To get to Port Douglas by plane you fly into the Cairns airport. From the Cairns Airport you can pick up a hire a car which is handy for road trips however you definitely do not need a hire car if you don’t want to or can’t afford one as ubers and shuttles run from Cairns Airport to Port Douglas. There are also several shuttle services that run between the resorts and town for a small fee (which is a way better option if you want a drink or three with lunch)! Many day trips will also pick up directly from your accommodation, taking all the stress out of getting out and exploring the Daintree or going to visit the Great Barrier Reef.

Yes Port Douglas is located on 4 Mile Beach and there are more beaches nearby. However, please read the safety information below and make sure you book a resort with an awesome pool for swimming.

I personally don’t swim on mainland beaches in Northern Queensland as crocodiles can move into the area at any time. However, some people choose to swim at 4 Mile Beach, where it is recommended to swim between the flags. You must also be aware you should swim in the net area in a stinger suit during ‘stinger’ season, which runs from approximately November to May. This is when you are more likely to encounter venomous sea jellies (Jellyfish – but the are not a fish). Reef tours should provide stinger suits for you. In regards to crocodiles please make an informed decision before swimming anywhere in Tropical North QLD and read government
https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/crocodiles/croc-wise

https://www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/plan-your-trip/wildlife-safety/croc-wise and tourism information. The general rule of thumb is if your not sure if its safe, assume crocodiles are present and do not enter the water. While the crocodile population is different to that of the NT, crocodiles are absolutely spotted not just in rivers but also at beaches along this coastline and this frequency increases at certain times of the year. Keep in mind that signage and education that ensures people make an informed decision to not swim absolutely contribute to the lower rate of crocodile incidents annually. This is not meant to scare you off Port Douglas or TNQ, but rather help you stay safe while visiting. There are some beautiful safer places to swim up in the hills inland (make sure you get up to date local safety information when visiting) and it’s all the more reason to invest in staying in a hotel with an amazing pool to laze by all day or come home to at the end of adventures.