48 Hours in Port Douglas

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

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’s iconic Four Mile Beach. With no need to fear the cold that might accompany being up before dawn in other places, grab a takeaway coffee and wander along the shoreline as the sun rises from the ocean. 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.

Recover from the morning’s activity with a visit to one of Port Douglas’s 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. 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.

Mid-Day

It’s time to hit the beach! Snag a spot under the palm trees and lose a few hours to the warm Queensland sun. Sand not your vibe? Take a quick fifteen-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

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 (fingers crossed!). 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.

Evening

Once night falls, live music spills onto the streets and locals and holiday-goers alike fill the restaurants and bars that line Macrossan. If you are looking to tantalise your tastebuds, class dining options can be found at (Jungle Fowl, Salsa, Melaleuca). Looking to keep it casual? N17 serves up mouth-watering burgers and Port Douglas certainly has no shortage when it comes to venues offering classic pub feeds. Cocktail connoisseurs can spend the evening sampling signature beverages and for dessert, there’s no beating a late-night gelato and a stroll under trees wreathed in fairy lights.

Day Two

Morning

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 Cruises) or (Wavelength) to unlock an underwater experience you’ll never forget.

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!!). 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.

Late Afternoon

Wind down your adventure-packed morning with sunset tapas and cocktails at Hemingway’s Brewery on the marina—perfect for toasting to an epic 48 hours spent in Port Douglas.

Bonus Extras!

If you’re lucky enough to be in town on a Sunday, don’t miss the Port Douglas Markets at Anzac Park. Here, from 8am to 1:30pm, you’ll find everything from local fruit, fresh juice, coffee and donuts to local artwork, crafts and trip souvenirs.