Port Douglas, QLD

Where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef — Four Mile Beach is one of tropical Australia's most beautiful stretches of sand.

Live AI Coastal Briefing

It's Friday, 28 August, and we're kicking off the day with a beautiful morning here on our stunning coastline, where the lush rainforest meets the incredible Great Barrier Reef. The current temperature is a pleasant 21C, and we're seeing mostly cloudy conditions with 56% cloud cover. This is shaping up to be a fantastic day to get out and enjoy all that our coastal paradise has to offer.



Out in the ocean, the wave height is sitting at 0.86m, which is perfect for some fun longboard conditions - knee to waist high waves are ideal for catching some great rides. The water temperature is a warm 24.0C, making it comfortable for boardshorts and a great day to be in the water. We've got a high tide coming up at 08:02 am, reaching 2.1m, and a low tide later in the day at 02:07 pm, dropping down to -3.4m.



For all you sports and fitness enthusiasts out there, today is looking like a great day to get active. Surfers will love the longboard conditions, while runners and cyclists will enjoy the mild temperature and cloudy skies. Anglers, the calm waters should make for some good fishing, and paddleboarders will have a blast cruising around in the warm water. With the low UV index and good air quality, it's a perfect day to be outdoors and making the most of our beautiful coastline.



As we head into the afternoon, we're expecting more of the same great conditions, with plenty of sunshine peeking through the clouds and a gentle breeze blowing in from the SSW at 12 km/h, gusting up to 24 km/h. It's going to be a fantastic day to be out and about, so make the most of it and get out there to enjoy our incredible coastline. With no chance of rain and warm water conditions, it's shaping up to be a perfect day for everyone, whether you're swimming, surfing, or just soaking up the sun.

About This Coastline

Port Douglas is a tropical resort town north of Cairns, positioned between Four Mile Beach, a marina and the meeting zone of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.

The location rewards attention to its details: the orientation of the shore, the form of the headlands and the way the town meets the water.

The Vibe

The centre combines relaxed daytime beach life with polished restaurants and a working departure point for reef tours.

It feels more village-like than Cairns, though the main streets and marina become lively during peak holiday periods. Its appeal is strongest when the day is allowed to unfold naturally, following conditions rather than a rigid resort timetable.

The Local Anchor

Macrossan Street and the historic St Mary’s by the Sea chapel provide a clear town anchor between the beach and Dickson Inlet.

The marina connects visitors to reef excursions, while the coastal road north leads towards the Daintree. The landmark also acts as a bridge between the natural coast and the human stories that have accumulated around it.

The Landscape

Four Mile Beach forms a long, palm-edged arc south of the headland.

Tropical marine conditions include seasonal stinger risks, so designated swimming areas and local advice are important, particularly during the warmer months. These physical features influence everything from wave behaviour to wildlife habitat and the practical routes people take along the shore.

Across the area, the coast is best understood as a living landscape rather than a single viewpoint or attraction.