Should I Stay In Cairns or Port Douglas?

When planning a trip to tropical North Queensland, two key destinations often come to mind: Port Douglas and Cairns. Both offer unique experiences and serve as gateways to some of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders, like the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. But which location is better suited for your stay? In this guide, I’ll break down what you can expect from each place to help you choose.

Cairns

Cairns is the larger of the two locations and is often seen as the gateway to Far North Queensland. It’s a bustling town with a population of around 150,000 people. Known for its tourism infrastructure, with restaurants, hotels and transport options, it’s a convenient starting point. Particularly as Cairns International Airport is about 20 minutes away from the town. I chose to stay here as a base for my week in North Queensland

Things To Do In Cairns

Cairns is probably best known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. Many reef tours leave directly from the Cairns Marina, making it a popular choice for those looking to easily dive or snorkel. Aside from the reef, the town itself is an ideal bases for other popular tours, like the Daintree Rainforest. Other popular things to do in Cairns include;

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon: The Lagoon is a large, free swimming area just by the Esplanade. It’s the perfect place for cooling off in the tropical heat. It’s free entry and has great facilities – including free BBQs, lifeguards and toilets. The lagoon is a short walk away from the Hemingway’s Brewery Cairns and other restaurants for food.

Hemingway’s Brewery Cairns: During my time in Cairns, I went to the Hemingway’s Brewery Cairns twice! This brewery is home to award-winning craft beers, great food and is in a cool, heritage listed venue. It’s located at the Cruise Liner Terminal and provides great views across Trinity Inlet. You can join a brewery tour, opt for a beer tasting or just enjoy a beer on tap. They also have a venue in Port Douglas!

Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail: The Kuranda Scenic Railway offers a scenic ride from Cairns to Kuranda, winding through lush rainforest, waterfalls and rugged mountains. Built in the late 1800s, this historic train journey includes stops at iconic sights like Barron Falls and Stoney Creek, providing an insight into the natural beauty of Far North Queensland. There are two trains a day from Cairns, departing at 8:30am and 9:30am with the journey taking about 2 hours.

You can also take the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a 7.5km journey over over World Heritage-listed tropical rainforest. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the dense canopy, with stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls stations for scenic walks and viewing platforms. The Skyrail also offers an optional guided tour to learn more about the flora, fauna, and Indigenous culture of the region.

Cairns Botanic Gardens: I LOVE botanic gardens and visit the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne throughout the week. So this was an absolute must for me when visiting Cairns. This peaceful spot is great for enjoying tropical plants and birdwatching. Some of the tropical plants are native to Queensland, with others only found in Cairns! I recommend walking through the Flecker Garden, known for its collection of exotic and rare plants. I also loved the Rainforest Boardwalk, offering a close-up view of local flora. One of the botanic garden’s unique features is its Gondwana Evolutionary Garden, highlighting ancient plants from the region’s prehistoric era.

Cairns Aquarium: The Aquarium offers a close-up view of marine life for those who may not be diving or snorkelling, or for rainy days in Cairns. I spent a few hours here on a rainy afternoon and enjoyed learning about the area’s unique biodiversity. The aquarium features over 16,000 animals across 10 ecosystems. There’s a Coral Sea exhibit, with a 10-metre deep reef tank filled with sharks, rays, and colourful coral. Additionally, there are daily talks and animal feedings, and the behind-the-scenes tour offers an in-depth look at the aquarium’s conservation efforts.

Cairns Night Markets: The night market is located in the city centre and is great for local souvenirs, massages, ‘street food’ and clothing. It’s fairly small, so I enjoyed walking around before sitting down to some amazing Korean BBQ in the food court.

The Cairns Boardwalk: The Cairns Esplanade Boardwalk is roughly 2.5km long (5km round trip) . I enjoyed coming here for early morning walks with a coffee and did the Cairns Parkrun on Saturday morning which went partially along here too.

The Benefits of Staying in Cairns

Accessibility: From my experience, the best things about Cairns is its accessibility. With its major international airport, getting there internationally or domestically is very straightforward. Its central location makes it a convenient base for trips to the reef, rainforest and inland attractions like the Atherton Tablelands. There are also better public transport options and it’s easier to get taxis/Ubers. Another thing to consider is if you’re planning to visit other towns in North Queensland. E.g. if you’re planning to go to Townsville, you’ll have an easier time getting there using public transport from Cairns than Port Douglas.

Accommodation Options: There are more accommodation options here – from backpacker hostels to luxury hotels, there’s something for every budget in Cairns.

A ‘More Vibrant’ Atmosphere: As it’s bigger, there are more opportunities for lively nightlife scene and a wider range of dining options. I found the weekends were quite lively in Cairns, with the bars and pubs quite full of backpackers, stag/hens and locals alike. The weekdays though, particularly Monday-Wednesday, were very quiet!

Greater Variety of Urban Amenities; There’s a small shopping mall, supermarkets, chemists, and cinemas etc. This was handy when it was raining and I had time to kill with the cinema and some shopping.

More Tour Operators and Activity Options; You’ll find that there are more tour operators, activities and options from Cairns.

The Cons of Staying in Cairns

Lack of Beaches: Cairns is not known for its beaches and the coastline near the city centre is largely mudflats. If you’re looking to spend time lounging by the sea, Cairns is not the place. You can spend time swimming at the lagoon, but otherwise, you’ll need to travel to somewhere with a beach.

Touristy Feel: Given its popularity, Cairns can feel crowded and overly commercial, especially during peak seasons.

Further from the Daintree Rainforest; Visiting the Daintree Rainforest from Cairns will take longer compared to Port Douglas, adding an hour to the trip each way. If you’re primarily going to visit this part of North Queensland, considering basing yourself in Port Douglas.

Port Douglas

Port Douglas is a smaller, more relaxed town compared to Cairns and has a population of around 3,500 people. Located about an hour’s drive north of Cairns, it’s known for its luxury resorts, high-end dining and more intimate atmosphere.

Things To Do In Port Douglas

Port Douglas offers a quieter and more upscale experience. Key attractions include:

Four Mile Beach: A picturesque stretch of golden sand, perfect for sunbathing and swimming! It’s a great place for walks, runs, swimming or relaxing! There are a number of shaded spots under palm trees too. It’s a great spot for families, couples, or anyone looking for a tranquil beach day.

Macrossan Street: The town’s main hub, lined with boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. This bustling street has everything from local artisan shops to high-end fashion and all sorts of eateries. It especially comes alive in the evening, so be sure to head down to grab a drink at least to experience the local atmosphere!

Wildlife Habitat: A great spot for families to see native Australian animals like kangaroos, koalas and cassowaries. Located just outside Port Douglas, this is an open-plan sanctuary where you can hand-feed kangaroos, enjoy the daily wildlife presentations, or take a guided tour on Australia’s unique fauna. There’s also the chance to have a photo with a koala!

Mossman Gorge: Located just 20 minutes away, Mossman Gorge offers incredible walking tracks and swimming spots surrounded by rainforest. This was probably my favourite thing to do during my trip to North Queensland! The gorge is part of the Daintree National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and provides a rare opportunity to explore one of the oldest rainforests in the world. The suspension bridge across the river offers panoramic views, while the waterholes are perfect for a refreshing dip after a walk. There’s also an option to join a guided Indigenous tour to learn about the cultural significance of the area.

The Sunday Port Douglas Markets: The Port Douglas Sunday Market is home to a wide variety of locally made goods, fresh produce, handmade crafts and souvenirs. It’s a great place to spend the morning by the waters and enjoying the local atmosphere.

Dine at the Marina Restaurants: There’s a range of excellent waterfront restaurants and cafes, offering everything from casual bites to more refined meals. You’ll be treated to stunning views across the marina and Coral Sea, particularly at sunset! Seafood is a popular choice here, with many restaurants serving up fresh, locally caught fish and shellfish.

World-Class Golf Courses: Port Douglas boasts some world-class golf courses, perfect for those looking to enjoy a round in a tropical setting. The area is home to championship-standard courses, offering challenging fairways set against the backdrop of the rainforest and mountains. Whether you’re a serious golfer or just looking for a relaxed game, the well-maintained greens and stunning surroundings provide an excellent experience. Many courses also offer club hire and lessons for those looking to improve their game while on holiday.

Pros of Staying in Port Douglas

Beach Access: Unlike Cairns, Port Douglas has a stunning beach (4 mile beach) right in town, offering easy access for sunbathing and swimming. This is perfect for those days when you have no tours or excursions booked and you want to enjoy the sun!

Relaxed Vibe: The town’s smaller size and less touristy atmosphere make it ideal for those looking for a quieter, more relaxed experience. Port Douglas is typically less crowded than Cairns, even during peak seasons. The charming village feel, with boutique shops and galleries, adds to the relax vibe of the town.

Luxury Options: Port Douglas is known for its upscale accommodation and dining, making it a popular spot for honeymooners and more luxury travelling.

Closer proximity to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation: You’ll save an hour (each way) of your journey if you’re planning to visit these places and you choose to stay in Port Douglas.

Cons of Staying in Port Douglas

More Expensive: The cost of accommodation, dining and activities in Port Douglas tends to be higher than in Cairns. If you’re travelling on a budget or looking for cheap backpacker hostels, Cairns is a better option.

Fewer Transport Options: Port Douglas doesn’t have an airport, so you’ll need to travel via Cairns to get there. Additionally, public transport is limited. This could be an issue if you’re landing in Cairns Airport late in the evening as shuttles and public transport stop running late into the night. Leaving the only option an expensive Uber/taxi. As it’s further from the airport, be sure to factor in the additional transfer time when travelling.

Fewer Urban Amenities: As it’s a small town, you can expect fewer urban amenities and entertainment options, in comparison to Cairns. If you’re looking for a shopping

Quieter Nightlife Scene: Port Douglas has a quieter nightlife scene! This might not be the place for you if you’re looking for more lively nights out or are trying to make friends as a solo backpacker.

Using Cairns or Port Douglas as a Base

Both Cairns and Port Douglas are excellent bases for visiting the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and other nearby attractions. Reef tours depart from both locations, though Port Douglas is slightly closer to the outer reefs. If you’re planning to visit the Daintree Rainforest or Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas is closer, cutting down travel time.

For those keen on visiting the Atherton Tablelands or Kuranda, Cairns is more convenient, as these areas are located to the south and west of the city.

Both Cairns and Port Douglas serve as excellent bases for visiting the region’s main attractions, including the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. However, there are some differences to consider:

Great Barrier Reef:

Both towns offer ample opportunities to visit the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns has a wider variety of tour operators and options, including larger boats that can be more suitable for those prone to seasickness. Port Douglas, being slightly closer to the Outer Reef, may offer quicker access to some reef sites.

Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation:

Port Douglas has an advantage when it comes to visiting the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. It’s about an hour closer, making day trips more comfortable and allowing for more time at the destination. From Cairns, visits to the Daintree often involve longer days or may require an overnight stay.

Kuranda and Atherton Tablelands:

Cairns has the edge for visits to Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway both depart from locations closer to Cairns, making day trips more convenient.

Logistics of Getting to Cairns and Port Douglas

Cairns is easily accessible via Cairns International Airport, which offers both domestic and international flights. From the airport, it’s a short drive into the city centre, with plenty of transport options available, including shuttle buses, taxis and car hire. The airport is about 10-15 minutes’ drive from the city centre. Taxis, ride-share services, and airport shuttle buses are readily available. Many hotels offer airport transfer services too.

Port Douglas doesn’t have its own airport, so most people fly into Cairns and then travel by road. The drive from Cairns to Port Douglas is approximately 70 kilometres and takes around an hour along the scenic Captain Cook Highway.

Travelling Between Cairns and Port Douglas

Getting between Cairns and Port Douglas is relatively straightforward.

By Car: If you prefer the flexibility of having your own car, car hire is available at Cairns Airport and in both towns. The drive takes about 1 hour along the scenic Captain Cook Highway. This is the most flexible option if you plan to explore the region. Having a car also allows you to explore attractions like Palm Cove, Mossman Gorge, and various lookout points along the highway at your own pace.

By Shuttle Bus: Several companies offer regular shuttle services between Cairns and Port Douglas. This will take you along the Captain Cook Highway and offer beautiful views of the Coral Sea and rainforest-covered mountains. The journey will take about an hour and typically need to be booked in advance! Some sites that offer this service include excellence coaches, Port Douglas shuttle bus, and SR coaches.

By Tour: Many day tours from Cairns include stops in Port Douglas, and vice versa. This can be a good way to see both places if you’re short on time.

By Public Transport: While not as convenient, it is possible to travel between Cairns and Port Douglas using public buses. This option takes longer and may require changes.

Cairns vs Port Douglas – Which Should You Choose?

Where you choose to stay will largely depend on your travel preferences and needs. If you’re looking for convenience, a livelier atmosphere and budget-friendly accommodation, Cairns is likely the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more laid-back environment, proximity to the beach, and don’t mind paying a little extra, Port Douglas could be better.

Both towns offer easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and other regional attractions, so whichever you choose, you’ll be well-positioned to experience the natural beauty of North Queensland. For more of Australia’s incredible natural beauty, check out the Blue Mountains in NSW!