If you are looking for a Queensland island with white-sand beaches, shore snorkeling, scenic hiking trails, and dreamy blue water, Great Keppel Island is one you should not overlook. Just a quick 30-minute ferry ride from Yeppoon, GKI makes the perfect weekend getaway.
If you are wondering whether Great Keppel Island is worth visiting, I definitely think it is. While many travelers head to the Whitsundays, Great Keppel Island offers a more laid-back island experience with incredible beaches, easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, and everything from snorkeling and diving to kayaking, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
During my visit, I stayed at Great Keppel Island Hideaway, which was a great base thanks to its beachfront location, cozy glamping tents, and easy access to many of the island's top attractions.
In this guide, I will share my favorite things to do on Great Keppel Island, where to stay, where to eat, the best beaches and snorkeling spots, and everything else you need to know before planning your trip.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, my blog may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. This post also includes hosted stays and gifted experiences. As always, all opinions are my own and reflect my honest experience.
17 Best Things to Do in Port Douglas
The Coconut Plantation at Thala Nature Reserve.
Quick Picks: The Best Things to Do in Port Douglas
Best sunset: Rex Smeal Park
Best sunrise: Flagstaff Hill
Best Outer Great Barrier Reef scuba diving trip: Silversonic Cruise
Best sailing trip to the Low Isles: Sailaway
Best coastal lookout: Rex Lookout
Best chance of spotting a cassowary: Cape Tribulation
Best rainforest boardwalk: Jindalba Boardwalk
My favorite dinner spot: Thai Douglas
Best rainforest experience: Mossman Gorge / Back Country Bliss
Port Douglas Map
In Port Douglas Town
#1: Flagstaff Hill: Best Views of Four Mile Beach
The beautiful view at Flag Staff Hill over Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas.
Flagstaff Hill is a free, drive-up viewpoint in Port Douglas that overlooks the iconic Four Mile Beach, and it is the easiest way to see the whole thing at once. I went in September, later in the day, and the view felt like drone footage without needing a drone. From that high up, you can watch the small, foamy waves roll slowly toward the sand. Parking is on the street in a residential area, so be respectful of the neighbors. Next time I would go at sunrise, since the beach faces east and the sun comes up over the water.
Parking: I parked on the street in a residential area.
#2: Four Mile Beach
Once you have seen Four Mile Beach from above, it is worth heading down onto it. The beach runs along the Port Douglas peninsula, and the sand is firm enough, making it the perfect beach for a stroll. It was busy when I went in September, which makes sense, since it is the main beach in town and only about a 13-minute walk from the center. If you want to swim, stay in the patrolled section between the red and yellow flags. Keep in mind that stinger season runs from about November to May, so during those months, swim inside the net or wear a full-length stinger suit. I am not sure I would feel comfy swimming outside of the net (or maybe swimming at all) knowing the crocs are around…
#3: Rex Smeal Park: The Best Sunset Spot in Port Douglas
My dream sunset at Rex Smeal Park. It was the perfect little picnic spot.
If you only watch one sunset in Port Douglas, make it Rex Smeal Park. Each time I watched the sunset here, the sky transformed into dreamy orange hues over the ocean and the marina. You know it’s a good spot when it feels like the whole town showed up: families, groups of friends, backpackers, music, BBQs, and plenty of pets. I always brought my homemade dinner and a blanket and arrived about 20 minutes before sunset. It was already busy when I arrived, so if you care about your spot, I suggest heading here much earlier. It is only about a 5-minute walk from the town center, so you can grab food nearby if you do not want to pack your own.
#4: The Sunday Markets
If you are in Port Douglas on a Sunday, definitely plan your morning around the markets. They run every Sunday (except Christmas Day and ANZAC Day), with over 150 stalls selling food, drinks, handmade goods, local produce, and art. The markets run from around 8am until 1:30pm at Anzac Park. Parking does fill up fast, so get there early!
#5: Crocodiles: Where to Spot Crocodiles Near Port Douglas
If you want to see a wild crocodile near Port Douglas, you can sometimes spot them around the Mowbray River road bridge, about 10 km south of town. There is a small parking area just before the bridge, where you can park and walk across or underneath the road bridge to look for them from a safe distance. Low tide can be a good time to spot them, since exposed sandbanks give them places to sunbathe, although sightings are never guaranteed. Make sure to stay well back from the water's edge and never approach a crocodile (obviously).
It is pretty cool to see them in their natural habitat without disturbing them. I prefer seeing them this way, as some crocodile tours use bait to attract them closer to the boat. If you do want a tour, Solar Whisper on the Daintree River is the one I would recommend, as it uses a quiet, zero-emission solar-electric boat and does not use bait to attract crocodiles.
Great Barrier Reef Adventures
#6-7: Dive and Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas
The first dive site with Silversonic on the Agincourt Reefs.
Me freediving around the corals on the Agincourt Reef.
A trip to Port Douglas is not complete without heading out to the outer Great Barrier Reef for a dive or snorkel trip. Silversonic is a 29-meter high-speed catamaran that departs from Port Douglas and takes you out to Agincourt Reef. The outer reef is home to an incredible variety of coral and marine life, making it one of the best places to experience the Great Barrier Reef underwater.
Silversonic visits three different sites, chosen on the day depending on the weather, so yours might differ from mine. I loved that each of ours felt completely different. The first was a sloping reef with a sandy bottom, the second was also sloping but with swim-throughs and bommies at different depths, and the third was a whole wall, perfect for a drift dive and seeing larger marine life. You have options to either snorkel, freedive, or scuba dive at each of the sites.
Never snorkeled before? No problem, they have in-water guides to show you the way. Never dived but want to try? They also offer introductory scuba dives, where an instructor guides you through the experience and takes you on your first dive.
You can find my exact tour I did here!
Logistical tip: The day starts around 8:30am and includes lunch and snacks. You will be back in Port Douglas around 4:30pm. I would recommend bringing something for seasickness if you are prone to it, as the boat can get pretty rocky.
#8: Visit the Low Isles
A view of the Low Isles from the Sailaway boat.
If you are looking for things to do in Port Douglas, a trip to the Low Isles is worth adding to your itinerary. This small coral cay sits just off the coast of Port Douglas, surrounded by sparkling blue water with a beautiful lighthouse tucked among the palm trees.
One of the easiest ways to visit without your own boat is on a sailing tour with Sailaway. I opted for their full-day tour, which departs from the Port Douglas marina and takes around an hour to reach the islands.
Once there, you will have the chance to explore both above and below the water. The tour includes a guided snorkel, an island walk, and a glass-bottom boat tour, followed by lunch back on the boat and time for one last snorkel before sailing back to Port Douglas.
I loved seeing all the coral bommies surrounded by fish, along with sea turtles, large batfish, and even blacktip reef sharks. It is a beautiful spot to experience the Great Barrier Reef, especially if you want to combine a day on the water with some time exploring a tiny coral island.
If you would prefer a shorter trip, Sailaway also offers an afternoon sailing tour, complete with a sunset sail back to Port Douglas.
You can find the exact tour I did here.
Scenic Drive Between Port Douglas and Cairns (Captain Cook Highway)
#9: Rex Lookout: Coastal Views Along the Captain Cook Highway
Rex Lookout is a 12/10 stop along the Captain Cook Highway, with views over the coastline and out to the Coral Sea. It is about 25 km (around 20 minutes) south of Port Douglas, so it is an easy stop on your way to or from town. I spent 10 to 15 minutes enjoying the view and snapping a few photos, so you do not need long. There is free parking on both sides of the highway, which makes it easy to pull over. I went mid-morning and it was not crowded at all. It would probably be great at sunrise too.
#10: Visit One of the Beaches Along Captain Cook Highway
Captain Cook Highway a beautiful coastal drive that is lined with beaches and small coves. The most popular is Wangetti Beach, which is about 5 minutes from Rex Lookout, so it is easy to pair the two. However, it is a rocky beach and mostly worth stopping for the views. Some of the other beaches nearby had more sand, so I would drive along the coast until you see one you like the look of. Parking is free, but finding a spot can be a little trickier than at the lookout, as the small pull-off areas are easy to miss along the coastal road.
You only need to plan around 30 minutes here unless you want to make a day of it. I found it to be the perfect little stop to enjoy a snack before continuing along the coast. There is literally nothing in front of you but ocean upon ocean, with palm trees and rainforest behind you, so it really does feel like your own little deserted island.
Travel tip: I probably would not go in the water because of the crocs, so check the warning signs before getting too close to the water.
Mossman Gorge and the Daintree
#11: Explore Mossman Gorge
One of the best ways to experience the Daintree Rainforest near Port Douglas is by exploring Mossman Gorge. Located around 30 minutes north of Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge is home to beautiful rainforest walking trails and crystal-clear freshwater.
You have a couple of options when it comes to exploring the gorge. You can drive yourself to the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, where you can park and catch the shuttle bus into the gorge, or join a guided experience. If you do visit on your own, keep in mind that the Daintree is home to some dangerous plants and wildlife, so it is important to stick to the designated tracks and avoid touching unfamiliar vegetation.
One of my favorite ways to experience Mossman Gorge was by floating all of my troubles away with Back Country Bliss. I joined the 2 hour River Drift Experience which included a guided walk through sections of the rainforest and a float down the Mossman River. I made my way upstream with my guide before hopping onto a river sled (think of a floating bed) and gently drifted back downstream through the rainforest. The water was crystal clear, cool and incredibly refreshing, and I loved being able to just lie back, relax and take in the rainforest canopy above me. We spotted a few birds along the way, too.
The experience includes up to two hours in the rainforest, return transport from Port Douglas or Mossman, snacks, a river sled, boots and a wetsuit or thermal top if needed. I would recommend bringing your swimsuit, a towel, sunscreen and water-safe camera.
This short tour would be perfect for anyone wanting to experience Mossman, especially if you are short on time.
You can find their full day tour here.
Cape Tribulation and Beyond
12: Walk the Daintree Rainforest Boardwalks
Peering up through the tree canopies along one of the boardwalks near Cape Tribulation.
If you are heading further north into the Daintree (which you most definitely should), there are a few rainforest boardwalks worth adding to your itinerary. Each one offers something a little different, from coastal lookouts and palm-lined paths to dense rainforest and freshwater streams. My advice would be to pick a couple depending on how much time you have, rather than feeling like you need to do them all. If you go early in the morning, you may even spot a wild cassowary!
Kulki Boardwalk: This is a great one to start with, especially if you want a combination of rainforest and coastal scenery. The short walk takes you up to Kulki Lookout, with beautiful views over Cape Tribulation Beach and the coastline. I also wandered down onto the beach itself, which I highly recommend. It is a great spot to see where the rainforest meets the ocean. This one was of my favorite boardwalks.
Dubuji Boardwalk: If you want to see more of the rainforest, I would opt for the longer route here. The extra walk takes you through a beautiful section filled with palm trees, which I thought was worth seeing. There is also a separate trail leading down to Myall Beach if you want to add a little beach time to your visit. This was probably one of my favorites as well.
Jindalba Boardwalk: This one is a little different, taking you through a much denser section of rainforest. It is a shorter walk, but there is plenty to see along the way, including freshwater streams and a small waterfall. If you are interested in learning a little more about the rainforest while you a re here, the Daintree Discovery Centre is also nearby.
Madja Boardwalk: This is another lovely option for experiencing the Daintree, with a raised boardwalk winding through the rainforest and mangroves. It is a shorter, fairly easy walk, and a good one to add if you want to see a different side of the rainforest, particularly the mangrove environment.
#13: Visit the Beautiful Beaches of Cow Bay & Thornton Beach
An aerial view over Thornton Beach.
Just south of the boardwalks are two beaches worth checking out: Cow Bay and Thornton Beach. Thornton Beach is a wide, open stretch of coastline with that deserted-island feel. I loved how much space there was here, and it is a great spot to get some drone shots. Cow Bay is another beautiful stretch of coastline, with rainforest right behind the beach and plenty of tropical scenery.
#14: Ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda
Enjoying the views on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Incredible Barron Gorge Views from the cablecar.
Located just 45-50 minutes from Port Douglas is the little mountain village of Kuranda. One of the best ways to experience the area is by taking the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, where you will float above the lush rainforest of Barron Gorge National Park and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
In your own little private cable car (as long as it is not busy), you'll enjoy unobstructed views of the rainforest around you, with fresh air flowing through the window. It really was such a beautiful and refreshing way to experience the rainforest.
There are also a couple of stops along the ride where you can get off and explore the rainforest. One of my favorite parts was getting off the cable car and heading over to the lookout overlooking Barron Gorge and its beautiful waterfall, before hopping back on and continuing the journey.
Sadly, when I visited, the Skyrail was only running a shortened route that did not include the Red Peak stop. But I can't imagine how beautiful the full journey must be! They have recently updated the cable cars and line to make the experience even more comfortable with larger cars.
A few things to know:
Price: From 74 AUD per adult one-way or 111 AUD return. You can purchase your ticket here.
Duration: Around 1.5 hours one-way or 2.5 hours return, not including time spent exploring Kuranda.
Location: Smithfield terminal, about 50 minutes south of Port Douglas. There is plenty of parking at the Smithfield terminal and in Kuranda itself as long as you go early.
Tip: You can also combine a one-way Skyrail journey with the Kuranda Scenic Railway to experience both on the same day. Unfortunately my railway experience was cancelled due to a broke bridge. You can find this experience here.
#15: Spot a Wild Cassowary in the Daintree Rainforest
A wild Cassowary I saw!
Nothing can really compare to seeing your first cassowary in the wild. If you are not familiar with them, cassowaries are large, flightless birds with vibrant blue and red necks, black feathers and a helmet-like bump on top of their head on top of their heads. They are also endangered in Australia, with Far North Queensland being one of their remaining homes. Often referred to as the gardeners of the rainforest, they play an important role in keeping the rainforest healthy by spreading the seeds of native plants. Seeing one wandering through its natural habitat is pretty special and quite rare for visitors, especially knowing just how important they are to the rainforest.
#16: Go Horse Riding Along Cape Tribulation Beach
An aerial view over Cape Tribulation of my Cape Trib Horse Ride.
If you are looking for unique things to do near Port Douglas, horse riding along Cape Tribulation Beach is one experience I would definitely recommend. This was such a memorable experience for me. I loved riding Bella through the rainforest and along Myall Beach, with the ocean stretching out as far as you could see in one direction and the Daintree Rainforest in the other. It is not every day you get to experience somewhere like this on horseback, and it was such a beautiful way to take it all in.
One thing I really loved about this experience is that all the horses at Cape Trib Horse Rides are ex-racehorses. After their racing days are behind them, they get to enjoy a much slower pace of life, exploring the rainforest and beach instead.
#17: Visit the iconic Coconut Plantation & Stay at Thala Nature Reserve
Relaxing on the hammock at Thala Nature Reserve.
Wandering through the iconic Coconut Plantation at Thala Nature Reserve.
A must-visit spot in Port Douglas is the iconic Coconut Plantation at Thala Beach Nature Reserve. I will be honest, I actually thought it was a little overrated until I had the chance to wander through the palms, lie back in the grass and look up as they swayed in the wind. It's one of those places that's even better when you get to slow down and enjoy it.
But my stay at Thala as a whole was truly magical. I spent two nights here and honestly could have stayed longer. The hotel itself is the destination, and that's probably the best way to describe it. Tucked away in the rainforest, the wooden bungalows have incredible views of the coastline and rolling, rainforest-covered hills right from your balcony.
One of my favorite things about staying here was how much wildlife was right on the doorstep. Parakeets, lorikeets, kookaburras, butterflies and even wild wallabies grazing on the Roo Patch. You never had to go far to spot something new.
I also loved how much there was to do around the resort. You can head down to the beach and relax in a hammock, explore one of the walking trails or spend some time by the pools, which felt like little waterhole escapes surrounded by lush jungle. There is even a nighttime wildlife viewing area where you can sit under red lights and watch the nocturnal wildlife come out, which was something cool I had never experience prior.
Thala also offers a range of experiences for guests, including stargazing tours, wildlife tours and, of course, the Coconut Odyssey tour, which I absolutely loved. I would honestly recommend staying at least two nights here and focusing your time just around he property before heading out on the other Port Douglas tours.
You can book your stay with Thala here!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Port Douglas?
Five days is the least amount of time you need in Port Douglas to fit in the Great Barrier Reef, Mossman Gorge, and Cape Trib. If you have more time, I would stretch it to 7 days so you can actually relax and enjoy it. I spent around 5 days there and did everything I wanted to, but I was constantly rushing around and praying for good weather.
What is the best month to visit Port Douglas?
The best time to visit Port Douglas is May to October, during the dry season. May and September are great months for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, with warm weather and fewer crowds than the peak winter months. I visited in September and had mostly sunny days with just a day or two of scattered rain showers throughout my week.
Is it safe to swim in Port Douglas?
Great question…I will be honest, I did not swim at the beaches in Port Douglas or even Cape Trib. There is signage around to tell you where there are croc sightings, but you will still see people swimming anyway. I, for one, did not test my luck and stuck to only swimming out on the reef where I felt safe.
Do you need a car in Port Douglas?
You don't need a car in Port Douglas if you're staying around town, with shops, restaurants, and Four Mile Beach all easy to get to. There is limited public transport, and tours offer transport to many nearby attractions. If you want to explore the Daintree, Cape Tribulation, or other spots at your own pace, having a car makes things much easier.
Can you do the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree in the same trip?
Yes! Port Douglas is a great base for exploring both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. You can book reef trips and rainforest tours separately over a few days, so you don't have to choose between the two. It is the best spot to cover both world heritage sights.
→ Planning a trip to see the Giant Australian Cuttlefish Migration in South Australia? Discover everything you need to know, including the best time to visit, where to dive, and what to expect here.
→ Want to see more of the Great Barrier Reef? Visit the Whitsundays and Airlie Beach for a more tropical vacation.
→ Looking for more iconic dive spots? Try Wolf Rock in Rainbow Beach.
