For once, you won't mind traveling 70kms north of Cairns International Airport. Two reasons: (a) the scenic beauty along the way will make you swooning for more in the whole journey; and (b) you are heading for Port Douglas, Tropical North Queensland - the closest gateway to the Great Barrier Reef!

With a permanent population of just 1287, the town of Port Douglas often witnesses influx of migrants particularly in the tourist season, which lasts from May to September. The main USP of Port Douglas is its location, which is adjacent to the two World Heritage areas - the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. And it's not hard to miss why it is called a place 'where the rainforest meets the reef'. The perfect tropical weather adds to the lure of visiting Port Douglas.

Established in 1877 and formerly called Terrigal, Island Point, Port Owen and Salisbury, Port Douglas is named after the former Premier of Queensland, John Douglas.

The most popular attractions in Port Douglas include Reef Tours, Marina Mirage, Mossman Sugar Mill, Art Gallery, Flagstaff Hill, Four Mile Beach, Kuranda Scenic Railway and Sunday Market. Of course, with Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation at stone's throw away, horse riding in the rainforests will always remain the tourists' no.1 choice. Other spots of interest include Daintree Discovery Center, The Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary, Cooper Creek Wilderness, and Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.

You just can't miss the thrill of various activities on offer at Port Douglas, such as snorkeling, white water rafting, hot air ballooning, reef cruise and kite surfing.

However, the most recent event that brought an instant fame (albeit for the wrong reasons!) to Port Douglas was the death of 'Crocodile Hunter', Steve Irwin. On 4 September 2006, Steve died at Batt Reef, off Port Douglas, after a stingray barb went through his chest into his heart while he was filming for a documentary.

If the place lures you, cheap Port Douglas accommodation is just a click away. We offer secure online bookings for the top-notch hotels and resorts in the area.

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