Set on over 140 acres of native forest and boasting a private beach, Thala Beach Nature Reserve is an Eco-friendly wildlife retreat. This secluded sanctuary is nestled on a coastal headland and offers magnificent views of the sparkling Coral Sea.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve is located on a private headland between Cairns and Port Douglas, 45 minutes drive from Cairns City Centre and within 10 minutes’ drive of Port Douglas.
Deluxe eco accommodation options are sensitively positioned amongst the resort’s 145 acre property.
These boutique timber bungalows offer ocean, mountain or forest views. Guests can relax on their private balcony and enjoy the native birds and wildlife. All rooms are air-conditioned and offer a bathtub, a refrigerator, and a minibar.
The property features an organic coconut plantation, and natural swimming pools formed by granite boulders and waterfalls. Free guided nature tours are available and include tree planting, stargazing at an outdoor observatory, beach discovery, wildlife walks and bird-watching tours.
Perched in the treetops Osprey’s Restaurant is a unique Port Douglas dining experience. Join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner among the birds and wildlife.
Inclusions:
Thala Beach Nature Reserve, located between Cairns and Port Douglas in Queensland, Australia, is awarded the highest Ecotourism accreditation for maximising informative & meaningful experiences, whilst enhancing the local environment. The Thala Experience adheres to global principals of Ecotourism.
Thala’s Nature Reserve supports many interesting and rare habitats with a constantly changing kaleidoscope ofnatural wonders, making the experience very rewarding for naturalists and wildlife photographers. Our highly knowledgeable Rangers and Guides are here to show you Thala’s many wildlife and nature secrets.
Thala’s Nature Reserve supports many interesting and rare habitats with a constantly changing kaleidoscope of natural wonders, making the experience very rewarding for naturalists and wildlife photographers. Our highlyknowledgeable Rangers and Guides are here to show you Thala’s many wildlife and nature secrets. (free for houseguests, day of operation varies week-to-week)
STAR GAZING
The Thala night sky is free from light pollution and filled with millions of stars. Surrounded by sounds of the rainforest & ocean – enjoy an introduction to the beautiful Southern Constellations from an experienced & passionate guide.
View many fascinating stars & planets using telescopes and binoculars at the unique outdoor observatory.
COCONUT ODYSSEY
On Australia’s only coconut tour, not only do you get to drink & eat from the very young green coconut to the little known ‘Coconut Apple’ – you will also learn the truth about the health benefits of coconuts.
The ‘Tree Of Life’ has astonishing advantages from helping to reduce body fat and lower cholesterol, to building the immune system. A tour that helps you lose weight without exercising?!
NATURE AND GARDEN WALKS
You will be guided through 145 acres of a variety of native flora by Brett and his enthusiastic team.
They delight in sharing their extensive knowledge and passion for the environment. Amongst rare Littoral rainforest clinging to the sandy dunes and the soft shade of eucalypts you will enjoy the scamper of native fauna. We have so many exciting plants and animals at Thala.
BIRD AND BUTTERFLY WALKS
David is our bird and butterfly expert and you will be thrilled at the colour and variety of the species to be found at Thala. An early start to hear the first chorus of Thala’s birds in full song is a wonderful way to welcome a new day.
We also have local experts who can take you for full day birding expeditions through a wide variety of habitats. Pick up a Bird Sighting Calendar from the Adventure desk and see if you can add to the extensive number of varieties spotted so far.
TALKS WITH KUKU YALANGI PEOPLE
Elders from our local aboriginal community, the Kuku Yalangi people, come and share their stories as passed on from previous generations including the history of their ancient cultural traditions.
You will enjoy seeing and learning the value of bush tucker food, the knowledge of which has been nurtured since the age of the hunter-gatherer. The haunting rhythms of the traditional Didgeridoo is being incorporated into many forms of contemporary music, here it will take you back to the beginnings of the aboriginal Dreamtime.
PRIVATE BEACH
Oak Beach consists of approximately 2kms of pristine sand lined with coconut palms and sheoak trees. Thala Beach Nature Reserve occupies the forest-clad headland at the northern end of this beach. All guests can enjoy this private-access beach
SEA KAYAKING
Our expert guide will take you sea kayaking to his secret places to look for marine turtles, stingrays, dolphins and dugongs.
The reef adjacent to Thala Beach Nature Reserve is like a turtle highway, with so many turtles congregating for feeding and socialising.
REJUVENATE SPA
Thala’s on-site massage studio has special packages for our guests and provides a range of treatments including massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps.
LOCAL TOURS
There are many very exciting tours and activities that we recommend ranging from snorkeling on The Great Barrier Reef, safaris into the rainforest to exploring the outback and Tableland region.
Thala’s eco accommodation is available in four different accommodation types. Individual bungalows are spread throughout the natural forest of a private beachfront headland.
Situated on the northernmost headland of a 2km stretch of private, untouched coastline the views from our restaurant are panoramic, taking in the Far North Queensland coast from Double Island to Cape Tribulation, and from the sparkling waters of the Great Barrier Reef to the World Heritage Forests that cover our coastal ranges.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve provides a natural and secluded environment for your relaxation, and is a tranquil haven at the end of a hard day’s exploring. Whether strolling at sunrise on our private tropical beach or relaxing with cocktails watching the sunset over the coastal ranges, you will be enchanted by your surrounds.
Your accommodation is nestled amongst the Eucalypt forest, which has been carefully preserved. We have a great variety of forest, which provide habitats for some extraordinary birds, plants and animals.
The bungalows are spread throughout the forest canopy, providing a magical and unobtrusive relationship with the natural world surrounding them.
In April 2018, in recognition of Thala’s substantial credentials in offering deluxe eco-designed accommodation while minimising environmental impact, the beachfront eco lodge was handpicked for membership of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World after successfully undergoing a rigorous vetting process. The standards for inclusion are based on four pillars of sustainable tourism:
Experience the unique woodland forest from Thala’s Jungle Walk Bungalows.
Located within the forest, Jungle Walk Bungalows combine comfort with the deep green, earthy beauty of the jungle
The following room upgrades can be quoted by request:
Thala’s Eucalypt Bungalows allow you to intimately experience the unique tropical forest in supreme comfort and privacy.
Eucalypt Bungalows are individually positioned and border Thala’s pathways as they gently rise up the headland through the lush Eucalypt forest.
All prices are person twin share unless otherwise stated, are in Australian dollars, are correct at the time of publication & are subject to change without notice depending on exchange rate. For room upgrades, additional nights or guest pricing please contact us.
Travel dates
1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024
Transport
There is a shuttle service that departs Thala’s reception area for Port Douglas (only 10 minutes away).
All tours in the Cairns, Port Douglas area pick up at the Lodge. All local specialist tours can be arranged for you after arrival.
Airport
The drive from Cairns International and Domestic Airport to Thala Beach Nature Reserve is approximately 45 minutes.
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers can be organised from Cairns International and Domestic airports where you will be met by our shuttle bus and transported along the scenic coastal drive north of Cairns straight to Thala.
By Car
If arriving by car take the coast road between Cairns and Port Douglas and look for the Thala Beach Nature Reserve signs at Oak Beach. The drive from Cairns to Thala Beach Nature Reserve is approximately 40 minutes.
