Port Douglas on a Budget: A Family-Friendly Guide
For some reason, I found it harder than usual to dig up the right information on kid-friendly things to do in Port Douglas. Normally, I have no trouble finding budget-friendly activities, but this time, it took a bit more research. So, I figured I’d write the guide I wish I had found—because as stunning as Port Douglas is, it’s definitely a tourist hotspot, with resorts galore, which often means higher prices. But don’t worry! There are still plenty of affordable (or free!) ways to enjoy this tropical paradise with kids.
1. A Visit to While-away Bookshop & Café
Hannah enjoyed browsing through the books for sale at this quaint little bookshop
If you love books, Whileaway Bookshop & Café is a must-visit. It’s easy to find, right on the main shopping strip in Port Douglas, and has such a welcoming and cosy vibe. This little bookshop left an impression on me years ago, and I was adamant about bringing my book-loving girls back here this time around.
When we arrived, the café was just closing up, which meant I could sit, relax, and take in all the books without feeling like I was taking up a customer’s seat. Watching my girls browse the shelves, discovering stories that sparked their imaginations, was such a special moment. There are lots of other little trinkets and gifts here, a shoppers paradise really… It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and just soak in the atmosphere.
2. The Port Douglas Library – A Tropical Surprise
IIt just wouldn’t feel right for us to visit a new town without checking out the local library! The Port Douglas Library didn’t disappoint… it may be a smaller branch of the main council library, but it was unlike any other we’ve visited before. We love libraries, so discovering this one was a real novelty. We LOVED the outdoor seating/working/study areas, it provided a relaxed, tropical vibe, it was the perfect place to escape the heat, let the kids browse through some books, have a snack (its outdoors afterall, so all good there) and enjoy a slower pace for a while.
3. Treasure Hunting at The Nik Nak Shed
Our new Dinosaur friend got pride of place one of our walks down at the foreshore of Port Douglas.
Just a short walk from the library, we stumbled across The Nik Nak Shed, a charming little op shop that was perfect for a bargain hunt. The volunteers there were so lovely and friendly towards my kids, making them feel welcome as they browsed through all the quirky finds and of course the TOYS. It was a great way to pass the time, and, who knows, you might just find a unique souvenir at a fraction of the cost, we found a dinosaur… another dinosaur!!
4. A Special Visit to St Mary’s by the Sea
One of the loveliest spots we visited was St Mary’s by the Sea, a small, historic church right on the foreshore. With its stunning stained-glass window overlooking the Coral Sea, it’s easy to see why this little church is such a sought-after wedding venue. The kids and I had a sticky beak, and i loved looking out over the ocean, and could imagining all the special moments that have taken place here over the years (if these walls could talk hey!). It’s a little slice of serenity in the middle of a bustling tourist town. Free to have a look inside, the seating area is barricaded off to the general public.
5. Relaxing Family Fun at the Beach
Loved playing with my boys on the beach
Of course, no visit to Port Douglas is complete without a few solid hours at the beach! We spent the afternoon playing in the sand, climbing over the rocks, collecting treasures, and just enjoying the sunshine. Maddie set up her own little rock shop, carefully arranging and selling her “merchandise” to anyone who’d listen. Ari, on the other hand, was all about climbing and balancing on the bendy tree branch nearby. It was such a simple, slow, and happy time—exactly what family travel should be.
6. A Spontaneous Bush & Coastal Walk – Just Don’t Wear Thongs!
They boys enjoyed building a bridge for their new “pets” the Hermit Crabs
Towards the end of our stay in Port Douglas, we decided to go for a spontaneous walk along the coastal and bush trail. We hadn’t researched it at all but figured it couldn’t be that far… right? Wrong! It turned out to be a decent trek—stunning, but long, with plenty of hills.
Unfortunately, Micah was not into it at all, and guess who became his personal mode of transport? Hello, 12kg weights going uphill! Let’s just say my legs got quite the workout.
But honestly? This walk ended up being one of the most breathtaking parts of our trip! The views were incredible, and the cool sea breeze was so refreshing I couldn’t get enough of it. And just when we thought the adventure was over, we arrived at another stunning beach on the other side—so, naturally, we stayed and played all afternoon.
The kids and I at the top of the world (aka: on the Four Mile Beach walk)
We sent Brad off to fetch the car (and lunch!) while the rest of us played on the beach, and when he returned we turned our spontaneous walk into a spontaneous beachside picnic. It was one of those unexpected, unplanned travel moments that turned out absolutely perfect.
The kids’ highlight? Hermit crab collecting! They spent ages building little habitats for their tiny crustacean friends, making sure to return them safely to the rock pools afterwards. It was such a sweet moment of simple, hands-on fun.
Pro tip:
DON’T wear thongs like I did. I learned the hard way that proper shoes would’ve made the walk far more enjoyable!
7. Ending the Day with a Picnic Dinner at the Playground
We honestly had the most perfect weather during our time in Port Douglas. One evening, while on one of my many playground trips to the foreshore with the kids, I noticed a growing crowd gathering on the lawn. Curious, I decided to stick around a little longer to see what it was all about.
We loved our Port Douglas Sunset picnic, perfect end to a perfect day.
As the sun began to set, I understood the draw—it was one of the most breathtaking sunsets I had ever seen. People arrived with picnic chairs, blankets, and friends, settling in for what felt like a local tradition. A musician played softly in the background, adding to the already magical atmosphere. It was such a simple yet special way to spend an evening as a family.
The next night, we decided to do it properly. We packed our own picnic dinner, found a spot near the musician, and watched the cruise boats sail by as the sky turned shades of gold, pink, and purple. Saying it was magical would be an understatement.
It turned out to be the perfect way to wrap up our time in Port Douglas. The kids played, the music set the mood, and we just soaked in the moment. Coles, is conveniently located on the main street, which made grabbing a budget-friendly picnic easy peasy (with a cheeky frozen treat for dessert, of course!). Watching the sunset while the kids ran around playing was such a simple yet perfect way to end our adventure in this beautiful town.
8. The Foreshore Playground in Port Douglas – A Family Favourite
If you’re visiting Port Douglas with kids, the foreshore playground is an absolute must! Nestled right by the water, this spacious, well-designed playground was a favourite with my kids. We stopped here a lot during our time in Port Douglas.
Why its awesome:
The playground at the foreshore in Port Douglas is very popular with families. It is within walking distance to the main street that has loads of cafe’s and shops, and Coles if you need any supplies or a cool treat after playing in the sun (like we did on one of our days out and about)
its at a prime location. Sitting right on the waterfront, families can enjoy stunning ocean views and time together while the kids have fun running around and playing
plenty of shade, modern play equipment, and a soft-fall surface.
lots of BBQ facilities close by and toilets as well
t’s a safe and fun spot for kids of all ages. There’s a great mix of climbing structures, swings, slides, and imaginative play areas to keep little ones entertained for ages.
But what really makes this playground special is . It’s also right next to a large grassy area, which is perfect for picnics, ball games, or just lounging while soaking in the tropical vibes.
For us, it became a daily go-to spot—whether for a morning play session, an afternoon cool-down, or an evening picnic while watching the sunset.
9. Port Douglas Court House Museum.
We didn’t visit this museum ourselves, as the timing didn’t work in our favour, but I have heard great things about it. Thankfully it is very affordable, despite it being in a major tourist location. at only $3 per entry its a great way to see and learn more about the history of Port Douglas.
The museum is Housed in a heritage-listed former courthouse dating back to 1879, it offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the area, including maritime heritage, Indigenous culture, and the gold rush era. The museum is operated by the Port Douglas Historical Society and is open to the public on select days.
Its best to plan your visit and Check which days they are open, on their website here, as they could be subject to change due to volunteer availability.
Final Thoughts
While Port Douglas might be known for its luxury resorts and pricey tours, there’s still plenty to enjoy on a budget. From bookshop browsing to op shop treasure hunting, playing on the beach, and ending the day with a relaxed picnic, there are so many ways to experience this beautiful spot without breaking the bank.
Have you visited Port Douglas with kids? What were your favourite budget-friendly finds? Let me know in the comments! 👇🌴✨
