5 days in Great Barrier Reef Itinerary

A holiday in Port Douglas balances an activity-filled getaway with plenty of opportunities to relax, thanks to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and bustling beach life.

Start off your visit on the 13th (Wed): stop by With Sugar and then get to know the resident critters at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 14th (Thu): discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

For ratings, where to stay, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Port Douglas trip planner .

Sydney to Port Douglas is an approximately 7-hour combination of flight and shuttle. You can also drive; or do a combination of train and bus. In March, Port Douglas is a bit warmer than Sydney - with highs of 36°C and lows of 27°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Fri) so you can go by car to Cairns.

A neat, cosmopolitan city of shaded plazas and laid-back neighborhoods, Cairns serves as a popular base for exploration of the surrounding region and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as a center for watersport activities like surfing or waterskiing.

On the 16th (Sat), look for all kinds of wild species at Wildlife Areas. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 17th (Sun): have fun at Esplanade Lagoon Pool, then appreciate the history behind Cairns Cenotaph, and then stroll through Esplanade Boardwalk.

Take the guesswork out of planning a Cairns vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

Getting from Port Douglas to Cairns by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a shuttle. In March, daytime highs in Cairns are 36°C, while nighttime lows are 27°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sun) so you can travel back home.