According to forum posts, travelers have recommended several accommodations in Port Douglas. Peppers Beach Club was mentioned for its proximity to the beach and town center. Reef Resort was highlighted as family-friendly. For a more luxurious stay, the Sheraton and Sea Temple were suggested, both offering upscale amenities and proximity to attractions.

For those seeking apartment-style accommodations, Meridian and Mandalay have been called out as great options providing convenience and comfort. The Glengarry Caravan Park at Craiglie offers more budget-friendly accommodations with decent facilities and requires a vehicle for easy access to Port Douglas.

Some travelers said that for a unique experience close to nature, the Daintree Eco Lodge and Thala Beach Nature Reserve are excellent choices. These locations offer a blend of comfort and immersion in natural surroundings, though they might be pricier and slightly remote compared to town-centric options.

For special birthday dinners, some travelers recommended the Nautilus, which is noted for its suitability for special occasions. Alternatively, other dining options like Salsa, Harrisons, and Melaleuca were also highlighted by users for their quality and atmosphere.

According to forum posts, organizing a trip to the Low Isles could be a memorable way to celebrate a birthday, especially suitable for families with young children. For a more adventurous celebration, some suggested booking a private trip with back country bliss for activities like river drift snorkeling.

Travelers have also mentioned staying at luxurious accommodations like the Reef Palms in Cairns, which offers good value for money and friendly staff, as a start to the birthday celebration before heading to Port Douglas.

According to forum posts, Exemplar is a widely recommended shuttle service for transportation between Cairns and Port Douglas. Travelers have mentioned that this shuttle service is frequently used and is considered reliable. The cost is generally under $50 per adult.

Some travelers have discussed private transfer options, which typically range between $190 and $230. However, availability for such services can be limited. As for taxis or Ubers, the viability is uncertain, with concerns about availability, especially for the return trips from Port Douglas to Cairns.

For those considering bus services, posts indicate that several shuttle bus companies operate between Cairns airport and Port Douglas. The trip is described as financially advantageous compared to car hire, with a minibus service mentioned costing around $43 one way.

Regarding car hire, some users have successfully used one-way car rentals, although availability can be an issue, and sometimes a premium may be charged.

According to forum posts, guided tours come highly recommended for exploring Daintree. Travelers have specifically mentioned enjoying Daintree Discovery Tours, which typically start at Mossman Gorge before the area becomes crowded. Daintree Wonders is another tour operator that has received praise for its excellent services.

Some travelers suggested a self-drive approach as an effective way to explore Daintree. This allows for flexibility in itinerary and the ability to spend as much time as desired at various sites. It was advised to consider renting a car and purchasing a multi-ticket book for the Daintree River ferry to save on costs. Key stops recommended include the Daintree Discovery Centre and Mossman Gorge.

For a focused experience, a river cruise is recommended, which can be combined with activities like the Coopers Creek Wilderness walk. Bruce Belcher’s River Cruise was highlighted for offering peaceful tours where wildlife such as crocodiles, birds, and snakes can be observed.

According to forum posts, Wavelength and Quicksilver are highly recommended for reef tours in Port Douglas. Wavelength is praised for its smaller group sizes, enhancing the experience, while Quicksilver is noted for its suitability for families and first-time snorkelers due to the stable and large platforms it offers.

Some travelers have mentioned that the reef tours from Port Douglas generally provide better access to high-quality reef sites compared to other locations. This is attributed to the closer proximity of the outer reef to the coast, allowing shorter travel times and more time at the reef.