Port Douglas is a natural playground for both adults and kids. This small paradise between the reef and rainforest is a dream destination for families with kids of any age. The resort town is family-oriented which means that you will always find something that will entertain your kid’s adventurous spirit as well as your own.
Visit the Great Barrier Reef
A trip to Port Douglas is not complete without visiting The Great Barrier Reef which is about 72 kilometres northeast of Port Douglas. The most popular tours are through the high-speed catamarans that provide a more stable ride to the outer reef. However, there are also helicopter rides that offer a unique bird’s eye view of the reefs.
Tour operators offer introductory courses to those who want to experience scuba diving. They also offer small group snorkelling and diving adventures to the reef. If you prefer to stay dry, you can simply gaze at the corals from the underwater diving platform and observatory. Another option is a ride in a semi-submersible.
Another alternative for families who prefer to stay close to land is the outer reef and Low Isles. The Low isles has a small coral island called Woody Island and a sandy cay called Low Island. Children will be thrilled to snorkel right off the beach and watch the colourful corals, tropical fishes, and turtles. There are also glass-bottomed boats to view the marine life without getting wet.
Spend the day at the Wildlife Habitat
The Wildlife Habitat at Port Douglas is a native Australian animal zoo where children are allowed to feed kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and Australian critters. There are also crocodiles at the Australian zoo but feeding them is just a presentation for the public. However, you can have a picture taken with a koala in its natural habitat.
Breakfast with the birds is perfect for families and groups who want a unique experience. It is great to start the day with a buffet breakfast and some feathered friends like parrots, lorikeets, and cockatoos.
An adventure with Hartley’s crocodiles
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is a 25-minute drive from Port Douglas. Compared to the Wildlife Habitat, Hartley’s has hundreds of crocodiles and local wildlife. Visitors will have an opportunity to participate in guided tours of nearby crocodile farms to learn the sustainable utilization of farmed crocodiles to conserve their populations and habitats.
Driving the Lady Douglas
If seeing all those crocodiles at Hartley’s and the Wildlife Habitat is not enough excitement for the kids, a good option will be the relaxed river cruise up the Inlet aboard the Lady Douglas. Driving the Lady Douglas will be a wonderful memory that your child will always remember. It is something that the whole family will enjoy because they often get the chance to spot a crocodile.
The best option for families travelling with their children is Cairns Port Douglas shuttle, an efficient and cost-effective transport solution. The shuttle is clean and fresh with a driver who is always willing to provide assistance to families. Airport shuttle service is highly recommended for travellers who wish to explore Port Douglas.