If you're looking for a mix of peace and serenity along with a fun and active family holiday, then check out Port Douglas, Australia, a tiny town on the East Coast of Far North Queensland that is BIG on beauty
Four miles of beautiful beach, perfect for sunrise walks? Check. Amazing food and family-friendly restaurants? Check. Access to lush rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef? Check. Cute local shops? Check. Crocodiles? Check! Port Douglas, Australia has something for everyone, and if you’re looking for a tranquil place to get back to nature with the family, we highly recommend this little slice of paradise – and it’s easy to get to from Singapore! Located on the upper corner of the Far North Coast of Queensland, Australia, here’s the lowdown on where to eat, stay and play in Port Douglas with the kids.
How to get to Port Douglas, Australia from Singapore
To get to Port Douglas, Australia, we recommend taking a direct flight from Singapore to Cairns on Singapore Airlines which currently departs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On landing, you can hire a car to make the easy hour-long drive from the airport along Captain Cook Drive to Port Douglas. This coastal drive is one of the highlights of the trip, passing through beautiful mountainous scenery with amazing ocean views.
When to visit Port Douglas with the kids
Port Douglas, Australia is a perfect summer holiday destination from Singapore, as the peak time to visit is June to November. While it can get a little windy on the Great Barrier Reef during this time and the trips get booked out early, if you want to swim in the sea then it’s best to avoid stinger season which falls from November to May.
Where to stay: The best hotels in Port Douglas for families
From luxury resorts and spacious villas to cosy boutique hotels, Port Douglas offers a range of great options for families.
1. Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Immerse yourself in a world of family-friendly luxury at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens with easy access to the beach, this resort offers a wide range of activities for guests of all ages. The pool is simply magnificent, and one of the largest we’ve ever seen, with a sandy shoreline that will keep the kids busy building sandcastles! Even if the water was a bit chilly. There’s also an on-site golf course, water sports, and bicycles for hire.
Accommodation is varied, with rooms that have direct pool access through to four bedroom villas for larger families. We had dinner at Harrisons, and while it wasn’t too kid-friendly, the food was exceptional and makes for a lovely date night. It’s also an easy 15-minute walk along the beach to the main town, so it’s in a nice location. There’s something for everyone to enjoy here!
2. Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas
Experience the perfect blend of affordability and comfort at the Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas. With spacious suites and villas equipped with kitchenettes, families can enjoy the convenience of home away from home. Splash in the resort pools, explore the nearby wildlife habitats, or simply relax in the lush surroundings of the resort. There’s lots of family fun to be had with a kids play area and giant chess, jenga and connect-four! We’re suckers for a snooker table and ping pong tournaments too. The welcoming atmosphere and attentive service make this a top choice!
3. Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa
For a little extra luxury, take a look at the Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa. With spacious villas and apartments, this resort is next level. Let the little ones splash in the resort’s lagoon-style pool while parents unwind at the spa (yes please!) If you visit during school holidays, the kids will be spoilt for choice with activities such as kids yoga, movie nights, cookie decorating, and fun dance classes. With easy access to the Four Mile Beach and the Great Barrier Reef, this is the place to stay if you’re looking for peace and elegance.
4. Paradise Links Resort Port Douglas
Golfing families will love this one! If you’re looking to combine a relaxing family holiday with a few rounds of golf, then we have the perfect hotel for you. Escape to a tropical oasis at Paradise Links Resort Port Douglas. Here you’ll fund super spacious accommodation including secluded townhouses and apartment retreats, great for families. Surrounded by a world-class golf course and lush gardens, this resort provides a peaceful setting for relaxation and is close to town and Four Mile Beach.
Things to do in Port Douglas with kids
There are plenty of fun things to do with kids in Port Douglas! Here are a few suggestions:
1. Walk (or bike ride) along the beach
Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas is what it says it is – four miles of glorious beach, with mountain views bordered by a row of trees so you really feel surrounded by nature. We took sunrise walks every day, and loved waving hello to the dog walkers and seeing kayakers and sailboats gliding along the water. There’s also beach yoga classes and the firm-packed sand is great for cycling. The beach is wide enough that you don’t have to cross paths with anyone else if you don’t want to! Take care when swimming, and avoid going in the water during stinger season (November to May). For this reason, it’s best to choose a resort with a fabulous pool!
2. Explore the town of Port Douglas and stroll Macrosson Street for local shops, fashion and food
There are so many lovely shops in the heart of Port Douglas, Macrossan Street. Selling everything from effortless Aussie fashion and quirky bags to hand crafted silver jewellery and homewares, this is a haven for shoppers. Wander each side of the road and explore each store; it can take hours to see it all. There’s also a Coles and a chemist for essentials, and many lovely cafes selling that famous Australian-brewed coffee. Must visit: Mocka’s Pies, for the award winning crocodile pie (we had a steak pie, and it was amazing). This is also a hub for great restaurants, including some of our faves, Wrasse & Roe and Watergate.
For a delicious lunch with the kiddos, head to the Surfy Bistro behind the Surf Lifesaving Club. With fish and chips as big as your arm, and buckets of fresh tiger prawns washed down with a crisp rose, this is the place to go when the sun is shining and you want a taste of true Aussie fare!
3. Visit Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas with kids
Feeding crocodiles is one thing, swimming with them is quite another – and you can do both at Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas! This award-winning immersive wildlife park offers cool experiences like breakfast with the birds, croc-feeding and swimming, and native Australian animal encounters. Have your photo taken with a koala and learn about conservation efforts. This is on our must-do list for visits to Port Douglas with the family.
4. See the Great Barrier Reef
If you’ve always wanted to dive or snorkel among the fish and coral of the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas is your perfect vantage point. As the closest town and departure point to the reef, head to the Port Douglas Marina and be transported to the reef directly from the pontoon. If you don’t want to get wet, you can enjoy a half-day sailing or cruise experience. There’s even glass-bottom boat tours for little ones to see the creatures beneath them and enjoy the Great Barrier Reef without the need to swim!
5. Explore the Daintree Rainforest
David Attenborough once called the Daintree Rainforest ‘one of the most extraordinary places on Earth’, and it holds not one, but two UNESCO World Heritage sites within it! We would highly recommend a visit here when you are staying in Port Douglas. It’s about a one-and-a-half hour drive from the centre of town, and we would suggest going for a guided walk so that you can be informed on all the amazing wildlife and ancient plants.
6. Visit the Sunday Port Douglas Markets for local crafts, food, and entertainment
The freshest produce, home made bakes, fashion and accessories and live music all in one place – the Port Douglas Sunday Markets attract a range of colourful characters and are a highlight of any trip to this town! Happening every Sunday between 8:30am and 1pm near Wharf Street in Port Douglas, add this to your itinerary if you’re there over a weekend.
Enjoy your family holiday in Port Douglas! Have we missed something? Let us know at [email protected]
