The Pavilions
At a glance: 4-star · Since 2000 · Renovated 2013 · 16 rooms
Near: ABC Reef Safaris · 1 min walk
ABC Reef Safaris
50 m away · Oceansports 3/34 Macrossan St, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia
(1,173 reviews)
Wavelength Reef Cruises
100 m away · Shop 6/43-47 Macrossan St, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia
(1,379 reviews)
Trinity Bay Lookout
350 m away · 48 Island Point Rd, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia
(980 reviews)
4 Mile Beach Lookout
550 m away · 50 Murphy St, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia
(725 reviews)
Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Port Douglas
8 hr
(858 reviews)
From $242
Silversonic 3 Outer Barrier Reef Sites in 1 Day from Port Douglas
10 hr
(555 reviews)
From $235
Cairns Rainforest River Tubing
4h 30m
(758 reviews)
From $71
Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge Small-Group from Port Douglas
9 hr
(2,569 reviews)
From $193
The best time to visit is May through September, when temperatures are mild (24-26°C) and rain is less frequent. October and November are warm and drier, but December through March is the wettest, with about 21-26 rain days per month and high humidity. The dry, cooler months are ideal for outdoor activities and reef trips.
Stay in the town centre along Macrossan Street for easy access to restaurants, shops, and the beach; it suits first-timers and those who like to walk everywhere. The quieter northern end, around Davidson Street, offers a more relaxed vibe and is close to the beach, ideal for families or couples seeking calm. The southern end near the Esplanade is great for beachfront views and a short stroll to the main strip. Featured hotels like By the Sea Port Douglas, Verandahs Boutique Apartments, and Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel are in these areas.
Start with the Daintree National Park, the world's oldest rainforest, and Mossman Gorge for its crystal-clear swimming holes. Hartley's Crocodile Adventures offers close-up wildlife encounters. Wildlife Habitat lets you see native animals in natural settings. gives sweeping coastal views, and is a quick stop for a scenic panorama.
Day trips from Port Douglas include the Great Barrier Reef, with snorkel cruises to outer reef sites, and the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge, where you can explore ancient rainforest and gorges. You can also take a scenic train or Skyrail to Kuranda, a mountain village, or join a tour to Cairns' waterfalls and rainforest. These trips cover the reef, rainforest, and highlands, each offering a different landscape.
Plan 3 to 4 days. In 3 days, you can see Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, Mossman Gorge, and the Wildlife Habitat, plus relax on 4 Mile Beach. Add a fourth day for a reef trip with Wavelength or ABC Reef Safaris. If you want to explore the Daintree or take a Kuranda tour, add an extra day for each.
