About Port Douglas

Perfectly poised between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas is a popular hub for keen adventurers. Just under an hour from Cairns International Airport, this is a wonderful coastal Queensland destination, with a plethora of excellent accommodation options. Book a suite at a luxury resort, unwind in your own private apartment, or hide away in the rainforest; our list of the best places to stay in Port Douglas highlights top spots for a memorable trip.

Some of our Port Douglas collections:

The beauty of Four Mile Beach encouraged the development of Port Douglas from the 1980s onwards, but the town still has an appealingly laidback feel. Stroll along streets lined with designer boutiques, pop into trendy cafés and restaurants, or sip cold beers and super Australian wine in seaside bars. Yachts are clustered in the marina, and the beach is brilliant for long walks, sunbathing, fishing and sandcastle-building with little ones.

Take sailing trips, snorkelling and diving excursions on the Great Barrier Reef, or head into the rainforest for guided hiking and mountain biking adventures. Cape Tribulation is stunning, as is the Daintree Rainforest. Don’t miss Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas if travelling as a family, nor picking up souvenirs at the bustling Sunday Craft Markets in Anzac Park. Popular with Australians as well as international visitors, the best places to stay in Port Douglas fill up fast during the summer season. Book your trip well in advance!

The Best Places to Stay in Port Douglas

For Boutique Chic

  • Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel is a couples' favourite, with beautiful coastal views and a superb location just across the road from the beach. Spaces are cool and contemporary, with an elegant mix of natural textures and soothing blue, grey and cream tones. Big sink-into tubs and private terraces complete the picture. A romantic bolthole.

For Families or Groups

  • By the Sea Port Douglas has great value self-catering apartments with tiled floors and a white, cream, blue and black colour palette. Families will love the swimming pools and leafy gardens, as well as the bicycles and proximity to Four Mile Beach.
  • Peppers Beach Club offers two-bedroom suites for families, set around an inviting lagoon pool. There's a gym for active travellers, easy access to a plethora of activities out on the water, and an excellent restaurant-bar for fresh, seasonal fare and cracking cocktails. Elegant and very appealing.
  • Saltwater Luxury Apartments are also well-suited to families and groups of friends. Offering up to three bedrooms, the tile-floored apartments have sitting rooms, kitchens and sit-out balconies. Recently renovated bathrooms feature spa tubs or rain showers, and guests share access to a heated swimming pool. A very reasonably priced Port Douglas choice.

For an Eco-Escape

  • Mai Tai Resort, a simple eco-minded hideaway inspired by traditional Balinese style, sits within five acres of rainforest on a striking hilltop. A tranquil, adult-only retreat, this intimate spot offers just six guest rooms with carved four-poster beds, handwoven rugs and gorgeous rainforest views. Cool off in the swimming pool after scenic hikes.
  • Thala Beach Nature Resort has spacious stilted bungalows with dazzling vistas over the 145 acres of rainforest and golden stretch of private beach. Guided nature walks and bird or butterfly tours will delight nature enthusiasts. Expect cracking seasonal fare, a rejuvenating spa & a real sense of seclusion on a private coastal reserve with a strong conservation ethos.

For Luxury

  • Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa boasts swish seaside suites, apartments and villas with private plunge pools. Contemporary interiors promise beds topped with crisp white linens, original artwork, shaded terraces and lagoon pools framed by leafy gardens. A popular wedding venue with a brilliant restaurant and spa.
  • Niramaya Villas & Spa offers a collection of sensational guest suites and villas with high ceilings, rainforest views and a timeless sense of style. Within walking distance of Four Mile Beach — though many are tempted to kick back in the 30-metre swimming pool. Plus you can enjoy restorative spa treatments and linger in the gorgeous gardens. Very indulgent.
  • Coconut Grove Apartments are cool, contemporary spaces with plunge pools and private terraces, some of which have hot tubs. Set on buzzy Macrossan Street, the apartments are done in white and cream tones, with blue or orange accents. Sitting rooms, well-equipped kitchens and multiple bedrooms are good for families and friends. A luxury take on an apartment holiday.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Fly to Cairns International Airport, an hour from Port Douglas by bus or taxi. You can also arrive by train from Cairns or Brisbane — a hugely scenic route. Many hotels will also be happy to arrange an airport pick up in advance.
  • Queensland is great for a road trip. Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Visit in the summer months — between December and February — for pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine. This is peak season; you may find the spring and autumn shoulder season quieter, and hotels often offer reduced rates in those months.

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The best hotels in Port Douglas

Mai Tai Resort

Port Douglas (Australia)

An intimate, Balinese-style resort, perched on top of a mountain by Port Douglas and nestled in 5 acres of private lush tropical rainforest. With pool, a choice of 4 rooms or 2 rooms in the private villa. Adult-only romantic setting with lush scenery, close to both rainforest and coastal activities.

  • Back to Nature - Spend your days hiking, bird watching & wildlife spotting in the rainforest, or diving and snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef
  • Wildlife Area - Take guided tours of the nearby Mowbray National Park and Mount Lewis National Park to see the region's rare wildlife
  • Hideaway - A tranquil hideaway in the rainforest close to Port Douglas, this is an ideal retreat for nature-loving romantics
  • Great walks - Follow stunning walks and trails in the surrounding rainforest as well as by Port Douglas and the coast
from £95 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
By the Sea Port Douglas

Port Douglas (Australia)

This chic, four-star hotel offers accommodation neighbouring four miles of sandy beach in Port Douglas. The bright guestrooms are loosely nautical themed, with blue and white linens and quirky wall art. The hotel's spacious apartments are great for families, with self-catering and sit-out terraces.

  • Cycling - Hop aboard the hotel bicycles to zip around town on two wheels, or follow scenic coastal paths in both directions as a family
  • Local exploring - Set between the sea and the town, this hotel is perfectly placed for exploring in Port Douglas' eateries, shops and beaches
  • Families - A brilliant choice for families, the hotel's large family suites and a kids' pool will delight those with little ones
  • Watersports - Enjoy a range of watersports at the beach, from windsurfing to kayaking and paddle boarding
from £84 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel

Port Douglas (Australia)

A high-end boutique hotel in the charming fishing village of Port Douglas. With beautiful coastal views and a beachfront location, as well as glorious pool and spoiling spa. Varied outdoor activities on offer, such as Great Barrier Reef diving, guided rainforest tours and wildlife park exploration.

  • Romantic Break - A chic, contemporary seaside hotel with airy guest rooms clad in white and blue tones, perfect for romantic couples
  • Cycling - Hop aboard the hotel's bicycles to explore the charming villages and natural landscapes of Queensland's coastline
  • Snorkelling - Swim and snorkel amongst 1,500 kinds of fish and 400 types of coral on the Great Barrier Reef
  • Beach Life - Expect unrivalled views of beautiful Four Mile Beach and the ocean beyond
from £136 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Peppers Beach Club

Port Douglas ( Australia)

Set in the fishing village of picturesque Port Douglas, with 4 Mile Beach a stone's throw away. A tranquil and relaxed setting, with own leafy pool, gym, in-house bar and restaurant. A good base from which to explore the two National Heritage sites of Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Families - Two-bedroom suites are ideal for families, who will also love the lagoon pool and easy access to sailing, snorkelling & swimming
  • Sailing - Enjoy scenic sailing trips from the Port Douglas Yacht Club - perfect for experienced sailors or keen enthusiasts
  • Snorkelling - Explore the magnificent wildlife of The Great Barrier Reef with family-friendly snorkelling or diving excursions
  • Value chic - An appealingly reasonably priced hotel with contemporary suites set around a lively lagoon pool
from £154 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Saltwater Luxury Apartments

Port Douglas (Queensland)

A selection of modern one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in the lively centre of Port Douglas. Tile-floored apartments have sitting rooms, kitchens with dining spaces & balconies. Smart renovated bathrooms offer rain showers or spa tubs, & guests share a heated swimming pool & BBQ area. Lovely.

  • Other Activities - Take a scenic estuary cruise through mangrove swamps, spotting heron, egrets, and saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat
  • Value chic - Stylish apartments with balconies, kitchens and a shared swimming pool at reasonable rates when divided amongst friends
  • Groups - Two and three-bedroom apartments are ideal for groups of friends, who will also love the lively central location
  • Local markets - Fill your bags with fresh produce and artisanal crafts at the open-air Sunday markets in Anzac Park
from £186 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa

Port Douglas (Queensland)

An expansive seaside resort with swish suites, apartments & villas with plunge pools. Contemporary interiors feature clean lines, crisp white linens & private balconies facing gardens, lagoon pools & spa. The restaurant, bar & events spaces are ideal for celebrations. Luxury & relaxation guaranteed.

  • Families - Multi-bedroom villas, some of which have private pools, are ideal for holidays as a family or with a group of friends
  • Weddings - A popular wedding venue with a dedicated team, beautiful setting and superb cuisine
  • Great walks - Follow trails to scenic waterfalls and swimming spots at the beautiful Mossman Gorge
  • Restaurant - Gather at the ALUCO Restaurant and Bar for delicious fresh cuisine
from £210 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Thala Beach Nature Reserve

Port Douglas (Queensland)

A wonderful eco-focused retreat in 145 acres of rainforest within easy reach of Port Douglas. Spacious stilted bungalows promise private decks & gorgeous forest & ocean views. There's a relaxed bar, restaurant showcasing seasonal fare & a soothing spa. Plus expert-led bird & nature walks. Fabulous.

  • Great walks - Brett and his enthusiastic team will lead you on guided nature & garden walks, spotting flora & fauna in the Littoral rainforest
  • Birdwatching - Bird & butterfly expert David delights in guiding guests on excursions to admire the creatures fluttering through the grounds
  • Back to Nature - Hike through the rainforest, take guided birdwatching tours, and gaze up at the stars as you reconnect with nature
  • Eco break - A wonderful eco-escape for wildlife lovers & nature enthusiasts on a private coastal reserve
from £265 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Coconut Grove Apartments

Port Douglas (Queensland)

A collection of 33 cool, contemporary apartments with plunge pools and private terraces on lively Macrossan Street. Airy, multi-bedroom spaces are clad in white & cream tones, with blue accents. Expect well-equipped kitchens, sitting rooms & balconies — some with hot tubs. A slick & stylish stay.

  • Local exploring - In a lively part of town, these slick apartments are ideal for on-foot explorers eager to shop, eat, play golf & hit the beach
  • Designer Shopping - Explore the lively boutiques Macrossan Street and the wider Port Douglas area for chic clothing and accessories
  • Families - Families will adore the multi-bedroom apartments plus the swimming pool and proximity to Four Mile Beach
  • Golf - Play a round of golf at the Mirage Country Club or the Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course
from £316 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Niramaya Villas & Spa

Port Douglas (Australia)

Luxury hotel nestled in tropical grounds. A short stroll to Four Mile Beach, with the picturesque Part Douglas village just a little further. With own pool, gym and spa as well as in-house bar and restaurant. A sophisticated base from which to explore the region's natural wonders of reef and jungle.

  • Families - Multi-bedroom villas are ideal for families or groups of friends, who will love the private plunge pools & sitting areas
  • Back to Nature - Port Douglas is brilliantly located between two World Heritage sites; ancient rain forest and the Great Barrier Reef
  • Close to nightlife - Stroll to the buzzing bars, restaurants and galleries of Port Douglas with ease, perfect for big days and nights out
  • Snorkelling - Discover the wonderful wildlife of the Great Barrier Reef with marvellous snorkelling trips and diving excursions
from £653 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia