12 May 26
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) together with Douglas Shire Council is calling on locals, visitors and industry to rally behind Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation following the announcement that both destinations have been named finalists in the 2026 Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards.
Cape Tribulation has been named a finalist in the Tiny Tourism Town category, while Port Douglas is a finalist in the Small Tourism Town category, recognising the region’s world-class visitor experiences, natural beauty and passionate local communities.
11 May 26
Port Douglas has been recognised as one of Australia’s premier tourism destinations, ranked No. 2 overall in Australian Traveller’s 2026 100 Best Towns in Australia to visit.
Port Douglas also secured the title of Australia’s top Adventure & Nature destination, recognised for delivering a tropical experience that blends luxury, nature, culture and connection.
The result places Port Douglas alongside some of the country’s most iconic tourism destinations and reinforces the region’s standing as one of Australia’s most extraordinary visitor experiences, where two World Heritage-listed environments meet, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
Read the TPDD full press release here, and the Australian Traveller release here.
30 Apr 26
Far North Queensland locals are being invited to rediscover one of the world’s most remarkable natural environments, with Douglas Shire Council confirming the reinstatement of the Douglas Card for May and June.
Launching tomorrow, just in time for the long weekend, the initiative provides free ferry access for eligible locals, making it easier than ever to explore the Daintree - from ancient rainforest walks and wildlife encounters to river cruises, guided experiences, and iconic destinations like Mossman Gorge.
Discover more and plan your journey here, or apply directly for your Douglas Card.
29 Apr 26
Family-friendly Port Douglas and Daintree: where to stay, eat and play
Port Douglas and the Daintree offer families an unforgettable Tropical North Queensland holiday, combining relaxed beach days, reef adventures, wildlife encounters, rainforest experiences, cultural storytelling, tropical flavours and easy-going village life.
Just under an hour north of Cairns along the spectacular Great Barrier Reef Drive, Port Douglas is an ideal base for families wanting to experience the Great Barrier Reef, Four Mile Beach, Macrossan Street and a wide range of nature-based attractions. Further north, the Daintree invites families to slow down and discover ancient rainforest, river cruises, tropical fruit tastings, freshwater swimming holes, rainforest boardwalks and Cape Tribulation adventures.
With a mix of resorts, self-contained apartments, holiday homes, casual dining, rainforest stays and family-friendly attractions, Port Douglas and the Daintree are perfectly suited to families looking for both adventure and downtime.
Read more here, including family-friendly places to stay, eat and explore across Port Douglas and the Daintree, along with media contact details for image requests and further information.
24 Apr 26
Yesterday, Jabalbina Corporation formally opened the Bamanga Muruku Tourism Hub visitor centre at Cape Tribulation, heralding it as a gateway for visitors to experience First Nations culture.
Jabalbina chairwoman Laurel Denman described the opening as the beginning of a new era in cultural tourism. “This is exciting news for Eastern Kuku Yalanji, for the tourism industry, and for the region. This resets cultural tourism in our region. A range of commercial ventures and social programs will now flow from the centre,” Ms Denman said.
TPDD welcomes the opening of the Bamanga Muruku Tourism Hub as an important development for our destination’s cultural and tourism offering, creating new opportunities for visitors to connect more deeply with Eastern Kuku Yalanji culture while supporting sustainable, Traditional Owner-led tourism in the Daintree.
Images from yesterday's event can be downloaded here.
7 Apr 26
Port Douglas, 7 April 2026
Getting the Balance Right in Weather Reporting
Recent coverage of Tropical Cyclone Maila has raised questions across our community and beyond.
Accurate and timely information is critical, particularly when it comes to safety. It is equally important that information reflects the level of certainty in official advice and draws from trusted sources such as the Bureau of Meteorology. At this stage, the Bureau of Meteorology has advised that the system’s path remains uncertain, with forecasts still evolving and no warnings in place for our region.
Far North Queensland is a vast and diverse region, and there is often a misconception that impacts in one area translate across the entire north. In reality, distances are significant. For context, the distance between Port Douglas and Coen is around 500km, comparable to the distance between Melbourne to Canberra. How weather events are communicated is important.
27 Mar 26
Port Douglas, 27 March 2026
Port Douglas Businesses Collaborate on New Ideas to Activate Town Centre
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) has brought together a cross-section of local businesses to spark fresh ideas aimed at strengthening vibrancy and activation within the Port Douglas town centre.
The collaborative roundtable explored opportunities to create more reasons for visitors to stay and dwell, and for locals to come into town and support businesses, particularly during quieter periods.
“With seasonal visitation naturally ebbing and flowing, this is our opportunity to focus on delivering exceptional experiences and strengthening community connection,” said Emma Tunnock, Executive Officer of Tourism Port Douglas Daintree.
16 Dec 25
Port Douglas, 16 December
Heatwave Festival builds strong momentum as Port Douglas prepares to welcome its newest signature event.
PORT DOUGLAS, AUSTRALIA - Tuesday 16 December 2025
Port Douglas is set to dial up the colour, culture and creativity this summer, as the inaugural Heatwave Festival (13-15 February 2026) gains powerful momentum across sponsors, talent, and ticket sales ahead of its debut in the Douglas Shire.
A vibrant, three-day LGBTQIA+ festival featuring top DJs, iconic drag performers and a full program of events across Port Douglas, Heatwave is already shaping as a major injection of energy, visitation and economic activity at a traditionally quiet time of year for the destination. Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) has welcomed the festival as a strategically aligned new event that supports its focus on driving February visitation and building resilience in the local visitor economy.
1 Dec 25
Port Douglas, 1 December
Port Douglas named among the Top 10 Trending Travel Destinations in the world - the only Australian location to make the list
PORT DOUGLAS, AUSTRALIA - Monday 1 December 2025 Port Douglas has been recognised as one of the Top 10 Trending Travel Destinations globally in Booking.com’s newly released 2026 Travel Predictions, positioning the iconic Tropical North Queensland destination as the only Australian location to make the list.
27 Nov 25
Port Douglas, 27 November, 2025 -
Following today’s official launch, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree has welcomed the unveiling of Voyager, the new luxury, custom-designed vessel by ABC Reef Safaris, marking a defining moment for the region’s premium marine tourism offering.
Voyager marks an exciting new addition to the Port Douglas reef fleet and represents a substantial private investment by a local owner-operator and underscores the region’s continued leadership in world-class nature-based tourism.
2 Jun 25
Port Douglas, 2 June, 2025 - Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) has applauded Douglas Shire Council’s endorsement of a new $1.5 million funding agreement, reinforcing its commitment to the region’s tourism industry.
The three-year agreement ensures TPDD can continue to deliver destination marketing, visitor engagement, and tourism development initiatives that align with the region’s strategic goals.
11 Feb 25
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree is delighted to announce the appointment of Rosie Douglas as the new Chair of its Board of Directors.
With an illustrious career spanning over 40 years in the tourism and hospitality sectors, Rosie brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to the organisation.
1 Jul 24
Douglas Daintree is pleased to announce the appointment of Emma Tunnock as its new Executive Officer.
With an extensive background in marketing, tourism and economic development, Tunnock brings a wealth of experience and proven leadership skills to her new role.
5 Oct 23
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) is on the hunt for its next leader to champion the local tourism organisation’s mission of promoting Port Douglas and Daintree on a national and global stage.
After nine years at the helm as chief executive officer and more than 15 years of dedicated service to the organisation, Tara Bennett will pass on the baton as she explores new professional horizons in tourism.
20 Apr 23
Building on its credibility as one of Australia’s most recognised global eco-certified destinations, Port Douglas and Daintree is widening its net and tackling sustainable fishing both on the land and out at sea. Tara Bennett, chief executive officer for Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, said industry was committed to striking the balance between commercial fisheries, the aquaculture sector, agritourism and charter fishing.
12 Oct 22
The timeless Daintree rainforest and awe-inspiring Mossman Gorge are more accessible than ever for Far North Queensland locals this summer with a range of free and discounted deals linked to the annual Douglas Card promotion. Savvy singles, couples and families are invited to sign up for a Douglas Card and enjoy unlimited free Daintree River ferry crossings and free entry to Mossman Gorge right until February 28.
12 Oct 22
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree is celebrating after looking back on a successful year following the COVID-19 pandemic slump. Tara Bennett, TPDD chief executive officer, told attendees at the annual general meeting held on October 12 at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa, that the year had kicked off to a positive start with the signing of a three-year funding agreement with Douglas Shire Council worth $1.4 million.
3 Aug 22
The focus is all business events over the next week with Tourism Port Douglas Daintree taking a splash of laidback tropical warmth to winter-bound travel industry representatives in southern capitals in a four-day marketing blitz featuring new Business Events collateral.
1 Jun 22
A NEW match-making campaign will connect Douglas locals with a spare room in their house and potential holiday workers for the upcoming tourist season.
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) is today launching Adopt-A-Worker, an innovative campaign aimed at addressing the issue of rental shortages for workers in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Based on a campaign in Lorne, Victoria, Adopt-A-Worker is asking the Douglas Shire community to open their homes for the busy season, housing anyone from baristas, kitchen hands and chefs, hotel workers, cleaning staff, and tour guides struggling to find accommodation while working in the region.
1 Mar 22
CUSTOMER service staff in the Port Douglas and Daintree region will become living and breathing tourist information kiosks under a new online training program unveiled today.
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) has launched the Be Douglas training program to empower tourism and hospitality staff to discuss the destination with authority in collaboration with Douglas Shire Council and Douglas Chamber of Commerce.
The program aims to highlight how to anticipate, meet, and exceed the needs of guest expectations, leaving them feeling positive that Douglas Shire is an extraordinary place to visit and return to.
The Be Douglas training platform can be viewed here: https://www.visitportdouglasdaintree.com/be-douglas/home
7 Dec 21
A NEW brand book and corporate website will help the Douglas tourism industry tell the Port Douglas and Daintree story to travellers.
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) has launched the new assets after working with local industry and consumer research to ensure the destination emerges from COVID with a competitive edge in crowded travel markets.
6 Oct 21
A UNIQUE tropical isle located on the Great Barrier Reef near Port Douglas has made a global list of the best destination sustainability stories. Low Isles, located 13km northeast of the resort town, was selected in the 2021 Top 100 Green Destinations Sustainability Stories today.
Every year, the Top 100 Destination Sustainability Stories competition collects sustainable tourism stories and good practices from destinations all over the world to be shared as inspiring examples to others, from tourism professionals to travellers.
13 Aug 21
A BOUNTY of natural assets, headlined by the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, will help draw travel-hungry visitors out of lockdown and into the Port Douglas Daintree region. The local tourism industry gathered for the launch of the Port Douglas Daintree Destination Tourism Plan 2025 at the Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course last night.
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) has spent the past year taking a deep dive into visitors’ perceptions and behaviour, community needs and an analysis of experience opportunities that align to the region’s natural assets.
1 Jul 21
HIGH value travellers and event revellers are firmly in the Port Douglas and Daintree region’s sights.
Douglas Shire Council on Tuesday endorsed Tourism Port Douglas Daintree’s (TPDD) strategies to lead the region’s tourism sector into the future, committing $1.35 million into the destination marketing organisation over the next three years.
25 Jun 21
If you’re looking for new restaurants that both define and capture Port Douglas’s culinary spirit, stop right here.
The chaos of last year has had an undeniable impact on the Far Northern dining scene, but an explosion of bold new dining experiences is putting a new delicious energy into the Port Douglas region for local and visiting food lovers. An Italian pasta and salumi bar, a Mediterranean eatery, a restored beach diner with soul, and a destination seafood restaurant are just some of the new culinary options spearheading a dining surge in the resort town in 2021.
If you’re looking for new restaurants that both define and capture Port Douglas’s culinary spirit, stop right here.
The chaos of last year has had an undeniable impact on the Far Northern dining scene, but an explosion of bold new dining experiences is putting a new delicious energy into the Port Douglas region for local and visiting food lovers. An Italian pasta and salumi bar, a Mediterranean eatery, a restored beach diner with soul, and a destination seafood restaurant are just some of the new culinary options spearheading a dining surge in the resort town in 2021.
3 Dec 20
DAINTREE River Cruise Centre owner Kianna Lafferty believes it’s the little, sustainable wins that help her business unleash its ecotourism potential.
The local eco-cruising business, which features four river boats powered by low emission, fuel efficient four-stroke outboards, was inducted into the Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame, alongside Sailaway Port Douglas and 25 other businesses.
12 Nov 20
TOURISM operators in the Port Douglas and Daintree region are now poised to weather any storm with the launch of a new hands-on guide designed to build resilience in the sector.
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) today launched the ‘Douglas Tourism Operators Response and Recovery Project’, which features a guide and strategy designed to empower local businesses through disaster events.
3 Nov 20
FAR North Queenslanders can ‘Do It In Douglas’ for free over the next four months with the launch of the annual Douglas Card promotion.
Douglas Shire Council and Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) are teaming up to kickstart the regional push to holiday in the Daintree Rainforest this summer. Unlimited free Daintree Ferry trips and a free entry to the Mossman Gorge headline the annual promotion, which also taps into the lure of the picturesque Great Barrier Reef Drive.
The usual return ferry fee of $31 has been scrapped for local Douglas cardholders until February 29 next year. Local is classed as residents from Cardwell to Cooktown, including the Atherton Tablelands.
17 Sep 20
A MOVE to tap into a growing multi-billion-dollar domestic visitor market is underway in the Douglas Shire.
Douglas Shire Council and Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) are partnering to position the region at the forefront of accessible and inclusive tourism.
6 May 20
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree has received a welcome report card from strategic consultants Destination Think! showing the region has topped its audit of tourism destinations globally for the second consecutive year.
5 Mar 20
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree is celebrating the ecotourism success of the destination’s Mossman Gorge Centre after it was announced as a winner in the Sustainable Top 100 Awards.
18 Feb 20
Inspiring steps towards sustainable practices by ecotourism champions will be celebrated in this year’s Show Me Your Paradise marketing campaign by Tourism Port Douglas Daintree.
4 Dec 19
The Port Douglas Daintree region has become the world’s first destination to be awarded Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Destination Certification.
14 Aug 19
It’s not too late to catch some last-minute whale action on the Great Barrier Reef with a just few weeks left of their annual migration to the warmer norther waters of the Coral Sea.
8 Aug 19
It has never been easier to navigate Tropical North Queensland’s most scenic and unforgettable Great Barrier Reef Drive.
6 Aug 19
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree together with CCIQ ecoBiz is calling for like-minded businesses to take part in a new program to be rolled out across the Douglas Shire to help local tourism operators cut their energy, water and waste bills.
4 Jun 19
A once in a lifetime chance to zoom around the mesmerising Great Barrier Reef in a personal submarine will soon be in Port Douglas!
4 Apr 19
Planning a dream vacation to the tropical north is now even easier with Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) launching a new look website this month.
22 Mar 19
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) is winding back the clock and asking you to share your vintage holiday pics of the Port Douglas and Daintree region for your chance to win one of three holidays on offer.
20 Mar 19
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) will continue ramping up its marketing activity as it heads into the second quarter of 2019, in an effort to keep the destination front and centre with potential holiday makers in the domestic and international market.
17 Dec 18
Port Douglas and Daintree is putting out a generous welcome to Tropical North Queenslanders again this summer with the free Douglas Card, which includes free return travel on the Daintree ferry and just introduced Mossman Gorge shuttle bus and a range of other deals for singles, couples and families.
6 Dec 18
Port Douglas and the Daintree have topped a list of destinations from around the world for satisfied and happy visitors, according to leading strategic consultants Destination Think!
The index report of over 100 destinations, including 13 Queenslandtourism regions, showed the Port Douglas Daintree region leading a field that included known international destinations such as Whistler in Canada, Chicago and Seattle in the US, and Sydney, Australia.
26 Nov 18
From the reef to the rainforest, more than 30 of Australia’s top selling travel companies were given a taste of Port Douglas Daintree’s very best at the weekend.
Wrapping up an industry first region led ‘Domestic Mega Famil’, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) executive officer Tara Bennet, described the three-day event from November 23-25 as an “overwhelming success”.
21 Nov 18
For the next four months the ferry across the Daintree River will be free to regional residents.
The free ferry trip is the best incentive for local residents to get out and visit one of the world’s most enchanted places – or make that much anticipated
return visit to this unique tropical location.
The usual fee of $28 will be scrapped for local residents until February 28. Local is classed as residents from Cardwell to Cooktown, including the Atherton Tablelands.
19 Nov 18
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree will wrap up three months of targeted domestic and international trade activity with its inaugural Mega Famil this weekend.
Tara Bennett, executive officer of Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, said the region had put on a spectacular show for visiting travel trade over the last month and this weekend would be no different.
15 Oct 18
Domestic overnight visitation to the Port Douglas Daintree region has grown by almost 7% in the 2017/18 financial year, according to figures from Tourism Research Australia (TRA).
Tara Bennett, chief executive officer of Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, said it was a great result that both the domestic and international markets were trending upwards.
3 Oct 18
The Douglas Shire has been named in a global top 100 list of the world's most environmentally sound places to visit - the only Australian destination to receive the international accolade.
20 Aug 18
The Port Douglas Daintree region is on track to become Australia's first eco-certified region with "eco champions" appointed to lead the certification charge.
9 Aug 18
Port Douglas is under the starter’s gun as a sporting hotspot over the next few months with thousands of athletes and supporters descending on the tropical playground.
The calendar of major sporting events kicked off on Thursday, August 9 (today) with the Reef to Reef, Australia’s newest mountain bike stage race.
6 Aug 18
If it’s a marriage made in heaven then odds on it was held in Port Douglas Daintree.
10 Jul 18
3 Jul 18
Business event visitors to Port Douglas and Daintree can now enjoy a new digital destination showcasing not only the desirability of the region but making it easy to give back to this natural wonderland.
25 Jun 18
A bold new plan to recognise the Port Douglas and Daintree Region as Australia’s first eco-certified region in Australia has been welcomed by the industry.
13 Feb 18
Think of the Daintree Ferry as the Love Boat this Valentine’s Day.
Anyone wanting to do something special this February 14 – or anytime in the next two weeks – need to look no further than the iconic river crossing from the south to north bank of the Daintree River.
18 Jan 18
Port Douglas/Daintree tourism continues to see an increase in overseas travellers to the region – and they are staying longer.
22 Dec 17
Port Douglas is revving up for a mammoth festive season with resorts and restaurants putting a tropical spin on the Christmas spirit and planning for New Year celebrations that will make the place pop.
22 Dec 17
8 Dec 17
13 Sep 17
Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree (TPDD) has launched its new website, making it easier than ever for visitors far and wide to get inspired, do the sums and plan and book their itineraries on the site.
15 Aug 17
The reef tourism sector in the Port Douglas and Daintree region is showing a loud and clear confidence in this billion-dollar industry with extensive investment in dive adventures and diversification in overall reef experiences.
7 Aug 17
Port Douglas’ thriving café scene, fine dining and popular food events such as this month’s Taste festival are hitting the mark with locals and visitors seeking to complement the soul-pleasing reef and rainforest experience with a little gastronomic pleasure.
3 Aug 17
Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree (TPDD) will today launch a fresh new brand that speaks directly to the reef and rainforest region’s target markets.
11 Jul 17
The weak dollar, Australians and New Zealanders opting for regional travel and the lure of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree rainforest are all contributing to Port Douglas’ revival as a national and international business events and conference centre.
11 Jul 17
The Douglas Shire has been named in a global top 100 list of the world’s most environmentally sound places to visit – the only Australian tourism destination to receive the international accolade.
For media enquiries contact Tanya Snelling on [email protected]
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Tourism Port Douglas Daintree acknowledges the custodianship of the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef by the local Kuku Yalanji and Yirraganydji people whose rich cultures, heritage values, enduring connections and shared efforts protect our natural assets for future generations, and we pay our respect to elders past, present and emerging.
