Port Douglas Holiday Tropical North Queensland
Table of Contents
Visiting Port Douglas? Then you should definitely check out Four Mile Beach. It’s one of the nicest beaches in Tropical North Queensland. Below is the table of contents for my review of it.
1. Introduction
2. Where is Four Mile Beach?
3. Best time to visit Four Mile Beach?
4. How to Get to Four Mile Beach
5. Beach facilities at Four Mile Beach
6. Things To Do At Four Mile Beach
7. Tours and Excursions
8. Port Douglas Accommodation
9. Port Douglas Restaurants
10. Shops at Port Douglas
11. Coffee
12. Final Thought
13. FAQs
Hopefully, having read the article you will be inspired to pay a visit to this wonderful Aussie beach.
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you interact with them).
Read Time: 11 Minutes
Introduction
Four Mile Beach Port Douglas is one of my favourite Australian beach destinations to visit in Tropical North Queensland.
Lined with gently swaying palm trees and defined by a mountainous backdrop, the beach stretches for approximately four miles (hence its name) along the Coral Sea. Its golden sands are situated at the northern end of Macrossan Street, which is the main street of Port Douglas, making it very easy to access from several entry points along the street.
As it is patrolled by surf lifesavers and has a stinger net in season, Four Mile Beach offers a tranquil swimming experience in an idyllic natural setting. It is also good for walking, sunbathing, beachcombing and poking around the rock pools which are located at the southern end of the beach.
For a great Four Mile Beach and Coral Sea views, make your way up to the top of Flagstaff Hill. There you’ll be able to see a fuller extension of both, as well as the Low Isles, Snapper Island and the Daintree Rainforest.
Alternatively, book one of the helicopter tours that will take you out to the Great Barrier Reef to see them from a goose-bump inducing aerial perspective.
Four Mile Beach is a relatively straightforward destination to get to from Cairns or anywhere in Far North Queensland.
Where is Four Mile Beach?
Four Mile Beach is located in the tropical town of Port Douglas, which is situated in Far North Queensland in Australia.
It is approximately 70 km north of Cairns and about 1700 km from Brisbane, while Palm Cove and several other beaches near Cairns are about a 45-minute drive away along on the Captain Cook Highway.
The traditional owners of the land in which Port Douglas and the Mowbray River is contained within are the Yirrgandji (pronounced Irikandji) people. However, the town was named Port Douglas, after John Douglas, a former Queensland Premier who served between 1877 and 1879.
Interestingly, many people think that the North Cape Yorke Peninsula, which represents the very northern tip of Queensland and Australia, is a short distance from Port Douglas. But it is actually about 970 km away, which gives you some idea of how big the Sunshine State is!
Distance from Port Douglas to Other Destinations
Best time to visit Four Mile Beach?
The best time to visit Four Mile Beach is during the dry season which runs from May to October. At this time, the Port Douglas weather is generally warm and sunny. Additionally, there is less humidity and rainfall than in other parts of the year.
These conditions make it an ideal time to enjoy beach activities in Port Douglas, like swimming in the stinger nets, sunbathing and beach walking. However, you will still need to take sensible precautions to prevent yourself from getting sunburnt.
If you want to do activities such as scuba diving and snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, these months are a great time of year to do so because the water is clear and calm. Just make sure you book a tour well in advance of your visit to avoid the potential disappointment of missing out.
The peak season for visiting Four Mile Beach and Port Douglas is between June and August. As many people escape the colder climates of the southern states, like New South Wales and Victoria, this part of Northern Queensland welcomes larger visitor numbers.
However, as the price of Port Douglas resorts and hotels increases to maximise profit from the demand at this time, you should consider going during the shoulder season months of May and September/October to avoid crowds and save money.
The summer months of December to February represent peak storm season. They are defined by sweltering temperatures and high humidity which could impact your holiday experience.
That said, you can usually pick up some great deals on Port Douglas accommodation, and in particular, beachfront accommodation along Four Mile Beach. If you are happy to put your Queensland holiday in the hands of the weather gods, you might want to schedule a visit at this time.
How to Get to Four Mile Beach
Four Mile Beach is a relatively straightforward destination to get to from Cairns or anywhere in Far North Queensland.
If you have access to a car, you can drive to this fantastic beach from the city or surrounding area along the Captain Cook Highway. It will take you just over an hour to get from Cairns to Port Douglas and about 40 minutes from Palm Cove. If you are heading down from Cooktown, the journey will take about three hours.
The beach is located at the end of Port Douglas Road, the turn off for which is well signposted on the main road. There is plenty of all-day parking available at the beach and along the Macrossan Street. So, even in the height of the peak season, you shouldn’t have any issues finding a spot.
For those without a car, public transport will easily get you to Four Mile Beach. The local bus service, Sunbus, has a regular service that runs from Cairns and the surrounding suburbs to Port Douglas, stopping several times along the way. Once in Port Douglas, the beach is just a short walk away from the bus stop.
If you don’t have a car or want to rely on public transport, many tour operators in Cairns offer excursions and transfers to and from Four Mile Beach as part of their day trips or activity packages. Often this is one stop on a bigger tour that will also take you to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree National Park.
Four Mile Beach is one of the best beaches in Australia for relaxing and there are plenty of sunbathing spots along its 4 km stretch where you can top up your tan.
Beach facilities at Four Mile Beach
One of the best features of Four Mile Beach Port Douglas Australia is that it offers a range of beach facilities for visitors to enjoy.
The beach is patrolled by the Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club and there is a stinger net in place at its northern end during the stinger season. Broadly speaking, this season runs between November and May, depending on tidal and weather patterns.
You’ll find standard toilets and open beach showers at the beach as well as plenty of car parking spaces. Additionally, there are several shaded picnic tables, bench seating and barbecues, especially at Rex Smeal Park – a picturesque greenspace that overlooks the Coral Sea. Children can have fun on a playground here, while this is also a top spot to see the Queensland sunrise over the watery horizon.
What distinguishes Four Mile Beach apart from other beaches in Tropical North Queensland is that it is well set up to accommodate the needs of visitors who have disabilities. There is one unisex accessible toilet (at the main block on Mowbray Street near the Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club) that can be used by those in a standard wheelchair.
Moreover, there are convenient disability car spaces that give you excellent access to beach matting, which has been laid down to provide direct access to the beach. Just be mindful that the accessibility of the matting will depend on wind and tidal conditions, though generally it is kept pretty clear.
If you don’t want to take your wheelchair down to the sand, the surf club have a Sandcruiser wheelchair that is available for people to use for free on a first come first served basis. It does not need to be booked in advance and can be picked up between the hours of 9 am and 4.30 pm, every day of the week, from the Surf Life Saving Lifeguard Hut.
Other Beaches Near Port Douglas
Things To Do At Four Mile Beach
Four Mile Beach is one of the best beaches in Australia for relaxing and there are plenty of sunbathing spots along its 4 km stretch where you can top up your tan.
The beach has a stinger net that offers safe swimming and is an excellent surface for walking on. It is also a popular destination for playing beach cricket and tennis, as well as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and inner tubing – which you can hire from Port Douglas Watersports, which operates directly on the northern end of the beach.
For those who want to go fishing, the best place to do this is at the beach’s southern tip, either in the early morning or just before sunset. At that time, you should have no trouble hooking a Blue Salmon, Trevally, Whiting, Dart and Queenfish or two.
If you are really after a special experience, one of the best things to do in Port Douglas is see the sun rising over the horizon of the Coral Sea, which is best viewed under a palm tree. You’ll need to get up early to do it, as generally this takes place between 5 am and 6. 45 am, depending on the time of the year you visit the area.
Tours and Excursions
Aside from the beach, there are plenty of tours and excursions you can go on at and around Four Mile Beach and the wider Tropical North Queensland area.
These links for Get Your Guide and Viator showcase all of the activities offered by these travel activity marketplaces. However here is a list of some of the most popular activities to look out for:
Port Douglas Accommodation
If you are planning a Tropical North Queensland holiday to Port Douglas there are plenty of resorts and hotels near Four Mile Beach you can stay at.
Most of the best accommodation Port Douglas has to offer gets booked out earlier, especially during the peak tourist season. Therefore, I recommend you should make a booking as far in advance of your visit as possible.
You can search through a full list of all Port Douglas resorts and holiday rentals here. However, here are some of the best places to consider.
Sheraton Port Douglas: Located on Port Douglas Road, the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort is set on147 hectares of verdant tropical gardens. It boasts two hectares of saltwater lagoon swimming pools which is perfect for cooling off in the head of the day. It also accommodates an18-hole golf course and offers all the 5-star resort amenities you would expect from an unscale property.
Peppers Beach Club: Offering close access to the beach and the shops on Macrossan Street, this elegant resort boasts spacious apartments, a tropical lagoon pool and a delicious continental breakfast which is the perfect way to set yourself up for the day.
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple: This deluxe 5-star resort is located a few minutes away from Four Mile Beach. It is known for its beautiful rooms, convenient location and the excellent quality of food available at the Aqua Restaurant.
Ramada Resort by Wyndham: This more affordable resort on Port Douglas Road offers modern apartments that are equipped with flat-screen TVs, a double bed and a balcony. It also has a large swimming pool and outdoor barbecue area, therefore providing a good range of amenities to enjoy your Tropical North Queensland holiday.
No matter which of these Port Douglas holiday accommodation options you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a very comfortable stay at them. Alternatively, you might consider staying in Palm Cove which is a short drive away.
If you are the kind of person for whom shopping is a major part of your Queensland beach holiday experience, Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas won’t disappoint.
Port Douglas Restaurants
You won’t go hungry when you visit Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas. There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants and cafes along Macrossan Street and the surrounding area, which cater to various cuisines and all budgets.
One of the best places to dine in town is The Little Larder. Located in the Portico Shopping Centre, this charming café is a favourite among locals. It offers a tasty range of breakfast and lunch options, many of which are vegetarian and gluten-free. In the same complex, Zinc Port Douglas is an elegant restaurant that offers modern Australian cuisine in a refined setting.
Elsewhere, the Salsa Bar and Grill is a lively restaurant that serves a terrific selection of Asian, South American, and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Much of its menu is shared plates, so it is a terrific spot to visit with family or mates.
You should also check out Hemingway’s Brewery FNQ within the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina if you are looking for Port Douglas restaurants near the waterfront. This popular brewery with outdoor seating serves up a delicious range of craft beers and pub-style fare. It also has a terrific kids’ menu, meaning the little ones won’t go hungry.
For those wanting to take something to eat on the beach, Mocka’s Pies is a popular bakery that sells delicious savoury pastries like sausage rolls and pies, and sweet treats.
Port Douglas Restaurants
Shops at Port Douglas
If you are the kind of person for whom shopping is a major part of your Queensland beach holiday experience, Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas won’t disappoint.
While there are no shops located directly on the beach itself – due to it being a natural beach with no commercial development – 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. It is a long strip that extends for about 1 km and features several venues. As most of them are air-conditioned, they make terrific places to escape when the intense heat of the sun gets too much.
Tshinta, Portobello and Tommy Bahama are some very good clothes shops to check out, while With Sugar has some excellent gift ware. Additionally, Ngarru Gallery is excellent for art, especially indigenous works, and if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to check out the excellent selection of sweet treats at Coffee Works.
Additionally, the nearby Marina Mirage has a selection of luxury shops that sell clothing, jewellery and other high-end items. It is a very good place to come for souvenir shopping or to treat yourself to a holiday present.
Coffee
Love coffee? You’ll be pleased to read Port Douglas has a vibrant coffee culture, with several funky cafes around the town.
If you are the kind of person who likes to know where to get their coffee fix in advance, there are several places to buy coffee in Port Douglas during your FNQ family holiday.
Here are some of the best of them:
Origin Espresso: Located on Warner Street, this delightful cafe serves excellent coffee and delicious pastries. It has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and is a great place to sit outside and people-watch. It closes at 12.30pm every day, so make sure you get there before it shuts.
The Little Larder: This popular brunch spot in the Portico Shopping Centre also serves great coffee and has a lovely menu of breakfast and lunch dishes. The cafe has a rustic, laid-back feel and is perfect for families with kids.
Whileaway Bookshop and Cafe: This unique cafe on Macrossan Street combines a bookstore with a coffee shop. Their selection of books covers several genres and their coffee is superb, making it the perfect place to spend a few hours, especially during the hottest part of the day.
The Beach Shack: A beachfront cafe on Barrier Street that serves exceptional lattes, espressos and flat whites. The cafe has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and is the perfect place to grab a coffee and watch the world go by. As its name suggests, this venue is close to the beach.
Regardless of which cafe in Port Douglas you choose to visit, rest assured, the offer standard of coffee is very good.
Final Thought
As Tropical North Queensland beaches go, Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas is right up there with the best of them.
Blessed with a stunning natural setting and understated ambience, if you are looking for things to do on your holiday, visiting this family-friendly beach is an excellent option.
Boasting excellent swimming and water sports activities and plenty of fabulous Port Douglas attractions, there is more than enough to see and do in the region, to keep you entertained for a good few days.
FAQs
Where is Four Mile Beach?
Four Mile Beach is located in Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland. It is one of the nicest and most popular beaches in the region, comprising 4 km of gorgeous flat sand lined with verdant palm trees and foliage.
How Far Is Four Mile Beach from Cairns?
Four Mile Beach is situated about 63 km from Cairns. Overall, it should take you about an hour to drive from downtown Cairns to Port Douglas where the beach is based. This scenic coastal drive will take you along the Captain Cook Highway which showcases tremendous coastal scenery.
Can you swim in Four Mile Beach?
At Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas there is a stinger net available for you to swim in. The beach is also patrolled by surf-lifesavers. It is not recommended you swim outside of this stinger net as potentially deadly jellyfish are plentiful in the water.
Are there crocodiles at Four Mile Beach?
Throughout Tropical North Queensland crocodiles can be found in the saltwater waterways. Subsequently you should NEVER swim in rivers or salt water inlets. While crocodiles are unlikely to move beyond these saltwater areas they have been spotted on occasion on Four Mile Beach. Always exercise caution, especially when you see crocodile warning signs.
