Travelling to what we used to call the ‘far north’ used to be quite the epic journey. And it still is – if you are heading to the tip on a 4WD adventure.
However nowadays travelling to Port Douglas and the Daintree region is highly accessible and reasonably priced (especially if you keep your eyes peeled for cheap Cairns flight deals!). Once you are here, you have several choices in how to get around and that usually depends on how long you are here for, where you are staying and what you intend to do. Here’s a bit of a cheat sheet we have put together to help you plan your transportation to and around Port Douglas:
Fly into Cairns Domestic or International Airport from all capital cities (and other regional areas depending on the air carrier) with major carriers daily. Our tip: sit on the right-hand side of the plane when you are heading north so you can look out the window and check out the reef as you are descending towards Cairns (this is only available for daylight flights!).
Major bus lines and the long-distance ‘Spirit of Queensland’ train arrive regularly into Cairns city; however, this is where both services terminate. To continue your journey to Port Douglas and Daintree, you will need to either hire a car or book a bus shuttle transfer.
Once you have arrived in Cairns, you can hire a car from the airport or the city with a number of local and national car hire companies. We recommend booking your car ahead of time, especially during peak travel periods (including school and public holidays and from June to October). Our tip: select the right option for your pick-up and drop-off based on how you arrive into Cairns – if you fly in and select the option to pick-up and drop-off in Cairns city, you’ll be adding in an extra stop to your journey.
If you prefer to enjoy the scenery along the beginning of the Great Barrier Reef Drive, you can get a bus shuttle to Port Douglas and Mossman from Cairns
Airport or city. Our tip: book your seat ahead of time as peak travel periods could mean you are waiting around for longer than you need
to be at the airport for the next shuttle. Aim to sit on the right-hand side window to get the best view of the stunning Great Barrier Reef Drive scenery.
Your transportation requirements while in Port Douglas and Daintree really come down to where you are staying, how long and what you intend on doing. Here are your options and our tips:
There is a great range of car hire companies based in Port Douglas, including Avis. This allows you to explore at your own pace to a number of areas
like Mossman Gorge, the Daintree Rainforest and surrounding Atherton Tablelands and Cooktown regions. Suitable for: longer stays
(3+ days); if you are staying in a holiday home or accommodation that is more remote or not within walking distance to Macrossan Street; if you want total flexibility.
perfect if you are only staying in the Port Douglas township itself and love the idea of easily and quickly getting around without having to worry about parking. Port Douglas itself is only about 7km in distance and flat, with most restaurants and hotels located in the village around Macrossan Street. This provides an easy area to cover on foot or bike – you can even hire electric bikes if you want an even easier ride. Suitable for: shorter stays; if you are only staying in Port Douglas (we do not recommend cycling between Port Douglas and surrounding townships); doing tours rather than self-drive activities.
The Daintree is easily accessible to explore, the question is how. From Port Douglas, you can book a day trip that may cover some or all of the entry points to the Daintree, as well as to private areas that are only accessible on a tour. Families or groups may benefit from a private day charter – that way the day is yours to determine, with the experience and knowledge of your driver and guide.
Your journey to the Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation begins at the Daintree River. The Daintree River Ferry is only cable ferry operating within tropical Australia and provides the only sealed road access to the Daintree Rainforest. Situated some 50 kilometres north of Port Douglas, the ferry operates daily between 6pm and midnight.
For self-drivers, Great Barrier Reef Drive is at your beckon and call, sealed all the way to Cape Tribulation with a number of secluded beaches and hidden treasures jotted along the way. There are a number of maps to assist your journey, which you can pick up from information and tour booking shops in the region.
Or if you would like the flexibility of choosing your own adventure with the added comfort and safety of having a private driver (there are some seriously distracting scenes along the way!), jump on board the Cape Tribulation Adventure Bus, which can transfer you there for a squiz or to enjoy a day of activities before coming back to Port Douglas.
BTS Tours also offer a transfer service to Mossman Gorge, where you can either explore the National Park at your leisure or on a guided rainforest walk, without booking a full day-tour or requiring your own car.
The Daintree Rainforest is one of the most spectacular pieces of natural beauty you will encounter in your lifetime, it’s up to you how you would like to enjoy it. For more information on visiting this region, visit Destination Daintree.
Arrive in tropical Port Douglas and settle into your accommodation, enjoy a cocktail or two by the pool before meeting up with the rest of the wedding group for a sunset sail soaking up the magnificent sunsets over the Coral Sea and Daintree Rainforest.
Arrive in Tropical North Queensland and board your private transfer to Port Douglas taking in the breathtaking views along the magnificent Great Barrier Reef Drive.
Settle into your tropical surrounds before boarding your sunset sail in paradise. Sit back and sip champagne while taking in the magnificent views of the Daintree Rainforest and the Coral Sea. Once disembarking your boat, Barbados Port Douglas is the ideal spot to take in the tropical evening with a pre-dinner cocktail. From there, take a gentle stroll down Macrossan Street, lined with fairy lights before indulging in a dining experience to start your holiday in style.
Port Douglas wedding ideas. Jacqui and Andrew held their ceremony at St Mary's By The Sea followed by a reception at Salsa Bar and Grill.
Port Douglas wedding ideas. Viktoria and Dougal were married at the secluded beach behind St. Mary's By The Sea.
Port Douglas wedding ideas. Amber and Martin were married at St. Mary's By The Sea followed by a reception at the Sugar Wharf.
Port Douglas wedding ideas. Ben and Monika were married at Little Cove followed by a reception at Port Douglas Sugar Wharf.
Port Douglas Wedding Ideas. Amber and Taylor were Married at St Mary's by the Sea, Followed by a Reception at Salsa Bar & Grill.
