Thala Beach Nature Reserve

Stayed here 2 nights and it was hands down one of the best moments of our 2 week trip in Australia. The grounds are beautiful and teeming with interesting wildlife, there is even a pond where agile wallabies show up every morning. The timber bungalows are beautiful with great 'jungle-like' views of native eucalyptus woodlands and tropical rainforest. Have to mention how helpful and considerate the staff were, always eager to either drive you to your bungalow in the dark or make sure you had your activities booked and ready for the next day. Nothing was too much trouble and I've never been in a place where it's so obvious the staff really want you to have a good time and to share with you the natural beauty of the place. Sophie who was managing reception was amazingly kind and considerate. The on-site restaurant is also very good, with great local produce. There's an ecotour of the reserve given by a very knowledgeable guide focusing on birds but you get a chance to learn about a whole lot more. The hotel also has a small room dedicated to local natural history. Outside of Thala, we did a private tour with Tony's Tropical Tours which was a great way to explore the Daintree rainforest and see some forest dragons! A really beautiful and authentic part of Queensland, that respects its environment, we highly recommend!

Imagine staying in a treehouse. Boom, you're at Thala Beach. Coming from the city and a previous stay at a destination resort, this was precisely the calm we needed at the end of our trip. The rooms were spacious, clean, comfortable, and serene. After long days of touring Port Douglas and adventuring out in the ocean, it was wonderful to return to the resort to decompress to the sounds of nature. Dinner every night in a treehouse with a view of the ocean? This is a don't miss.

What a great place to stay! We were gutted we’d only booked 1 night. Lots of walks around the hotel, and the beach is superb, and, when we visited, deserted. Lodges have a rustic feel but very nice, clean and comfortable with all the facilities you’d expect. Staff were great, they have buggies to chauffeur you around if you don’t feel like walking. Well recommended.

Stunning location and grounds, excellent food, the best views from the rooms and restaurants and the best staff out there second to none! We had a fantastic time there, only too brief, maybe longer next time. Sadly I had a medical incident during our stay, cutting my time there short. The staff immediately stepped up to help me and my wife. They assessed what was potential wrong and an ambulance was called. During my time in hospital they made sure my wife was also looked after her during remaining stay. Thanks to the quick action of the staff, especially Molly and Nigel, and of course the Queensland Health Service, I made a quick and full recovery.

Where do I start? Breathtaking from the coconut groves, rainforest setting, rock pools, coastal views and stunning beach. The bungalows are the perfect place to rest, listening to the sounds of the rainforest. The hammocks on the beach are a must. The food is amazing and the staff cannot do enough for you. We would love to return one day

Best vacation ever! My husband and I loved our time at Thala Beach Nature Reserve. Perfect balance between nature and comfort. Quiet well appointed simple cottage surrounded by trees and flowers and birds and lizards. Falling asleep to the sound of the ocean each night was deeply healing. We had wonderful experiences each day learning about the land and it's plant and animal inhabitants. Dave, Rodney and Rose we adore you all and learned so much with you!!! All the staff were so friendly, helpful and made our time relaxing and enjoyable. We walked the trails and beaches and found the views and environments stunning. We enjoyed our meals with gorgeous views at different times of day at the Ospreys nest. The bed was comfortable, bathroom spacious, deck privet. I swam in the pools and at the beach. We really appreciated the little natural history room off the main lobby for learning more about the plants, birds and animals of the land as well as the history of the reserves inception and creation. We spent 5 nights here and wish we could have spent 5 more. Can't wait to come back!!!