unique landscapes, Port Douglas will help you on your way as you create the perfect Instagram feed! Here are the 8 most Instagrammable locations sure to leave your followers in awe!

Four Mile Beach

Keeping it simple to start, Port Douglas’s famous Four Mile beach stretches from the mouth of the mighty Mowbray River to the base of Flagstaff Hill. A gentle crescent of palm-fringed coastline and golden sand, Four Mile’s unfiltered beauty makes it the perfect choice for your first Instagrammable destination. Wanting something more colourful for your feed? Try setting that early alarm and watch as the rising sun casts soft hues of pink, orange and purple along the sand. No matter what, if you bring your camera to Four Mile beach, you won’t be leaving disappointed!

Flagstaff Hill walking track

Just a stone's throw from Four Mile beach itself is the Flagstaff hill walking track. Wind your way towards the renowned Flagstaff lookout, pausing to snap some shots of the rich blue ocean beneath. Keep an eye out for turtles and other ocean wildlife when you reach the skydeck, which is the perfect destination to capture some photos with an elevated view of the Coral Sea. If you choose to continue, the Flagstaff Hill lookout, located at the summit of Island Point Road, provides sweeping views of Four Mile beach, making it a sublime Instagrammable destination. Easily accessible via the walking track or by car this location will have your followers hooked!

Thala beach

A lover of all things tropical? Thala Beach nature reserve is the place for you. Their dreamy orchard, filled with towering palm trees perfectly encompasses the Far North's tropical vibe. The textbook rows ensure aerial shots are captivatingly unique. If you are armed with just an iPhone camera don’t let this hold you back! Meander through the swaying palms, turning your camera skyward to capture the vivid green of the palm leaves contrasted by the alluring blue hues of the sky. Run between the palms to shoot light-hearted vacation snaps or perhaps bring a picnic as the ideal backdrop setup. No matter where you turn, this epitome of paradise graces you with endless possibilities for content

Mossman Gorge

Just 20 minutes north of Port Douglas, hidden amongst lush rainforest, you can find the spectacular Mossman Gorge, where crystal-clear waters cascade over impressive granite boulders. Home of the Kuku Yalanji people, this ethereal location is rich in history, with Dreamtime tours and walks allowing tourists to immerse themselves in Indigenous culture. Boardwalks through the rainforest provide the perfect opportunity to snap some otherworldly photos, as the sunlight filters through the trees. The gorge itself provides a serene setting, translucent emerald water reflecting sunlight and providing the perfect lighting for your photos. Have an underwater camera? The visibility allows for high quality footage, making this destination perfect for those wanting to film themselves gliding under the water. If it is surreal Instagram photos you are chasing then Mossman Gorge must be added to your bucket list!

The Great Barrier Reef

Undoubtedly one of the most sought-after locations in the world, there is a reason the Great Barrier Reef is named one of the Seven Natural Wonders. Approximately 1.5hrs from Port Douglas by boat, found within the Great Barrier Reef, the Mackay sand cay is an absolute haven for all things Instagram. Pure white sand rimmed by clear turquoise water, this destination is picturesque from every angle. Wander along the cay and take a moment to appreciate the remote beauty of this destination before jumping right into some content creation. Aerial images provide a view like no other and the pristine ocean allows you to capture phenomenal underwater footage of the abundance of vibrant coral and marine life that can be found off the cay. Without a doubt, by the time you set sail home, you will have more than enough content to tailor your feed to perfection.

Heart of love

Looking for something modern and romantic to spice up your Instagram feed? Try visiting the ‘Heart of Port Douglas’ to lock your love over the Coral Sea. No matter whether you are visiting Port Douglas with a partner, friends or even your dog, head down to the Crystalbrook Marina to lock your love or snap a shot in front of this charming sculpture. Visit at sunset or sunrise to catch a backdrop of pink light for the perfect instagram photo.

Cow Bay swing

Located in Cow Bay, just over an hour north of Port Douglas, is the perfect location to snap a shot and give your Instagram that ‘castaway feel’. Picture a remote beach paired with a soft blue backdrop and a rustic swing hanging from a tropical palm. The caption ‘()’ has never seemed so appropriate.

Sunset at Rex Smeal Park, (or as the locals call it, Stinger Park)

There’s no doubt about it, everyone loves a sunset shot. And there is no better place to capture those final embers of sun than Stinger Park, in the heart of Port Douglas. A sprawling grassy expanse ringed by PD’s iconic palm trees, Stinger Park provides the perfect opportunity to capture photos whilst making memories you will never forget. Head on down with a picnic rug and enjoy the festivities as locals and tourists alike gather to watch as the sun dips below the horizon and the palms reflect the warm hues of sunset. Your feed will be thanking you!