Australia's Underrated Coastal Oasis Puts The Great Barrier Reef Within Arm's Reach

There are many incredible reasons to explore Australia: the land of kangaroos and the Outback, the endless coastline, and the Sydney Opera House. Its nature and wildlife are unmatched, with plants, animals, and ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth. One of these is the world-famous, UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef, which lies off the shore of Australia's northern province, Queensland. The world's largest coral reef (and the only living thing visible from space) is also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

True, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's best natural wonders — but it's not necessarily the easiest to reach. Most visitors to the reef take a day trip from the city of Cairns, where the closest international airport is, but there's another option. The charming coastal oasis of Port Douglas, considered one of the gateways to the Great Barrier Reef, is just a short boat trip away from the reef's world-class snorkeling and diving. Port Douglas is also delightful above the waves, with its long, sandy beaches, luxurious resorts, and chill vibes.

The Great Barrier Reef starts 30 nautical miles offshore of Port Douglas, and parts of the reef can be reached in as little as 15 minutes via boat or 10 minutes if you go by helicopter. The entirety of the reef is about the size of Japan or Italy, stretching for 1,429 miles in the Coral Sea along Australia's coast. Comprised of 3,000 individual coral reefs and around 600 islands, there are plenty of access points to choose from. From Port Douglas, the closest points are Agincourt Reef and the nearby Low Isles.

Although seeing the reef from above the water (and even better, from high in the sky) is incredible, it's one of the best snorkeling destinations in the world for good reason. With 90% of the reef's biodiversity within 13 feet of the ocean's surface, snorkeling is one of the best ways to truly experience its wildlife and wonder. Take a boat cruise from Port Douglas, strap on your fins, and prepare to immerse yourself in a whole new world. To see the many different types of coral (600 varieties) and the vast array of wildlife (1,625 types of fish, and 133 species of sharks and rays), you can also scuba dive, while non-swimmers can enjoy the views from a glass-bottomed boat.

Smaller than it's busier counterpart, Cairns, Port Douglas has a small-town feel with its quaint buildings and picturesque marina. It's also home to plenty of sand, like at the pristine Four Mile Beach right outside of town. The many resorts also give Port Douglas a sheen of luxury and relaxation, and the innovative restaurants make it a foodie paradise. With its proximity to adventures on the Great Barrier Reef and the nearby rainforest, Port Douglas is ideal for travelers seeking a mix of leisure and intrepid experiences.

Port Douglas is unique because it's sandwiched between two incredible UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Great Barrier Reef, known as one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, and the Daintree Rainforest, the main part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland. Two hours north of Port Douglas is Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef, and one of the only places on Earth where two World Heritage sites converge. Outdoor adventure-seekers will find so shortage of things to see and do in this beautiful corner of the world.