Escape to this tropical rainforest retreat; Daintree Ecolodge

Discover one of the world’s oldest botanical treasures from a truly tranquil rainforest retreat, while escaping the hustle and bustle of modern life.

If I told you there was only ONE place on earth where two World-Heritage listed sites meet, and it happened to be in our very own Australia, would you believe me? Long celebrated as the place where the rainforest meets the reef, the Daintree Rainforest – is one of the world’s most precious botanical treasures. A living museum of history, documenting the evolution of biologically diverse flora and fauna, with living examples of ancient plant lineages that are found nowhere else on the planet.

At an estimated 180 million years old – tens of millions of years older than the Amazon rainforest – the Daintree National Park is located in far North tropical Queensland and comprises the Mossman Gorge (56,500 ha) and Cape Tribulation sections (17,000 ha). It begins about 70 km north of Cairns and continues north from the Daintree River to the Bloomfield River, a distance of 70 km. The extensive McDowall Range forms the western boundary to the Cape Tribulation section – a magical stretch of far North Queensland where mountains scrape the sky and life moves more slowly with soul and purpose.

And if purpose is what you are after, along with culture, history and pure escapism… pack your bags, submerge yourself in a world of ancient emerald green vines and lush canopies, and prepare to disconnect at the Daintree Ecolodge; one of the Daintree’s most renowned luxury rainforest retreats; where not only are you nestled in the sacred healing land of the Kuku Yalanji, it’s the perfect destination to base yourself for your Northern escape exploration.

DAINTREE ECOLODGE

Situated in the heart of the magnificent Daintree Rainforest lies the tranquil Daintree Ecolodge. With 15 eco-friendly banyans (treehouses) immersed in the canopies of ancient vegetation, this unique boutique accommodation boasts everything needed for a full retreat of culture and rejuvenation. With a private waterfall, its renowned spa facilities, to a fully sustainable farm-to-table menu, this resort takes the title “eco” seriously.

“With a private waterfall, its renowned spa facilities, to a fully sustainable farm-to-table menu, this resort takes the title “eco” seriously.

Conscious of keeping a small footprint to work harmoniously with the land, the Daintree Ecolodge holds a maximum of 30 guests and prides itself on being a carbon-neutral property. Its name alone shows that its philosophy is one of uniting with nature, and sustainability for the future is at the core of everything they do.

From using recycled timber in its developments, to its ban on single-use plastics and ensuring only environmentally friendly products are used throughout, this resort is unreservedly committed to ensuring that the environment you come to enjoy isn’t impacted by your visit. So much so, they even donate 50 dollars from every guest stay to the Reef Keepers fund – an environmental fund created by the Morris Group to help projects and organisations protect the Great Barrier Reef.

Located 90 minutes north of Cairns via a beautiful scenic drive of rugged coastline and raw, untouched rainforest, the Daintree Ecolodge is sure to offer an uplifting and sustainable getaway. The perfect haven to unplug from the hustle and bustle of modern-day life,  it allows you to wake to the gentle sounds of nature, and indulge in gorgeous cuisine with a creative native twist. A true holistic experience.

FARM-TO-TABLE – AN ETHICAL APPROACH

What do you get when you cross a chef and an environmentalist? An incredible menu that harnesses the true flavours and offerings of North Queensland produce. A menu that is carefully curated to support the local farming community – all whilst being mindful of animal welfare and ethical farming and treatment practices.

Thanks to the efforts of Executive Chef Simone Watts, who began her career working under Adam D’Sylva  at Pearl before spending five years alongside Greg Malouf at the legendary establishment MoMo – the Daintree Ecolodge’s Julaymba restaurant (‘Julaymba’ is the indigenous word for Daintree) encompasses a true sustainable approach to a seasonally driven culinary offering.

On the menu, you can expect to find the tropical tastes of the Daintree and the fresh tastes of the reef. Their approach is a holistic one: rather than offer single prime cuts of meats, they only purchase whole animals from a series of carefully selected farms to ensure there is zero waste from each animal, eliminating the pressure for the farm to sell the less popular cuts. And evident through her pride and passion for Australian produce, it’s Simone’s hope their menu at Julaymba reflects this love – inspiring diners to remember the eternal relationship between the environment and the food they see before them.

THE HIT LIST

Julma at the waterfall

A quintessential Daintree experience. Surrounded by rainforest, relax in a truly amazing massage treatment by the waterfall where you will become one with nature. private dining experience Immersive rainforest dining experience comprising of a five-course degustation by the lodge’s lagoon.

River wild watch sunset cruise

Get up close and personal with the Daintree’s native wildlife on an intimate river cruise.

Cape Tribulation

Travel north to meander along rainforest boardwalks and stroll along deserted tropical beaches. A place of stunning natural beauty and the only place on earth where two World-Heritage areas meet.

To find out more visit daintree-ecolodge.com.au