Port Douglas and Daintree

ECO Certified Destination (Ecotourism) since 2019.

Port Douglas and the Daintree is the quintessential tropical paradise, showcasing the best of both worlds – the reef and the rainforest. From the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest reef system, and the Daintree Rainforest, home to the most unique ecosystem in the world; Port Douglas Daintree occupies a strong connection between the reef and the rainforest with the two nestled side by side.

Being the only region in the world where two natural World Heritage listed places meet, the region offers an abundance of tours and day trips to explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Read further to find out more about a green holiday in Port Douglas Daintree!

About the community

The destination is highly valued by the Traditional Owners of the land, including the Eastern Kuku Yalanji to the north and Yirrganydji to the south; as well as the Douglas Communities and visitors to the area.

The Kuku Yalanji people are the Indigenous inhabitants of the Port Douglas Daintree region. They are true rainforest people, living in complete harmony with the environment. It is part of them, and they are part of it, a notion that is brought to life during an Indigenous guided walking tour of Mossman Gorge. Be taken on a journey steeped in heritage as the Kuku Yalanji ancient culture and traditions are discovered at the Mossman Gorge Centre.

With the high demand of tourists in Port Douglas Daintree, investments have been made to preserve the cultural heritage and provide the best experience for guests whilst focusing on the impact of the surrounding environment. Through the development of the Mossman Gorge Centre, a World Heritage listed rainforest is now protected while being shared by its traditional owners.

The Mossman Gorge Centre not only shares extensive knowledge about the environment from our local Kuku Yalanji culture, but also offers several official welcome to country areas, a contemporary café serving Indigenous bush food inspired cuisine, an award winning modern art gallery, authentic local Yalanji gift shop and; eco-friendly shuttle services to manage visitor numbers to the national park. The Mossman Gorge Centre delivers the perfect cultural essence all in one place through the diverse experiences on offer.

Sustainability Commitment

There are voluntary activities that holiday makers can participate in when in Port Douglas Daintree, such as: clean up beach days, rainforest rescue and the tropical animal rehabilitation centre.

Clean up beach days involve working together with locals and other guests of the region, whilst collectively cleaning up the beaches that surround Port Douglas Daintree.
Rainforest Rescue in Daintree is an organisation that protects and restores the World-Heritage listed rainforests that surround Port Douglas Daintree. The projects this organisation undergoes are the re-establishment of rainforests through planting, maintenance and restoration programs available to any who wishes to volunteer.

Tropical Animal Rehabilitation Centre provides care to displaced, injured, sick or orphaned Australian wildlife native to Port Douglas Daintree through voluntary donations or volunteer work for the program. These voluntary actions ensure that the precious wildlife that surrounds Port Douglas Daintree are continually given the best possible care.

Slip slop slap

To avoid polluting the ocean, a natural sunscreen should be applied half an hour before swimming to prevent it from harming marine ecosystems. Alternatively, full stinger suits have a UV protection of 50+ meaning that this is a better option for protection for both skin and reef.