Rainforest retreat, reimagined

Words by Lisa Keller

For decades, it was the kind of place only those in the know talked about. A sleepy beachside caravan park, which, admittedly, needed a little TLC, but with its pristine waterfront location and the Daintree just a stone's throw away, loyal campers would return year after year.
It was this, coupled with an irresistible regional charm and untapped potential, that caught the attention of the renowned Saltwater Hotels, who snapped up the chance to rewrite the story for this aging park. Two years and a spectacular makeover later, they now invite you to experience what life is like at Daintree Beach Resort.

THE SECRET’S OUT

Tucked beneath the palm trees in the remote coastal town of Wonga Beach what was once a modest camping ground now lies what can only be described as a tropical oasis; its sense of luxury defined by the inviting, resort style pool, elegant amenities and, of course, the striking presence of numerous brand-new glamping pavilions.

While the option for pitching a tent or pulling in your camper trailer remains, Daintree Beach Resort now offers an elevated alternative to traditional camping. Think king-sized beds draped in soft, beautiful linen, private bathrooms with enchanting outdoor showers, and your very own coffee machines, all wrapped within a fully air-conditioned bell tent. One night in here and you’d be excused for never wanting to leave. Luxurious? Yes. Expensive? Surprisingly, no. Pricing remains quite competitive which is a breath of fresh air when you consider the calibre of the accommodation and what’s included.

All this said, let’s not play down the campsites. In fact, there’s a good reason why travellers have returned to this spot year after year and why it has earned such a reputable name for itself among the caravanner crowd. Both powered 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.

UNDER LIGHTS

But the magic of Daintree Beach Resort isn’t just found in where you sleep, it’s where you eat. And drink. And hang out with your new best friends (whether you brought them with you or met them at the bar). As well as the glamping tents, a new alfresco dining space has been created complete with bean bags, fairy lights and food trucks creating the perfect setting for a magical evening under the stars.

Tacos and chicken wings are favourites from the small but well-crafted venue which is on offer every evening from 4pm and, if you time it right, will be accompanied by live acoustic music. It’s hard to describe the feeling of lounging under the mountains of the world’s oldest rainforest, sipping on a cool drink as the soft strum of a guitar soothes your soul, but it’s one you’ll want to come back to again and again.

And the best part? You don’t need to be a camper to enjoy it. The park’s food and bar truck is open to all, and has locals rejoicing for an exciting new nightspot in what is otherwise a sleepy town.

CHECK IN TO CHECK OUT

The beauty of escaping to this remote corner of the world is the chance to truly switch off. Here, the fickle internet isn’t a flaw, it’s nature gently nudging you to slow down, unplug, and surrender to rainforest time. (If you do need to use your devices, because let’s face it, we live in a digital age, Starlink internet is available throughout the park giving you full access to the outside world).

For those who prefer to spend their days out exploring (and given the location, it’s highly encouraged), Daintree Beach Resort serves as the perfect homebase. To the south, you have Port Douglas, just a scenic 35-minute drive down the road while to the north, you have unlimited access to sprawling canopies of the Daintree Rainforest and the secrets that lie within. And, for those days where you don’t feel like travelling too far, the popular Hook-A-Barra Farm is conveniently located at the entryway to the park, providing endless opportunities for fun, especially for the kids.

For many, a weekend escape to the Daintree seems an unattainable voyage but that’s the magic of Daintree Beach Resort. It’s close enough to Cairns that the drive is a breeze but far enough that it still feels like a proper escape. The perfect weekender, one could say. And with everything now available on site, all you need is your toothbrush, a change of clothes and to switch off from the outside world and tune into the nature in the park around you.

Although, it’s not just a park anymore. It’s a destination. And it’s one you won’t want to leave.