Port Douglas Australia’s favourite beach destination

TOURISM SURVEY



It’s a bullseye for Port Douglas after it emerged as Australia's favourite beach destination in a survey of 6000 Australian travellers.

The data was obtained exclusively by 9Honey from Luxury Escapes' Travel Reimagined survey for 2021.

This comes hot on the heels of Port Douglas being voted the fourth top trending destination by booking.com.

Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, the region’s tourism body said the survey result of 6000 Aussie travellers is testament to the strength and desirability of the Port Douglas brand in the domestic market.

“It’s heartening to see Port Douglas not only keeping good company with the likes of Byron Bay and Noosa, but ranked ahead for where visitors plan to come in 2021,” said TPDD chief executive Tara Bennett.

“Consumer sentiment is king in marketing making this a valuable accolade for future messaging. 

Port Douglas continues to be ranked as a top destination for its obvious natural beauty. Image: @eleishamealing23.

“This ranking coupled with the news that NSW including Greater Sydney can now travel to QLD from 1 December and an announcement on Victoria restrictions easing is just the shot in the arm the tourism industry needs in the lead up to Christmas after what has been an exceptionally challenging year,” she said.

Mark Flinn, Licensee & Sales Manager, Ray White Port Douglas, said this is another feather in the cap for our beautiful town.

“I see this as putting us in front of the domestic travel market again as having the best beach in Australia, which is a huge win when competing against places like Noosa, etc.

“It may also add some further ignition to the local real estate market as people consider making a sea change across Australia.

“Coming out of COVID lockdowns, it may push someone who was torn between the Sunshine coast or Port Douglas, for example, then make the move to Port Douglas and relocate here,” said Flinn. 

Mossman Gorge adds to the popularity of Port Douglas as a destination. Image: @MikaelaTreks.

The 9Honey report said despite having thousands of beaches to choose from all over the nation, it seems Aussies are still powerless to resist the charms of Queensland's coast when it comes to a fun-in-the-sun escape.

Port Douglas was the clear winner, with 23 per cent of the votes.

Luxury Escape, chief customer officer, Jason Shugg, says it's a destination that "has everything".

"Perfect for couples or families, the Great Barrier Reef, rainforests and amazing beaches on your doorstep, and plenty of recently-renovated hotels and resorts," he said.

Australia's favourite beach holiday destinations for 2021

  1. Port Douglas 23%
  2. Noosa 21%
  3. Gold Coast 16%
  4. Byron Bay 14%
  5. Broome 12%
  6. Jervis Bay 6%
  7. Lorne 5%
  8. Fleurieu Peninsula 4%

Submit a letter to the editor here.

* Readers are encouraged to use their full details to ensure letter legitimacy.

Send news tips and videos here

* Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments on Newsport are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication.