Tyrconnell Gold Mine & Thala Beach Lodge
5 days / 4 nights 
Begins / Ends Cairns

• Panning for gold in the creek at Tyrconnell

• Discovering flora & fauna on savannah bush walks

• Staying in a disused gold mine, now a stylish bush lodge

• A sunset cocktail on a pristine white sand beach

• Exploring the Daintree, Port Douglas or the Barrier Reef
  

Day 1 - Queensland Hinterland, Tyrconnell Gold Mine, 2 nights

Your hosts will meet you on arrival in Cairns. Andrew Bell and Cate Harley are the owners of Tyrconnell Mine, a unique Australian heritage site about 150km west of Cairns. In the 1870s, settlers streamed into this region to find their fortunes and the visual reminders of their presence remain to this day.

Andrew’s family worked a number of mines in the region until he and Cate started restoration on Tyrconnell. They have renovated the manager’s cottage and constructed new guest cottages very much in tune with the mine’s heritage. Their innovative use of wood and corrugated iron, with polished timber floors and antique items, make your stay an unexpected delight. The rooms have en suite bathrooms and verandahs looking out across the bush country.

Arrive in time for sundowner drinks and sunset behind Mt. Mulligan before joining Cate and Andrew for dinner in their cottage.

Day 2 - Tyrconnell Mine

Wake to the sounds of the bush, as the Friarbirds and parrots come to life. Breakfast can be brought to you in your cottage; otherwise join Andrew and Cate for the full-cooked version.

With the savannah bush country reclaiming the land that miners once poured over, your stay at Tyrconnell is a fascinating insight into the times when Australia was being opened up by brave, and sometimes foolhardy, pioneers.

Take your pick of activities - a picnic lunch beside a waterhole taking in the variety of bird life; a walk along the now abandoned and overgrown access road; time with Andrew learning of the regions history, or relax on your verandah with a glass of Australian wine and enjoy bush tranquillity.

Day 3 - Thala Beach Lodge, 2 nights

Cate or Andrew will drive you to the coast for your stay at 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.

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 4 - Thala Beach Lodge

A free day to relax and enjoy the lazy life or perhaps be more adventuresome and take a full day escorted safari (private or group tour can be arranged) to the Daintree Rainforest or by boat on the Barrier Reef.

Day 5 - Departure

There will be time for a last swim or a walk on the beach before returning to Cairns to depart on your flight.
 

Options & Upgrade

• Up-grade to a Seaview bungalow at Thala Beach Lodge You may like to hire a car and self drive this journey.
• Add time on a Barrier Reef Island, let us advise you on style & budget.
• Ask us for details.