Itinerary

One Day in Port Douglas: The Perfect Itinerary

Reef trip, Four Mile Beach, Macrossan Street dinner. How to make the most of a single day from Cairns.

CD
Claire Donovan
Published 14 Jul 2025 • Itinerary

Reef trip, Four Mile Beach, Macrossan Street dinner. How to make the most of a single day from Cairns. Read on for the complete guide.

One Day in Port Douglas: The Perfect Itinerary

Port Douglas is one of the most remarkable small destinations in Australia, sitting between the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Daintree Rainforest - two UNESCO World Heritage Sites within easy reach of Macrossan Street. The 67km journey from Cairns via the Captain Cook Highway takes around 70 minutes and is one of Australia's most celebrated coastal drives.

For getting there, you have five main options: the shared shuttle bus from AUD $35 per person, a private transfer from AUD $120 for a group, self-driving along the spectacular highway, a taxi, or a guided day tour. See our full cost guide for a detailed comparison of all options.

Once in Port Douglas, Great Barrier Reef day trips depart daily from the marina. The Daintree Rainforest is 45 minutes north. And Four Mile Beach is a short walk from Macrossan Street. Check our seasonal guide for the best time to plan your trip.

CD
Claire Donovan
Cairns-based travel consultant and freelance writer focusing on Far North Queensland tourism. She regularly guides guests on the Cairns to Port Douglas route.