The Luxe Guide to Port Douglas

With World Heritage Listed UNESCO sites and being the first eco-certified destination in Australia, Port Douglas and surrounds really is the ideal place for rest and relaxation with a side dose of adventure. Check out ele HOME’s luxe guide to this fabulous destination.

River Drift Snorkelling with Back Country Bliss

Relaxation has taken on a new soundtrack drifting down the Mossman River with a chorus of birdsong, the gentle babble of the river and soft hum of cicadas filling the air. You’re on a raft floating down translucent water which gains its only colour from the reflection of nature’s cathedral – the rainforest canopy above. Dive below the surface, where you can explore the underwater world with a mask and snorkel to spot turtles and over 33 species of fish.

Sailaway’s Sunset Sail

Relax and unwind as you set sail around the coast of Port Douglas, watching the sun fade behind the mountains of the Daintree Rainforest. You’ll be welcomed aboard with a complimentary drink and a selection of hot and cold canapes as you enjoy this relaxing way to end your day.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort

The iconic resort boasts over two hectares of shimmering lagoon pools, complete with private cabanas, a swim up bar and sandy beaches. If you’d prefer the real deal, it’s conveniently located along the famous Four Mile Beach. While the pinnacle of luxury might be their presidential suite, each one of their 295 beautifully appointed rooms, will be sure to impress from tropical garden views, swim-out rooms to balconies capturing the cool sea breeze. You’ll also find the award-winning Harrisons by Spencer Patrick restaurant positioned along the lagoon pool, and an 18-hole golf course complete with an aquatic driving range and views to the Daintree Rainforest.

When it comes to falling asleep to the sound of the rainforest, Silky Oaks Lodge deliver in the most luxurious way possible. Adjacent to the ancient Daintree rainforest on the Mossman River, this retreat is truly where the old meets the new, having just had a multi-million dollar rebuild. Lodging options range from a king bed retreat to a two ensuite bedroom pavilion complete with a plunge pool and multi open-air lounging areas. Each suite is garnished with luxurious touches, such as breezy hammocks, outdoor showers and fireplaces.

Enjoy

Enjoy the ultimate animal experience with a 2 hour personalised private tour of Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas. With a wildlife keeper leading the way, you can get up close and personal with the animals. Capture those picture-perfect moments feeding wallabies and cassowaries. Plus, tick off that bucket-list item of getting a photo with a koala.

Explore the Daintree Rainforest

Just north of Port Douglas, you’ll find the most famed area of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, the Daintree Rainforest. You’ll find the crystal-clear waters of Mossman Gorge a short 20 minutes drive from Port Douglas. Be welcomed to country with a traditional smoking ceremony and discover the culture and traditions of the Kuku Yalanji Traditional Custodians on a guided Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk that meanders through the rainforest surrounding Mossman Gorge. To head further into the depths of the Daintree, jump aboard a day tour from Port Douglas with Daintree Tours or Jungle Tours & Trekking. These explore highlights of Daintree and Cape Tribulation including Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation Beach, Mount Alexandra Lookout and croc spotting tours; all the while keeping an eye out for the elusive dinosaur-like bird, the Southern Cassowary.

Stay on a private peninsula in a bungalow nestled amongst the trees at the deluxe eco-retreat located along the Great Barrier Reef Drive near Port Douglas. Upon arrival venture upstairs to Osprey’s Restaurant to see the expansive views over the Coral Sea unfold in front of your eyes before feasting on the menu focussing on local seasonal produce. Awarded the highest Ecotourism accreditation for maximising informative and meaningful experiences, Thala Beach provides complimentary tours to guests.

This luxury self-contained accommodation in Port Douglas is designed for rest and rejuvenation, set amongst 15 hectares of lush, landscaped gardens, all designed to make shoulders drop. Enjoy swimming with 30m of infinity edge pool. The only thing left to do on your holiday agenda is to swan between a pool lounge, the onsite day spa and your private villa.

Linking Four Mile Beach to Rex Smeal Park and Little Cove, the 1.3km walking trail of Flagstaff Hill is an easy and spectacular way for you to get the body moving after your holiday indulgence. You’ll be greeted with views over the Coral Sea, to the Low Isles and Snapper Island, and the golden sands of Four Mile Beach. Tip: Wear walking shoes. While the trail is graded easy, it does get steep in parts and good shoes are recommended.

Spend a day learning the traditional hunting and gathering techniques of the coastal and rainforest Kuku Yalanji people. Venture into the mangroves in search of mud crabs and collect shellfish in tidal pools at Cooya Beach north of Port Douglas. If your hunt proves fruitful, your catch will be cooked fresh for you to enjoy; hopefully with the addition of a succulent mud crab. Continue your journey to the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge sampling bush tucker and learning the bush medicines that have been used for thousands of years by the local Aboriginal people. Don’t forget your swimwear so you can cool off in the pristine waters of Mossman Gorge at a private swimming hole.