The main beach of Port Douglas is a perfectly soft, sandy stretch spanning from the northern headland and gently curving around for uninterrupted views into the horizon with accommodation and housing neatly hidden behind swaying palm trees. Just a five-minute walk from the main area of Port Douglas, Four Mile Beach is an idyllic tropical locale.
This popular tourist destination is one of the best-known beaches in northern Queensland. Four Mile Beach has its origins at the bottom of the 70m-high Island Point, a rocky headland to the north, and ends at the rocks, reefs and mangroves of the Mowbray River mouth. The northern end is located just 1km from the town centre of Port Douglas and is the most accessible and popular entry point. This is also where the Port Douglas Surf Lifesaving Club (SLSC) patrols the beach and maintains an enclosure net during stinger (jellyfish) season. Further down the beach is the Mirage Resort with three beach access paths and a residential area and sailing club to the south.
The beach is predominantly low and flat with water conditions favouring low, short waves that are better suited for kite and wind surfing than board surfing, especially when the Trade Winds blow from the south during the winter months. Rips are rare, but it's best to swim within the patrolled area. The appeal of Four Mile Beach really lies in its pristine wilderness and unspoilt beauty. The stunning sandy stretch is juxtaposed against tropical rainforest for idyllic sunrise and sunset vistas and shade during the day. Beach amenities include picnic and barbecue facilities, a playground and restroom and shower areas.
To visit Four Mile Beach, it's a 1km and 13-minute walk from the town centre of Port Douglas. Walk down Macrossan Street towards Davidson Street, turn right onto Garrick Street (where the SLSC is), then left onto Beryl Street and continue onto Sand Street for the northern end of Four Mile Beach.
