On a private coastal headland 15km south of Port Douglas, Thala Beach is a sublime upmarket eco-retreat so relaxing that even locals come here to splash out and chill for the weekend. Luxurious tree-house-style bungalows are scattered throughout the jungle with easy access to a private stretch of beach, two pools, walking trails and a treetop restaurant.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Port Douglas
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
14.68 MILES
In the southeast corner of Daintree National Park, 5km west of Mossman town, Mossman Gorge forms part of the traditional lands of the Kuku Yalanji people…
26.32 MILES
These gorgeous gardens are an explosion of greenery and rainforest plants. Highlights include a section devoted to Aboriginal plant use, the Gondwana…
Cairns Esplanade, Boardwalk & Lagoon
28.65 MILES
Sunseekers and fun-lovers flock to Cairns Esplanade's spectacular swimming lagoon on the city’s reclaimed foreshore. The artificial, sandy-edged, 4800-sq…
28.42 MILES
Cairns' multi-million-dollar aquarium is well worth a visit for its vast and gorgeously presented range of marine life, the Great Barrier Reef in…
28.74 MILES
Take your knowledge to new depths at this fun, informative centre, where marine experts explain how to identify specific species of fish and coral, and…
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5.51 MILES
This sanctuary endeavours to keep and showcase native animals in enclosures that mimic their natural environment, while allowing you to get up close to…
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24.72 MILES
This award-winning attraction's aerial walkway, which includes a 23m tower used to study carbon levels, takes you high into the forest canopy. A theatre…
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Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
21.48 MILES
Managed by the area’s original custodians, this award-winning cultural extravaganza tells the story of creation using giant holograms and actors. There's…
Nearby Port Douglas attractions
1. Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
5.51 MILES
This sanctuary endeavours to keep and showcase native animals in enclosures that mimic their natural environment, while allowing you to get up close to…
2. Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
6.12 MILES
North of Ellis Beach towards Port Douglas, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures offers a daily range of squeal-inducing events including croc farm tours,…
7.59 MILES
This broad stretch of squeaky sand wraps around the eastern side of the peninsula in a near-perfect arc of sand and swaying palms – access is off the…
7.87 MILES
Head up to Flagstaff Hill for sensational views over Four Mile Beach and the Coral Sea. Drive or walk up via Wharf St, or there's a walking path leading…
5. Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina
8.04 MILES
The hub of waterbased activities in Port Douglas, Crystalbrook Marina is also attempting to be a social hub with a few restaurants, bars and boutique…
8.19 MILES
Worth a peek inside (when it’s not overflowing with wedding parties), this quaint, nondenominational, white timber church was built in 1880, rebuilt after…
8.21 MILES
The quaint and quiet 1879 Court House contains historical exhibits, including the story of Ellen Thompson, who was tried for murdering her husband in 1887…