10 Things to do in Port Douglas with Kids
Looking for things to do in Port Douglas with Kids? Check out our family guide to Port Douglas with lots of places to see things to do, and some of our favourite experiences and activities in Port Douglas for families.
Port Douglas Family Holiday
Looking for a beautiful tropical family holiday? Nestled in the heart of Far North Queensland, Port Douglas is the perfect holiday destination for families seeking a blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation.
With it’s stunning beaches, breathtaking scenery, and of course the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef, as well as a variety of activities and attractions, there’s so many things to do in Port Douglas.
Whether you are looking for an adventure-filled family holiday, a more relaxing getaway chilling in a resort, or a bit of both like us, this tropical gem offers a range of experiences that will leave both parents and kids satisfied. You can do as much or as little as you like!
Here are some of the best things to do in Port Douglas with kids along with some of our insider tips for an unforgettable family holiday.
Best Time to Visit Port Douglas
The best time to visit Port Douglas with kids is usually during the dry season, which spans from May to September. The weather is pleasantly warm, the skies are clear, and the humidity is lower compared to the wet season.
This period ensures comfortable outdoor adventures and is usually the best time for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
The shoulder months April and October can also be ok if you are on a budget as the prices seem to be lower during this time.
From November to February is rainy season and if you plan to swim you will need to wear stinger suits because there are more jelly fish in the water during this time, not ideal for kids.
Best Things to do Port Douglas with Kids
On our most recent trip to the area we split our time between Port Douglas, Fitzroy Island and Cairns but many families choose one base and do everything from there. Port Douglas is a great base if you plan to explore the reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
Here are some of our favourite things to do in Port Douglas with kids including the best day trips too. We visited most recently with kids aged 9 and 11 years old who are both strong swimmers but we have options below for younger kids too.
1. Four Mile Beach
By far the most famous beach and one of the most popular attractions in Port Douglas is the stunning Four Mile Beach and you cannot visit the area without a visit. With its crystal-clear waters, pristine sand, and stunning views, it’s the perfect place to spend the day.
The beach stretches for miles, providing ample space for relaxation and exploration. However, if you want to swim there is a designated area for safety.
One of the most common questions people ask: Is Four Mile Beach safe to swim? Yes, but only when the beach is being patrolled. We went for a walk almost every day on our most recent visit and saw many people swimming each time so eventually we went for a swim.
If you do decide to take a dip, just make sure you do so between the flags. There are sunbeds set up at certain times throughout the year and there is also an area netted off to keep the stingers out during November to May.
If you aren’t up for a swim it is great for a walk or play. Our kids loved searching for coconuts and exploring on the rocks. There are some great nature walks nearby too.
2. Wildlife Habitat
The Wildlife Habitat is a must-visit for families looking for things to do in Port Douglas. Take a walk through the wetlands as animals cross the path in front of you and birds fly overhead.
There are also lots of great chances to get close to animals like when they bring the lorikeets out at lunch or the chance to feed the wallabies in the open paddock.
You can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, and even get a photo with a cuddly koala. Great day out for the whole family, especially if you have younger kids, and only a short drive out of the centre.
3. Great Barrier Reef Tour
Definitely one of the best things to do in Port Douglas with kids is a Great Barrier Reef tour. It was one of the highlights for us and Quicksilver Cruises have great tour options for families to spend the day out on the reef.
The snorkelling is unbelievable and perfect for older kids and strong swimmers. For the little ones, there is the semi sub where you get to see everything while staying dry.
There are also various other options like scuba diving and helicopter rides to see from above too. We opted for the semi sub and snorkelling and it was perfect
The tours depart at the Marina of Port Douglas and we stayed near in the centre and for us it was an easy walk. Includes a great lunch on the platoon too so you don’t need to bring much along with you.
Read our full review for all the info here>>> Quicksilver reef cruise review.
4. Go Fishing
Fishing is another popular activity in Port Douglas, and you will find a range of tours available that cater to families with kids.
Children in particular will love learning about the local marine life and then catching their own fish to cook up!
5. Sunset Cruise
If you are looking for something special to do in Port Douglas then head out on a sunset sail with the backdrop of Port Douglas.
Indigo Charters offer a mesmerising sunset over the majestic Mossman Gorge mountains on the Indigo 2 catamaran leaving from the Port Douglas marina. The great thing is that you can BYO drinks onboard, while they provide complimentary local cheeses & nibbles on the foredeck.
Catering to a maximum of 12 guests, it almost feels like a private sail away from the typical crowds. A great one for older kids for safety reasons, (they recommend 10yrs and over). Our kids loved this, they had a great time being up on deck sailing with the wind blowing.
6. Port Douglas Markets
If you are looking to experience the local culture and community, the Port Douglas Sunday Markets are a great.
The markets offer a variety of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts, and there’s always something for everyone. Kids will love trying the local food and interacting with the friendly vendors.
7. Port Douglas Playgrounds
For it’s size, Port Douglas has plenty of playgrounds. If you have come back from a day out, or you just to let the kids run off some steam, take them to one of the playgrounds and let them run around while you relax.
Check out Rex Smeal Park which is also great for those gorgeous palm tree photo opportunities.
Bruno Riedweg Memorial Park, Anzac Park and Oriole Park. Most have BBQ and picnic facilities too so you can head down for a family lunch or dinner.
8. Mossman Gorge
A great day out with the kids in Port Douglas is to Mossman Gorge which is a short drive away. It is a stunning location and is still one of our favourite days out. The Mossman Gorge Centre is a great place for families to learn about the local Indigenous culture and history.
We took one of the guided tours available, the kids loved learning about the Indigenous people’s traditional way of life.
You can explore Mossman Gorge on foot, just bring closed shoes if you want to do one of the longer walks. And if you want you can even take a swim.
You will need a car if you plan to drive yourself otherwise there are various tours available that pick you up from your accommodation or nearby.
Read more>>> Mossman Gorge
9. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
Halfway between Port Douglas and Cairns is Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, a must see if you are visiting Port Douglas with kids. You can’t visit far North Queensland and not see a crocodile and this is one of the best places to get up close to these amazing reptiles.
One of the longest and most successful crocodile shows in Australia, Hartley’s was also the first place in Australia to breed crocs in captivity.
Make sure to plan a whole day out as there is plenty to do and see. While the crocodiles are the highlight for many, there are a range of other animals to see and educational presentations too.
You will need a car if you plan to drive yourself otherwise there are various tours available that pick you up from your accommodation or nearby.
Read More Here>> Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
10. Daintree Forest
Port Douglas is famous for being the gateway to the Daintree Forest and is the perfect base for exploring if you aren’t staying overnight. It can be still quite a drive though so if you don’t have a car then a tour can be a great option.
We took a tour with Cairns Adventure Tours to Cape Tribulation. It was a huge day and we had so much packed in including a Daintree River Cruise, Cape Tribulation visit as well as a few lookouts, lunch stop and Mossman Gorge. It was a fantastic way to see so much in a short time.
Read our full review here>>> Cairns Adventure Tours Review
11. Fitzroy Island
While we recommend staying a night or two if you can, you can do a day trip to Fitzroy Island if you don’t have time. The early ferry arrives around 9am and departs around 5pm in the evening so you can experience a whole day.
Snorkel hire is available and you can snorkel right off the beach near the jetty and see some of the most amazing marine life. We got to see some gorgeous colourful fish, a small shark and swam with so many sea turtles, the kids absolutely loved it. There are also SUP and kayak tours too
There is a general store and restaurant open for lunch serving meals and drinks at reasonable prices too.
You will need a car if you plan to drive yourself to the Ferry Terminal in Cairns (about an hour away) otherwise there are various transfer companies that leave multiple times a day.
Read our full experience here>>> Fitzroy Island Review
Getting to Port Douglas from Cairns Airport
If you are staying in Port Douglas, you will most likely be flying into Cairns Airport which is over an hour away. You can book transfers, as at end of 2023 they are around $95 per person which for a family of four is quite expensive. Otherwise you can get an Uber or taxi.
One thing to note when ordering an Uber is that the price will change dramatically depending on demand. On arrival we saw $85 for example, but by the time we picked up our bags and went to order it had gone up to $250. We waited 15mins and it went down to $120. If you can be flexible and wait, it is worth it.
Getting Around Port Douglas
If you are staying in the centre of Port Douglas and don’t plan to do day trips, you can walk to the beach and around town. We never had to walk more than 10-15 minutes to get anywhere.
Many resorts are outside the centre so you will need to get a shuttle or a taxi if too far to walk.
Many people we know spend a week or two in Port Douglas and just relax! We love a bit of adventure though so we do a bit of both.
Renting a car is recommended if you plan to do day trips from Port Douglas unless you are booking a tour. You can get to most of the places listed in this article within an hour or so with a car and it is probably the cheapest.
Port Douglas Family Holiday
Hopefully this post has given you some inspiration for things to do in Port Douglas with kids and the whole family. Make sure to check out our other family travel guides too.
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