The Best Small Town In Queensland For A 3-Day Weekend
Queensland is many things Australia is known for: wild, vast, and full of natural treasures, some of which exist nowhere else in the world. The second-largest state in Australia, it is the proud home of the Great Barrier Reef, the largest of its kind in the world, covering 131,000 square miles (340,000 square kilometers) and featuring an unbelievably diverse ecosystem. On top of that, Queensland is one of Australia’s wettest and most tropical states, boasting numerous beaches, ancient rainforests like the Daintree Rainforest, and an unhurried atmosphere that makes life pleasant. Such a place is, without doubt, excellent for a memorable three-day weekend in Australia, and there’s one town in particular that’s just excellent for this.
Port Douglas is a relatively small town in Queensland. But what it lacks in size, it abundantly makes up for in other ways, including natural beauty, modern amenities, and proximity to Australia’s most sought-after attractions, which will surely make a three-day weekend an absolute blast. For writers, an entire book can come out of a visit to this small town, and for everyone else, the memories of a weekend vacation to this tiny community in Queensland will last a lifetime.
One of Australia’s Most Exciting Small Towns
Situated in the far north of Queensland, Port Douglas is the definition of paradise on earth. Located an hour from the international Cairns Airport, this charming town has a history dating back to 1877 when it was established to serve prospectors during the Hodgkinson gold rush. Following the end of the gold rush, the town struggled until the 1980s, when it was transformed into a hub of tourism, starting with the establishment of the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort by Christopher Skase. Coincidentally, several incredible natural attractions turned out to be around the town, increasing its appeal almost overnight. Today, Port Douglas ranks among Australia’s most sought-after destinations and is definitely a worthy place to consider for an unforgettable three-day weekend.
Why Port Douglas Is Queensland's Best Small Town For A Three-Day Weekend
A three-day weekend in Port Douglas is the vacation of a lifetime, and the excitement begins right from the journey to the town. From the Cairns Airport, getting to the city requires a pleasant one-hour drive on the Captain Cook Highway, a breathtaking road stretching along the coast of the Coral Sea and through the dense tropical rainforest of Northern Queensland. In addition to the views, the drive is lined with unique attractions, including Thala Beach Nature Reserve, one of the most exclusive eco-resorts in Australia. Located in a rainforest, just 15 minutes from Port Douglas, this resort features outdoor pools surrounded by lush trees, timber bungalows with stunning ocean and forest views, nature tours, a diverse array of birds, and a pristine beach.
At Port Douglas, it only gets more exciting. For starters, the town is home to top-notch resorts that offer more than cozy accommodations. The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas, is one such resort, and an excellent place to stay in the heart of town for a three-day weekend. Firstly, this resort is the town’s oldest, having been established in the 1980s, and it set the stage for modern tourism in the area. A true tropical paradise, this five-star hotel is surrounded by lush palm trees and features spacious rooms and villas with views of tropical gardens, pools, and the Coral Sea. Additionally, this resort is home to several restaurants offering diverse food options, as well as multiple outdoor saltwater pools, all situated right on a beautiful, well-known beach.
Four Mile Beach
Located on the Coral Sea and right in front of the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Four Mile Beach is a fantastic place to unwind on a weekend vacation in Port Douglas. This beach is defined by a long stretch of soft, golden sand featuring majestic palm trees and crystal-clear, turquoise water, open for stand-up paddleboarding and kite surfing. Additionally, the beach features a large swimming area protected from marine stingers, and a trail on the northern side leads to the Flagstaff Hill Lookout, offering breathtaking views of the shoreline, the sea, and the surrounding forest-covered mountains.
Macrossan Street
Beyond the beaches and hotels, Macrossan Street, the heart of Port Douglas, has plenty of things to delight weekend vacationers. Stretching from Four Mile Beach to Dickson Inlet, this street is a paradise for shopping, dining, and entertainment. This is also where to find some of the town’s excellent accommodations. By The Sea in Port Douglas is a great option; it's a four-star hotel featuring cozy rooms with views of the sea and forest, as well as a pool, among other amenities. For dining options on Macrossan Street, the local establishment, Nautilus Restaurant, is known for its sumptuous seafood and Asian cuisine, served in an outdoor tropical setting. For dessert, stop by the Wicked Ice Cream to savor several flavors of wickedly tasty ice cream, including gelato and sorbet. Notably, Macrossan Street is also home to some of the town’s tour companies, including the highly-rated Wavelength Reef Cruises, which offers guided excursions to the Great Barrier Reef, a must-visit while in the area.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is Australia’s most famous natural attraction and the largest of its kind in the world, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. Thankfully, Port Douglas is the most relaxing gateway to this remarkably diverse attraction, which will no doubt make a weekend vacation super exciting. From the town’s Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, cruises frequently depart to the different parts of the reef system, including the outer reef, which is further offshore and features the best water visibility and a variety of marine life, including sharks, fish, sea turtles, hard corals, and rays. The Wavelength Reef Cruise offers intimate tours to the best snorkel sites in the outer reefs year-round, alongside insightful talks about the reef by experienced marine biologists. Meanwhile, Quicksilver Cruises also offers tours to the outer reef, specifically the Agincourt Reef, where you can enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling, alongside non-swimming activities like floating, helicopter flights, and visiting an underwater observatory.
Daintree Rainforest
Beyond the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas boasts another incredible natural attraction, the Daintree Rainforest. Estimates suggest that the Daintree Rainforest started growing around 180 million years ago, making it the oldest tropical rainforest in the world. Covering a 460 square mile (1,200 square kilometer) area, this ancient rainforest has sustained itself for millions of years to become an incredibly biodiverse spot, teeming with a wide variety of life forms, from unique wildlife, such as the nearly two-meter-tall cassowary, to prehistoric plants like the King Fern. Port Douglas is the closest gateway town to this rainforest, making it a must-visit on a three-day weekend.
From Port Douglas, travelers can join a guided tour from town or do a self-guided tour of the rainforest by renting a car and driving 20 minutes to the Mossman Gorge via the Captain Cook Highway. This gorge is located in the southern part of the rainforest and features the Mossman Gorge Cultural Center, where visitors can enjoy light meals and learn about the Kuku Yalanji people, who have inhabited this region for approximately 50,000 years. From the cultural center, bus rides are provided to the trailhead of the Rainforest Circuit Track, the most popular trail in the area. This trail is approximately 2 miles (3 kilometers) round trip and winds along the Mossman River, through spectacular parts of the ancient forest, featuring granite boulders, rare wildlife, and lush trees and plants.
For those seeking more adventures, a visit to the northern part of the rainforest is recommended. This part can be accessed via a one-hour, 30-minute journey that includes a drive on the Mossman-Daintree Road and a five-minute ferry ride across the Daintree River, which connects to Cape Tribulation Road. On this journey from Mossman, visitors can stop at the Daintree Discovery Center to enjoy breathtaking views from the 23-meter Rainforest Canopy Tower or a thrilling walk on the Aerial Walkway. The center also hosts a cafe, souvenir shops, and exhibits covering the area’s native species and culture.
An Excellent Weekend Spot in Australia With Something For Everybody
A three-day weekend in Port Douglas is nothing short of amazing, and it’s not just because of the natural wonders around. This town boasts notable landmarks, one of which is the St. Mary’s by the Sea Church. More than just a church, it is a historical attraction established in 1914, making it one of the oldest buildings in Port Douglas. A tour of this church will enhance any weekend vacation with its breathtaking scenery and views of the Coral Sea, and it is also a great place to hold or witness a memorable wedding. Animal lovers can discover Australia’s iconic animals at the Wildlife Habitat, while art enthusiasts will enjoy spending time at the Ngarru Gallery, browsing a diverse collection of Indigenous fine art.
