🔍

Port Douglas

QLD 4877 • Rest of QLD

3,650
Population (2021)
$71,240
Median Household Income
10.17 km²
Area
$350/wk
Median Rent
CoastalTourist HubResort TownBeachsideLeafy

About Port Douglas

Port Douglas is a celebrated tropical tourist town in Far North Queensland, located approximately 70 kilometres north of Cairns within the Douglas Shire. With a population of 3,650 and a median age of 44, the town blends long-term residents, hospitality workers, and retirees drawn by its spectacular natural surroundings and relaxed pace of life. Median personal incomes sit below the state average at around $824 per week, reflecting the town's predominantly service and tourism-based economy.

Port Douglas is internationally renowned for its stunning Four Mile Beach, reef dive operators providing access to the Great Barrier Reef, and its proximity to the ancient Daintree Rainforest — one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests. The village atmosphere along Macrossan Street, with its boutique shops, restaurants, and bars, gives the town a lively yet laid-back character distinct from larger Queensland cities. With no rail service, residents rely on private vehicles or coach connections to Cairns, but the extraordinary lifestyle — warm tropical climate, world-class natural attractions, and a genuine community spirit — makes Port Douglas one of Australia's most uniquely desirable places to call home.

Port Douglas falls under postcode 4877 and is governed by Douglas Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Cook electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4877
Urban Area
Mossman - Surrounds
LGA / Council
Douglas
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Cook
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.50°, 145.46°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
10.17 km²
Elevation
8m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$350
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,474
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
44 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.3%

17 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Coral Reef Coaches / Sun Palm Transport — Cairns CBD / Cairns Airport ~75 min

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
70 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
55-70 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
50-60 min

🛣️ Captain Cook Highway (B81) is the main route south to Cairns; coach services operate daily

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

The Macrossan Street village precinct is highly walkable for dining and shopping, but a car is needed to access most services and the broader region

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Douglas Local Government Area, which contains Port Douglas. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
991.2 / 100k
2yr Down 32.4% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
232.8 / 100k
2yr Down 17.0% 10yr Up 100.7%
Non-FV assault
1,652 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 165.9%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
285.3 / 100k
2yr Up 30.7% 10yr Down 43.5%
View all offence categories for Douglas →

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,504
Census 2021
3,650
▲ 4.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$39,260
Personal Income 2021
$42,848
▲ 9.1% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$42,848 / yr
$824/wk
Household
$71,240 / yr
$1370/wk
Family
$92,768 / yr
$1784/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,895
Born Overseas 1,164

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 244
  • 2. New Zealand 148
  • 3. Chile 62
  • 4. United States 40
  • 5. Italy 38
  • 6. Germany 36
  • 7. France 29
  • 8. Philippines 29
  • 9. India 25
  • 10. Canada 24

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,338
Australian 885
Irish 375
Scottish 358
German 203
Italian 189
Spanish 98
Australian Aboriginal 60
French 57
Dutch 51

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,407
Both parents born in Australia
1,285
Both parents born overseas
377
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
47.7%
Christianity
32.1%
Buddhism
1.2%
Hinduism
0.5%
Sikhism
0.5%
Judaism
0.3%
Islam
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
99 (2.7%)
5-14 years
213 (5.8%)
15-19 years
103 (2.8%)
20-24 years
178 (4.9%)
25-34 years
788 (21.6%)
35-44 years
449 (12.3%)
45-54 years
461 (12.6%)
55-64 years
600 (16.4%)
65-74 years
507 (13.9%)
75-84 years
205 (5.6%)
85+ years
39 (1.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Port Douglas known for? +

Port Douglas is known for Four Mile Beach, one of Queensland's most beautiful beaches, and as a premier gateway to both the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. The town is renowned for its sophisticated dining scene along Macrossan Street, luxury resorts, and laid-back tropical atmosphere.

How far is Port Douglas from Cairns? +

Port Douglas is approximately 70 kilometres north of Cairns, about a 55–70 minute drive via the scenic Captain Cook Highway. Cairns International Airport is the main gateway, with daily flights to major Australian cities.

Does Port Douglas have public transport? +

Port Douglas is served by Cairns Sunbus routes and shuttle services connecting to Cairns (approximately 1 hour). There is no rail service; a car or shuttle is the practical means of transport between Port Douglas and Cairns.

What is the population of Port Douglas? +

According to the 2021 Census, Port Douglas has a population of approximately 3,650 permanent residents, though this swells considerably during peak tourist season from April to October.

Is Port Douglas a good place to live? +

Port Douglas offers an extraordinary lifestyle combining world-class natural attractions, excellent dining, and a relaxed tropical community. It suits those in tourism and hospitality, retirees, and professionals who can work remotely, though housing is expensive and Cairns is relied upon for major services.

What is the postcode for Port Douglas? +

The postcode for Port Douglas, QLD is 4877.

What is the average income in Port Douglas? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Port Douglas is about $824 per week (around $42,800 per year). The median household income is $1,370 per week and the median family income is $1,784 per week.

What is the age profile of Port Douglas? +

The median age in Port Douglas is 44. The largest age group is 25–34 (788 residents, around 22%). Around 11% of residents are under 20 and about 21% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Port Douglas a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Port Douglas is part of the Douglas LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Port Douglas? +

In Port Douglas, the median weekly rent is $350, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,474 (2021 Census).