What to do on your Queenstown campervan road trip?

There are few places in the world that are quite as spectacular as Queenstown. Situated on the edge of the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps, Queenstown is known for its four distinct seasons, natural scenery and thrilling attractions. From the moment you arrive in your campervan, you’ll see just why Queenstown is New Zealand’s leading visitor destination.

Discover the ultimate adventure

Queenstown has forged an enduring reputation as the adventure capital of the world with more than 200 different adrenaline-pumping activities on offer. Experience some of Aotearoa's most beautiful scenery in thrilling style with skydiving, river surfing, ziplining, white water rafting, and mountain biking – just to name a few!

Queentown’s dramatic alpine ranges are perfect for jet boating and bungee jumping – both of which were pioneered in New Zealand. The iconic Shotover Jet provides you with a world-class jet boating experience as you weave in and out of canyons at breathtaking speed while your pilot pulls 360 degree “jet spins” to keep you on the edge of your seat! Kawarau Bungy Centre is home to the world's first ever bungee jump. Plummet straight down so close to the river below that you can reach out and touch it for the ultimate adrenaline rush.

Winter is all about skiing and snowboarding with four excellent ski fields in the Queenstown area. The closest is Coronet Peak, which has been the premier winter playground since 1947 when the first rope lift in New Zealand was installed there. Queenstown's local ski area offers epic views over the Wakatipu basin while the huge variety of mountain terrain caters for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Coronet Peak is also home to the night ski for a unique snow sports experience.

Relax with serene cultural delights

If thrill seeking isn’t your style, there is still so much to experience in Queenstown. Take a stroll through the beautiful and tranquil Queenstown Gardens, relax aboard a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu, or enjoy dinner at the top of the Skyline Gondola with a bird's eye view of Queenstown's unique surroundings. After all that sightseeing, you’ll have earned a soak in the Onsen Hot Pools. Heal your body and mind with the soothing benefits of pure water and panoramic views of the Shotover River.

Queenstown is celebrated for its delicious food, spectacular wines, and vibrant nightlife. The city’s restaurants offer a gastronomic adventure with a wide range of cuisines using the freshest local produce. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal after a day of exploring or a fine dining restaurant, you’ll find something to satisfy every taste and every mood in New Zealand’s ultimate foodie destination.

Explore the stunning South Island

The fun and adventure doesn’t stop at Queenstown with plenty of nearby tours and day trips featuring gorgeous landscapes, calm blue waters and walking trails to explore. Embark on the scenic drive to Glenorchy before visiting the Kiwi Bird Life Park where you can meet New Zealand's beloved animals up close! During the warmer months, travel through the Gibbston Valley which is home to New Zealand’s most famous wine regions. Known as the Valley of Vines, you can enjoy some of the world’s best Pinot Noir at over 75 boutique wineries along with perfectly paired cheeses.

Driving to the top of the Remarkables mountain range and taking the 40-minute hike up to the picturesque, snow-fed Lake Alta is also well worth the trip during summer. Enjoy a romantic picnic by the lake nestled amongst the rugged backdrop of the Remarkables and, if you are feeling brave, a refreshing dip in the icy green waters.

The South Island road trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound is considered one the most scenic drives in the world. Located on the Wild West Coast about a 4-hour drive from Queenstown, Milford Sound is an awe-inspiring destination with its rugged cliffs, snow-capped peaks, lush green rainforests and cascading waterfalls that dissolve into mist. You can experience this majestic scenery from helicopter flights, guided kayaking tours, or the popular Milford hiking track.

Whatever you want to do and whatever your style is, Queenstown will feed your imagination, fuel your passions and revitalise your spirit.

Things to do in Queenstown

Alyssa Tresider / Friday, 17 May 2024

/ Categories: AU Blog

10 Things to See and Do in Port Douglas

It’s time to start planning your perfect Port Douglas road trip. If you’ve been eyeing Port Douglas for a while but are not sure where to start with the wide variety of Port Douglas attractions, activities, and things to do, we have you covered. Discover why you should visit Port Douglas, the best way to explore Port Douglas and our top ten things to do in Port Douglas, Australia.

Why you should visit Port Douglas

While many people ask the question: which is better, Cairns or Port Douglas? We’re going to give you all the reasons why visiting Port Douglas should be at the top of your Queensland travel itinerary. Situated an hour north of Cairns in Far North Queensland in Australia, Port Douglas is a charming coastal town that is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and vibrant atmosphere that has something for everyone.

From its world-famous beaches, world-heritage Great Barrier Reef and world’s oldest tropical rainforest (that’s a lot of global recognition in one place), if you’re asking yourself ‘is Port Douglas worth going to?’ the answer is a resounding yes. Not sure when to visit Port Douglas? See our best time to visit Queensland guide.

The best way to explore Port Douglas

The best way to explore Port Douglas is undoubtedly by a camper or motorhome road trip and this will pay off before you even reach the coastal town. Port Douglas is situated between two world heritage sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, and the drive from Cairns to Port Douglas (appropriately named the Great Barrier Reef Drive) is one of the most scenic in the world.

Once you’ve arrived in Port Douglas, your motorhome means you have the freedom to explore all the Port Douglas attractions and activities at your own pace and style. You can avoid the crowds, plan your travel itinerary according to your family’s schedule and make road trip memories that will last a lifetime.

10 things to do in Port Douglas

Unsure of how many days is enough in Port Douglas? While some people visit this coastal town for just a weekend and some stay for a fortnight, discover our top 10 things to do in Port Douglas below to help plan your Port Douglas travel itinerary.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

1. Stroll down Four Mile Beach

One of the best beaches in Queensland and an iconic Port Douglas attraction for a reason, spend a day lounging under the tropical palm trees at the famous Four Mile Beach. Take a dip in the ocean (if visiting between November and May it’s advised to use the beach swimming enclosure) or walk along the shoreline, which despite its name isn’t actually four miles long. Four Mile Beach is four kilometres in length – it just happened to have been named after a local family called ‘Fourmile!’

2. Wander Macrossan Street

Jump straight into Port Douglas’ bustling town at Macrossan Street. Lined with boutique shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants, exploring and eating your way through the culinary delights on Macrossan Street is one of the best things to do in Port Douglas.

3. Find treats at the Port Douglas markets

From 8:30 am to 1 pm each Sunday, head to the Port Douglas Sunday Markets. Here you’ll find a mixture of travellers and locals browsing through an array of artisanal crafts, fresh produce, and delicious food stalls.

4. Hike up Flagstaff Hill Lookout

Want to get moving on your Port Douglas road trip? Hike up to the Flagstaff Hill Lookout. Here you can capture panoramic views of Port Douglas, the Coral Sea and even the Daintree Rainforest in the distance. While beautiful throughout the day, this scene is especially stunning during sunrise and sunset. Want the views without the exertion? Don’t worry you can also drive up to Flagstaff Hill to snap the perfect Port Douglas photo.

5. Get your heart rate up on a crocodile tour

One of the must-do Port Douglas activities is, of course, a Port Douglas crocodile tour. Visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures 25-minute drive south of Port Douglas to learn more about these impressive beasts or to witness these ancient predators in their natural habitat, join an exhilarating Daintree River cruise.

6. Enjoy Rex Smeal Park

Famous for its sunsets and vibrant atmosphere, an afternoon picnic at Rex Smeal Park is one of the best things to do in Port Douglas. The iconic palm trees magnificently frame the surrounding Coral Sea as you watch the Port Douglas snorkelling and diving boats come in for the day.

7. Explore Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat

One of the best family friendly Port Douglas day trip attractions is the Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat. Here you can get up close and personal with iconic Australian wildlife such as kangaroos, koalas, and emus, and numerous Australian birdlife. Those who dare can go face-to-face with the mighty saltwater crocodile in Wildlife Habitat’s incredible ‘Swim with the Salties’ experience.

8. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef

You can’t visit Port Douglas without exploring the Great Barrier Reef. A reef so large it is actually visible from space, we can assure you it looks a lot nicer close up. Don your snorkel and mask and set out for a Port Douglas day trip you won’t soon forget. From Port Douglas you can snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, dive the Great Barrier Reef, or explore one of the beautiful islands and sand cays, all teeming with colourful coral formations and diverse marine life. If you’re looking to treat yourself, combine your Port Douglas snorkelling experience with a Port Douglas sunset sail cruise, where after a day of exploring the Great Barrier Reef, you can relax on board with stunning sunset views across the Daintree Rainforest and Coral Sea.

9. Take a day trip to Mossman Gorge

Immerse yourself in the heart of the world’s oldest tropical rainforest at Mossman Gorge. Did you know that the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (that contains the Daintree Rainforest) is the second most irreplaceable natural world heritage site on Earth? So, it’s no wonder Mossman Gorge is a must-do Port Douglas day trip. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters and wander through the lush greenery and ancient towering trees before joining a guided Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk led by the local Indigenous community.

10. Relax at Hemingway’s Brewery

A cold beer in one hand, a gorgeous view of the Port Douglas marina in front of you and a selection of handcrafted brews just waiting to be tasted – yes, sounds like an afternoon at Hemingway’s Brewery. Located in the centre of Port Douglas, tuck into delicious pub-style fare as you recount the stories of your Port Douglas adventures so far.

Image: Instagram - @kleinstadtcoco

Where to stay in Port Douglas

Once you’ve planned out your Port Douglas travel itinerary, it’s time to sort out where to stay in Port Douglas. See our top suggestions below or if you are travelling with a pet, check out our best pet-friendly campsites and holiday parks guide.

Tropic Breeze Caravan Park

Like name like nature, the Tropic Breeze Caravan Park is found only a minute’s walk from the iconic Four Mile Beach so if you’re seeking sea breeze and a tropical atmosphere, you’ll want to park your motorhome here. This Port Douglas camper site has over 50 powered sites and 15 campsites and with a camp kitchen, coin operated laundry and easy to access showers and toilets. It has everything you need to be your Port Douglas road trip base.

BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park

Give yourself breathing room from the bustling Port Douglas town and book your Apollo camper in at the BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park. Situated just 7km out of town, this family friendly park is equipped with a waterpark, water slides, resort style pool, playground, and pedal carts, making it the perfect place to burn off the kids’ extra energy. Relax at one of the many ensuite, powered and unpowered campsites or make use of the two camp kitchens.

Pandanus Tourist Park

Stay nearby the Port Douglas town centre and only five minutes from Four Mile Beach at the Pandanus Tourist Park. There are numerous powered and unpowered sites suitable for campers and motorhomes, with a guest laundry, a large modern camp kitchen, a pool and Wi-Fi available on site. Don’t want to book Port Douglas tours yourself? You can also see their onsite tour desk to put your Port Douglas travel itinerary into action.

Check out Port Douglas with Apollo

What are you waiting for? Port Douglas is located just an hour’s drive north of Cairns, which makes our ultra-convenient Cairns branch (located right next to the Cairns Domestic and International Airport!) the perfect spot to start your Port Douglas road trip. Browse from our many camper and motorhome options, book online and get going. Port Douglas is waiting for you!

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Tags: Apollo Camper Queensland things to do

Where to stay with your campervan in Queenstown?

There are plenty of accommodation options for campervan travellers in Queenstown with excellent holiday parks and camping grounds close to the town’s centre.

Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park is located just 15 minutes from Coronet Peak and 15 minutes from the Queenstown CBD making it perfectly placed to enjoy the various adventure activities and spectacular scenic spots.

New Zealand is also a free camping nation which means you can park where you want and stay the night (unless signed otherwise). Freedom camping is a great way to see New Zealand on a budget, but it’s not for everyone and you need to ensure that you have a certified self-contained vehicle. This means it must have an on-board toilet, fresh water storage, waste water storage and a rubbish bin with a lid.

As you continue your South Island road trip, Glendhu Bay Motor Camp is an idyllic campsite nestled right on the edge of the beautiful Lake Wanaka – about an hour’s drive from Queenstown. It is conveniently located next to the Roys Peak track head along with the access road to Treble Cone ski fields (30 minutes) and only a short drive (1 hour) to the Cardrona resort.

Whether you choose to stay at a Queenstown holiday park or take advantage of freedom camping sites, a campervan road trip to New Zealand’s adventure capital is sure to provide a memorable experience.

Why choose Apollo for campervan rental in Queenstown?

You can depend on Apollo for the best campervan rentals in New Zealand. We offer a wide range of vehicles to suit any budget and group size, so you can hit the open road and explore Queenstown and the spectacular South Island.

Our premium quality rental campers are custom built for New Zealand's unique climate by leading RV manufacturers. With quality furnishings and appliances, our vehicles come with all the comforts of home.

Whether you are an intrepid explorer, an adrenaline junkie, or prefer a more sedate pace, you can enjoy absolute confidence travelling in a rental campervan from New Zealand's most modern fleet. Contact our friendly team at Apollo today!

Inspiration for your Queenstown campervan rental

From pure natural landscapes and adventure activities to world class wineries and abundant wildlife, the South Island is a must do for every New Zealand traveller. There is no better way to experience this awe-inspiring region than a road trip with an Apollo campervan! Start your holiday in Christchurch and explore everything the South Island has to offer, including the thrills and sights of Queenstown, with these tried and tested New Zealand campervan itineraries.

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