{"ok":true,"data":{"id":416,"slug":"four-mile-beach-port-douglas","name":"Four Mile Beach","country":"Australia","state":"Queensland","city":"Port Douglas","coords":{"lat":-16.4874,"lng":145.4684},"beachType":null,"tags":["famous","family","scenic","white_sand"],"article":{"hero":"The beach unfurls north from the rocky headland at Port Douglas, a sweeping arc where the sand stays firm enough for early joggers and afternoon strollers alike. Ironbark trees lean over the southern end near the surf club, their shadows long and cool even at midday. You'll notice the absence of high-rises—local planning rules keep the skyline low, so the view remains uninterrupted palms, peaks, and the occasional catamaran heading out to the reef.\n\nThe water temperature hovers around 77°F most of the year, warm enough that you'll wade in without hesitation. Stinger nets mark the patrolled swim zone from November through May, a reminder that this is tropical water. Lifeguards post daily conditions on boards near the flagged area, and the shore break stays gentle enough for children to bodysurf the small rollers that peel in from the northeast.\n\nMorning brings the best light—the sun climbs over the headland and turns the wet sand into a mirror, reflecting the shapes of walkers and their dogs. By late afternoon, families spread picnic blankets under the she-oaks along Esplanade, and the scent of sunscreen mixes with salt air. You can follow the beach all the way to its northern end, where it softens into mangrove flats, the sand giving way to mud and the calls of white-faced herons.","teaser":"You'll walk barefoot along warm sand so fine it squeaks beneath your toes, while pandanus palms tilt toward the tide. The water—sapphire blue under the morning sun—stretches toward Low Isles on the horizon, and behind you, the forested mountains of Cape Tribulation rise in dark green folds.","uniqueAngle":"One of the few tropical beaches where rainforest mountains form the backdrop instead of endless coast.","accessType":"Walk-in from Esplanade","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"swim","title":"Stinger-Safe Swimming","subtitle":"Nets protect November through May"},{"icon":"camera","title":"Sunrise at Flagstaff","subtitle":"Hill overlooks entire beach sweep"},{"icon":"hike","title":"Full Beach Walk","subtitle":"Four miles to mangrove flats"},{"icon":"food","title":"Esplanade Fish Tacos","subtitle":"Beachfront shacks sell local catch"}],"audience":{"surfer":"The swell rarely cooperates here—Four Mile faces northwest into the Coral Sea, sheltered from the dominant southeast trade winds that power waves further south. You'll find ankle-to-knee-high ripples most days, occasionally chest-high during cyclone season swells from January to March. The sandbar breaks shift with each tide, forming soft shoulders better suited to longboards or learning to pop up. Check the southern end near the surf club for the most consistent shape, and don't bother bringing your shortboard unless a low-pressure system sits offshore.","couples":"Book a table at Salsa Bar & Grill on the Esplanade for sunset—the veranda overlooks the beach, and the barramundi comes grilled with macadamia crust. You'll want to walk the shoreline just after dawn when the sand still holds the coolness of night and the water glows pink. The Sheraton Grand Mirage offers direct beach access and swim-up pool bars, while smaller properties like Coconut Grove Apartments put you steps from the sand without resort crowds. End evenings on the grassy foreshore with takeaway gelato from the village, watching fruit bats stream overhead toward the rainforest.","backpacker":"Dougies Backpackers on Davidson Street charges $28 for dorms with air-con and sits two blocks from the sand. The beach itself costs nothing—no parking fees, no entry gates—and the patrolled swim area operates daily. Grab $8 fish-and-chips from Nautilus Takeaway on Macrossan, or build your own lunch from the Sunday market stalls along Anzac Park. Skip the $35 shuttle and take Sunbus route 110 from Cairns for $9.60 each way; it drops you at the marina, a five-minute walk from the southern beach access.","local":"You already know to arrive before 7 a.m. if you want the beach to yourself—by eight, the resort guests appear with their rental umbrellas. The stretch past the creek mouth near the northern lookout stays emptiest, though the sand gets softer and walking takes effort. Low tide exposes the best shells and occasionally blue-ringed octopus in the tidal pools, so watch where you step. Winter westerlies flatten the water to glass by late afternoon, perfect for stand-up paddling without dodging swimmers in the flagged zone.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Swimming at Four Mile Beach is generally safe, but caution is required during stinger season (November to May) when box jellyfish and irukandji are present. The beach has patrolled swimming enclosures with stinger nets during this period—always swim within these designated areas. Lifeguards patrol the beach daily year-round. Crocodile warning signs are posted, though sightings are rare. Always swim between the red and yellow flags, check safety signage, and follow lifeguard instructions for current conditions.","q":"Is it safe to swim at Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas?"},{"a":"Four Mile Beach is beautiful year-round, but the dry season (May to October) offers the most pleasant conditions with sunny days, low humidity, and calm seas. Water temperatures remain warm (24-29°C) throughout the year. The wet season (November to April) brings afternoon storms and high humidity, but mornings are often clear. Stinger season runs November to May, requiring swimming within netted enclosures. June through September provides ideal beach weather with comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall.","q":"When is the best time to visit Four Mile Beach?"},{"a":"Four Mile Beach is easily accessible from Port Douglas town centre, just a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk along Barrier Street. Free public parking is available at several access points along Four Mile Beach Road, with the main car park near the southern end close to the surf club. Additional parking areas are located at Warner Street and Mowbray Street. The beach stretches for four miles, so choose your access point based on preferred facilities. No parking fees apply at any beach access points.","q":"Where can I park at Four Mile Beach and how do I get there?"},{"a":"Four Mile Beach offers excellent facilities including public toilets, showers, picnic areas, and barbecue facilities at multiple access points. The nearby Port Douglas town centre (walkable from the southern end) features numerous restaurants, cafes, and accommodation options ranging from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Several beachfront resorts line the beach including Sheraton Grand Mirage and QT Port Douglas. Beach equipment rentals are available in town. The Sunday markets at Anzac Park (near the beach) offer local food and produce.","q":"What amenities and restaurants are near Four Mile Beach?"},{"a":"You cannot see the Great Barrier Reef from Four Mile Beach as the outer reef lies approximately 60-70 kilometres offshore. However, the beach faces the Coral Sea and offers stunning views of the turquoise waters and mountain backdrop. Port Douglas serves as a major gateway for Great Barrier Reef tours, with numerous operators departing daily from the nearby marina. The fringing reefs closer to shore are not visible from the beach but can be accessed through snorkelling tours to sites like Low Isles.","q":"Can you see the Great Barrier Reef from Four Mile Beach?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Four Mile Beach: Port Douglas's Palm-Fringed Coastline","description":"Four miles of powder-white sand meet turquoise Coral Sea waters beneath swaying palms. Port Douglas's signature beach offers calm lagoon swimming and unbroken tropical views year-round.","ogImage":"https://live.staticflickr.com/1456/24800731229_5815fdfd3f_b.jpg"},"images":[{"id":"490832","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/1456/24800731229_5815fdfd3f_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/1456/24800731229_5815fdfd3f.jpg","alt":"Four Mile Beach"},{"id":"490833","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52545738184_0a86e72908_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52545738184_0a86e72908.jpg","alt":"Near Port Moorowie. South of Yorketown on Yorke Peninsula."},{"id":"490835","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4626/39838748952_43a0f4cbfe_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4626/39838748952_43a0f4cbfe.jpg","alt":"I love the monsoon season - Darwin Harbour sunrise"},{"id":"490839","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5324/9756884264_83c26a4272_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5324/9756884264_83c26a4272.jpg","alt":"Looking across the top of Spencers Gulf Port Augusta and the Flinders Ranges."},{"id":"490842","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52172489645_30b83c3790_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52172489645_30b83c3790.jpg","alt":"Pre-War Aerodynamic Bentley"},{"id":"490843","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7860/46709329544_1a1c3757ab_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7860/46709329544_1a1c3757ab.jpg","alt":"DSC_9915.jpg Northern Harrier, Baldwin Creek"}]}}