Where To Stay In Port Douglas: Port Douglas’ Best Stays (2024)

Gateway to the rugged rainforests, white sandy beaches and colourful reefs of Northern Queensland, Port Douglas is any holidaymakers dream location.

After having been to Cairns a number of times, I finally made it to Port Douglas and actually stayed there as well instead of doing just a day trip. And I truly loved it!

This destination is a true tropical paradise, from the serene Four Mile Beach at the south end to the lively heart of town around Macrossan Street, with vibrant shops and restaurants, I've explored the various neighborhoods to help you navigate the question of where to stay in Port Douglas.

I actually stayed along Port Douglas Road, which is the perfect blend of accessibility and serenity. If you're planning a trip to Port Douglas and looking to find the best accommodation in Port Douglas, read on!

Best areas to stay in Port Douglas

Port Douglas is only small, but it offers up a few distinct areas when it comes to choosing where to stay:

Four Mile Beach (South End): The area along Four Mile Beach offers a tranquil and scenic setting for anyone seeking a peaceful beachfront escape in Port Douglas. It's great for a family holiday as well as a romantic couples retreat.

Macrossan Street: The bustling heart of Port Douglas, Macrossan Street is lined with vibrant shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it an ideal choice for those who want to be in the midst of the town's lively atmosphere. It's also a great area to stay in Port Douglas without a car. Being close to the Marina and where all Great Barrier Reef tours depart, it's the perfect location if you want to spend a lot of time exploring the reef or diving.

Port Douglas Road: As the main road leading into Port Douglas, this area provides convenient access to the town's attractions and is a great option for those looking for a balance between accessibility and a quieter setting.

Greater Port Douglas: Encompassing the broader region around Port Douglas, this area offers diverse accommodation options, ranging from resorts to secluded rainforest retreats, providing you with a chance to experience absolute natural beauty and attractions surrounding the town, such as Mossman and the Daintree.

1. Where to stay in Port Douglas for beaches & luxury resorts: Four Mile Beach

Perhaps one of the main drawcards to this beachside town, the southern end of Four Mile Beach is home to some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts in Port Douglas.

If you stay here, you'll be a little further out of town, but who needs restaurants and cafes when you have the sun, sand and sea right on your doorstep? It's quiet and still easy to reach the town centre within a few minutes drive.

It's also the best place to stay in Port Douglas for families, as there are many family-friendly resorts that also have kids pools and playgrounds.

Best hotels and resorts on Four Mile Beach

Luxury: Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa

Another contender as one of the most deluxe hotels in Port Douglas, the Sea Temple Resort and Spa offers up 5-star luxuries to boot. Accommodation ranges from spacious double suites with swim-out pools to beachside villas with private hot tubs, and all guests have priority access to the on-site spa and 18-hole golf course.

Coupled with the hotel’s highly regarded restaurant and fitness centre, there’s not much reason to leave this luxury pool resort in Port Douglas during your getaway.

• Location: Four Mile Beach
• Price from: A$302
• Sleeps: 2 – 8 
• What makes it unique? You’ll only find swim-out pools at a small handful of other Port Douglas resorts. 

Best Luxury Villas: Niramaya Villas and Spa

If you’re looking for something a little more low key, away from the crowds of visitors, but still with a hint of luxury, Niramaya Villas is some of the most peaceful accommodation in Port Douglas. Despite its laid-back atmosphere, this holiday complex is still within walking distance of Four Mile Beach and Port Douglas’ vibrant high street.

Designed to take you back to nature, Niramaya gives guests the choice of exclusive villas set within 15 hectares of rainforest gardens and natural-esque infinity pools. 

• Location: Four Mile Beach (South end)
• Price from: A$1200
• Sleeps: 2 – 10
• What makes it unique? Keen golfers? Niramaya partners with the Mirage Country Club to provide guests with discounted rates for golf packages. 

Best Beach Apartments: Dreamcatcher Beach-Side Apartments

Dreamcatcher Apartments are located beachside just a 3-minute walk from the pristine 4 Mile Beach. The apartments are spacious with access to an outdoor swimming pool and BBQ facilities.

The air-conditioned units featuring patios, some equipped with fully furnished kitchens, and proximity to shops and dining options.

• Location: Four Mile Beach (South end)
• Price from: A$242
• Sleeps: 2
• What makes it unique? A secluded beachside setting, yet just a short walk from 4 Mile Beach.

Family-Friendly Mid-Range: Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas

Just a 10-minute walk from Four Mile Beach, Ramada Resort offers spacious hotel rooms with amenities like a sofa bed and flat-screen TV, along with a tropical lagoon pool featuring a swim-up bar.

With the Treehouse Spa providing rejuvenating treatments and the 3Sixteen Bar & Bistro offering modern Australian cuisine overlooking the pool, the resort provides a relaxing retreat.

• Location: Four Mile Beach (South end)
• Price from: A$235
• Sleeps: 2 – 5
• What makes it unique? Enjoy picturesque poolside view with swim-up bar coupled with a relaxing holiday vibe.

Budget: Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas

Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas offers a diverse range of accommodations, including hotel rooms and apartments with spa facilities, swim-out options, and access to pools and spas.

Whether relaxing by one of the six lagoon-style pools or exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, you'll be able to enjoy a convenient stay with complimentary Wi-Fi and proximity to Four Mile Beach.

• Location: Four Mile Beach (South end)
• Price from: A$149
• Sleeps: 2 – 6
• What makes it unique? You have not one but six lagoon-style pools to swim in.

2. Where to stay in Port Douglas in the heart of it all: Macrossan Street

If you’re wondering where to stay in Port Douglas, Macrossan Street is just about as central as you can get.

The street itself is home to plenty of tempting shops and delicious eateries, but a few streets back you’ll find a mixture of accommodations including Port Douglas apartments and holiday rentals. 

Best hotels in the heart of Port Douglas

Luxury: Peppers Beach Club

Sitting just on the edge of the main street, and a short walk away from four miles of white-washed sand, Peppers Beach Club is another fantastic choice for accommodation in Port Douglas.

This luxury resort has been described as casually elegant, with bright open spaces, natural decor and a lagoon-style swimming pool. And, once you’ve finished sipping Mojitos by the pool, you can order a couples massage in the comfort of your own room.

• Location: Just off Macrossan Street.
• Price from: A$345
• Sleeps: 2+, family rooms available
• What makes it unique? No need to ditch the gym while you’re holidaying in Port Douglas, Peppers Beach Club has a fully-equipped gym on-site.

Best Apartments: Coconut Grove 

With Coconut Grove you get the best of both worlds: easy access to all of the shops and restaurants that you could need, while still being a moment’s walk away from the expansive Four Mile Beach.

Choose from affordable balcony apartments with views across Macrossan Street and to the mountains beyond, or treat yourself to the penthouse suite, complete with rooftop terrace, private plunge pool and unbeatable views of the rainforest.

• Location: Macrossan Street
• Price from: A$605
• Sleeps: 2 – 10
• What makes it unique? Choose a penthouse villa for unforgettable sunset views over Port Douglas and you're very own plunge pool.

Best Boutique Accommodation: NOMAD Luxe Apartment 

What can only be described as an adult’s playground, the NOMAD luxe apartment is the perfect secret getaway in Port Douglas. Sat right in the heart of town, it’s just a 30-second walk to your morning coffee spot or sunset date-night restaurant.

Walk a little further and you’ll be at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, where you can check out the boats of the rich and famous or wine and dine in luxury. Outside of the one-bedroom apartment with a fully equipped kitchen, guests can enjoy a communal swimming pool and barbeque area during those summer evenings.

• Location: Macrossan Street
• Price from: A$480
• Sleeps: 2
• What makes it unique? Tropical decor sweeps through this holiday rental in Port Douglas, with a verandah and daybed for extra comfort. 

Best Adult-Only Hotel: Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel

If you’re keeping an eye out for Port Douglas’ luxury accommodation then you’ve found your match with the Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel. Every suite is furnished with chic scandi-beach decor and a spacious private balcony, ideal for sipping on a cocktail and watching the sun go down behind the palms.

Sat right on the waterfront and just a stone’s throw away from Macrossan Street, everything is within easy walking distance too! Ditch the car for the week and enjoy a few days of pure indulgent opulence. 

• Location: Just off Macrossan Street
• Price from: A$391
• Sleeps: 2 
• What makes it unique? If you’re looking for a luxury grown-up getaway, you’ll find no kids at this adults-only hotel.

Budget: By The Sea Port Douglas

Who doesn’t love an affordable getaway in a sought-after location? With a fully-equipped kitchen, central location and sea views, By The Sea is a great option if you’re travelling on a budget.

It’s made up of a range of self-contained apartments, perfect for doting couples or large families. If you’ve got a little more change to play with, treat yourself to a Superior Apartment with views into the rainforest or across the Coral Sea.

• Location: Macrossan Street 
• Price from: A$75
• Sleeps: 2 – 6
• What makes it unique? Compared to other accommodations in Port Douglas, the Archipelago Studio Apartments offer some of the most affordable rates.

3. Where to stay in Port Douglas for couples: Port Douglas Road

Connecting the town centre and the south end of Four Mile Beach, this stretch of road is home to some of the larger Port Douglas resorts.

With views over the ocean and easy access to the pristine sands, accommodation doesn’t come cheap here, but it’s more than worth it for the location alone.

Best hotels on Port Douglas Road

Luxury Resort: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort

Surrounded by tropical gardens, and two hectares of saltwater lagoons, the Sheraton is a popular pick along Port Douglas Road, yet just a hop away from the much-loved Four Mile Beach, offering the quintessential Port Douglas experience.

Boasting an impressive 5-stars, you can enjoy pool-side drinks service, spacious suites with private balconies and a choice of four on-site restaurants. 

• Location: Port Douglas Road
• Price from: A$409
• Sleeps: 2 – 8
• What makes it unique? The onsite restaurant, Harrisons Restaurant, is one of the most nationally awarded restaurants in Port Douglas. 

Best resort for couples: Shantara Resort Port Douglas

A mere few hundred metres from the popular Four Mile Beach, Shantara Resort offers up a luxury home-away-from-home in Port Douglas.

I loved staying at Shantara as it was just outside of town but still walkable. The resort features two swimming pools that encircle the cabanas, private balconies overlooking the pool and a day spa offering personalised treatments for you and your other half. Oh, and did I mention that it's adults-only? 

• Location: Port Douglas Road
• Price from: A$300
• Sleeps: 2 
• What makes it unique? Two heated pools make this one of the best Port Douglas hotels for a winter getaway.

Mid-Range: Reef Resort Villas

It may be high up on the list of Port Douglas’ luxury accommodation, but the Reef Resort Villas strike a perfect balance between opulence and affordability.

Made up of a series of self-contained villas, each with its own outdoor space, fully-equipped kitchen and laundry facilities, this is the perfect getaway for large groups looking for a bit of freedom. 

• Location: Port Douglas Road
• Price from: A$210
• Sleeps: 2 – 6
• What makes it unique? The onsite tour desk is ideal if you want to take any trips to the Great Barrier Reef or Daintree Rainforest. 

Budget: Lychee Tree Holiday Apartments

Lychee Tree Holiday Apartments, located within walking distance of Port Douglas Village, offer unique self-catering 1 and 2-bedroom apartments with individual interiors, a swimming pool, and a BBQ area.

The resort serves as an ideal base for exploring World Heritage sites such as the Great Barrier Reef, Mossman Gorge, and The Daintree Rainforest, with a helpful tour desk to assist in planning your daily excursions.

• Location: Port Douglas Road
• Price from: A$189
• Sleeps: 2 – 5
• What makes it unique? A serene swimming pool with a waterfall, and a convenient location within walking distance of Port Douglas Village and Four Mile Beach.

4. Where to stay in Port Douglas among the rainforest & off the beaten path: Greater Port Douglas

There’s plenty to explore when you head out of the main town, like Mossman Gorge or the Daintree Forest. Accommodation in these areas tends to be few and far between but is ideal for those looking for a bit of peace and quiet.

You won’t find big-name hotels in Greater Port Douglas, but you will find a good selection of independent holiday homes and Airbnbs in Port Douglas’ outer reaches.

Best hotels outside of Port Douglas

Luxury: Thala Beach Nature Reserve

As far as Port Douglas hotels go, Thala Beach Lodge harbours one of the most relaxed atmospheres you’ll find. A 15-minute drive south of Port Douglas, Thala Beach Lodge is perched on a secluded coastal headland and enveloped by 140 acres of rugged rainforest.

Made entirely from timber, the boutique bungalows on wooden stilts blend seamlessly into their surroundings, while the balconies are the perfect place to spot native wildlife. You won’t find a man-made swimming pool here, but you will find plenty of croc-free rivers and hidden waterfalls to enjoy. Just ask the friendly staff to point you in the right direction.

• Location: Oak Beach, a 15-minute drive outside of town
• Price from: A$465
• Sleeps: 2 – 4, family bungalows available
• What makes it unique? One of just a handful of eco-friendly hotels in Port Douglas that operate sustainably and with environmental sensitivity.  

Mid-Range: Mai Tai Resort

A beautiful Balinese-style mountain retrea just a short drive from Mossman Gorge and Port Douglas, Mai Tai Resort offers exclusive adult-only luxury with stunning rainforest and coastal views.

Featuring beautifully furnished suites, a saltwater pool, and a spacious patio, each suite boasts a private garden, outdoor seating, and unique amenities, including a hand-carved Balinese king-size bed.

• Location: Cassowary, 10-minutes from Mossman Gorge
• Price from: A$360
• Sleeps: 2
• What makes it unique? Adults-only resort with breathtaking rainforest and coastal views.

AffordableB&B: Mossman Gorge Bed and Breakfast

If breathing in some fresh countryside air is at the top of your priority list, then a stay in Mossman Gorge Bed and Breakfast won’t leave you disappointed. Tucked away in the luscious rainforest, the stilted wooden accommodation gives you an unbeatable opportunity to get up close and personal with Northern Queensland’s unique wildlife.

To make up for the short drive to the beach, you’ll find a communal salt-water swimming pool, along with living and dining areas. This is the perfect place to relax, unwind and reset. 

• Location: Mossman Gorge
• Price from: A$150
• Sleeps: 1-3 
• What makes it unique? Enjoy the serenity of Mossman Gorge National Park while being a short drive away from the beaches of Port Douglas.

Budget: Cow Bay Homestay B&B

A few kilometres north of Port Douglas, and set deep in the Daintree Rainforest is the adorable Cow Bay Homestay. It’s the kind of place that exudes relaxing vibes as soon as you enter; soft wooden tones, natural touches and views into the rainforest canopy make this impossible to dislike.

That being said, there are still plenty of activities to do in the area, like a hike through the rainforest, wild swimming in the croc-free creeks, and zip wiring through the canopy. 

• Location: Cow Bay, 1 hour North of Mossman Gorge
• Price from: A$99
• Sleeps: 2
• What makes it unique? Located away from the hustle and bustle of Port Douglas, with the secluded Cow Beach just moments away.

Where to Stay In Port Douglas – Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is there to do in Port Douglas

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or a fun-filled adventure, Port Douglas is the type of place that panders to every kind of traveller.

Here are a few things that you cannot miss while in Port Douglas:

• Take a stroll along Four Mile Beach: The largest beach in Port Douglas that treats you to endless pristine sands and turquoise waters. Plus, Four Mile Beach is one of the safest beaches to swim in Port Douglas.
• Cuddle a koala at Wildlife Habitat: An award-winning and eco-certified wildlife sanctuary where you can feed kangaroos, have your photo taken with a koala or catch a glimpse of the elusive cassowary. 
• Enjoy a day trip to the Daintree Rainforest: One of the oldest rainforests in the world, and home to the “modern-day dinosaur”, the cassowary. Despite their size, they can be tricky to spot in the wild.
• Admire the view from Flagstaff Hill: Sitting on top of a hill just outside of Port Douglas town and gives you a view of where the rainforest meets the ocean. 
• Learn to scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef: Where better to get acquainted with the creatures of the sea than the world’s most famous coral reef?
• Shop till you drop on Macrossan Street: Port Douglas’ main street, full of upmarket boutiques, independent eateries and local art galleries. 
• Explore Mossman Gorge: Home to smooth granite boulders, crystal clear rivers and acres of untouched ancient rainforest. Wander along one of the many trails or take a dip in the designated wild swimming spots. 

📍 Should I stay in Port Douglas or Cairns?

Port Douglas offers a more relaxed and upscale atmosphere with access to the Great Barrier Reef, Mossman Gorge and the Daintree Rainforest. Cairns, while a small city, does have a more bustling atmosphere with lively nightlife and still offers convenient access to the reef and nearby islands, such as Green Island and Fitzroy Island.

📅 How many days is ideal for Port Douglas?

The ideal duration for a stay in Port Douglas ranges between 4 to 7 days. A long weekend is definitely enough time to see the main sights. If you can, allowing more time or planning a whole week will give you the opportunity to explore the Great Barrier Reef, and Daintree Rainforest, and enjoy the town's laid-back atmosphere and vibrant dining scene.

☀️ What is the best time to visit Port Douglas?

The best time to visit Port Douglas is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is mild and not too hot, and outdoor activities, including exploring the Great Barrier Reef, are at their prime. Avoiding the wet season from January to March is advisable due to heavy rainfall and the potential for cyclones.

Where to Stay In Port Douglas – Final Words

From luxury resorts to cosy homestays, accommodation in Port Douglas comes in all shapes and sizes.

Hopefully, this rundown of the best areas, hotels, resorts and holiday homes will help you figure out where to stay in Port Douglas so that you can have an unforgettable trip to Northern Queensland.