Just an hour’s drive north of Cairns along the winding, palm-lined Captain Cook Highway lies Port Douglas, a coastal town that seems purpose-built for the perfect long weekend. Equal parts barefoot luxury and natural wonder, Port Douglas offers more than just proximity to two World Heritage sites—it serves up a lifestyle that’s all about slow mornings, reef-bound afternoons and sundowners that turn into trip-defining dinners.
So, if you're in need of a tropical reset with a side of indulgence, here’s how to do Port Douglas properly.
Friday: Arrival, Acclimation & Aperitifs
Check-In: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Start your weekend in signature FNQ style with a check-in at the Sheraton Grand Mirage, Port Douglas’ most iconic beachfront resort. Set on Four Mile Beach and surrounded by two hectares of saltwater lagoons, this sprawling, tropical-luxe property blends coastal charm with five-star polish. Think white-sand access, palm-lined pools and a concierge who knows the best reef tours before you even ask. Whether you're in a swim-out suite or a garden-view room, the vibe is pure barefoot elegance.
Lunch: Lunch at Hemingway’s Brewery
Ease into the weekend with a casual lunch at Hemingway’s, perched right on the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina. Locally brewed beers, seafood platters and a salty breeze? Yes, please.
Afternoon: Beach Walks & Boutique Browsing
Stretch the legs with a stroll down Four Mile Beach—just be prepared to lose track of time as your feet sink into that caramel sand. Afterwards, wander through the town centre. Pick up a bottle of locally distilled gin from Devils Thumb or browse handmade wares at With Sugar, or pick-up local and Australian art from Maker Port Douglas.
Dinner: Harrisons at Sheraton Grand Mirage
For your first night, stay close and step into Harrisons, located within the resort itself. Helmed by acclaimed British-born chef Spencer Patrick, Harrisons serves refined Modern British cuisine with Far North Queensland flair. Start with grilled tiger prawns in garlic-parsley butter or crispy chilli squid, then dive into mains like charcoal-grilled kangaroo with black garlic and pumpkin or a decadent rib of beef with smoked mash and marrowbone. It's polished without being pretentious, and the wine list is every bit as considered as the menu. Dine poolside under the palms or inside beneath chandeliers—it’s up to you.
Saturday: Reef Adventures & Culinary Revelations
Morning: Great Barrier Reef Day Trip
Wake early and board a full-day outer reef cruise withSailaway Reef and Island Tours or Wavelength Reef Cruises. These smaller, more sustainable operators offer intimate snorkelling experiences on vibrant coral reefs with marine biologists onboard to unpack what you’re actually seeing. Whether you're chasing turtles or drifting alongside parrotfish, the GBR lives up to the hype.
Lunch: Back on Land – Italian Flavours at La Cucina + Bar
After your reef adventure, head to La Cucina + Barfor refined Italian with a tropical twist. Think pan-seared scallops, squid ink spaghetti with prawns, or slow-cooked beef cheek—all served in a stylish alfresco setting on Macrossan Street. The perfect spot to unwind and indulge post-snorkel.
Afternoon: Pool, Chill, Repeat
Spend the rest of your afternoon poolside— A nap is not only allowed, it’s encouraged. Indulge in any of the Sherton’s stellar amenities.
Dinner: Melaleuca
For dinner, head to Melaleuca on Wharf Street, where you’ll dine beneath a canopy of towering mango trees in one of Port Douglas’ most enchanting alfresco courtyards. This modern Australian restaurant blends relaxed tropical charm with polished culinary execution. Start with standout dishes like tempura bugs finished with candied chilli and macadamia, or opt for the delicate house-made gnocchi with pumpkin purée and truffle oil. Mains shine with bold Asian influences—don’t miss the whole barramundi glazed in Thai caramel. With warm, attentive service and a focus on seasonal, local produce, Melaleuca delivers a truly memorable dining experience under the stars.
Sunday: Market Mornings & Mountain Vistas
Morning: Port Douglas Markets + Coffee at Sparrow
Start your Sunday with a visit to the Port Douglas Markets, held on the waterfront every week. It’s a local affair—artisan jams, tropical fruit, handmade jewellery and swag that may or may not fit in your suitcase. Swing by Sparrow Coffee for a cold brew or single-origin espresso to fuel your wander.
Brunch: Choo Choos at the Marina
A relaxed brunch overlooking the marina hits just right. Choo Choos serves up breakfast classics and tropical twists (think chilli crab scrambled eggs or coconut pancakes), all with marina-front views.
Afternoon: Mossman Gorge Walk or Spa Session
If you're up for some light activity, head to Mossman Gorge for a walk through the ancient Daintree Rainforest. The elevated walkways and crystal-clear swimming holes are pure magic. Prefer relaxation over rainforest? Book a massage or facial back at Niramaya Spa. Tropical tranquillity is their entire brand.
Dinner: Sunset Dining at Salsa Bar & Grill
Wrap up your weekend at Salsa Bar & Grill, a beloved Port Douglas institution overlooking the Coral Sea from its perch on Wharf Street. With white timber finishes and a breezy, Queenslander-style charm, it’s the kind of place where Aperol spritzes and reef breezes go hand in hand. Start with octopus carpaccio layered with taramasalata, preserved lemon and rye crostini, then move onto standout mains like lemongrass chicken with coconut rice cake, spicy peanut sauce and eggplant relish. The vibe is vibrant, the plates are colourful and the crowd is a lively mix of locals and in-the-know travellers. It’s the perfect final note—flavourful, fun and unmistakably tropical.
Monday: The Graceful Exit
Early Breakfast: Hi Tide Café or Takeaway Pastries
Squeeze in one last coffee and ocean view at Hi Tide, just off Four Mile Beach. If you're hitting the road early, grab pastries from Mocka’s Pies—a local institution since 1969.
Optional Detour: Scenic Drive through Palm Cove
On your way back to Cairns, stop off in Palm Cove for a beach stroll and a cheeky gelato. Or extend your trip and do the same long weekend... just one town south.
Port Douglas makes the case for slowing down in style. With reef and rainforest at its doorstep, a culinary scene that punches above its weight, and a pace of life that lets you exhale properly, it’s everything a long weekend should be—restorative, memorable, and just luxe enough to make you want to stay a little longer.
