9 Free Things to do in Port Douglas and Daintree

There’s nothing worse than that twang of anxiety dancing around in the back of your mind, ruining your weekend or holiday – telling you that you need to tone down the spending! Nobody likes to be the broke a$$ party pooper but being tight doesn’t mean that you need to stop having fun! Here are some totally FREE things to do in Port Douglas and Daintree to take down that average daily spend on your next holiday.

1. Go for a morning walk along Four Mile Beach

Not just to the Surf Club either, we mean walk the entire length of Four Mile Beach. Start pre-dawn (don’t worry, that’s not too much before 6am) for the best Insta-worthy brag shots.

2. Go sailing

The Port Douglas Yacht Club offers free sunset sailing every Wednesday. Cruising the Coral Sea + meeting locals = money-can’t-buy experience.

3. National park trails and boardwalks are free!

Since those boots were made for walkin’ why not walk them up a mountain, gold rush track or rainforest boardwalk?

The Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail is Port Douglas' newest attraction, featuring magnificent views of the Coral Sea and Low Isles, Snapper Island and the Daintree Rainforest. This iconic walking track provides several photograph hot spots for visitors while showcasing the unrivalled natural beauty of Port Douglas and beyond.

4. Visit Mossman Gorge

Mossman Gorge is technically a national park, but needs its own line on the list. Why? Not only are there about 3km of stunning rainforest trails to explore, including a suspension bridge, lookout points and pram/wheelchair friendly sections, BUT it’s also a perfect spot for a picnic and a swim. Locals usually opt for the summer months, but the rest of the world is generally acclimatised to *fressssh* water temps and jump in year round.

5. Chill out at a Sunday Session

With local bands playing each week all you need to do is ask a local what they recommend or follow your ears to one of the iconic pubs on Macrossan Street or the brewery and bars at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas.

6. Catch the sunset at Rex Smeal Park

Because the candy floss tones bouncing across the water combined with the lush green of the rainforest beyond have been known to cause people to pack up their homes and move here permanently.

7. Cool off in a natural swimming pool

Escape the heat by seeking refuge under the shade of the Daintree Rainforest in one of its many freshwater creeks such as Mason's Swimming Hole.

8. Go fishing

Anglers will love to throw a line into the waters around the region from the beaches, the wharf or in the creeks and rivers. Cook up your catch on the free BBQs along the Esplanade or in Rex Smeal Park and budget becomes beautiful.

9. Walk down memory lane

Pick up a self-guided walking map from a tour office and take a walk through history in Port Douglas along the heritage trail. Each landmark is signposted with historical details – even locals learn new things!