48 Hours in Port Douglas

Four Mile beach. Picture credit: Sofia Cullen

Words by Sofia Cullen

Short on time, but hoping to squeeze every last moment out of your time in Far North Queensland? I get it. Whether you are simply passing through Port Douglas, let your type B friend do the booking, or have a day or two to yourself either side of a wedding, sometimes you might only be left with 48 hours in our coastal paradise. It’s sad, I know, but with limited time on the clock, here is a handy guide to ensure you can experience the best Port Douglas has to offer!

Day One

MORNING

SUNRISE

While it may not be every holiday goer’s cup of tea, there’s something to be said for watching the sunlight skim the tops of the mountain range that overlooks Port Douglas’ iconic Four Mile Beach.

STROLL

With no need to fear the cold that might accompany being up before dawn in other places, grab a takeaway coffee from a holiday favourite like Captain & Co and wander along the shoreline as the sun rises from the ocean.

EXERCISE

If you fancy starting your day with a sweat, the 1.5km Flagstaff hill track connects Four Mile Beach and Rex Smeal Park, snaking along the outside of the Port Douglas peninsula and providing breathtaking ocean views.

COFFEE

Recover from the morning’s activity with a visit to one of Port Douglas’s many breakfast and coffee hot spots. Swing by Origin Espresso to try their signature in-house roast or pair your morning brew with a browse through the latest bestselling books at Whileaway Café and Bookshop.

YUMMY BITES

If you’re starting to feel the warmth, pop into Nectar for a tropical smoothie or insta-worthy acai bowl to cool off . More of a savoury soul? Choo Choo’s at the Marina has you covered with eggs every way. Settle in, sip your coffee and watch the boats cruise through the marina – it’s a classic Port Douglas vibe.

Otherwise from art galleries to artisan goods, homewares and boutique fashion, Port Douglas’ unique shopping scene begs for some extra suitcase room!

Mossman Gorge. Picture credit: Sofia Cullen

MID-DAY

BAKE, DIP OR SHOP

It’s time to hit the beach! Snag a spot under the palm trees and loose a few hours to the warm Queensland sun. Sand not your vibe? Take a quick fi ft een-minute drive north of Port Douglas to Mossman gorge. A brisk freshwater dip and wander through the tranquil Daintree rainforest will have you recharged for the afternoon.

AFTERNOON

SUNSET VIEWS

No day in Port Douglas is complete without a sunset session. For front-row seats, wander down to Rex Smeal Park, famous for its iconic ring of palm trees.

Bring some nibbles or grab fish and chips for a laidback feast as the sky turns pink (fingerscrossed!).

SECRET

Want a local’s secret? Take the short climb up to Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse and soak up panoramic views as the sun dips below the mountains. Trust me, your camera roll will thank you.

Reef Views. Picture credit: Sofia Cullen

EVENING

TUNES

Once night falls, live music spills onto the streets and locals and holiday-goers alike fi ll the restaurants and bars that line Macrossan.

TANTALISE

If you are looking to tantalise your tastebuds, class dining options can be found at Lichi, La Cucina and Wrasse & Roe.

RELAXED

Looking to keep it casual? n17 serves up mouth-watering burgers, Grant street off ers a range of good options both day or night and Port Douglas certainly has no shortage when it comes to venues offering classic pub feeds.

COCKTAILS vs. GELATO

Cocktail connoisseurs can spend the evening sampling signature beverages at Cosmos Cocktail Lounge, and for dessert, there’s no beating a late-night gelato and a stroll under trees wreathed in fairy lights.

Day Two

MORNING

REEF

Day two is all about ticking off that Far North Queensland bucket list. And let’s be honest - nothing quite rivals the internationally acclaimed Great Barrier Reef. With this UNESCO World Heritage Site perched right on Port Douglas’s doorstep, it’s only a short boat ride with Quicksilver, Sailaway or Calypso to unlock an underwater experience you’ll never forget.

RAINFOREST

Craving some alternative scenery? Book a tour or follow a self-drive itinerary and escape to the Daintree Rainforest – the world’s oldest living rainforest (yes, right here in Far North Queensland!!).

WILDLIFE

Keep your eyes peeled for cassowaries, take a croc-spotting cruise down the Daintree River, and channel your inner David Attenborough as you wander among strangler figs and ferns.

Flagstaff Hill Lookout. Picture credit: Sofia Cullen

LATE AFTERNOON

TASTE

Wind down your adventure-packed morning with sunset bites and cocktails at Port Douglas icon, The Tin Shed — a perfect deck for toasting to an epic 48 hours spent in Port Douglas.

BONUS EXTRAS

MARKETS!

If you’re lucky enough to be in town on a Sunday, don’t miss the Port Douglas Markets at Anzac Park. From 8am to 1:30pm, you’ll find everything from local fruit, fresh juice, coffee and doughnuts to local artwork, craft s and trip souvenirs. And if your trip includes a Wednesday visit the Marina Markets from 11am, meet the local artisans and soak up the arvo vibes as you score yourself a treat or a fab present to take home as a gift .