The history of Port Douglas is based around gold fever. The town was founded in 1877 but the gold rush meant the population quickly escalated as people arrived from all over the country to try and find their fortunes. As the gold dwindled so did the population of the town and industry virtually disappeared. The infrastructure was then largely destroyed by a cyclone in 1911 and there seemed little way back for the blighted Port Douglas. However, with its natural beauty and unspoilt beaches it was soon rediscovered and slowly but surely the town gained a reputation as a tourist destination. It is now popular with Australians as well as foreign visitors.

Port Douglas is just 70 kilometres away from Cairns , which makes it an easy excursion for visitors to Queensland who are looking for a multi-stop holiday. It is possible to travel from Cairns by coach or you can rent a car or mobile home if you fancy stopping off en route. In fact, the Captain Cook Highway is considered to be one of the most picturesque roads in Australia , as it meanders along the coast, passing beautiful tropical beaches. Whilst in the Port Douglas region you can choose between car and bus or, if you're feeling adventurous, you can hire a bike and go off exploring on your own.

Port Douglas accommodation ranges right across the spectrum. There are chilled out villas, hidden hotels and friendly guesthouses, all catering to individual budgets. Port Douglas is probably best known for its pristine Four Mile Beach . The sand on the beach is particularly compact and this, combined with the length of the beach, means it has been used for horse and motorbike racing, as well as sunbathing!

Other Port Douglas attractions include cruises to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef or along the Daintree River . There are many companies operating different cruises that range from small groups chartering a boat or yacht to bigger vessels with more people on board. It's really up to you as to which type of experience you prefer. The beaches around Port Douglas also offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving. There are also various walks and tours into the World Heritage listed rainforest.