Page 37 - Port Douglas Magazine 45

daintree beach resort.

For decades, it was the kind of place only those
in the know talked about. A sleepy beachside
Rainforest
caravan park, which, admittedly, needed a little
TLC, but with its pristine waterfront location Rainforest CHECK IN TO CHECK OUT
and the daintree just a stone’s throw away, loyal UNDER LIGHTS
campers would return year after year. But the magic of Daintree Beach Resort isn’t just found in where you sleep, it’s The beauty of escaping to this remote corner
of the world is the chance to truly switch off.
Retreat,
WORDS LISA KELLER Retreat, where you eat. And drink. And hang out with your new best friends (whether you Here, the fickle internet isn’t a flaw, it’s nature
brought them with you or met them at the bar). As well as the glamping tents, a
gently nudging you to slow down, unplug, and
It was this, coupled with an irresistible regional charm new alfresco dining space has been created complete with bean bags, fairy lights surrender to rainforest time. (If you do need to
and food trucks creating the perfect setting for a magical evening under the stars.
and untapped potential, that caught the attention of use your devices, because let’s face it, we live
the renowned Saltwater Hotels, who snapped up the Tacos and Pork Ribs are favourites from the small but well-crafted venue which is in a digital age, Starlink internet is available
reimagined
chance to rewrite the story for this aging park. Two years on offer every evening from 4pm and from the end of May, the food truck and bar throughout the park giving you full access to
and a spectacular makeover later, they now invite you to reimagined will be open 7 days a week for breakfast, light lunches and dinners. If you time it the outside world).
experience what life is like at Daintree Beach Resort. right, your evening will be accompanied by live acoustic music. For those who prefer to spend their days out
It’s hard to describe the feeling of lounging under the mountains of the world’s
exploring (and given the location, it’s highly
THE SECRET’S OUT oldest rainforest, sipping on a cool drink as the soft strum of a guitar soothes your encouraged), Daintree Beach Resort serves as
soul, but it’s one you’ll want to come back to again and again.
the perfect homebase. To the south, you have
Tucked beneath the palm trees in the remote coastal town And the best part? You don’t need to be a camper to enjoy it. The park’s food and Port Douglas, just a scenic 35-minute drive
of Wonga Beach what was once a modest camping ground bar truck is open to all, and has locals rejoicing for an exciting new nightspot in down the road while to the north, you have
now lies what can only be described as a tropical oasis; its what is otherwise a sleepy town. unlimited access to sprawling canopies of the
sense of luxury defined by the inviting, resort style pool, Daintree Rainforest and the secrets that lie
elegant amenities and, of course, the striking presence of within. And, for those days where you don’t feel
numerous brand-new glamping pavilions. like travelling too far, the popular Hook-A-Barra
While the option for pitching a tent or pulling in your Farm is conveniently located at the entryway
camper trailer remains, Daintree Beach Resort now offers to the park, providing endless opportunities for
an elevated alternative to traditional camping. Think king- fun, especially for the kids.
sized beds draped in soft, beautiful linen, private bathrooms For many, a weekend escape to the Daintree
with enchanting outdoor showers, and your very own coffee seems an unattainable voyage but that’s the
machines, all wrapped within a fully air-conditioned pavilion. magic of Daintree Beach Resort. It’s close
One night in here and you’d be excused for never wanting enough to Cairns that the drive is a breeze but
to leave. Luxurious? Yes. Expensive? Surprisingly, no. Pricing far enough that it still feels like a proper escape.
remains quite competitive which is a breath of fresh air when The perfect weekender, one could say. And
you consider the calibre of the accommodation and what’s with everything now available on site, all you
included. need is your toothbrush, a change of clothes
All this said, let’s not play down the campsites. In fact, and to switch off from the outside world and
there’s a good reason why travellers have returned to this tune into the nature in the park around you.
spot year after year and why it has earned such a reputable Although, it’s not just a park anymore. It’s a
name for itself among the caravanner crowd. Both powered destination. And it’s one you won’t want to leave.
and unpowered sites are available and if you’re someone
who cringes at the thought of a public bathroom, you’ll be
pleasantly surprised by the chic, modern and downright
impressive shower rooms that were all part of Saltwater
Hotels’ vision to make the resort a place where camping
doesn’t mean compromising on comforts.

32 Port Douglas Magazine & Travel Planner