Where to stay in Port Douglas for first time: 4 Safe areas

Finding where to stay in Port Douglas as a first-timer can be overwhelming. That’s why, in today’s article, I will help you to find safe places to stay in Port Douglas for first-time visitors.

I will share with you what I believe are the best and safest areas to stay in Port Douglas for first-timers and tourists, along with a helpful map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Port Douglas and recommend some of the best hotels for various budgets.

Port Douglas is a resort town located in Far North Queensland, approximately 70 kilometers north of Cairns along the Coral Sea coast. It is known for its stunning beaches, beautiful tropical climate, and proximity to natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

Originally founded as a port for the region’s sugar industry, Port Douglas has transformed into a popular tourist destination. Visitors are drawn to its relaxed atmosphere, boutique shops, fine dining restaurants, and luxury resorts. 

The town also serves as a gateway to exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding area, including snorkeling and diving excursions to the Great Barrier Reef, guided tours of the Daintree Rainforest, and outdoor adventures such as hiking and wildlife spotting.

Port Douglas hosts several annual events and festivals, including the Port Douglas Carnivale, which celebrates the region’s culture, food, and entertainment. 

Is Port Douglas safe to visit?

Yes, Port Douglas, like most of Australia, is generally safe to visit. The main safety concern is probably regarding swimming safety. If you’re swimming at the beach, only do so in designated swimming areas patrolled by lifeguards. Be cautious of marine stingers (jellyfish) and crocodiles, and never swim alone.

Additionally, stay updated on local weather conditions, especially during cyclone season (November to April). Be aware of any travel advisories or safety warnings issued by local authorities.

Where to stay in Port Douglas for the first time?

The best and safest areas to stay in Port Douglas for first-timers and tourists are Four Mile Beach, Macrossan Street, Davidson Street, and Port Douglas Road.

Four Mile Beach is one of the most iconic areas in Port Douglas, offering beautiful stretches of sandy beaches and a range of accommodation options, including luxury resorts and holiday apartments. Staying near Four Mile Beach provides easy access to swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Macrossan Street is the main street in Port Douglas, lined with boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, and galleries. Staying in this area puts you within walking distance of many amenities and attractions, including the marina and the Sunday markets.

Davidson Street and Port Douglas Road are streets running parallel with Four Mile Beach. There are a range of accommodations lined on the street and its surroundings. Staying here offers easy access to the beach.

During my trip to Port Douglas, I stayed at the Port Douglas Apartments. It was a good value for money adult-only accommodation, located in the heart of the town, with easy access to the shopping and dining street. Four Mile Beach was also within walking distance. Lovely apartment with everything I needed!

Below is a map of the popular areas in Port Douglas for first-time travelers. You can scroll down to view the live map.

Map of the safe areas to stay in Port Douglas first time
Map of the safe areas to stay in Port Douglas first time

Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Port Douglas, especially for first-time visitors. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget. 

All hotels in Port Douglas have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them. 

If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.

4 Best/Safe areas to stay in Port Douglas for first-timers and tourists:

1. Four Mile Beach

Staying near Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas is an excellent choice for tourists, especially those who love spending time by the ocean. With four miles of soft white sand stretching along the coast, it offers plenty of space for relaxation, sunbathing, beachcombing, and taking in breathtaking sunsets.

Best places to stay in Port Douglas in Four Mile Beach:

Luxury ($$$): Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas, popular 5-star beachfront hotel, located on Port Douglas Road, close to Four Mile Beach. It has a large garden, 2 saltwater lagoon pools, a golf course and good breakfast. Rooms are well appointed with easy access to the pools.

luxury ($$$): Luxury Apartments at Sea Temple Port Douglas Resort, 5-star beautiful accommodation, located within the Pullman Sea Temple resort, a short drive from the town center of Port Douglas. It has  an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a sun terrace, and on-site restaurant serving Australian cuisine.

Luxury ($$$): Peppers Beach Club, 5-star hotel located on Davidson Street, very close to  Four Mile Beach and the main street of Port Douglas. The hotel has a pool, free parking, paid airport transfer, and a fitness center. Easy access to shops and restaurants. 

Mid-range ($$): By The Sea Port Douglas, 4-star good value for money accommodations situated in the center of Port Douglas, next to Four Mile Beach, and easy access to Macrossan Street where you can find many shopping and dining options. It has self-contained apartments with full kitchen facilities. You can use bikes for free as well as free towels, umbrellas, and chairs at the beach.

Mid-range ($$): Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas, 4-star hotel located just a short stroll from the Four Mile Beach. It has 1 and 2-bedroom apartments with kitchen and laundry amenities. Great base to explore Port Douglas, Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.

Budget ($): Lazy Lizard Motor Inn, 3-star hotel, located within walking distance from 4 mile beach for swimming, sunrise and sunsets. Great base if you rent a car. Bus can be found nearby taking you to the town center.  5 mins drive from central Port Douglas and Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina.

MORE HOTEL DEALS IN FOUR MILE BEACH

2. Macrossan Street

Macrossan Street is a convenient choice for those who want to be in the heart of the action. It is the main hub of Port Douglas, lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and galleries. Staying in this area offers easy access to dining options, shopping, and nightlife. 

Macrossan Street is also home to various tour operators, travel agencies, and visitor information centers, making it easy to book excursions to the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and other nearby attractions.

Best places to stay in Port Douglas in Macrossan Street:

Luxury ($$$): Coconut Grove, 4-star hotel, centrally located in the Port Douglas town center, close to everything but quiet. Easy access to Four Mile Beach. It features self-contained apartments with a full kitchen. The hotel can help arrange tours for snorkeling, diving, fishing and four-wheel drive adventures.

Mid-range ($$): Martinique On Macrossan, 4-star good value for money boutique accommodation located in a prime location on the main street of Port Douglas. It has a saltwater pool, BBQ facilities, and free covered parking. Short walk away from a range of restaurants, cafés, boutiques and art galleries. 

Budget ($): Macrossan House Boutique Holiday Apartments, great aparthotel in the heart of Port Douglas, short walk from numerous stores/restaurants, beach and the marina. Great base for couples and singles.

MORE HOTEL DEALS IN PORT DOUGLAS

3. Davidson Street

Davidson Street and its surrounding has a wide range of accommodations. Staying here offers easy access to the beach and the town center. 

Best places to stay in Port Douglas in Davidson Street:

Luxury ($$$): Shantara Resort Port Douglas – Adults Only Retreat, 5-star boutique accommodations, located only 10 mins from the main area of Port Douglas. It has swimming pools, a fitness center, a spa, and a covered BBQ area. A beautiful place to stay.

Mid-range ($$): Freestyle Resort Port Douglas, 4-star hotel on Davidson Street, 5-10 mins walk from Four Mile Beach,  shopping and dining on Macrossan Street, and Port Douglas Marina. It has a heated saltwater pool, laundry services, airport shuttle, and free parking.

Budget ($): Lychee Tree Holiday Apartments, 3-star resort complex, located close to the beach and the town center. It has  1,2 bedroom self-catering apartments. Great base to explore the Great Barrier Reef, Mossman Gorge and The Daintree Rainforest.

MORE HOTEL DEALS IN PORT DOUGLAS

4. Port Douglas Road 

Staying in and around Port Douglas Road offers easy access to Four Mile Beach. It connects Davidson Street and Captain Cook highway. There are various accommodations along the road.

Best places to stay in Port Douglas Road:

Mid-range ($$): Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas, 4-star hotel located on Port Douglas Road, 10 mins walk from Four Mile Beach. It has a  treehouse spa, a tropical lagoon pool with a swim-up bar.

Luxury ($$$): Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa, 5-star hotel located on Mitre Street, close to Alexandra Reefs and Four Mile Beach.  It’s the perfect place to escape from the world. Best suited for couples, honeymoon, and family. The hotel offers paid shuttle services to the town center.

Budget ($): Nimrod Resort Apartments, 3-star self-catering accommodations, 5 mins walk from Four Mile Beach. It has a lagoon-style pool,  barbecue facilities, and a tennis court. Bars and restaurants can be found within 10 mins drive away.

MORE HOTEL DEALS IN PORT DOUGLAS

In conclusion, Four Mile Beach, Macrossan Street, Davidson Street, Port Douglas Road are the best places to stay in Port Douglas for first-timers and tourists. These areas offer a variety of accommodations, easy access to beaches and tourist amenities.

You can continue reading about other popular destinations in Australia in these articles:

There you have it, my recommendations for the most popular and safest neighborhoods that you can stay during your first trip to Port Douglas. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.

If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.

About Author: Ocean Cameron

I'm Ocean, founder and main editor of travelhotelexpert.com. I’m a passionate traveler who specializes in uncovering the best hotels and locations in every city, especially for first-timers, all without the need for a car.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. This means that, at absolutely no additional cost to you, I'll earn a small commission if you click through and purchase something I've recommended. I only recommend products that I use myself or firmly believe in. Thank you!

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