Your Reef or Helicopter Expedition in North Queensland’s Hideaway

Experience Option 1 - Reef Expedition

Accessed via the coastal resort town of Port Douglas, the Great Barrier Reef offers a boatload of aquatic adventures to discover the kaleidoscope of corals and marine life in the magnificent reef system.

Spend an unforgettable day sailing the Coral Sea onboard a luxury catamaran exploring either the Mackay Coral Cay on the Outer Reef or the idyllic Low Isles.

Exclusively accessible by our partner, the snow-white sand and the crystal-clear waters of Mackay Cay offer the picture-perfect backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef. Located on its northern frontier approximately 50 kilometres from Port Douglas, the small island rises mere metres above high tide.

The day’s itinerary includes visits to two protected reef sites ideal for snorkelling, offering close-up views of the vibrant and diverse coral gardens, giant clams, turtles and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. In between, step ashore the tiny strip of beach to lounge about in paradise. Camera essential!

Situated 15 kilometres north-east of Port Douglas, the Low Isles comprise a four-acre coral cay surrounded by 55 acres of reef. One of two islands in the region, Low Island is a tiny sand cay (around two hectares in size) distinguished by a historic and still active lighthouse.

In the company of an expert guide, wade into the blue lagoon to snorkel over the magnificent coral gardens and swim with turtles in their natural habitat. There’s also time to relax on the beach and to join an island heritage walk.

Both adventures are hosted by qualified marine biologists, passionate about sharing their knowledge of the marine environment through educational presentations, guided in-water snorkelling tours and glass bottom boats tours narrated by our partner's skipper.

What's included:

Snorkel equipment, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

Duration

Full day

Departs From

Port Douglas (self-drive or enquire for transfer options)

Activity essentials

• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

• Swimwear and towel

• Change of clothes

• Warm jacket or fleece (especially in winter)

• Camera

• Sea sickness medication or measures

Experience Option 2 - Helicopter Flight

Touch down in Daintree National Park at Stewarts Creek Falls, accessible only by heli. Swim and picnic right on the waterfall to top off a once in a lifetime experience.

Rainforest Waterfall Escape

Picnicking on top of a remote waterfall in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest is one of the coolest things to experience when in Tropical North Queensland.

Zip off with an eco-certified operator from the resort's own helipad heading for the coast. View the extraordinary meeting place of the rainforest and reef from a thrilling new perspective.

Heading back inland, cue the Jurassic Park soundtrack and soar at Pterodactyl heights over the 180-million-year-old Daintree Rainforest before an exhilarating touchdown at Stewarts Creek Waterfall, a magical location only accessible by helicopter. Soak up wildly beautiful views and strip-off for a swim (maybe even a skinny dip!) in the cool, spring-fed waters.

Experience a bucket-list worthy high with a gourmet picnic atop the falls complete with sparkling wine for a real ‘pinch me’ moment.

Operator disclaimer: The waterfall landing site can be affected by large volumes of rain. On the rare occasion the helicopter is unable to land at the waterfall the tour will continue on an extended 30-minute reef-scenic flight, converting the experience into a 45-minute reef and rainforest scenic flight. Passengers will be given the prepared picnic lunch for enjoyment post flight and our aviation partner will advise and assist with any refunds applicable.

Passengers need to have a good mobility to participate in this experience due to uneven ground at the waterfall location.

Duration

30 minutes flying and 1 hour at waterfall

Activity essentials

• Hat and sunglasses

• Sunscreen and insect repellant

• Swimwear and towel

• Camera

• Good mobility

Undine Sand Cay

Blast off to Undine Cay for one of the most brag-worthy experiences in Tropical North Queensland.

Lift-off rockstar style from resort's’ own helipad to soak in breathtaking aerial views extending from the tropical rainforest cloaked coastline and across the azure waters of the Coral Sea before an exhilarating touchdown on dazzling Undine Cay, a jewel in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

Spend hours with silky white sand between your toes, sunbathing and snorkelling in the gin-clear waters abundant in marine life. Indulge in a gourmet picnic hamper complete with sparkling wine as you drip-dry in the balmy tropical air and toast the view and the one (or ones!) you love.

Undine Cay is a public sand cay and as such cannot be reserved. On the rare occasion, it is occupied the helicopter will not be permitted to land and will continue on an extended reef scenic flight to an alternate secluded beach. Unfortunately, being a coastal location, snorkelling isn’t possible at this site.

Duration

40 minutes flying and 2 hours on Undine Cay

Activity essentials

• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen

• Swimwear and towel

• Camera

Your Accommodation

Rainforest Retreat

42m2

Stylish and intimate, the Rainforest Retreat features a king bed and interior daybed, ensuite bathroom with deep spa bath and outdoor deck with rainforest views, complete with hammock ready to sway in the cool breeze.

Features

• King or twin beds

• Open-plan lounge

• Spacious ensuite bathroom with bath

• Outdoor balcony with hammock

• Floor to ceiling glass windows

• Rainforest views

Treehouse Retreat

50m2

Set high in the rainforest and offering both privacy and treetop views, the Treehouse Retreat combines king bed luxury indoors with a generous outdoor balcony strung with a signature hammock. A private deck with bathtub and open-air shower beckons.

Features

• King bedding

• Open-plan lounge

• Spacious ensuite bathroom with shower

• Private outdoor deck with bath and shower

• Outdoor balcony with hammock

• Floor to ceiling glass windows

• Rainforest views

Treehouse Premium

72m2

Perfect for families, the Treehouse Premium suite features a king bed with additional bedding made to fit to family dynamics. A generous verandah balcony opens to the rainforest while a private deck features a stone bathtub for a tropical day-spa vibe.

Features

• King bedding
• Open-plan lounge
• Spacious ensuite bathroom with shower
• Private outdoor deck with bath and shower
• Outdoor balcony with hammock
• Floor to ceiling glass windows
• Rainforest views

Riverhouse

47m2

The Riverhouse invites dreamy retreat with contemporary living quarters and ensuite bathroom with private outdoor bathtub overlooking the waters cascading below.

Features

• King bedding
• Open-plan lounge
• Spacious ensuite bathroom with shower
• Private outdoor deck with bath and shower
• Outdoor balcony with hammock
• Floor to ceiling glass windows
• Rainforest and river views

Billabong Suite

92m2

The Billabong Suite combines generous indoor and outdoor living areas, deck with feature fireplace and bathroom with private open-air bathtub completing a premium rainforest experience.

Features

• King bedding

• Open-plan lounge

• Spacious ensuite bathroom with shower

• Private outdoor deck with bath and shower

• Outdoor balcony with EcoSmart fireplace and hammock

• Floor to ceiling glass windows

• Rainforest and river views

Daintree Pavillion

323m2

The Daintree Pavilion is designed as the ultimate hideaway complete with two bedroom wings an open-air lounging atrium with infinity pool floating among the cool of the forest.

Features

• Two separate bedroom wings

• Two ensuite bathrooms flowing to private deck with tub

• Entertaining lounge and premium stocked bar

• Open-air atrium with tiered pool and plunge spa

• Wrap-around rainforest views

We have plenty of various experiences to offer from snorkeling, helicopter expeditions, cultural immersions to rainforest adventures. Please get in touch to find more or view a sample itinerary below:

Four Night Sample Itinerary

Day 1 Night

As the sun slips down, enjoy evening drinks and snacks in the Jungle Perch before dining in the relaxed ambience of the Treehouse Restaurant and savour a four-course table d’hôte menu, matched with premium wines.

Day 2 Morning

Explore the Great Barrier Reef onboard a luxury vessel to the Low Isles, the Outer Reef or Agincourt Reef, including snorkelling trips guided by marine biologists, lunch and an interpretive reef talk (additional charges apply).

Day 2 Night

Unwind to the restorative rhythm of the tropics with evening drinks and snacks served in the bar. Dine at leisure in the Treehouse Restaurant and let Chef Mark Godbeer guide the night’s feast with a delicious selection of ‘family-style’ platters to share.

Day 3 Morning

Explore Far North Queensland like
a local on a full-day guided tour. Visit Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation before a cruise on the Daintree River. Not to worry, morning tea and lunch is served along the way (additional charges apply).

Day 3 Afternoon

Return to the lodge for an afternoon of relaxation nestled in your private hammock with a good book and a cold drink.

Day 3 Night

Swap stories with fellow travellers in the bar, before moving to the Treehouse Restaurant to dine. The à la carte dinner menu offers three courses or select a homestyle favourite from the Lodges Classics menu, matched with premium Australian wines.

Day 4 Morning

Transfer mid-morning to the coastal resort town of Port Douglas. Wander along Four Mile Beach, visit the old Sugar Wharf and explore the boutique and restaurant lined main street.

Day 4 Afternoon

The Healing Waters Spa offers a menu inspired by ancient Indigenous beliefs that the water in the Mossman River is a renewing and life-giving force. Treatments feature the Australian-made Sodashi skin care range (additional charges apply).

Day 4 Night

Enjoy cocktails on the Jungle Perch before settling in for a final dining experience in the Treehouse Restaurant.

Day 4 Morning

Transfer mid-morning to the coastal resort town of Port Douglas. Wander along Four Mile Beach, visit the old Sugar Wharf and explore the boutique and restaurant lined main street.

Day 4 Afternoon

The Healing Waters Spa offers a menu inspired by ancient Indigenous beliefs that the water in the Mossman River is a renewing and life-giving force. Treatments feature the Australian-made Sodashi skin care range (additional charges apply).

Day 4 Night

Enjoy cocktails on the Jungle Perch before settling in for a final dining experience in the Treehouse Restaurant.

Day 5 Morning

Join an early morning yoga class, take a rainforest walk, or plunge into the invigorating Mossman River. Breathe deep the clean, green oxygen and marvel at the oldest living rainforest on the planet.

Day 5 Farewell

Time for a final breakfast and to take last pictures before returning along the coastal bends to Cairns. For a final rush, depart in style with a helicopter transfer from the resort's helipad back to reality (additional charges apply).