Cairns vs. Port Douglas: Reef, Rainforest, and Relaxation – Choosing Your Tropical Base

While researching my trip I was torn between Cairns vs. Port Douglas when choosing my base to explore the region. In my opinion, neither Cairns nor Port Douglas are thrilling destinations outside of the reef and rainforest, so it ultimately comes down to price and convenience.

They are both very small towns. So I would fill your days with tours and spend your evenings relaxing or walking the compact city centers. There are pros and cons to making each your base for exploring the area which I’ve outlined in this article. For more information on Cairns specifically, check out Cairns, Your Guide to the Great Barrier Reef.

Cairns vs. Port Douglas – In a Nutshell

Cairns: A little more exciting, offers easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and other tours of the area. Here are two tours I did from Cairns: Silverswift Cruise and Frankland Islands. More budget friendly with small shops and restaurants to enjoy.

Port Douglas: Compact and relaxed, small-town feel with more beaches and easier access to the Daintree Rainforest. Many tours for the Great Barrier Reef depart from this area as well. Check out this tour that takes you to the reef. A little more expensive with easier access to nature.

If I went again I would stay in Port Douglas instead of Cairns. I’d join a Great Barrier reef tour from Port Douglas, like this one. Then spend the remaining time exploring Daintree, Cape Tribulation and other beaches in the area.

Cairns

• More to Explore: Cairns is a larger city than Port Douglas and has more developed infrastructure, offering a wider variety of restaurants, shops, and nightlife options.
• Budget-friendly: Cairns generally has more affordable accommodation and dining options compared to Port Douglas.
• Great base for exploring: Cairns is well-located for exploring the surrounding areas, including the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and Kuranda Scenic Railway. I took multiple tours with pick-ups just footsteps from my hotel.
• No beach in the city center: While Cairns has a lagoon, you’ll need to travel to nearby beaches like Palm Cove or Trinity Beach for sunbathing. NOTE: There have been crocodile attacks and sightings at these beaches, so I would take caution if you choose to swim
• SAFETY NOTE: When I arrived at my hotel in Cairns the hotel staff warned me about the area and told me it was best not to go out too late in the evening alone. I was solo traveling and he advised me to be cautious and pointed out multiple directions not to walk. I spoke with other solo female travelers and they also felt a little on-edge in Cairns. With that being said, I didn’t feel like I was in danger, I just felt a little uncomfortable. Take extra precautions if you’re in Cairns traveling by yourself, stay close to the city center, or look into Port Douglas as an alternative.

Port Douglas

• Relaxed, resort-town atmosphere: Port Douglas is a smaller town with a more laid-back vibe, known for its luxurious resorts, beautiful beaches, and upscale restaurants. Personally, if it wasn’t for the convenience of Cairns I would have stayed here instead. But I think more tours start in Cairns instead of Port Douglas.
• Closer to the Daintree Rainforest: Port Douglas is closer to the Daintree Rainforest, making it a convenient base for exploring this ancient rainforest. I’d highly recommend joining a tour to get details about the animals, history, and unique ecosystem.
• Limited nightlife: Port Douglas has a quieter nightlife scene.
• Generally more expensive: Port Douglas tends to be more expensive than Cairns in terms of accommodation and dining.