Name: Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Address: Captain Cook Hwy, Oak Beach, 5078, Port Douglas, 4877, AU

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2026

Ashwood

Outstanding lodge in a nature reserve with great facilities and friendly helpful staff. The chalet accommodation was spotless, comfortable and very well equipped, and the location in the nature reserve was great. The food in the restaurant was excellent. Only stayed one night, but wish we had stayed at least one more. Having said that, it was not cheap, but good value for what was on offer.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Apr 2026

Gisele

We really enjoyed our stay.
The property is well located in a nature preserve. It was clean, comfortable, the staff is efficient & courteous.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Feb 2026

Geetha

Amazing friendly staff, private Reserve with individual Bangalows, spectacular views. Perfect reserve to relax & enjoy your space

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

30 Dec 2025

Mark

Beautiful location in the forest. Accommodation was comfortable and clean. No wifi but that was a pleasant change in pace.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Dec 2025

JACQUELINE

The best part of Thala is the staff. It’s a little out of the way, a little hilly and hard to navigate but everything is forgiven by the kindness and attentiveness of the staff. Brett took us on a long and comprehensive nature walk doing everything he could to show us the animals and plants and explaining everything. When we had a flat tire Brett and Sam worked until they figured out how to fix it. Neither would accept even a tip. The stay was wonderful

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

15 Nov 2025

Nadine

A wonderful stay with welcoming and friendly staff.. could have used a few more staff for the restaurant during the breakfast rush

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

18 Oct 2025

Thomas

Beautiful spot. They should consider providing a breakfast buffet as part of their package. A la carte was very expensive and it’s a long drive to go to Port Douglas!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Oct 2025

Larrisa

Thala was the perfect break - a quiet, wild oasis.

Seamless check in and helpful porters are quick to take you about the resort in gold buggies. Rooms are tucked away and private, ideal for romantic get aways. There is so much to do on the property - highly recommend both the southern loop and the more rugged nature walk. The guided nature tour with Dave was a highlight, so much knowledge about flora and fauna.

The property itself is 20-30 years old but very well maintained. Everything is set in dense woodland so there are leaves, sticks, bugs and cane toads - this is part of nature and not a detriment.

Using the Optus network I had solid 4G on most of the property including on the walks and in our room.

This is a place that’s less about instagram vibe and more about peaceful connection with a rewilded piece of land. Very highly recommended.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Sep 2025

Tiffany quinn

The property was beautiful! It was the perfect place to disconnect, yet so close to shops and restaurants. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We really enjoyed our stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2025

Arin

amazing location. super friendly staff.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

23 Aug 2025

Verified traveler

Seems a bit aging and past its prime, but good environment, beach and views from the public areas.
Needs much better internet provision.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Aug 2025

Karen

Wonderful location - feel like you are part of nature and the food was very good at their restaurant.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Aug 2025

Lisa

Absolutely amazing. Will be back. Like having your own private little national park to stay in

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Aug 2025

Troy

Wonderful location and views and dining.

Business_and_leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jul 2025

Lyndele

It was great

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jul 2025

Serena Lorraine

What a stunning place! We loved the natural features and the serenity of the reserve. Highly recommend!

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2025

Natalie

This is a beautiful resort placed in the middle of a wonderful nature park with private beach. Highly recommend. Also the coconut tour was great.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2025

Jr

Beautiful views
Excellent service
Peaceful and exciting at the same time ...wonderful experience

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2025

Jr

Gorgeous time in the jungle !

Beautiful views..wonderful service...very friendly..magical experience!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2025

Alistair

Beautiful location

Business

10/10

Exceptional

12 May 2025

Verified traveler

Rainforest bliss

what an amazing hotel; lovely staff, amazing rooms, golf buggies to get you around… We were in heaven!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 Mar 2025

jayendra

The property is located on a nature reserve, so it very quiet. There are a couple of walks the stargazers is worth doing it is step access so to stay here you do need to be mobile steps to your rooms and to reception it is in the middle of nowhere so if your happy to have one choice of restaurant it is fine

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Oct 2024

Edward

Couldn’t give five starts because no internet in rooms and fairly poor even at the lodge- this is important to almost everyone now, get it fixed!

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

13 Oct 2024

Barbara

Fantastic customer service! Property is remote and it truly is a lovely get away. Transportation to the nearest town can be arranged by the hotel but times may not be the most convenient. Dining was great, service very good.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Oct 2024

Ann

Thala Beach Nature Reserve is a wonderful escape! We wish we could have stayed longer!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Sep 2024

Verified traveler

Amazing property with friendly and helpful staff. We really enjoyed our stay here and was fantastic for a few days relaxing and exploring the area up to Daintree and Port Douglas. We spent two nights eating in the restaurant and the food was top class. If I had any improvement it would be to heat the pool as it was freezing at this time of the year so we only used it for a quick dip and where the ones I saw use it.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Sep 2024

Joseph Paul

The property is amazing. Bungalow style rooms scattered through the rainforest, connected by very walkable paved paths. The staff was great. The food was good. But it is the property itself that makes this place special.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Aug 2024

James Richard

Absolutely loved our stay at Thala Beach. Such a relaxing getaway in a wonderful location. Our private bungalow was perfect and we spent most of our stay exploring the properties many walks, lookouts and beach, and thanks again for organising the day tour to Cape Tribulation for us, it was fantastic! Can't wait to come again, and already sending others your way!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Aug 2024

Sandro

Fantastic place with a fantastic story

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

04 Aug 2024

Alex

Loved being away from any built environment, nestled amongst the trees, ocean and cliffs, lots of birds and feeling of being in nature.

The restaurant is a stunning location but the food is hit and miss, limited menu, and expensive.

Staff are warm and friendly.

The resort has a slightly worn fee about it. But if you’re looking for a slightly rustic eco retreat vibe, it’s great.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

20 May 2024

elizabeth

Beautiful secluded rainforest property with its own beautiful beach. Good size room; eco friendly but parking was not near the room and restaurant was so/so

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 May 2024

Jane

Beautiful location. Great food

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

30 Apr 2024

Marian

Superb rainforest setting. Attentive staff. Good food.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

19 Apr 2024

Hollee

Location is wonderful, just south of Port Douglas. Right in the bush! Right in nature! Great facilities, bungalow up to date and luxurious.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2024

Barclay

Great resort, no weaknesses

10/10

Exceptional

03 Nov 2023

Sarah

Lovely unique location for a peaceful break. It was useful to have a taxi service into Port Douglas several times a day.
Would recommend the hotel

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 Oct 2023

Mary

Beautiful property and beach. Great staff, delicious breakfast and dinners, onsite birding & nature .

10/10

Exceptional

23 Oct 2023

Nadine

Paradise

Always amazing to stay here

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Oct 2023

Brynne

My partner and I had an amazing time! We loved walking around the property and exploring the trails. You just can’t beat having a private beach and your own private little sanctuary amongst the trees. Truly spectacular. The staff were extremely kind and attentive. We had Ray as our waiter both times we dined at the restaurant for dinner and he was great. While the menu is limited, everything was delicious. I will say that if you are looking for a pristine resort with immediate pool side service, this may not be the place for you. It is a long walk from the beach to get a cold beer! But if you like the silence of nature and people that appreciate it…then this place certainly is worth a visit.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Aug 2023

Bowie

Beautiful setting, fantastic staffs, love the wallabies and birds!!!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Aug 2023

Izabella

Quiet, relaxing, loved the coconut odyssey, the butterfly walk, scampering around the headland at low tide..so much more to enjoy here in better weather too!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Jul 2023

Grant

Great facility and accommodation. Staff extremely helpful and friendly. Restaurant has exceptional views but a new chef has a limited menu and doesn’t really accommodate vegetarians or vegans. Hopefully that will change in the future.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Dec 2022

Toby

It was a great time also our engagement almost got spilt due to the older lady at the front desk when we checked in. Lucky my parents wasn’t listening to what she said…
Overall we loved thala and will be back. Thanks for the great experience!

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

04 Dec 2022

Melissa

The property was beautiful and well maintained. Our room was super comfortable, quiet, private, fabulous. We enjoyed exploring the main pool, which was very nice. Unfortunately, we did have several complaints. The first is that while the staff was polite, they weren't friendly. Additionally, the bar staff was more than willing to bring our first set of drinks to us in the pool, but they never came back to see if we wanted more. Also, when we were sitting in the lounge area, they again never came to see if we wanted another drink, instead, we had to walk up to the bar to get refills. The food options were lacking (though we knew that going into it). The breakfast buffet was great, but dinner options were very limited. The biggest complaint, however, was that there is no beverage/snack service on the beach. They do have a facility there, but apparently its only for \"special occasions.\" Not sure if they realize all of the money they're missing out on by not having service on the beach. Overall, Thala was what we were looking for, but I'd say they are more of a 3-star resort rather than a 5-star. If they want to be a 5-star resort, they need to up their commitment to service.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Sep 2022

Eshan

Amazing place to stay at. Friendly staff and very accommodating

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2022

Virginie

One of the best hotels I have ever stayed (definitely in my top 3)! I absolutely adored my stay at Thala Beach. Everything looks absolutely beautiful and I loved to be surrounded by nature. I just could not get enough of the magical view from the restaurant especially at sunset while having dinner... so romantic. The food was really good and so were the cocktails. The staff is absolutely fantastic, always smiling and so professional and helpful, a delight, I felt really welcome! This hotel is so special, loved everything about it, the decoration (colonial style), the atmosphere, the wildlife, the pool, the walks, the trails, the private beach. It is the perfect place to stay to disconnect (no wifi in the bungalows) and reset and you can do so much on site and when you feel like exploring, it is perfectly located, only 15 minutes drive from Port Douglas. They have also a nice gifts shop where you can also buy some products such as sun lotion, mosquito spray, toothpaste, snacks etc... I will definitely come back as this is such a unique place.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jun 2022

Verified traveler

Serenity Now

Very special property - very private, serene and remote with easy access via shuttle to Port Douglas should you desire a bit more action. Recommend going in the hotter months as the property is shaded by lush foliage offering the opportunity to remain outdoors whilst the temperatures are high.

Self

8/10

Excellent

15 Jun 2022

Genevieve

It was sparkling clean and quiet. We enjoyed exploring the two beautiful beaches. Having breakfast with that spectacular view was wonderful. I would like to see bathroom products that were made in Australia and in refillable dispenses rather than products made in China in throwaway plastic.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 May 2022

Michael

Amazing - service was impeccable

Amazing - service was impeccable

Partner

8/10

Excellent

24 Apr 2022

Arvind

Good base to explore Port Douglas and further north. Cottages spread around sprawling and hilly property; which means walking to reception and restaurant can be tricky. Very friendly buggy service available.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2022

Adhi

Amazing and unique stay at the property. Love the walks at the private access beach , amazing view . Dinner was delicious with great view .

Business_and_leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

18 Apr 2022

Tim

Highly recommended. This is a true eco-resort with wonderful aspect, layout and views. You are literally surrounded by natural beauty. The individual bungalows are amazing - we had a Coral Sea Room which had a spectacular view from the balcony. Staff were very friendly and service oriented and the beach picnic was a highlight.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Apr 2022

Ebony

A beautiful place for a romantic retreat. The bungalow was roomy with beautiful views. The staff were lovely and very helpful throughout the stay. Will definitely be returning soon.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Mar 2022

Jessica

The staff were what made this trip stand out. Especially Sophia at reception

Could recommend enough

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Dec 2021

Liyun

We loved our stay, the staff were all so amazing!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Aug 2021

Verified traveler

Great set up with great service

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jul 2021

Verified traveler

Stunning views of the ocean and beautiful wildlife.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jul 2021

Verified traveler

A resort but nestled in a natural environment

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

08 Jul 2021

Verified traveler

The beach and the buggy service was fantastic. Unfortunately the room, bathroom and toilets were old and grimy and not what a 5 star hotel should be. The landscape and location were lovely. A refurbishment is well overdue. This is highlighted by the roof in the reception caving in during our stay.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

23 Jun 2021

Sam

Beautiful place

Overall this was a really lovely place. The staff were very busy probably due to the limited access to Australia. Although very expensive (which we knew) the food was very nice; breakfast should be included in the price. The different activities that the hotel provided were enjoyable.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

29 May 2021

Verified traveler

If you want an experience staying in a timber hut surrounded by bush it is good but I think it is overpriced. The restaurant is very good

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

25 Apr 2021

Zoltan

Some issues in room, fan wasn’t working in bathroom, hole in the wall in the bathroom, missing item in minibar (was rectified after spoken to reception). The bed could be better, not too comfortable. Spa wasn’t working. A beautiful place but a bit let down by the lack of maintenance.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Apr 2021

Michael

Best Eco resort in port Douglas

Excellent hotel for a getaway. Eco nature reserve if you want to get in touch with nature. Comfortable accommodation. Good staff. Delicious food .

Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Apr 2021

Verified traveler

A true eco resort with lots of wildlife around which was delightful.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Aug 2020

Legianti

I loved everything about this place!! People are genuinely lovely and very helpful, food was great, my room was very clean and beautiful, facilities were great (shame I didn't have time to use the pools). The private beach is really stunning too. 2 nights were not enough. I would definitely stay again the next time in in Cairns.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2020

Verified traveler

This property is exceptional! The open air lobby gives you a great vibe from the start. The view from the restaurant is stunning. Love the natural pool with rocks and waterfalls.But the best is the private beach. Breathtaking!

Leisure Friends

4/10

Poor

11 Jan 2020

moises

Good place nice people but dangerous.

This place is full of nature and Wild animals, I was bitten by a sneak getting Of of the pool so I had obe of the worst times of my vacation.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jan 2020

Paul

Self contained chalet with balcony nestled in natural setting. Absolutely perfect!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jan 2020

Graham

Thala Beach 2 night stay

Thala Beach is a fantastic place. The perfect location. Staff are so helpful. We enjoyed it all so much. Excellent.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

23 Dec 2019

Diana

This property is an eco-friendly environment. I couldn’t get a to go cup for my coffee. They are truly working towards saving the planet.

Friends_and_family Partner

4/10

Poor

17 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Nice location but 10 a check poor when spending this much

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

05 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Very peaceful
Relaxing
Clean and tidy
Picturesque

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Oct 2019

Shari

Amazing location and staff. I would definitely recommend and go back. Great value as well.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Brilliant place to stay. Relaxing, great staff. The private beach was great.
Outstanding meal

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Sep 2019

Karen

A great place to escape the world

Beautiful property, great staff and gorgeous location! Great as a base to explore the beautiful local region or as a place just to escape the world...

10/10

Exceptional

10 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

The grounds are beautiful and extensive. The staff is friendly, helpful, and efficient.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Fantastic place - beautiful private beach, restaurant serving quality food, great staff.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

23 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

We stayed for a week here during our Honeymoon. It was advertised to us a 5* eco lodge and an eco lodge it is but 5* it is not. The lodges are .... quaint. Bed and furnishings lacking.
The restaurant was over priced and the menu was incredibly short. A simple bottle of wine inflated almost 100%.
Overall a unique complex, suitable for bird watching enthusiasts looking reside within the trees. Bring your chequebook and credit card

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Apr 2019

Brandon

This place is awesome!! Cant recommend it enough!! The service was great and it is located in one of the coolest places. A very unique experience. There are very few places in the world like this one. The restaurant is very good and the view from in there is amazing!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

16 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

Very private bungalows. lovely surroundings. Unfortunately the water temperature was an issue.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

14 Apr 2019

Ishreen

Nature at its best

Lovely location and comfortable rooms.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

07 Apr 2019

Ramanjeet

Fun-filled

Amazing

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Serene place. Leave everything behind, chill out and relax

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

The location of Thala Beach is wonderful, great views and convenient for many interesting trips, including the Great Barrier Reef. They really mean it when they focus on eco-friendliness. Nature walks and cultural evening were great for additional interest. Staff were consistently friendly and helpful

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

The food is pretty average for a place charging this kind of money. There is no real option as its not close to any options. The menu seems to be aimed at middle America. Kinda bland.

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jan 2019

Sandra

Beautiful location, very quiet and surrounded by nature. Staff are excellent, food is excellent. We will be back.

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

We spent NYE at Thala and it was just that - an outstanding experience! The service at this property is absolutely unparalleled. The Staff obviously enjoy working there, as indicated by the longevity of those that I encountered and this is reflected in the overall vibe of the resort. The highlight for me was having the fabulous resort swimming pool all to myself at 7am on NY morning, while being chauffeured there and back in a resort buggy by a lovely gentleman whose name I neglected to ask. The views from the restaurant are an experience in themselves and the food matched the views. When next in FNQ I will look forward to a return visit. Thank you to ALL of the Staff who went out of their way to make our visit to Thala Wilderness Lodge such a memorable one! Kindest regards, Anne, Lake Macquarie, NSW

10/10

Exceptional

17 Dec 2018

Janina

A unique experience: Close to nature and yet very clean and comfortable. Food and service are at a high standards, and the beach is beautiful. Good location close to Port Douglas (would recommend renting a car to explore surrounding area). Would stay again!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Nov 2018

Nikodog9

Loved our stay! The offered guided birding, nature, and coconut plantation walks are excellent! Very relaxing with a staff that is very attentive to all of your needs.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Nov 2018

Rebecca

Forgot about the busy and built up Port Douglas. If you want to experience a real tropical getaway Thala is the place to go. Nestled among a rainforest setting with a private beach, this resort makes you feel like there is no one else around. The cabins are very quiet and situated so you have minimal view/interactions with others. The two pools are beautiful with beautiful natural rock and waterfall formations making you feel like you are swimming in a natural setting. The beaches are lovely (though not suitable for swimming at this time of year) with hammocks, lounges, and plenty of rock pools and lookouts to explore. There are walking tracks and daily activities. The rooms have a very natural and tropical setting (wood floors/louvers, cane furniture etc) but you are kept cool with AC and fans. There is a sizable bathroom with tub, as well as a lovely balcony overlooking the bushland settings. Fresh coconuts are available for drinking also (though I would have loved to cracked one open and eaten it!). The food at the restaurant is delicious, but little on the expensive side, reasonable considering the location. The staff are very friendly and hospitable. There was so much to do here, and so little time. I would love to come back.

6/10

Pleasant

25 Oct 2018

Ian

Fab location and great staff, but.... The facilities in general are very tired and the resort seems to be trading on its eco-credentials, rather than investing in the upkeep. The beach area with sunbeds and hammocks was exceedingly scruffy and uninviting with discarded fruit peels and other items from the guests as well as looking as if it was in the immediate aftermath of a typhoon - it wouldn’t have taken a great deal of effort to tidy and clean it and despite staying for 5 nights I couldn’t bring myself to use it (guys, buy some new sunbeds and hammocks!). The restaurant food was good quality, although very limited as most guests only stay one or two nights, but Port Douglas is only 20 minutes away by car, where there is a very nice selection of good restaurants. The swimming pool is very picturesque, but very heavily chlorined, so an issue if you have sensitive skin (or nose). One thing to be really aware of is that the resort is on the side of a hill, so if you are old, injured, portly or just unfit, getting around is a bit difficult, but the resort has a little cart that you can call upon, so not a disaster by any means. However, despite the issues above, the location is so good, I would recommend a brief stay.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Oct 2018

Rob

Great experience , wonderful place to be , great wildlife

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2018

Gilda

Beautiful environment

Totally gorgeous outlook from the room and the restaurant. Organised group tours on the property which included bird and nature walks, coconut tour etc were absolutely wonderful and very informative. The beach area with lounges and hammocks was a real highlight for relaxing, swimming and enjoying the environment.

10/10

Exceptional

17 Sep 2018

Aya

Beautiful place with exceptional foods. We thoroughly enjoyed every drink and meal there. The room and facilities were very clean and beautifully decorated. Can't wait to come back!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Sep 2018

Andy

Outstanding property, the perfect getaway in beautiful surroundings - really! The staff were superb, excellent service, nothing too much trouble and very professional. If I were to be super critical, I'd say the restaurant is a little expensive with limited dishes, the buffet breakfast is on the high side, particularly. That said, you'll be hard pressed to find a better location or view to go with your meal. Would stay there again in a heartbeat.

8/10

Excellent

16 Sep 2018

robert

Lovely hotel staff

The only improvement they need bigger fridges in the room

10/10

Exceptional

05 Sep 2018

Verified traveler

Great place, peaceful, beautiful beach and super comfortable room

8/10