Four Mile Beach: A Magical Beach in Port Douglas in Far North Queensland
Located in the charming coastal town of Port Douglas, Four Mile Beach is one of Australia’s most stunning beaches.
With its soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views of the Coral Sea, it’s no wonder that this beach is a popular destination for a Queensland beach holiday.
In this article, I’ll showcase Four Mile Beach in more detail, exploring what makes it such a special place to visit.
From its scenic beauty and inviting waters to the range of activities available to visitors, I’ll cover everything you need to know about this iconic beach paradise in Port Douglas.
Location
Four Mile Beach is located in the tropical town of Port Douglas, which is situated in Far North Queensland in Australia.
The beach stretches for approximately four miles (hence its name) along the Coral Sea and is situated at the northern end of Macrossan Street, the main street of Port Douglas. It is accessible via several entry points along the street, with ample parking available nearby.
The town of Port Douglas is approximately 70 km north of Cairns and about 1700 km from Brisbane. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, including its beaches, rainforest, and Great Barrier Reef.
Four Mile Beach is approximately a 45-minute drive from Palm Cove and close to several other beaches near Cairns.
Beach Facilities
Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas offers a range of facilities to visitors, making it a comfortable and convenient place to spend the day. The beach has several toilet blocks located along its length, as well as outdoor showers for rinsing off after a swim. There are also several BBQ areas available for public use, making it easy to cook up a delicious meal while enjoying the beach views.
For those looking for shade from the tropical sun, there are a number of covered picnic tables and shaded areas available. The beach also has a range of rental options, including sun loungers, umbrellas, and stand-up paddleboards, which can be rented from vendors operating along the beach.
In addition to these facilities, Four Mile Beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers during the peak season and there are stinger nets, ensuring the safety of swimmers and surfers. Overall, the range of facilities available at Four Mile Beach makes it an ideal location for a fun and relaxing day out at the beach.
Things to do at Four Mile Beach
There is a range of activities available at Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas, making it a popular destination for those wanting a Far North Queensland holiday getaway. Here are some of the things you can do at Four Mile Beach:
Swimming: The beach is a great spot for swimming, with a stinger net that provides a clear space of calm waters to swim in.
Sunbathing: With plenty of golden sand to lay your towel on, Four Mile Beach is the perfect place to soak up some sun.
Walking and Jogging: Its long stretch of sand provides a terrific opportunity for a leisurely stroll or jog along the beach, taking in the stunning ocean views.
Picnicking: The beach has several covered picnic areas with BBQs, making it an idyllic spot for a family picnic.
Stand-up Paddleboarding: Four Mile Beach beach offers stand-up paddleboard rentals, providing a fun and unique way to explore the ocean.
Surfing: Generally, the beach has waves that are suitable for beginner and intermediate surfers, making it a great spot to ride some swell.
Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as turtles and dugongs that frequent the area.
Overall, there is something for everyone at Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas, making it a must-visit destination for families wanting a relaxing family holiday in Far North Queensland.
Shops
There are no shops located directly on Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas as it is a natural beach with no commercial development. However, there are several shops and cafes located nearby in the town of Port Douglas, which is only a short walk from it.
In Port Douglas, visitors can explore the local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries located along Macrossan Street and Wharf Street. There are also several cafes and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, from seafood to international fare.
Additionally, the nearby Marina Mirage offers a selection of luxury shops selling clothing, jewelry, and other high-end items.
Visitors to Four Mile Beach can easily make a day trip to Port Douglas from Palm Cove or Cairns to explore the shops and cafes, then return to the beach or their hotel pool for some relaxation and outdoor activities.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny with lower humidity and little to no rainfall.
This makes it an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the nearby Great Barrier Reef. The water is also clear and calm during this time, making it perfect for snorkeling and diving.
The peak season for tourism in Port Douglas is from June to August, so visitors should be prepared for larger crowds and higher accommodation prices during this time. However, the weather during this time is usually perfect for a beach vacation.
If you prefer to avoid the crowds and want to save some money, consider going during the shoulder season (May or September/October). The weather is still good, but there are fewer tourists and accommodation prices may be more affordable.
It’s important to note that stinger season runs from November to May, so tourists should take necessary precautions during this time if they plan to swim in the ocean.
How to get there
To get to Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas, there are several options:
By car: If you have access to a car, you can drive to Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas from Cairns or Palm Cove. The beach is located at the end of Port Douglas Road, which is the main road in town. There is parking available at the beach, but it can get crowded during peak tourist season.
Public transport: There are several public transport options that will get you to Four Mile Beach. The local bus service, Sunbus, has a regular service that runs from Cairns to Port Douglas, with stops along the way. Once in Port Douglas, you can catch a shuttle bus or taxi to the beach.
Tour operators: Many tour operators in Port Douglas offer transfers to and from Four Mile Beach as part of their day trip or activity packages. This is a convenient option if you’re looking for a hassle-free way to get to the beach and want to combine it with other activities or sightseeing.
Bike or walk: For the more active traveller, you can also bike or walk to Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas. There are several bike rental shops in town, and the beach is accessible via a scenic walking trail that runs along the coastline.
Hotels in Port Douglas
If you’re planning a family holiday in Queensland, Port Douglas is a fantastic destination to consider. With its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and endless outdoor activities, it’s a maginificent place for a family getaway. But where should you stay? Here are my recommendations of some of the best hotels in Port Douglas:
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort: This luxurious resort is situated on Four Mile Beach and features lagoon-style swimming pools, a kids’ club, and a range of family-friendly activities.
Oaks Port Douglas Resort: This trendy hotel is nestled in the heart of Port Douglas and offers spacious rooms and suites, a large lagoon pool, and a range of family-friendly amenities, including bike rentals and a games room.
Peppers Beach Club: Located just steps from Four Mile Beach, this elegant resort features spacious apartments, a tropical lagoon pool, and a range of family-friendly activities, including a kids’ club and a games room.
Ramada Resort by Wyndham: This affordable resort is located just a short drive from Port Douglas and offers spacious rooms and apartments, a large swimming pool, and a range of family-friendly activities, including bike rentals and a tennis court.
No matter which of these hotels you choose, you’re sure to have a fantastic family holiday in Port Douglas, Tropical Far North Queensland.
Dining Options
Port Douglas offers a wide range of dining options for families on a Queensland holiday. There are many family-friendly restaurants and cafes to choose from, serving up a variety of cuisines to suit all tastes. Here are some of the best places to eat in Port Douglas:
The Little Larder – This charming café is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering a range of breakfast and lunch options, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Hemingway’s Brewery – Situated in a historic wharf building, this popular brewery serves up a range of craft beers and pub-style fare, with a kids’ menu available.
Salsa Bar and Grill – This lively restaurant offers a fusion of Asian, South American, and Mediterranean cuisine, with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
Zinc Port Douglas – Located right on the beachfront, this elegant restaurant offers modern Australian cuisine and stunning ocean views, with a kids’ menu available.
Mocka’s Pies – A favourite among locals, this bakery sells delicious savoury and sweet pies, including gluten-free and vegetarian options.
The Combined Club – This casual pub-style restaurant offers a range of affordable meals, with a kids’ menu available, as well as live music and entertainment on weekends.
Choo Choos @ St Crispins – This fun and quirky café is located in an old railway carriage and serves up a range of tasty meals and snacks, with a kids’ menu available.
Whether you’re looking for a casual café or a fine dining experience, Port Douglas has something to suit all tastes and budgets.
Coffee
Port Douglas is a beautiful coastal town that attracts thousands of tourists every year. The town has a vibrant coffee culture, and there are several excellent cafes to choose from. Here are some of the best places to buy coffee in Port Douglas on an FNQ family holiday:
Origin Espresso: Located on Grant St, Origin Espresso is a small cafe that serves excellent coffee and delicious pastries. The cafe has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and is a great place to grab a coffee and sit outside and people-watch.
The Little Larder: The Little Larder is a popular brunch spot that serves great coffee and a variety of breakfast and lunch dishes. The cafe has a rustic, laid-back feel and is perfect for families with kids.
Betty’s Bohemian Beach Cafe: Betty’s Bohemian Beach Cafe is a quirky and colourful cafe that serves excellent coffee and a variety of healthy dishes. The cafe is located on the beachfront and has a bohemian vibe that is perfect for families.
Whileaway Bookshop and Cafe: Whileaway Bookshop and Cafe is a unique cafe that combines a bookstore with a coffee shop. The cafe serves excellent coffee and has a great selection of books, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
The Beach Shack: The Beach Shack is a beachfront cafe that serves great coffee and delicious food. The cafe has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and is the perfect place to grab a coffee and watch the world go by.
Overall, there are plenty of excellent coffee shops in Port Douglas, making it the perfect place for families who love a good cup of coffee.
