Thala Beach & Rose Gums
5 days / 4 nights
Begin / End Cairns

• A sunset cocktail on a pristine white sand beach

• Discovering a platypus hiding in a clear mountain stream

• The contrasts of the coast & the beautiful Atherton Table lands

• Exploring the small towns of the hinterland

• Rose Gums is a bird watchers paradise; over 160 species have been recorded and you may also see pademelons, possums, platypus and tree kangaroos.
  

Day 1 - Cairns, Thala Beach Lodge, 1 night

On arrival in Cairns, on Australia’s tropical northeast coast, you will be met and transferred to Thala Beach Lodge.

Where the rainforests of the Daintree National Park meet the coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Thala Beach Lodge is located on the spectacular coastal road from Cairns to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation. The views from the lodge of this magnificent stretch of World Heritage coastline are second to none.

Set in 145 acres and designed with the aesthetics of its beautiful natural surroundings in mind, Thala’s deluxe bungalows blend into the vegetation on the rocky ridge and provide visitors with a luxurious sense of privacy. All bungalows are air conditioned, with ensuite facilities, and private verandahs. This afternoon you can relax by the pool or take a stroll along the 2 kilometres of spectacular sandy beach and secluded coves, followed by dinner at Thala Beach’s treetop level gourmet restaurant.

Day 2 - Thala Beach Lodge

A free day to relax and enjoy the lazy life or perhaps you’d like to be more adventuresome and take a full day escorted safari into the nearby Daintree Rainforest or spend the day on a boat trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Private and group tours can be arranged so let us know your preference.

Day 3 - Hinterland rainforest, Rose Gums Chalets, 2 nights

After breakfast this morning you’ll be taken to Cairns airport where you collect your hire car and drive into the fertile country of the Atherton Tablelands. You will be staying at Rose Gums in the cool highland rainforest on the edge of the World Heritage area.

Jon and Peta Nott have created a delightful private retreat perched on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range with spectacular views across the rainforest. Set amongst 230 acres of rainforest and eucalypt forest, Rose Gums provides comfort amongst the sights and sounds of the tropical rainforest.

Accommodation is in one of four, pole & timber chalets, each with a private living area and balcony with views to the ranges, an open fireplace, well equipped kitchen and a spa bathroom with separate shower.

Jon and Peta provide breakfast treats for you to enjoy at your leisure. Lunch and dinner are on your own. Try out the local restaurants or ask Peta to have something specially ordered in for you.

Day 4 - Rose Gums

A day to explore the area. Jon and Peta will gladly make touring suggestions and point out the best bush walks and scenic drives. Arm yourself with a picnic lunch to be enjoyed by the side of a quite brook or in the shade of the rainforest.

The pleasure of spending a quiet hour on the banks of Butcher’s Creek amongst the cacophony of rainforest sounds is an experience in itself; however, the ultimate reward is in spotting an elusive platypus. It is the birds of the rainforest and Jon’s knowledge of them that make Rose Gums unique.

Day 5 - Departure

The morning is yours to relax in the peace of the bush or take a walk and explore the trails and creeks on the property before driving back to Cairns. If time permits, explore the villages & markets of Malanda, Yungaburra & Atherton or visit the numerous waterfalls & crater lakes of the region.
 

Options & Up-grades

• Upgrade to ocean view bungalow at Thala Beach Lodge
• Extend your stay at Thala Beach Lodge
• Upgrade to private driver/guide for transfers to /from Rose Gums
• Add nights on a Barrier Reef Island – let us advise on style & budget
• Combine with a stay at  Tyrconnell Mine