8 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.

Spend the 19th (Sun) among aquatic life with a scuba or snorkeling tour. Spend the 21st (Tue) spotting exotic species with a safari tour. There's lots more to do: relax in the rural setting at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, and get to know the resident critters at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas.

To find reviews, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Port Douglas trip itinerary builder website .

Melbourne to Port Douglas is an approximately 6.5-hour combination of flight and shuttle. You can also drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Melbourne in May: highs in Port Douglas hover around 32°C, while lows dip to 24°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Tue) so you can drive 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.

Spend the 22nd (Wed) among aquatic life with a scuba or snorkeling tour. Spend the 24th (Fri) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. There's lots more to do: trek along Esplanade Boardwalk, take in nature's colorful creations at Botanical Gardens, enjoy some diversion at Esplanade Lagoon Pool, and take in the exciting artwork at Bones and Jones.

For more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Cairns trip planner .

Traveling by car from Port Douglas to Cairns takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a shuttle. Expect a daytime high around 32°C in May, and nighttime lows around 24°C. You'll have a few hours on the 25th (Sat) to wrap things up before traveling home.