We all know Port Douglas as the quintessential tropical paradise on the north Queensland Coast. It meets the Great Barrier Reef on one side, and the Daintree Rainforest on the other, and thereby is the only place on earth in easy access of two World Heritage Sites.

Having become a thriving tourist resort township perfectly located for adventures based holidays, Port Douglas gives poses problems for its visitors ! Unplanned discovery might cause you to miss many of the region's wonderful treats. It is always handy to know which are the most important places that MUST be visited, so you can leave the region knowing you won't later hear "You should have visited …."

This humble listing tries to help prospective tourists by guiding them about the MUST SEEs. We'll try to list only those places which have assumed a certain amount of consensus regarding their significance. To avoid controversy, and to allow for personal choices, they're not listed in any order of importance.

You can decide which you want to see first, and when you want to visit – just make sure you do !

Great Barrier Reef
You need only step out your door, technically, to visit the Great Barrier Reef, because you are practically on it. As Port Douglas is situated in the heartland of dive and snorkel adventure, the options are seemingly endless. With a short boat trip or even shorter helicopter ride, there are dozens of vantage points that you can choose.Whether you like to travel on a large high speed catamaran or on a luxury yacht, whether you are into snorkeling or already a qualified diver, there are a myriad of options to get you to this underwater wonderland.

Daintree Rainforest
It is one of the oldest living spaces. It is also one of the most versatile with an incredible range of flora and fauna. It harbours history from many aborigine tribes that live on today, and the stories exist to remind us of the close harmony with nature in this wondrous part if the World. It has cultural and historical artefacts, engrossing forests and gardens, untamed mountains and bubbling rainforest rivers and springs. It has enchanting beaches and rainforest canopies with leaves that appear the size of houses overhead. The air is fresher than seems possible, and the environs are hidden and virtually untouched save for the small roads to carry the fortunate few into its midst.

Kuranda
The "village in the Rainforest", this small enchanting town just north of Cairns attracts people with a call of its own. This small heritage town is the terminal for the Kuranda Scenic Railway as well as the Kuranda SkyRail. Its own unique history, wildlife and the small-town feel and the fun rides makes it a must-see place for a day trip.

Mossman
Just outside Port Douglas, this 'sugar' town is the industrial yet enchanting centre of the area. The famed Mossman Central Mill is a hub of activity which will take you to a vintage world. The cane burning season attracts droves of photographers for the wonderful sight of yellow flames reaching into the sky from verdant fields. The nearby Karnak playhouse in the beautiful secluded Whyanbeel Valley, and the enchanting Mossman Gorge through which flows the pristine Mossman River, make one heady concoction for a day.

The Beaches
Maybe why you are there in the first place. The clear waters of Coral Sea are a temptation for the young and old. Port Douglas is renowned for some of the cleanest beaches in the world. With barbeques and lifesavers, the Port Douglas beaches are fun and safe, with Four Mile Beach offering a tropical, enjoyable getaway. The other secluded beaches of the region are all within a half hour drive by car. Do be aware that during the Green Season (approximately November-May) the tropical waters provide the ideal breeding ground for box jellyfish and the deadly Irukandji (something akin to a sea wasp) hence you will see netted enclosures on all the beaches of the Northern Coast. During this time many locals enjoy a picnic on the sand and return to swim in one of the many resort pools available (check with your accommodation re. availability of swimming pool for these months).

Be sure this list is not exhaustive, nor is it intended to be. You can see Flag Staff Hill lookout, the Shipwreck museum, the Historical Walk, Marina Mirage, Sunday Markets, Bally Hooley Steam Train, Low Isles and lot more, but only after you are done with the above.

Disclaimer
We take no responsibility for inaccuracy or omissions in the information provided, which is not intended as specific advice. Before relying on the material, you should obtain appropriate professional advice relevant to your individual circumstances to evaluate accuracy, currency, completeness and relevance of the information to your specific needs.