Cruises to Port Douglas

Australia

Port Douglas

Photo Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland

Sitting on the edge of lush and vast wilderness, Port Douglas is a rare opportunity to enjoy a unique, evocative blend of adventure and pure luxury. Once a sleepy port for local gold mines, the coastal town has emerged as an unmissable cosmopolitan cruise destination. Rich in both culture and natural beauty, Port Douglas is the perfect bridge between the world’s largest living structure, the Great Barrier Reef, and the World Heritage Listed Wet Tropics Area, one of the most pristine pockets of nature anywhere on the planet.

Book into a P&O Shore Tour in Port Douglas to make the most of your time in this tropical paradise, and see the sights by riverboat, catamaran, horseback, or on foot. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a celebrity in one of Port Douglas’ bevy of boutiques, galleries, bars, and cafes!

Witness the stunning Queensland wilderness

No matter how you choose to explore this incredible cruise destination, there’s plenty of things to do in Port Douglas. Join a river cruise and marvel at pristine scenery, tuck into superb cuisine, and spot crocodiles in their natural habitats, or take a luxury catamaran ride to the Low Isles. Alternatively, take a leisurely rainforest walk through breathtaking Mossman Gorge and learn all about bush tucker and Aboriginal heritage from your Indigenous guide.

Fancy taking a Port Douglas tour on the water? Board a catamaran for the Great Barrier Reef Shore Tour, which will take you to the Agincourt Reef Pontoon. There, you’ll be thrilled by schools of tropical fish darting about the brightly-coloured corals, and will have a chance to explore spectacular reef gardens through the glass-panelled windows of a semi-submersible vessel.

Get up close and personal with nature

Discover local flora and fauna and make new furry friends on a Port Douglas holiday. Book into a Mossman & Daintree Region Shore Tour, where you’ll marvel at wildlife and native plants along the riverbanks. At Wildlife Habitat, a wildlife park offering an interactive, eco-friendly experience, you’ll even get an opportunity to get close to over 120 wildlife species. Hand feed kangaroos, wallabies, and ducks, and pat a koala - or a snake, if you dare!

For the full Port Douglas experience, join the Northern Delights Tour, which will take you to rainforest-covered mountains with sensational views of the sparkling Coral Sea. See estuarine crocodiles, tree snakes, pythons, and wildlife living amongst the tree-lined river banks on a guided Daintree River cruise, then cap off a magical day with a swim in the tranquil waters of Mossman Gorge.

At A Glance


Population

4,772 (2011 census)

Language

English

Government

Democratic

Currency

Australian Dollar

Find a Port Douglas Cruise

P&O Cruises to Port Douglas all year round. Barrier Reef Discovery cruises from Brisbane get you to the beautiful holiday destination in 7 nights, while the same cruise from Sydney will take 10 nights. Our Port Douglas cruises also call in at Airlie Beach and Cairns, allowing ample opportunities to explore the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.

Port Douglas Shore Tours


Most Popular

Guest favourites, the most booked Shore Tours at this port

Must See

Our handpicked Shore Tours are a must for any guest.

What to See in Port Douglas

PORT DOUGLAS BEACH

Take a look around town

Holidaymakers will be spoilt for choice in Port Douglas, which is a delight to stroll through. Enjoy the many natural sights, or indulge in a little retail therapy on and around Macrossan St and The Reef Marina.

Visit the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef has grown over thousands of years, and is home to a myriad of marine species. Enjoy swimming, diving, or snorkelling around the reef on one of the many P&O Shore Tours departing from Port Douglas on most days.

Take a trip up north

Our Northern Delights tour is just one of many ways to explore the beautiful Daintree region. Discover Mossman Gorge on a guided walk, enjoy a one-hour cruise on the mighty Daintree River, and visit historic Daintree Village.

More About Port Douglas

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Docking

Your ship will anchor offshore and a regular tender service will take you to The Reef Marina Port Douglas.

Getting Around

A taxi stand is located outside The Reef Marina entrance, which is within short walking distance of the town centre. Shuttle buses frequently depart from the marina to Macrossan Street and other destinations, but please note that these are to be boarded at your own expense.

Dining

Port Douglas is one of the best culinary centres anywhere in North Queensland. Seafood and Aussie bush tucker are available, as are specialty cuisines from around the world. Most restaurants and cafes are clustered on and around Macrossan Street and Wharf Street.

Please note that quarantine authorities do not generally allow food such as fruit and vegetables, dairy and meat products, and sandwiches to be taken off the ship. However, commercially packaged confectionery, chips, and bottled drinking water are allowed subject to inspection.

Shopping

Port Douglas is a resort holiday shopping mecca. You’ll find the latest designer and leisure fashions, jewellery, traditional and contemporary arts and crafts, souvenirs – just about anything you may want.

Climate

In summer, Port Douglas can be particularly hot and humid, though occasional rain showers and sea breezes provide welcome relief. Make sure you stay hydrated and sheltered from the sun.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards and charge cards are widely accepted, and ATMs can provide currency to foreign card holders.

Communication

Public telephones and internet cafes are available in the town centre. WiFi is available at many cafes and restaurants, and mobile coverage is generally available.

What to Wear Ashore

To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, please wear comfortable flat soled shoes, lightweight clothing, and a hat. You are also advised to bring biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, an umbrella or waterproof jacket, and bottled water. And don’t forget your swimming gear! Snorkelling equipment is available for hire or purchase onboard the ship.

Shore Tours

Our Shore Tours can help you make the most out of your time in Port Douglas. Tours can be booked before departure via Cruise Control or onboard at the Shore Tours desk, and are subject to availability.

Environment

Coral is an extremely precious marine organism. In an effort to preserve its natural beauty and habitat, please avoid touching it in all circumstances. Please also note that marine stingers can visit during the summer months, and exercise caution when swimming. During your time ashore we also ask that you dispose of your rubbish thoughtfully.

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