Visiting Port Douglas by yacht

When to come, where yachts anchor off Port Douglas and at Low Isles, and what to know before you arrive.

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Seasons

When to come

Season	Months	Daily high	Monthly rain
Peak	May to October	25.5 to 30.4 °C	36.9 to 98.4 mm
Shoulder	April, November	29.4 to 31.8 °C	88.1 to 229 mm
Off season	December to March	30.8 to 32.4 °C	215.4 to 440.5 mm

Bureau of Meteorology, Low Isles Lighthouse, offshore from Port Douglas. Highs 1967 to 2026, rain 1887 to 2026. Season bands are our own estimate.

At anchor

Where yachts anchor

These rules are for the Cairns Planning Area of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which includes offshore Cairns and Port Douglas (GBRMPA Cairns Area Plan, updated 14 January 2025). Overall length counts as 110 per cent of load-line length. (GBRMPA superyachts page, updated 2 April 2026.)

35 m or lessAccess and anchor at all Locations, within group size limits

Over 35 m and under 70 mAnchor at Reef Anchorages, at designated anchorages with a booking, or outside a Location and use a tender. Contact GBRMPA ahead for anchorages in northerly wind

70 m and overDesignated anchorages with a booking, or outside a Location with a tender. A licensed pilot is required in compulsory pilotage areas

From the GBRMPA superyachts page and the Cairns Area Plan.

Low Isles

Low Island Locality rules

Low Isles is a sensitive Location with low use. (GBRMPA, updated 15 January 2025.)

PeopleA maximum of 15 people per vessel

AccessTo the island only between sunrise and sunset

Speed6 knots

DischargeNo hull scraping or cleaning. No discharge of greywater, sewage or fish

Vessels under 35 mCan anchor, and use public moorings if available

35 m to 70 mAnchor outside a Location or at a Reef Anchorage

Cyclone season

The Bureau of Meteorology runs the Australian cyclone season from 1 November to 30 April. Maritime Safety Queensland says the current in its Cape Flattery, Cooktown and Port Douglas area may be stronger in the wet season, December to March.

Arriving by yacht

Everyone on board needs a valid passport and visa. Report the vessel arrival to the Australian Border Force before it reaches Australia. Contact the Regional Harbour Master (Cairns) before entry to Dickson Inlet. Check the rules for your passport.

Wildlife

Humpback whales are commonly sighted from May to September. Dugong and turtles live between Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation. Keep speed under 10 knots over seagrass. (GBRMPA, updated 14 January 2025.)

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