One of Australia’s most photographed beaches has clear-blue water, pristine white sand,swaying palm trees and brilliant views of the ocean.
Four Mile Beach is the central beach in Port Douglas.At the northern end there is a small hill with a lookout, a prime place towatch the sunrise over the Coral Sea, and at the southern end is a mangroveforest.
As the name indicates, the beach is 7 kilometres (4 miles) in length. Children can hop from rock to rockand discover a world of small crabs and invertebrates tucked away in the rockpools. The water is tantalisingly warm and refreshing for a swim and the densesand makes this beach a great place for runners and bikers.
There is no development of any kind on Four MileBeach and it is a prime spot for quiet relaxation. Settle in for the day with atowel, a bottle of drinking water and plenty of sunscreen.
If you are feeling active, walk along the beachunder the shade of the palm trees and casuarinas or meander along the rocks andexplore the rock pools at low tide. At sunset, the anglers come and throw theirlines in the sea. Rent a fishing rod and join them or take a bucket to theshore and dig for small shellfish.
The northern section of the beach is the safest areato swim. There are lifeguards and nets that keep poisonous jellyfish out.Between November and May, the summer season, these jellyfish inhabit the waterand you will need to wear a full-body swimming suit for protection. Always swimbetween the flags where the lifeguards can see you. Saltwater crocodiles havebeen known to enter the section where the mangroves are, so don’t enter thewater there.
Four Mile Beach is an easy walk from most of thehotels and resorts in the centre of town. It is located on the east side of thePort Douglas peninsula. Park your car at the surf lifesaving club at the northend of the beach and pick up a snack at the restaurant. There is free parkingalong the access roads and public amenities are often located near the parkinglots.
