Cheap flights into Cairns are available from all major airports in Australia and it is easy to make your way 70km north to Port Douglas. Cheap flights are available from the Gold Coast, Darwin and Brisbane with a flight time slightly less than two and a half hours. Flights leaving from Perth may include a stopover in either Brisbane or Sydney. Direct flights are available from Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. Cheap flights from Hobart typically route through Melbourne or Sydney. The Tropical North Queensland Shuttle operates services hourly from Cairns airport into Port Douglas. Shuttles provided by Sun Palm are also available, but with less frequent services it is best to check ahead of time for these. Car hire in north Queensland is reasonably priced and there are a number of car rental companies operating on site within the terminals of Cairns airport. Check your airlines preferred partner for the best deals on ground transport.

Port Douglas itself is relatively small so walking short distances will cover off most of the areas around town. Due to this, the short taxi journeys are very cheap. Enjoy cycling across the flat landscape and explore the outskirts of town with several bike hire options. Most attractions can be accessed with tour operators but the best way to see Port Douglas and tropical North Queensland is on your own timetable via car. The roads are well signed, relaxed and have contrasting scenery unmatched anywhere in Australia.

Purchase a four park pass to experience the tourist attractions between Port Douglas and Cairns. This pass allows access to the Rainforestation Nature Park, Wildlife Habitat, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and the Cairns Wildlife Dome. Take a boat ride to the Michaelmas or Upolu Cays where you can swim, snorkel and scuba among the tropical fish and coral of the outer Barrier Reef. Ride the Kuranda SkyRail and walk to spectacular Barron Gorge or ride horseback through the Daintree. For a completely unique experience, ride a flying fox above the Daintree on a Jungle Surfing Canopy Tour. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure is fun across all ages or play a round of golf against a gorgeous backdrop on the Sea Temple course. For a cheap afternoon, picnic and hire a paddle board, kayak or beach chair at Four Mile Beach. Take a day trip to Mossman Gorge, hang glide above the wonders of the tropics or visit the green turtles and dugongs on a cruise to the idyllic paradise of Low Isles.

Visit Port Village Shopping Centre or the Portico Shopping Centre for everyday needs. Macrossan Street has some boutique offerings, particularly for jewellery and swimwear. Spend your Sunday morning sipping on baby coconuts and sampling local produce at the Port Douglas Market – a great place to pick up hand-made souvenirs and trinkets. Try the 6-course tasting menu at posh Nautilus, or the unexpectedly cheap offerings at Salsa Bar & Grill. Try the smoked crocodile croquettes at Seabean Café or keep it tame as the Tin Shed plays host to some amazing views. Unwind with some cocktails at Zinc, Oyster Shooters at Finz or some top-end wine at Watergate.