Just north of Queensland, one of the most unique towns in the world is Port Douglas, because it is adjacent to the oldest living rainforest in the world and the largest coral reef system in the world.
Both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest are, in fact, UNESCO World Heritage sites, so the richness and value they offer to both locals and travellers are definitely worth kilometres the experience.
Port Douglas is a small town with a population of just over 3,000, but it bustles with activity during the tourist season. This is because many tourists set Port Douglas as their base before explore the lush rainforests and diverse marine life.
Low Isles
To begin the journey through these natural wonders, the Low Isles is just 12 kilometres away from the town proper. It is composed of two islands, Woody Island and Low Island. Woody Island is an uninhibited mangrove and coral island, while Low Island is where tourists can snorkel and swim safely.
Agincourt Reef
Exploring more of the coral system is possible by taking a 90-minute cruise to Agincourt Reef. Scuba diving, snorkelling, and helmet diving are options, here. But for those who would rather stay drive, an underwater observatory and a semi-submersible submarine tour are also possible. From an underwater view going into a bird’s-eye-view of the reef, helicopter tours are also available.
Cape Tribulation
About 45 minutes away from Port Douglas is Cape Tribulation, where the reef and the rainforest merge. The lush green forest of trees cascades down to meet the clear aquamarine ocean, making it a beautiful, postcard-worthy photograph. A pitstop at Alexandra Lookout will make for a marvellous view of the islands and ocean.
Daintree Rainforest
The rainforest in itself is a wide expanse, so there are many ways to get there and many things to explore and do. Adventure-seekers can experience zip-lining through the rainforest, bungee jumping, and snorkelling. Some tour packages also offer horseback riding and bush walking. A popular tour is the river cruise, which allows tourists to see frogs, butterflies, lizards, birds, and more exotic species.
Mossman Gorge
As a World Heritage site, the Daintree Rainforest is home to rich cultural significance. Its indigenous owners, the Kuku Yalanji offer guided tours that tell stories about the culture. The Mossman River has clear green freshwater for a nice swim, and its surrounding area is cool enough for a picnic.
Barron Gorge National Park
For those looking for even more thrilling experiences, Barron Gorge offers white water river rafting. But for those who prefer more family-friendly activities, swimming in the fresh waters of Barron River as well as taking walking trails down scenic sights are also available.
It comes as no surprise that tourists visit Port Douglas to not only have adventures in nature, but also to soak in the natural beauty of this world. Getting there is not that hard either; many airlines fly to Cairns Airport, and tourists can take the hour-long Cairns airport shuttle ride directly to Port Douglas, where an experience of a lifetime waits for them.