The main shoreline in Port Douglas, FourMile Beach, does as the name suggests, stretch approximately 7 kilometres (4miles) long. A mangrove forest is at the southern end and a hill with a lookoutand great views from which to watch the sunrise over the Coral Sea is in thenorth.
The coastline here is sheltered and thewater is pleasantly warm to swim in. The beach, with its firm sand, is popularwith runners and bikers. The kids can hop from rock to rock along the beachheadand there are plenty of small skittering crabs and invertebrates to bediscovered.
With no development on the shorefront,Four Mile Beach feels like a natural paradise. Bring a blanket, some bottledwater, sunscreen and a towel and relax for the day.
Take a walk along the full length of thebeach. Casuarinas and palm trees provide shelter along the way. At low tideexplore the rock pools and enjoy the breeze off the water. Rent a fishing rodand join the anglers who come at sunset or pick up a bucket and dig into thesand to discover small shellfish.
The safest part of the beach to swim isthe northern section where there are lifeguards and nets that guard againstjellyfish. In the summer season, from November to May, you will need to wear a full-bodybathing suit for protection against the poisonous jellyfish that inhabit thewater. Always swim between the flags where the lifeguards are. Be aware –saltwater crocodiles have been known to visit the partof the beach where the mangroves are!
Four Mile Beach is on the eastern sideof the peninsula in Port Douglas. It is an easy walk from most of the hotelsand resorts in town. At the northern end is the surf lifesaving club with arestaurant. This is a great place to pick up a snack and park your car. You canalso find free parking on most of the access roads along the beach and publicfacilities are usually located near these parking lots.
