Port Douglas, QLD 4877

3.9(29 reviews)

Ranked 7th best suburb by locals in Far North Region, QLD

Great for

  • Neighbourly spirit
  • Safe and sound
  • Clean & green
  • Eating out
  • Peace and quiet

Not great for

  • Parking
  • Nightlife

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families With Kids
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • Tourists

Reviews of Port Douglas, QLD

12th July 2023

"Resort town"

There isn't too much to do unless you want to stay in a resort or eat at expensive restaurants. It does have the beach which is nice. The drive from Cairns is beautiful but I'd rather go there for the weekend than live there.

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9th May 2022

"A great holiday destination."

Port Douglas is somewhere that you want to travel for a holiday, but living there can be limiting.
It is beautiful but If doesn't have everything that cairns has to offer in terms of shopping and lifestyle. There are some great restaurants but they can be expensive.

1
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18th March 2022

"A good place to retire"

It is beautiful. But not a great place to raise a family. It is limited and expensive. Probably more a place for older retirees.

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"FNQ paradise"

Hot, humid, bugs and wildlife galore. But ohhh so sweet. Flat and good of riding bikes.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
0
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"The Prince of the tropics of FNQ"

Forget chilly Noosa in the winter and head directly to the best of all Australian towns more akin to a village in the tropical north and where you will never need a jumper!

With an absolute abundance of activities nearby from the reef, the Daintreee, Mossman gorge, waterfalls circuits, bike riding trails , on shore and off fishing, world class golf courses etc, no holiday in Port Douglas will ever be long enough.

Distinguished from the paucity of venues in nearby Palm Cove , Port Douglas has a plethora of some of Queensland’s very best restaurants to enjoy.

Easily my favourite area to live or stay in the wider Port Douglas locality are the beachfront villas at the Sea Temple resort where you shall have the best of both worlds - quiet yet with immediate access to the gorgeous Palm fringed Four Mile Beach beach and the pretty Port Douglas village and with the crashing of the waves at night to guarantee you that long sleep.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
4
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Rentals in Port Douglas

"A small town that thinks it's Noosa"

Since my 3rd trip to this resort in 2019, I found that on my trip in May 2021, prices of tours had at least doubled! Car hire for one day is $255! Most restaurants will only take advanced bookings and are really rude about fitting you in! The average price for a main is $50. Last time I went, it was $28. The cost of 1 beer and 2 glasses of house white at the central hotel - $46! Retail stores are horrendously over priced and the quality of clothing is generally poor. Having extensively travelled in Europe and visited the markets in Italy, I found it astounding that a pair of linen pants at 20 Euro's suddenly costs $179! I will never ever go back there. The resort is just rorting fellow AUSTRALIANS

1
Paul Clarke
Paul Clarke

exactly-very arrogant locals

Scott Grigg
Scott Grigg

Oh no so its true they are stuck up wankers because Im currently living down Melbourne and Ill be selling my house soon and Port Douglas really caught my eye its beautiful theres also Palm Cove and Hervey Bay Im looking at but I dislike arrogance I dont care how old you are I Fkn hate it so thats guys for hearing me out

criso

Scott, get a van and stay in a place 6 months, check out all the hidden aspects before you buy. Beauty is a thin veneer... beauty is also deceitful. People who have businesses which a]it's very hard to compensate for inelegant people no matter how stunning the scenery. Foul humans foul the most beautiful of places.

criso

my cat jumped on my computer and pressed send... People who have businesses in 'seasonal' regions can become predatory out of what they think is necessity or a survival mode... they prey on tourism dollars... (aka the crocodile, the snake, the cat). It's the international backpackers and family of family already living out here make the trek to AU - young enough to not be here for long enough for it to matter and the latter are a little insulated by their family's local knowledge at least. Traveling to most parts of Australia is a ghastly and expensive ORDEAL. It isn't a pleasure to stay and move about like italy, france, uk, spain, usa, etc. The wealthy/born-bred/long term locals in the beautiful parts of Australia don't want anyone encroaching on "their" space and typically resort to hostility in order to repel newcomers to protect their little bubble. Get a van, suss it out. It's good you are on homely checking out the good, the bad and the ugly.

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Amy Sanderson real estate agent
Amy Sanderson
LJ Hooker Corporate

"Port Douglas - refined easy vibe"

If you like wandering and loitering, Port Douglas is the place for you. Wander from shop to shop, breakfast, lunch to dinner, with a spot of sunning in between. Beautifully relaxed!
Amy Sanderson, LJ Hooker 0403 851 003 or [email protected]

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
1
Paul Clarke
Paul Clarke

Rude and arrogant locals

Paul Clarke
Paul Clarke

reviews by real estate agents not worth much-considering conflict of interest

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"Overpriced and highly arrogant locals."

Great place for a few days but highly arrogant locals and little to do.

Who lives here?

  • Singles
0
robertm36

Paul, you are probably poor and couldnt afford to do anything.

Paul Clarke
Paul Clarke

Interesting the immaturity of your response. Considering the houses in my street individually could purchase at least three PD properties I hardly think I am poor. Interesting you believe having a contrary opinion equates to fiscal standing. Have you considered your very response has just proven my point and reiterated the original title of my previous post- "overpriced and highly arrogant locals". LOL

lisaf24

Bit harsh. Havent found that at all.

jackos

When someone does not understand & has lost connectiin with the earth The beauty of Port Douglas & natural surrounds natural envoroment as a magnificent playgroud. A healing place not forgetting numerous bars restaurants outdoor adventures. A place to rejuvanate or party.

vickiel2

@ Paul Clarke. You seem desperate to run Port Douglas down. Maybe you're the problem? It isn't NY, it's a sleepy small town that people don't live in for the nightlife, they live there for the beautiful warm days, balmy nights, beaches and rainforest, swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving and the calm atmosphere. If you want more nightlife you can travel a few kilometres south to Cairns. PD has plenty to do for a small town, and having been there many times myself I have never found the locals to be arrogant. Port Douglas is a lovely place. I would definitely love to live there, I can't because I have to stay south for family reasons. Cairns is also beautiful.

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"Great place to live!"

We holiday every year in Port Douglas and finally found the right property at a very affordable price to buy (compared to Melbourne!). A lovely house, not extravagant, on an enormous 1500sqm block....couldn't believe it and perfect for our two doggies to play in. We love "Port" and are moving there to live. It is laid back and casual with fabulous restaurants suitable for all tastes and budgets, great shopping, the Sunday market, fresh prawns off the pier, bike tracks, festivals, you can do as much or as little as you want. As for the weather, yes it can be hot and humid for a couple of months, but you make adjustments. Thanks to all the real estate agents for being patient with us and not being pushy like down south. A big thanks to David Cotton from Raine and Horne for managing our purchase. Alison, Brian, Molly and Charley....can't wait to move up in a couple of months.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
1
carlan1

Alison Id love to hear more about your experience. We are in Sydney and are seriously considering a move to port. How can we chat? Id love to connect with you to get your views and experiences. Carla

nicks27

Same here. Me and my wife are looking to relocate to port. Weve been about 6 times on holiday usually to escape the melbourne winter but interested to hear your experience of living there all year round. Am planning to do a few trips around other times of the year to experience other seasons and talk to the locals about living there but seeing as you have done it snd are from melbourne (and also with dogs) it would be great to hear what you think. Nick

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"Not ideal"

Have lived here with a family for a few years and it's the worst decision, there is no real opportunity here for kids, it's extremely boring, to do anything you have to travel to Cairns and the captain cook highway is a nightmare to travel on. The summers are terrible, the heat is extreme and relentless and lasts for months, I thought I was someone that could handle heat but this heat is terrible. If you have teenagers there is literally nothing for them to do here, work opportunities are almost zero. The tourists will drive you crazy all year round. It's a very beautiful place but that's about it. Definitely more so a town for retired people and even the retired ones get bored here. Definitely not a practical place to live.

Great for

  • Beaches, relaxation, beauty

Not great for

  • Little employment
  • Nothing for kids
  • Extremely hot in summer

Who lives here?

  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Beach Lovers
1
Paul Clarke
Paul Clarke

Absolutely-way overated. Good for a holiday but not to live

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"Crowded, no parking. Ruined by tourism."

Overdeveloped. No where to park. Crowded. Too many restaurants and cafes. No live music. Wealthier locals Park their cars anywhere they want. Selfish community.

Great for

  • Beaches, relaxation, beauty

Not great for

  • Crowded
  • Overdeveloped
  • No school
  • Mosquitoes and sandflies

Who lives here?

  • Tourists
1
Paul Clarke
Paul Clarke

exactly, as I said arrogant locals

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"Perfection in the tropics!"

Gorgeous beaches, unparalleled restaurants, friendly locals... Bliss!

Great for

  • Beaches, relaxation, beauty

Not great for

  • Mosquitoes and sandflies

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
0
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"Port Douglas - Just Paradise"

There is no place quite like it! Living in Port - as the locals refer to it, is simply a dream come true. No traffic lights, no rush hour and each day starts with a walk on Four Mile Beach. From the highway turnoff to the centre of town (main street)Macrossan Street is approx 6km, I could never go back to living in a city.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
1
Paul Clarke
Paul Clarke

Nothing to do

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"Port Douglas Hot air balloon and Low Isles - magical"

Came for our honeymoon and brought all the mates, they loved it. We chartered a whole hot air balloon and the next day we chartered a boat to Low Isles, talk about a magical combination, none of the family or friends, have stopped talking about it. Port douglas is the best place for a honeymoon, great food, good shops, great beach, heaps to get out and do. Guess we will have to come back for each anniversary now.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Tourists
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
1
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"Perfect Holiday Getaway"

Port Douglas is a magical holiday destination in North Queensland, north of Cairns. You will never ever know if you never ever go. Make sure you check it out at some stage its great lots to do!

0
Paul Clarke
Paul Clarke

dont you love the real estate agent getting on here and saying its great?

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"holiday towns are not my cup of tea"

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"Come from Tokyo Japan,"

After visiting Port Douglas for a few times, I bought a unit for myself. I regularly visit there.
Every time I come to here I really think I did a good buy.
I love the place, town, neighbor towns, people, beach, sand, even trees!!

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
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"Peace on Earth"

I visited Port Douglas recently on my honeymoon, and I must say at 27 degrees everyday of the week in the middle of winter we could not have picked a better place to go and relax.
The word Paradise is thrown around a lot these days but there is no better word to describe this place it’s a gorgeous part of the world.
We stayed in the “Shantara Resort and Spa” only a hop skip and a jump from “Macrossan” Street, the main street in Port Douglas and it was wall to wall luxury, felt like it was costing me $1000 and hour to breath there but at $1,350 for a week’s stay I make this a MUST DO!
Majestic Pool and b.b,q area, friendly staff willing to meet your every whim and want, beautiful ultra modern interiors and facilities, gym, spa, massage this must be heaven.
Take a stroll down to the “Hub” in Macrossan street and sample any number of 5 star restaurants and cafes the food in this place is amazing! You can’t get a bad meal anywhere.
Very famous people such as ex American president Bill Clinton have eaten in these restaurants, look for their photos along with the Hollywood actors that have visited.
There is also so much to do out of town, with a drive down to “Mossman Gorge” you will discover peace on earth in the tropical rain forest that has been preserved and its pristine waters can be drank, its that’s clean! With Tarzan vines hanging from the tree canopy’s , waterfalls , rivers and the like this truly is a post card setting.

Other places to Google and visit include,

*The Great Barrier Reef
*Cape Tribulation
*Cairns
*Atherton Tablelands
*Palm Cove

While you’re in Port Douglas go down to the “Groper Bar” on the marina and order a bucket of fresh prawns ($18 with a free drink) and watch George the massive 200 kilo groper being fed at around 5:00pm daily it’s a great experience.
Another must do is the visit a shop called "Blood Orange" located in a street behind Macrossan street next to the Hertz car rental office, here you will find fresh homemade yogurts, exotic tropical fruits and fresh meat and vegies I visited this shop daily it is magnificent!
While driving into Port Douglas from Cairns international airport you will be surrounded and immersed in the Coral sea that borders the road in and out, there are so many beach’s in the area that most lay dormant and un inhabited, with palm trees leaning over the surf.....ahhhhhh its heaven on earth.

Adam Halacas

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
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"Port Douglas"

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
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"Amazing place to live"

We recently moved to Port Douglas, it is an amazing suburb.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
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"Enjoyed by tourists, loved by locals"

Port Douglas is a tourist hub for visitors to the famed Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest, yet with its friendly village atmosphere and low rise buildings, the town retains a casual and low key charm, and is a great place to live.

Shops, including supermarkets, dining, medical facilities, parks and recreational facilities, fab Four Mile Beach are within easy walking distance of most residences, or just a couple of minutes by car. Cairns is only an hour's drive away for more diverse shopping and a domestic and international airport. The tropical climate means year-round warmth, and green surrounds. If you love diving, golf, fishing, this is the place to be, and if you don't, you'll enjoy the fresh air, friendly but not intrusive community, and you'll feel secure. There's a mix of age groups and people from all over the world have settled happily here.

A great place to visit and a better place to live.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
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"Tropical weather, great beach (hence the name)"

Four mile beach is located just south of Port Douglas - amazing beach, with the golf course here also. Has a touristy feel... relaxing for holidays... would love to live here!

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"Tropical weather, great beach (hence the name)"

Four mile beach is located just south of Port Douglas - amazing beach, with the golf course here also. Has a touristy feel... relaxing for holidays... would love to live here!

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"Paradise has been found and re-named 'Port Douglas'"

Simply the best....this is a beautiful part of the world! From the moment you leave Cairns on the drive North you know you are going to a very special part of the world. From Oak Beach in the South to the Daintree National Park in the North and Julatten in the West. Natural features include the amazing 4-Mile Beach, The magical Mossman Gorge and the luxuries Low Isles. If you are thinking about making a Tree change or a Sea change call me..... David Cotton of Raine & Horne Mossman/Port Douglas on 0417 709 667.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
1
AdamS
AdamS

Fantastic and honest review PortDouglas!

AJ

Paul Clarke
Paul Clarke

real estate agent?

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"Quite simply one of the best places to live on earth"

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Beach Lovers
0
PortDouglas
PortDouglas

AJ.....I couldn't agree more.

AdamS
AdamS

Thanks PortDouglas, as you can tell, I love Port!

lisaf24

Would love to move from melb to port, here now, 2nd visit but being 58 single female, would have to do lots of research and would need assistance. I adore it.

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"Great lifestyle too expensive to live"

Port Douglas with its resorts and idylic location is perfect for that romantic getaway your week stay with the family. Although it is good for holidays and tourists not so good for people looking to purchase here as property is still quite high.

I guess being so close to Cairns make this an easy destination for tourists to visit when in Cairns.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
AdamS
AdamS

3 out of 5 are you joking?!?!? Port Douglas is one of THE most beautiful cities in Australia. To say it's anything less that 4 out of 5 is a bit harsh I think!

yingnyang
yingnyang

Sure its a great place to visit AJ could not agree more. My question to you is would you live there permanently or invest in property in Port Douglas? The amount of mates i have lost money out that way..

AdamS
AdamS

I actually do live in Port Douglas 3-6 months throughout the year and I would recommend it to anyone. The only reason I don't live up there permanently is because of work, but if I had the choice I would.

I just think a 3 out of 5 is a tough review based on investment quality that's all.

AJ

PortDouglas
PortDouglas

Pete......Mate, I have sold and bought and sold and bought real estate in Port Douglas and surrounding areas over the past 10 years and lived in the area for 20 years. I am also a real estate agent in the area and I have seen heaps of clients do very well in investments over the years. I have also seen people do badly in their investments. It does not mean that Port Douglas is a bad place to invest or live. Investments made from solid advice and sound decisions usually do well. If you or your friends would like some of that knowledge on investing in Port Douglas and surrounding areas feel free to contact me...David Cotton, 0417 709 667 @ Raine & Horne Mossman/ Port Douglas

lisaf24

Concerned about cost of living tho. Resident of melbourne wanting to move here! Here for 9 nights, 2nd visit, adore it and felt same way when i was here last.

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"Port Douglas - great for holiday, couldn't afford to buy there."

Port Douglas is in tropical far north Queensland and is an hour’s drive from Cairns. Port Douglas is a gem of a town with the Daintree Rainforest as a back drop for the stunning waters of the Great Barrie Reef, so there are plenty of options when it comes to looking for thing to do. You can go on walks or guided tours of the rainforest and see many unique plants and birdlife or enjoy all the water sports this area has to offer. Luxury accommodation is available and there are Eco lodes as well. There are oodles of shopping, bars, café and restaurants as well as arts and crafts display, galleries and shops. If looking to buy property in Port Douglas be prepared to break open your piggy back and your children’s and your grandchildren’s.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
0
PortDouglas
PortDouglas

Although there some very, very expensive homes in Port Douglas I don't beleive it is that expensive to buy real estate in the town. For example you can buy a two bedroom apartment from $199,000 or a one bedroom from $125,000. If you are looking for a house you can buy a house and land package from $335,000. If your looking feel free to give me a call .. David Cotton on 0417 709 667 Raine & Horne Mossman / Port Douglas

lisaf24

Yes that is correct. I say get onto realestate.com and do your research. There are plenty.

lisaf24

Although real estate agents are quite bias as we know but i do agree, there are some reasonably priced properties here at the moment. Sept 2019. Lisa

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"A relaxed tropical town - nestled between the rainforest and reef"

Just 70 kilometres north of Cairns, Port Douglas is a laid back tropical town with some serious elements of style. The permanent population is quite low, at around 1500 people, but can quadruple in peak tourist times.

The climate is tropical and warm year round, with a wet season from around January to March every year.

Living options are plentiful, and centred around the sea. Beachfront villas (for high prices!) are available along the stretch of Four Mile Beach. There are modern homes near the marina, and of course sprawling Queensland villas amongst the rainforest.

The town has all of the essential facilities, and you are not too far from Cairns for bigger city needs.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Retirees
0
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"Oh the lifestyle, what a place to go to."

Port Douglas is remembered by all that go there. For many years the locals tried to keep it a secret, but the secret is out now. Many a film star takes a break in Port Douglas. I guess they don't feel like they will get mobbed walking down the street because there aren't that many people to mob them!

It is a very popular town and it seems like everyone who goes north goes there to have a look. The locals are exceptionally friendly and it is the most laid back happy place you can think of.

There is all sorts of accommodation, from caravan parks to five star hotels. It is a seasonal place, basically from April to October. During that time there is alot of employment, but the other 5 months it is quite slow. Things don't pick up until the rainy season has finished and the southerners start going north in their droves.

The beach nearby is called Four Mile Beach so that tells you about it. The beaches are still protected by the Great Barrier Reef so there is no surf to speak of.

North of Port Douglas the roads start dropping to a lower grade, and at times are even washed away.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
0
PortDouglasQld
PortDouglasQld

Although this is a great location year-round, this time of year is particularly enjoyable in Port Douglas, with balmy days, pleasant nights, and the varied Port Douglas Carnivale activities about to commence.

lisaf24

I am here now and its a very safe place. My only concern would be the heat in the wet season. Was here in a july and here now in sept and very pleasant indeed. I think it would be like thailand weather in their april which is unpleasant but a local told me it only goes for 3 months of the year. ???

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