Drive an hour north from Cairns along the Captain Cook Highway past sugar cane fields and arrive at the charming seaside resort town of Port Douglas.
With the Outer Barrier Reef offshore and the pristine Four Mile Beach onshore, Port Douglas is an upmarket beach resort town that offers a tonne of activities, as well as upmarket resorts, stylish bars and excellent restaurants.
Wander down Macrossan Street and discover boutiques stocked with clothes, souvenirs and crafts. Dining here is a real adventure, with fine dining restaurants rubbing shoulders with exciting international cuisine.
Port Douglas is the closest town to the Great Barrier Reef, and cruises to the world’s largest coral reef depart from here. Naturally, there’s amazing snorkelling and diving to be enjoyed, with a diverse range of fascinating marine life to be spotted.
Nearby, visitors have the chance to admire the natural wonders of the Daintree; the only place in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage sites – the reef and rainforest – meet. The rainforest is estimated to be more than 130-million-years-old, and offers visitors over 900,000 hectares to explore. Head north to Cape Tribulation to discover yet more perfect stretches of sand, lush forests and a relaxed atmosphere.
Cheryl
Travel Specialist
Where to go in Australia
Australia travel information
When to visit Australia
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Best time
Good time
Ok time
- Time zone: +8 GMT
- Flight time: 17 hours - 23 hours
- Recommended airlines: British Airways, Emirates, Qantas, Singapore Airlines
- Currency: Australian Dollar
- Tipping guideline: Optional, but not expected
- Health considerations: No major health risks. There is no risk of yellow fever in Australia, however, yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Capital: Canberra
- Population: 2.66995e+007
- National languages: English
- Electricity and plugs: Type I (V), 230V
- Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage
- UK passport visa requirements: You need a visa for Australia if you have a British passport - apply online
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