dziewczynapawla

I'll be visiting Australia later this month. I really wanted to stay at the Rainforest Hideaway in Cape Tribulation,
http://www.rainforesthideaway.com/ however they are completely booked for the dates I will be there.

Does anyone have any recommendations for similar places or anywhere in the Daintree area that allows one to experience the rainforest as closely as possible? I really wanted to stay somewhere deep in the rainforest, a stilt house, with boardwalks, a cabin with just the bug screens as walls.

Thanks!

pat_woolford

Cape Trib is very busy right now, its high season. Did you find Rainforest Hideaway on www.bnbnq.com.au? Check the site for other accommodation in Daintree (look under the heading "North&quot.

Good luck!

fashionistamm

Did you consider Silky Oaks Lodge? It's a Voyages resort, so maybe more commercial than you're looking for. But, nevertheless, is comprised of 50 treehouses on the edge of the Daintree Rainforest. Staying there on my honeymoon and just heard it's a wonderful place.

http://www.silkyoakslodge.com.au/

dziewczynapawla

Thanks for your responses!!!... yes, I checked the bnbnq site (although it wasn't where I originally found the Rainforest Hideaway) and Silky Oaks is a little beyond my price range.

I am now debating between the following three:
- Ferntree Rainforest Lodge
- Daintree Deep Forest Lodge (Cooper Creek)
- Daintree Escape (Daintree Village)

Any experiences?? or general words of advice? I would prefer to be as close to Cape Trib as possible. And we definitely want something a little more "rustic" as deep in the rainforest as possible. Are these other two locations convenient? We are planning on doing the Mount Sorrow Ridge hike, among other things in cape trib. We do have a car already arranged. Would the drive be very long?

Thanks again!!!!!!!!!

pat_woolford

Ferntree Lodge is now owned by Ocean Hotels, and I haven't seen it since the takeover, but its a good position in relation to Cape Tribulation Beach.

Am not familiar with Daintree Deep Forest but if its at Coopers Creek and you'll have a car it couldn't take long to get to Cape Trib. beach.

About 40 mins drive from Daintree Village to Cape Tribulation - you'll need to take vehicular ferry at Daintree River as there's no bridge. In peak season there's often a wait for the ferry.

You might also consider Cape Tribulation Beach House which actually fronts on to the beach at Cape Trib and is backed by rainforest.

If you're picking up your rental car at Cairns airport, its about one hour 40 mins to Daintree River crossing for direct drive without stopping.



General words of advice: on rainforest hikes do always let someone know where you're going and what time you intend to return. Just last week there was a two day search mounted for some Canadian tourists who failed to report return on Mt Sorrow hike. They finally were located at Undara, many hundreds of kms away, totally unaware that a search was under way.

Diamantina

I stayed at the Ferntree years ago (May 1998). I do recall that it was about a 10 to 20 minute leisurely walk from Cape Tribulation beach. The lodge might have changed radically since then, but at that time it was surrounded by rainforest. Native birds as well as exotic peacocks wandered the grounds. The lodge was nothing special, but the setting was just what we expected, very lush and green, lots of vegetation growing all around, trees coiled with vines. Our room was kind of ordinary, not rustic (no stilts or cabins with bug screens as walls), more contemporary, but also spacious, comfortable and quiet. Our room was very private, so much so that I hardly noticed anyone else was around. I especially enjoyed sitting on our veranda, and listening to the sounds of the rainforest at night.
I've noticed that the company that owns the Ferntree has another resort closer to the beach, the Coconut Beach Resort. It looks far more luxurious (and also far more expensive).
On one of the days we were there we took a "Rum Runner" boat from Cape Tribulation Beach out to the reef (you are closer to the reef up there so you don't need to go out as far). The diving was nice, but we had already spent a few days on a liveaboard out on the reef earlier in the week (Pro Dive out of Cairns).
On another day, at around sunset, we visited the nearby Cape Trib Exotic Fruit Farm (about a five minute walk) and tasted fruit, some of which we had never had before.
I also remember taking a very informative guided walk through the Daintree with an Aboriginal Australian ranger/guide.

daria2

If you want exotic and comfy, you can't beat The Exotic Fruit Farm, http://www.capetrib.com.au/freshfruit.htm. They have only two cabines, so it might be booked, but you have to try. Read the reviews on Tripadviser.com

pat_woolford

Couldn't agree more, daria2

Karen246

There is a really nice bed and breakfast - Red Mill House which is right in Daintree. We did stay next door but it was a little ordinary for one night (can't recall the name) and then moved to Red Mill House which was lovely and private. You will definately need a car