Enjoy the sea breeze at the waterfront restaurants of the Marina Mirage and go shopping for souvenirs in the air-conditioned arcade. You can catch fish in the mangrove creeks across the port. Book a cruise to see the underwater world of the biggest barrier reef on the planet.
Dickson inlet spills out from the Coral Sea into the Marina. As an old fishermen’s village and trade route for gold and sugar cane, Port Douglas has had a relatively busy natural harbour since the early days of European settlement. These days it is a dock for fast catamarans, elegant sailboats and luxury yachts.
During the peak tourist season, especially during the Christmas holidays, the Marina Mirage’s arcade resembles a bustling mall. Most other days the venue is busy only in the early morning and late afternoon, when the boats pick up and drop off passengers who have come to see the Great Barrier Reef.
The biggest tour operators have offices in the Marina Mirage. Many visitors enjoy breakfast or coffee in the Marina before joining a cruise for the day.
After your reef adventure, buy distinctive Australian beachwear, jewellery adorned with locally sourced opals or crafts made by indigenous people in this remote northern region. Souvenir shops sell small keepsakes picturing local marine species.
Rent a pontoon boat with rods to enjoy a few hours of fishing in the extensive mangrove forest across from the Marina. You may see crocodiles, so don’t even think about swimming!
On Sundays, hop on the Bally Hooley, a historic little steam train, to ride from the Marina Mirage to various locations in town.
The Marina Mirage is located on the west side of the Port Douglas peninsula. Shuttle buses and taxis can drop you off in the Marina Mirage from your accommodation. The Marina is just a few blocks away from central shopping streets, so it is easy to get there on foot or by bike too. There are public toilets and free parking. Most facilities in the Marina Mirage close around sunset.
