Four Mile Beach
A safe, patrolled beach to stay awhile on your journey along the Great Barrier Reef Drive is Four Mile Beach, which stretches the length of the peninsula upon which Port Douglas sits, with compact white sand and the calm Coral Sea lapping at the shore inviting visitors to stay and play. Ride the length of the beach (true to its ‘Four Mile’ name) on a hire bike, or grab an umbrella and lounge chair and soak up the sun. Tap into your adventurous spirit with a kitesurfing lesson or hire a stand-up paddleboard and see the fringing reef and sea life from above. Walk to Flagstaff Hill Lookout and admire the stunning coastline, complete with views to Low Isles, Snapper Island and the dramatic mountain ranges behind Port Douglas. Relax on pristine, palm-fringed sands which stretch as far as the eye can see. Four Mile Beach is also host to a number of events each year, including the family fun-filled Beach Day during Port Douglas Carnivale and features in the course for sporting events triathlons, mountain bike races, outrigging races, and running festivals.
22 MINUTE DRIVE
Mossman Gorge
Only 15 minutes north of Port Douglas you will uncover Mossman Gorge, rich in Indigenous culture and breathtaking beauty. Learn about the traditional values of the Kuku Yalanji people that have called the Daintree Rainforest home as you explore emerald rainforest pools peppered with granite boulders and freshwater swimming holes on a guided rainforest walk. Explore the free self-guided national park walks at your own pace as you adventure through the Gorge:
- Baral Marrjanga: A 270m easy, wheelchair accessible elevated boardwalk with lookout views of the Mossman River
- Lower river track: A 300m easy walk along the Mossman River to adjoin to Baral Marrjanga including several lookout points.
- Rex Creek bridge: A 460m moderate walk to the Rex Creek suspension bridge over the Mossman River, incorporating Baral Marrjanga.
- Rainforest Circuit track: A 2.4km moderate return walk beginning at the suspension bridge with lookout points and views of Manjal Dimbi (Mount Demi).
Take a moment to visit an Indigenous gallery in Mossman, experience traditional hunting at nearby Cooya Beach or explore the country drives around Mossman.
12 MINUTE DRIVE
Newell Beach
As you approach the jungle wilderness of the Daintree there is time for a stop at Newell Beach, a sleepy coastal village. Boasting views of the famous Port Douglas headland to the south and across to Low Isles and the lighthouse, the pristine 2.5km beach is met by estuaries at each end. For boaties, there is a boat ramp providing easy access to nearby estuaries and to the nearby Daintree River and Snapper Island. The area is teaming with good eating fish, but remember to be croc wise in these areas. There is a local caravan park, convenience store and also beachside holiday houses for longer stays.
14 MINUTE DRIVE
Wonga Beach
Wonga Beach is a quiet, local beach village just 20 mintues south of Daintree Village along the Great Barrier Reef Drive. Stop and stretch your legs on a walk along the beach, looking out for the Beach Stone-Curlew, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot and Little (Gould's) Bronze-Cuckoo. For the young ones, there is playground equipment at the southern end of the Wonga Beach community park. Here you can also find three maintained graves along the beach, one belonging to maritime hero Charlie Lifu and includes an inscription of his feats. For something active, go catch and release fishing for barramundi at the local barra farm - if you're feeling hungry, you can even take your catch with you! Looking south from Wonga Beach you can see Port Douglas and Island Point headland, while across the water is Snapper Island, named by Captain Cook in 1770 because it looked like a crocodile. To the north, you can see the rainforest clad mountain ranges of the Daintree National Park, including Alexandra Range, which was named after a beautiful Danish princess. The mountain range behind Wonga and leading into Daintree Village is called Dagma Range, after her younger sister. Wonga Beach facilities include a service station and pharmacy, caravan park and BBQ facilities.
16 MINUTE DRIVE
Daintree Village
Perched on the southern side of the Daintree River, you will find an unspoilt oasis thriving with ancient vegetation, scenic surroundings and vast array of native wildlife and plant species. The Daintree Village, a peaceful township filled with friendly faces and undeniable charm is a welcome rest point along the Great Barrier Reef Drive. Explore the quaint village with stores presented in the style of yesteryear, stopping for a scone and tea. Channel your inner explorer and embark on a crocodile, bird and wildlife spotting cruise before retreating to your luxurious rainforest lodge, exclusive holiday house or cozy safari tent hidden deep in the rainforest.
