Port Douglas’ excellent location between the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Forest and Cape Tribulation makes it an outstanding place to enjoy some of Australia’s finest natural habitat. Countless tour operators take tourist overland and undersea to encounter the wildlife and spectacular scenery first-hand. Guided tours of the inner and outer reefs are handled primarily by Quicksilver’s fleet of catamarans.

Agincourt Reefs
This distant stretch of outer-reef is a popular daytrip destination from Port Douglas. This is widely considered the most beautiful part of the reef which can be accessed in a single daytrip, and a number of tour operators (headlined by Quicksilver) regularly lead groups to Agincourt. Here, a series of ribbon reefs run alongside the Continental Shelf and host a pristine reef environment that is ideal for divers. The marine diversity and rich coral formations here are some of the best you’ll find off the Queensland coast.

Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation is tucked between the Bloomfield and Daintree rivers, and this stretch of protected forest joins Daintree National Park. Visiting Cape Tribulation requires a ferry ride across Daintree River, after which the scenery is outstanding. The Cape Tribulation National Park descends from the peaks of the MacDowall Ranges, through a dense stretch of forest hemmed in by the two rivers before meeting the remote stretch of coastline. Camping is popular with visitors to Cape Tribulation, but a four-wheel drive vehicle is essential during the rainy season. The ferry launching point is a one-hour drive from Port Douglas.

Daintree
This tropical rainforest holds two titles: Australia’s largest and the world’s oldest. Daintree National Park is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s easy to see why. The forest is 135 million years old, and home to several ancient and primitive plant species. Wildlife abounds, and late-night crocodile-spotting tours are popular with tourists. A four-wheel drive vehicle is an essential part of exploring the Daintree. While it is convenient to hire your own vehicle, the added bonus of touring with an informed guide prompts many to join an official guided tour of the Daintree.

Four Mile Beach
This spectacular stretch of golden sand is Port Douglas’ favourite beach. Characterised by crystal-clear waters and a seasonal armada of box jellyfish, Four Mile Beach is best enjoyed in the safety of the netted enclosures where swimmers capitalise on the idyllic setting without concerning themselves with the nasty stingers. Swimming outside of the netted areas is usually safe from June to September.

Low Isles
Fifteen miles off the coast of Port Douglas, Low Island is a coral cay that sits in the midst of some spectacular snorkelling and diving waters. The island itself is sandy and lightly vegetated, and the surrounding stretch of inner reef spans 55 acres. Low Island is classified as a Marine National Park Zone and receives a steady stream of guided tours and day-trippers who drop anchor in the lagoon. Next-door, Woody Island is characterised by stands of mangroves and receives fewer visitors.

Mossman
A sleepy sugar town west of Port Douglas, Mossman has staved off modern development and maintains a great deal of its charming heritage buildings including the old hospital. The Mossman River meanders through the town and meets the Pacific Ocean just a couple of miles east. While enjoying rustic Mossman, be sure to visit the Mossman Gorge where the river cascades over a series of boulders in an enchanting forest setting. Several hiking trails provide access to the most scenic parts of the gorge.

Rainforest Habitat
Just outside of town is a recreation of Australia’s rainforest habitat. This facility houses 180 species of wildlife that include koalas, kangaroos and cassowaries. The ubiquitous crocodile is also on the roster here. Visiting this place is a sure-fire way to glimpse a few indigenous species without spending the day trekking through the rainforest. The early morning champagne breakfast buffet is popular. Phone: +61 7 4099 3235.

The Cassowary
This unique and endangered bird species is found in the forests surrounding Cape Tribulation. This exotic emu-like creature grows more than six feet tall and can weigh as much as 190 pounds. Travel agencies lead cassowary-spotting tours, and there are several observation areas scattered throughout the forest. When driving from Daintree River to Cape Tribulation, be on your guard against cassowaries crossing the road, especially in marked areas. Be sure to enjoy these enormous birds from a distance, and keep in mind that feeding them is both dangerous and illegal.

Board a train to Kuranda. Many tourists couple a trip on the Skyrail with a return on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. This hand-laid railroad cruises through 15 tunnels and offers some of the region’s most spectacular views.

Enjoy every mile of the beach. It doesn’t get much better than relaxing on Port Douglas’ Four Mile Beach. Water sports like jet-skiing, paragliding and tubing are in full force during the stinger-free months from May to September. Otherwise, be sure to stay within the netted enclosures.

Grill on the barbie. An afternoon at the barbecue is a favourite Australian pastime. To stage a cook-out in true local style, choose one of the numerous public ‘barbies’ and invite your closest friends. Everyone usually brings their own meats and drinks to these informal events.

Ride horses through the rainforest. The Wonga Beach Equestrian Centre guides lovely tours on horseback through the rainforests and along a stretch of the beach situated north of town. Arrangements can be made to pick up participants in Port Douglas city proper.

Ride the Skyrail. This unique gondola ascends the rainforest from Cairns to Kuranda. Originally built as an alternative to bulldozing a road through the pristine forests, the Skyrail offers unparalleled views of the rainforest on its 1-hour, 30-minute journey.

Soar over Port Douglas. There are a number of companies offering airborne adventure tours of the surrounding countryside. Hot-air balloons are a favourite means of taking to the skies, but some agencies also offer hang-gliding sessions over the North Tropics.

Tee up at the Sheraton Mirage. Whether you’re playing a quick nine holes or playing the full course, there’s nothing like golfing in Port Douglas. Lodged between the reef and rainforest, this course has one of the most coveted views in the world.