Planning a Trip

Getting There

Port Douglas is a scenic 65-minute drive from Cairns, in part along a narrow winding road that skirts the coast. Take Sheridan Street north out of the city as it becomes the Captain Cook Highway; follow the signs to Mossman and Mareeba until you reach the Port Douglas turnoff on your right.

A one-way ticket aboard Sun Palm Express Coaches (tel. 07/4084 2626) to Port Douglas hotels from Cairns aiport is A$35 (US$32/£16) adults, A$15 (US$14/£6.75) children 2 to 12. If you are staying in Cairns but taking a Quicksilver [ST] (tel. 07/4087 2100) cruise to the Great Barrier Reef for the day, you can take a bus transfer to Port Douglas for A$16 (US$14/£7.20) adults, half-price for kids.

A taxi from Cairns runs around A$100 (US$90/£45); call Black & White Taxis (tel. 13 10 08 in Cairns).

There is no train to Port Douglas, and no scheduled air service. A small airport handles light aircraft and helicopter charters.

Visitor Information

There is no official visitor information office in Port Douglas. Instead, visitors should stop into a private tour information and booking center in town. One of the biggest and most centrally located is the Port Douglas Tourist Information Centre, 23 Macrossan St. (tel. 07/4099 5599), open from 7:30am to 6pm daily.

The Secret of the Seasons -- High season in Port Douglas is roughly June 1 through October 31. Low-season holiday periods run from approximately November to May (excluding Christmas and New Year's).

Getting Around

Of the major rental companies, Avis (tel. 07/4099 4331), Budget (tel. 07/4099 5702), and Thrifty (tel. 07/4069 9977) have offices in Port Douglas. Check out the local companies, including Port Douglas Car Rental (tel. 07/4099 4988). All rent regular vehicles as well as four-wheel-drives, which you need if you plan to drive to Cape Tribulation. For a taxi, call Port Douglas Taxis (tel. 13 10 08).

A good way to get around the town's flat streets is by bike. Holiday Bike Hire, 40 Macrossan St. (tel. 07/4099 6144), or Port Douglas Bike Hire, 28 Wharf St. (tel. 07/4099 5799), rent bikes for around A$10 (US$9/£4.50) for a half-day, A$15 (US$14/£6.75) for a full day.