The best (and safest) Port Douglas beaches and swimming spots

Carla GrossettiBy Carla Grossetti
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Stunning Port Douglas beaches and swimming spots to cool off year-round.

One of the most popular things to do in Port Douglas is to go for a swim to beat the heat. While swimming in the Wet Tropics isn’t without its dangers, you can take extra care to mitigate those risks by swimming between the flags (on Four Mile Beach), reading safety signs, talking to the famously friendly locals and checking the daily beach reports . Here are some of the best Port Douglas beaches and swimming spots.

Mossman Gorge

a woman sitting on a rock at Mossman Gorge, Port Douglas
The crystal clear rock pool is a swimmer’s paradise in the heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The Mossman River is unpatrolled, so those who swim here do so at their own risk. Although Mossman Gorge Centre advises against swimming in the river during the wet season, there are a few spots preferred by locals who exercise caution and avoid the area if there has been significant rainfall.  During the dry season (from April to October), you will find a sheltered swimming hole at Mossman Gorge where the pristine rainforest water flows around the giant boulders.

Look out for the Hippy Hole along the way, which also has a sandy riverbank where you will often find the prerequisite knot of locals with tie-dyed t-shirts and dreadlocks who may well have inspired the name. It costs about $8.90 for adults and $4.45 for children to enter Mossman Gorge, which is an Indigenous ecotourism experience managed by the Kuku Yalanji people.

The swimming hole is for strong swimmers only. Join a Windswell Port Douglas tour to paddleboard along the Mossman River through the pristine rainforest or go wakeboarding, foilboarding or tube riding off Four Mile Beach. The company specialises in watersports and has added new Fliteboard Sessions for novices or experienced surfers. You can also dive headfirst into a River Drift Experience with Back Country Bliss Adventures , one of the best tours on offer in Port Douglas.

Four Mile Beach

the Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas
The palm-fringed Four Mile Beach stretches four kilometres of golden sand. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

If you’re pining for some sweet relief from the heat, you should follow the locals beating a path down to Four Mile Beach to swim between the flags. The beach, which is calm and protected, is just minutes from Macrossan Street and is shallow enough for the kids to splash around. Hire a sun bed and beach umbrella from Port Douglas Water Sports and stake out a spot near the surf club, where you can dip in and out of the water each day.

Walk the length of the strollable beach to where the mountains meet the sea, or hire some cricket gear, a kayak or an inner tube from Port Douglas Watersports . Take your copy of Field Guide to Birds of North Queensland by Phil Gregory to the beach and keep an eye out for osprey and sea eagles as well as scarlet honeyeaters. Oak Beach, 10 minutes’ south of Port Douglas, is also a popular spot for paddle-boarding over the fringing reef.

Mowbray Falls

the Big Mowbray Falls, Port Douglas
Hike the 3.2-kilometre trail to Big Mowbray Falls.

During the dry season (April to October), it’s worth heading out from the Black Mountain Road Trailhead for a hike along the 3.2-kilometre trail to Big Mowbray Falls. In wet weather, the rocks are slippery and the area is best avoided. But on a sunny day, after a spell of dry weather, it’s worth the effort to get to the emerald-green swimming spot.  The secluded swimming hole is like a natural plunge pool located at the top of the waterfall, so it’s good for the ‘gram. Don’t dive here, as the water is shallow. But do feel smug about making the trek to the top of the waterfall, as it is a bit of a scene-stealer.

The deep rock pools near Spring Creek Falls are another popular swimming spot in Port Douglas, also located in the Mowbray Valley. The trek takes about two hours each way, so active types will be rewarded with a dunk in the deep, rock pools, which sit in a basin amid the Tropical North Queensland wilderness. We recommend booking a stay at a resort in Port Douglas so you can unwind at the end of the day.

Emmagen Creek

people swimming in the clear waters of Emmagen Creek, Port Douglas
The freshwater swimming hole beckons for a cool dip. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Proponents of wild swimming will enjoy a day trip from Port Douglas to the Daintree to have a dip in the stunning swimming hole at Emmagen Creek. The creek is located some five kilometres north of Cape Tribulation, in the heart of the Daintree National Park. The creek is particularly beguiling in the dappled light that filters through the rainforest, and a swim here is feel-good forest bathing at its best.

For full rainforest immersion, head west and walk upstream to the larger swimming hole, which is the most enchanting place to swim. Please note: crocodiles are present in the lower, muddy brackish waters of the creek, so only swim in the swimming hole itself. The pool is in a pocket of Wet Tropics wilderness, so bring insect repellent, sunscreen and water. While it’s not recommended to dive here, there is a rope swing so you can break out a few inspired boomerangs on Instagram.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort & Plantation Resort

a couple relaxing in the pool at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
The saltwater lagoon pool invites easy dips between lazy sun lounging sessions. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

On a sun-drenched day, you can treat yourself by paying for a cabana and having lunch by the pool at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas . The resort is built around its pool, which blends seamlessly into its emerald-green golf course surrounds. Who says blue and green should never be seen? Set back from Four Mile Beach, the pool with the green-on-blue botanical colour theme is the perfect place to relax, cocktail in hand, in the manner in which you’re accustomed. Families looking for a more wallet-friendly option can head to Plantation Resort , where you can enjoy the tropical resort-style lagoon pool. The resort-style setting has a tiki bar that opens in the afternoon, serving really great Japanese food.

Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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An insider’s guide to Noosa’s best-kept winter secrets

    Lucy CousinsBy Lucy Cousins
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    As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

    As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

    Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

    Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

    Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach
    Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

    Where to eat in Noosa

    Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

    There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

    There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

    diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter
    Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

    Where to stay in Noosa

    Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

    There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

    For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

    a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa
    Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

    Things to do on land

    There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

    A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

    Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

    woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter
    Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

    Things to do in the water

    Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

    You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

    Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

    For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

    women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter
    Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

    Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.