Page 20 - Port Douglas Magazine 43

FOCUS ON THE COVER

Coconut Grove

The Coconut Plantation of Thala Beach Nature Reserve graces the cover of this
issue and is a popular destination enjoyed by visitors and locals. Now an iconic
landmark it is one that has a history and some interesting facts of its own.

HOW IT ALL STARTED

Sprouted coconuts were first planted out in 1981 by the owners, Rob &
Oonagh Prettejohn.
• The mature and productive coconuts today are 43 years old. The original
sprouted nuts came from a nursery established by Rob & Oonagh, at
nearby Palm Cove.
• These fruits were grown and nurtured for 14 years prior to the
commencement of construction of today’s Thala Lodge. A vision indeed!
THE PURPOSE
• Strong advocates for eco-tourism and sustainable practices, the
Prettejohn’s intention was to create a charming plantation entrance that
wound its way to the Lodge itself.
• As the coconut plantation evolved so too did Rob and Oonagh’s knowledge
of these tropical fruits and some of the beneficial health properties the
nuts themselves offered.

FOR THEIR GUESTS
• Ideal for hydration in the tropical climate, green coconuts are regularly
harvested from the plantation. Known for their delicious and refreshing
taste, they are served to guests, fresh at the bar and used in Thala’s kitchen
to create unique dishes full of tropical flavours.
• Coconuts are considered by some as the tree of life and they have a long
history in the area. The local Kuku Yalanji word for coconut is Jirimandi.

FAMOUS FOR
• Being a popular stop for visitors travelling along the scenic Great Barrier
Reef Drive to and from Port Douglas.
• Featuring as a traveller’s favourite backdrop on social media posts. An
aerial shot, the scenic route to lunch, the perfect picnic spot or simply
soaking up the beauty of nature’s work.
• Helping to create the set for the Film, Paradise Road. Filmed in the nearby
Mowbray Valley the film crew collected tonnes of fronds to help achieve
their set design.
THE WILDLIFE

Thala is known for its abundance of wildlife. Sugar Gliders, amongst others are
long term residents of coconut plantation. Enjoying the mature coconuts, they
regularly feed on and enjoy the nutrient rich nectar of the coconut blossoms.

Once a degraded sugarcane plantation Thala Beach Nature Reserve is now a
beautiful eco and wildlife retreat. Their coconut plantation is a one of a kind,
a thriving sanctuary and one that is well worth a drop in.

thalabeach.com.au