A TREEHOUSE RETREAT IN PORT DOUGLAS: THALA BEACH NATURE RESERVE

So you have heard about the incredible rainforests that tropical North Queensland has to offer? Well have you ever thought about staying in your own private treehouse in a secluded tropical setting topped off with a beach that you won't stop talking about when you return home?

I think you should take a look at Thala Beach Nature Reserve, a hidden escape just an hour outside of Cairns.

Checking Into Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Port Douglas

Located on a coastal headland 15 kilometres out of Port Douglas you will find 83 secluded, peaceful bungalows engulfed in north tropical Queensland's luscious rainforest. This luxurious retreat is located on a nature and wildlife reserve, so I wouldn't be surprised if you woke up to some kangaroo's at breakfast.

I will admit it, we are quite the "eco-heads" so being able to stay at a property that has received a ton of eco tourism awards due to the conservation and sustainability efforts was a big plus in our eyes.

Situated between two UNESCO world heritage sites and in the middle of a rainforest, this retreat is for those who want to get away and enjoy a private, luxurious and secluded stay.

How to get here: First of all we highly suggest you look at getting yourself a car when you arrive in Cairns, you will easily make the costs back by skipping all the rainforest and waterfall tours by doing a self drive around the area.

If you don't want a car you can easily jump on a local shuttle bus and for $38 you can get a one way trip up to the resort.

A Treehouse Getaway

We booked a Coral Sea Bungalow, which is a bit more pricier than the other rooms on offer, but so worth the extra to get the full treehouse experience. Here you have a wooden bungalow set amongst the trees with a incredible balcony overlooking the coral-filled sea.

Your large room, situated above the canopy has plenty of room to feel both cosy and spacious. Enough to fit in a lounge, large bed, desk, space for your bags and a bathroom - and of course they had robes which is always an automatic plus from us!

We do understand the secluded nature of switching off and enjoying the treehouse, but being 2017 with no internet in a luxurious room is hard to look past. Until there is WiFi and especially free WiFi as a standard at every hotel I will continue to mention it in our reviews.

How could you not just sit here and watch the days pass? If my dad built a cubby house for me with that view, I don't think I would ever leave home.

360 Virtual Reality Tour of Thala Beach

Take your mouse (or finger) and drag it across the screen to see the view from our treehouse!

Pristine Beach At Your Doorstep

If you caught our daily vlog you would've seen that I picked up an early Christmas present - the brand new DJI Mavic Pro drone. Check the video out below for some aerial footage of the retreat, but in the meantime the below screenshot perfectly captures why we recommend you stay here, those incredible pristine beaches right along side the lush tropical rainforest - pure bliss!

If you can work up the strength to get out of your treehouse, and even then to walk away from that beautiful pool, you will be treated to this very secluded and very pristine beach. During our visit we didn't see any locals let alone any other guests and we felt like we had a private beach just for the two of us.

The Food & THAT POOL!

To be honest, with the price tag that did come with the room, the aesthetics of the retreat and the incredible views on offer, we were a little bit disappointed in the breakfast that was on offer. I was a little baffled at the quality on offer, it stood out so much that it felt like we had stepped into a completely different hotel, one you would expect to pay a lot less at.

However, food aside, the view at breakfast made us easily forget as we looked over the beach below with rainbow lorikeets flying around the surrounding trees.

I seem to be coming back to a similar theme throughout my stay here. Just wanting to spend hours lounging around and enjoying the retreat. I mean how incredible is this pool area? In all seriousness this has to be one of the most beautiful rock pools I have ever swam in.

Also that dark spot (pictured below) in the right hand corner, it's totally a secret cave waiting to be explored!

Complimentary Eco Activities

Depending on which day of the week you are spending at the nature reserve, there are a wide array of eco activities on offer. I was pleasantly surprised by this as this would have to be the only retreat I have ever stayed at that offers free activities. The most I have ever gotten is a free bike rental in Bali.

Star Gazing: 15 minutes out of Port Douglas and an hour away from the closest major city means light pollution is very minimal here and perfect for some star gazing with a local guide.

Nature Walks & Bird & Butterfly Walks: You are in a nature reserve, so we would highly recommend you head out with someone who knows a thing or two about the local flora and fauna.

Local Indigenous Talks: If you are from outside Australia, this would be the tour I would highly recommend you look at doing. Hear from the local Aboriginal community whilst learning about bush tucker food and also a few songs from their traditional Didgeridoo's.

Thala Beach Nature Reserve Treehouse Room Tour

As always we film everything we get up to on our travel adventures. If you want to see a room and hotel tour and also what we got up to - check out our video below and make sure you head on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErVK77PtbSU

You can book a Coral Sea Bungalow from AUD$543 per night twin share.

Flying The Nest was welcomed as a guest of Thala Beach Nature Reserve, however as always all opinions are our own.

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