Four Mile Beach

Four Mile Beach is the heart of Port Douglas, a long, gently curving strip of pale sand that runs from the edge of town to the resorts and beyond. Palms and casuarinas line the back of the beach, the water is warm and clear, and on a good day the mountains of the Daintree rise behind a line of green. The beach is open to the public, free to enter and wide enough that you rarely feel crowded. A walk from the surf club at the Macrossan Street end north towards the resorts is among the nicest things you can do in town, particularly in the early morning or at sunset. Swimming is the obvious activity, but the beach is also a place for walking, jogging, yoga, beach cricket and long lunches. The surf club offers a patrolled swimming area, and the public beach is backed by shady parkland that makes it easy for families to spend an afternoon.

Safety comes first in tropical north Queensland. From roughly November to May, box jellyfish and Irukandji are present in the water, and the patrolled area is the safe place to swim, usually within a stinger net or a designated zone. Swimmers should wear stinger suits where required and follow lifeguard guidance. Crocodiles are present in the region's rivers and estuaries, and signage will tell you where swimming is not advised. Outside stinger season, the beach is a pleasure to swim from, but the same advice to follow signs applies.

The beach changes with the tides. At low tide it becomes very wide, ideal for long walks and ball games, while at high tide the sand narrows near the trees. Early mornings bring joggers, dog walkers and the best light for photography, and sunset brings the glow behind the mountains. Along the edge you will find cafes, resorts and the iconic path to Flagstaff Hill, a lookout that gives a famous view over the beach.

A few extra tips make the most of your time. Visit at low tide for the widest beach and the firmest sand, and check tide times in advance if you plan to walk the full length. Early morning is the coolest time for exercise, while evening is best for photographs, with the sun sinking behind the mountains. Carry water and avoid walking barefoot on hot sand at midday. Look for the lifeguard flags and notice boards, which show current conditions, and ask the lifeguards if you are unsure.

If you are staying at a resort with beach access, you can reach quiet sections away from the main entrance. A short climb up Flagstaff Hill gives the classic view over the beach and is easy even for children. Pack a picnic, find a shaded spot under the trees and enjoy one of the best free experiences in the region.