Port Douglas Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Port Douglas, Far North Queensland - QLD, Australia)

Although a huge number of tourists flock to Port Douglas to partake in some serious reef diving or to explore the Daintree National Forest, there are many further appealing attractions for all ages to enjoy. The Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary is a leading family attraction in the Port Douglas area and provides the unique opportunities to experience to native wildlife up close.

The Bally Hooley Steam Railway features a highly enjoyable way to spend an afternoon and operates each Sunday, when it transports passengers along a scenic route right up to the Mowbray Valley. Additional tourist attractions in Port Douglas include sailing, fishing, boat trips and sightseeing coach tours, while families will likely be drawn to the playground at Rex Smeal Park. If you simply want to learn more about the town of Port Douglas and its local residents, then spend time strolling along Macrossan Street and hanging out at the Marina Mirage.

Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: Port Douglas Road, Port Douglas, Queensland, 4877, Australia, AU
Tel+61 07 4099 3235
Boardwalks within the Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary allow visitors to walk through the forest and observe indigenous species such as the flightless Cassowary, while the Wetlands area is filled with wading birds of all shapes and sizes. Other attractions include hand-feeding kangaroos in the Grasslands area, the open-air Koala Habitat and the orphaned animals being cared for at Animal Rescue. If you are prepared for an early start, then arrive at 08:00 and enjoy 'Breakfast with the Birds', or alternatively, 'Lunch with the Lorikeets' is equally memorable and starts at midday.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and families (two adults and two children), children four years old and under are free, guided tours are included in the price

Bally Hooley Steam Railway

Address: Port Douglas, Queensland, 4877, Australia, AU
Tel: +61 07 4099 1839
This historic railway line dates back more than 100 years and comes with two lovingly restored steam trains affectionately named 'Bundy' and 'Speedy'. A return trip on the Bally Hooley Steam Railway lasts approximately one hour and departs from the Marina Mirage Station, passing mangrove swamps and a tidal lake at Saint Crispins, where you can often spot crocodiles. Further stations are based at Dougies Backpackers, the Mirage Country Club and Rydges Sabaya Resort, with the Saint Crispins Station forming the end of the line.
Open hours: Sunday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children, children four years old and under are free

Sailing and Fishing

Sailing around the coastline offers endless photo opportunities and a good selection of boat hire is available at the Marina Mirage. For families, pontoon boats provide good value for money and are a popular choice. For a somewhat different experience, visitors are welcomes at the Port Douglas Yacht Club, where each Wednesday evening, you can join the crew of a member's boat and literally sail into the sunset. Keen anglers will also not be disappointed here. Fishing off the beaches is particularly good, as is fishing off the wharf, or in the creek, where barramundi live. If you favour game fishing and sports fishing, then join an angling cruise towards Cairns or Lizard Island, and cast out for Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Mackerel Tuna or Yellowfin Tuna.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: charge

Parks, Gardens and Playground

Port Douglas is blessed with a series of parks, many of which are highly suitable for families and come with playgrounds for young children, barbecue facilities and covered areas. Rex Smeal Park is especially notable and boasts peninsula views, meaning that you can sit back and enjoy a picnic whilst watching the boats sailing by. A free car park is located right next to Rex Smeal Park, ensuring easy access at all times. Close to the beach, Solander Park comes with a play area, as does the Four Mile Park, where swings and a basketball court are amongst the main highlights. If you fancy a game of tennis, then Reynolds Park is the place to head.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Boat Trips / Cruises / Low Isles

Although there are countless cruises to the Great Barrier Reef, there are also a number of boat trips that simply take you around the coastline and its multitude of natural attractions, offering a different perspective of the region. Each year, many tourists choose to join a cruise to the tropical Low Isles - a charming coral cay, situated some 25 km / 16 miles to the north-east and entirely surrounded by a lagoon. The Low Isles comprise both Woody Island and Low Island, the latter of which is dominated by its white lighthouse. Part of a Marine National Park Zone, the Low Isles are known for their exceptional snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: charge

Sightseeing Tours

Various sightseeing tours and packages are available in this region, with local tourist organisations often providing popular day trips to destinations such as Cape Tribulation and the Mossman Gorge. Reef and Rainforest Connections is one of the region's largest tour operators and covers the majority of the Far North, regularly picking up sightseers from Port Douglas and Cairns.
Open hours: hours vary according to season and demand
Admission: charge