Hands up if your idea of a romantic date generally entails sitting across from each other ordering from a menu that you have trouble pronouncing, let alone knowing exactly what it is? Sure, your first dinner at Salsa Bar and Grill is a total date winner – so much so it becomes the perfect locale for your wedding reception a few years later (… my hand is still up).
But sometimes a special person requires a little extra thought, perhaps some activity to pave the way for a budding romance, so to speak. Here are 10 romantic things to do in Port Douglas that don't (directly) involve dinner:
Not many people can claim to have the world's oldest living rainforest right on their doorstep, so the best advice is to make use of it.
Escaping to a hidden retreat nestled amongst the canopy or perched high above the Coral Sea in the treetops sounds like a date winner.
Again... make use of that rainforest! Get some downtime (and quiet time) with a luxe couple’s treatment at Silky Oaks Lodge, taking in the sights, smells and sounds of nature.
In a helicopter, of course! GBR Helicopters will let you have a bird's-eye view of the stunning reef-meets-rainforest landscape, before landing on a private island for a swim and lunch.
You'll also learn pretty quickly who can tolerate heights and who can tolerate being totally spoiled.
Enjoy a lazy morning before sailing to Low Isles with Sailaway for an adults-only afternoon of snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, topped off with a sunset sail back to Port Douglas. How refined!
For something a little different, try the freshwater version and ‘river drift’ snorkel down the Mossman River.
Take a spiritual, life-enriching walk with a local Kuku Yalanji guide along their private tracks at Mossman Gorge and learn about how they survived and thrived in the rainforest for centuries. Then jump into the gorge for a swim.
Sunrise on Four Mile Beach is an enchanting hour to take a leisurely stroll, jog or simply enjoy the dawn beauty and local dogs playing.
Watch the sunset over the Daintree Rainforest at Rex Smeal Park, paired with local fish and chips and a cool drink.
Don’t forget a picnic blanket and ice bucket if you really want to show off.
Flaunt your local knowledge prowess with a day exploring the Great Barrier Reef Drive.
From Cairns to Cape Tribulation, the road is littered with secluded beaches, off-the-beaten-rainforest-tracks and freshwater swimming holes ready to explore (not to mention the odd cafe and rainforest-clad restaurant to fuel up at).
For MTB enthusiasts, go downhill along the Bump Track on a guided tour (we don’t want you getting lost, plus they provide all the gear).
Or explore the Daintree Rainforest via electric mountain bike. Helps with the hills.
There’s something about horse riding that makes people go ga-ga. That feeling intensifies when you go horse riding along the beach at sunset at Cape Tribulation, exploring rainforest trails and deserted beaches in the oldest living rainforest in the world.
Top the day off with an overnight stay where the rainforest meets the reef.
Arrive in tropical Port Douglas and settle into your accommodation, enjoy a cocktail or two by the pool before meeting up with the rest of the wedding group for a sunset sail soaking up the magnificent sunsets over the Coral Sea and Daintree Rainforest.
Arrive in Tropical North Queensland and board your private transfer to Port Douglas taking in the breathtaking views along the magnificent Great Barrier Reef Drive.
Settle into your tropical surrounds before boarding your sunset sail in paradise. Sit back and sip champagne while taking in the magnificent views of the Daintree Rainforest and the Coral Sea. Once disembarking your boat, Barbados Port Douglas is the ideal spot to take in the tropical evening with a pre-dinner cocktail. From there, take a gentle stroll down Macrossan Street, lined with fairy lights before indulging in a dining experience to start your holiday in style.
Port Douglas wedding ideas. Jacqui and Andrew held their ceremony at St Mary's By The Sea followed by a reception at Salsa Bar and Grill.
Port Douglas wedding ideas. Viktoria and Dougal were married at the secluded beach behind St. Mary's By The Sea.
Port Douglas wedding ideas. Amber and Martin were married at St. Mary's By The Sea followed by a reception at the Sugar Wharf.
Port Douglas wedding ideas. Ben and Monika were married at Little Cove followed by a reception at Port Douglas Sugar Wharf.
Port Douglas Wedding Ideas. Amber and Taylor were Married at St Mary's by the Sea, Followed by a Reception at Salsa Bar & Grill.
