Top Adventure Activities for the Family in Port Douglas

Holidays in Australia can be as relaxing or as thrilling as you  like. 

Pristine Port Douglas, just 70 kilometres north of Cairns in far north Queensland, offers spectacular natural scenery and plenty of low-key options, but if it’s adventure activities you want, you won’t be stuck for choice. Here are our top ten adventure activities for families in Port Douglas.

1. Great Barrier Reef-Make Port Douglas your base and experience Great Barrier Reef cruises, dive trips, and snorkeling and sailing adventures during your stay. The World Heritage Great Barrier Reef Marine Park promises long-lasting memories. 
2. 2.Rainforest Safari-Explore the natural beauty of the Daintree Rainforest on a family rainforest safari. Select a tour that allows you to enjoy iconic Australian sites such as the National Park, Mossman Gorge, Daintree Tea Plantation, Bloomfield Track and Cape Tribulation Beach.

3.Jungle Surfing-See the exotic flora and fauna of the Daintree Rainforest from a system of platforms and cables in the treetops. Jungle Surfing is an educational and fun family affair, perfectly safe and suitable for all ages.

4.ATV Quad Bike Adventure-Daintree Station boasts 30 hectares of land, ideal for a fun family bush experience. On four-wheel motorbikes, race through the dirt and mud along old logging tracks. The ATV Quad Bike adventure is grubby, fast fun for thewhole family.

5.Horse riding-With experienced guides, follow forest trails and enjoy the sights and sounds of the local flora and fauna on horseback. Cape Trib Horserides, north of Port Douglas, offers exhilarating beach rides.

6.Mountain biking-With kids aged twelve and older, opt for a Port Douglas mountain biking wilderness adventure that takes you through some of the world’s oldest rainforests and along one of the country’s top ten bike rides.

7.Kuranda Scenic Railway-Travel by old-fashioned train through the World Heritage-listed rainforests of Far North Queensland. Enjoy breathtaking sights, and the thrill of travelling through mountain tunnels and across the Barron Gorge bridges. Discerning parents and children will appreciate the perks that come with a KSR Gold Class ticket.

8.Kuranda Skyrail-Stretching across the rainforests of Far North Queensland for 7 and a half kilometres, the Kuranda Skyrail return trip will keep the family happy for a couple of hours. Breathe in fresh rainforest air and take in views of the canopy, Barron Gorge and the Barron River.

9.White Water Rafting-Children as young as six can experience Barron River white water rafting, and with professional river guides on board you know your family can enjoy a safe and exciting experience riding the Barron River rapids.

10.Nocturnal Tours-With eighty percent of our iconic Australian animals making themselves known only at night, nocturnal tours in Port Douglas offer the family an exciting alternative to a day trip, allowing you to experience the rainforest by night and explore “The Dark Side of the Daintree”.

Explore North Queensland with the family and take on some of these adrenaline fuelled activities you won’t forget in a hurry. Escape Travel can assist you in booking flights, accommodation or tours in Port Douglas.

 Xanthe Coward is a writer and theatre reviewer who loves taking time out with her family where the rainforest meets the sea.