Daintree Wilderness Lodge

This was the best (land-bound) accommodation I stayed in during my month in Down Under. The fauna of the Queensland rainforest in terms of conspicuousness can‘t quite compare with that of its more equatorial counterparts - no nightly cacophony of grunts, hoots, screams and caws (at least not when I was there), but you‘ll struggle to find a lodging establishment in any similar setting that has been so seamlessly, thoughtfully and lovingly integrated into its environment. The little winding footpaths to the various bungalows are just delightful, the whirlpool is maybe the most enticing in the world, and the staff, even for a country renowned for its hospitality, were just disarmingly kind and polite. And the ceiling fans - maybe I‘m just a complete Luddite who‘s missed all related technological advancements of the last 20 years, but they made nary a sound! I had no idea such noiseless fans even existed!! I was flabbergasted. I would consider coming back to the Daintree just to spend entire days sitting waiting for Cassowaries, and to stay again at the Lodge.

Everything

There aren't many places you can stop in a pristine rainforest in a luxury suite. This is one of them. High quality rooms, nicely decorated, clean and well kept. There are only 7 or so "rooms", each separated by rainforest and accessed from the reception area by a boardwalk. If you are visiting outside of the wet then great for stargazing, in the wet you will be glad of the aircon. Lots and lots of bugs, but then its the rainforest. You will need a strong repellent when out of the room. There isn't much in the way of public area, the restaurant is about it. The restaurant is good but not, I thought, as good as "On the Turps", my roo was well on the rare side and I heard other guests complain about it. Last sitting in the restaurant for dinner was 18:45, a bit early I thought. There is a small selection of DVDs at reception and a DVD player in the room, there isn't any TV reception in the rooms and no WiFi, the mobile signal is pretty ropey as well. All that said, you are enjoying high-class food and drink in the middle of the rainforest; you are hardly slumming it. All in all, recommended but it depends on what you prioritise. I thought the rooms at the Wilderness Lodge were better than at the Heritage Lodge but the food at the Heritage Lodge was better (the "On the Turps" restaurant. Things you should know about the rooms: very nice, but there is a clear strip in the roof, when the sun is up, so will you be. The showers have a large, clear window that overlooks the rainforest - no one can see you, but some people will find that unnerving. You don't really need a torch to move about the boardwalks, but it would be helpful - but note that you become a magnet for any mozzies. You won't be wandering the rainforest after dark in the wet. Would I go back? Yes, I would but maybe more prepared.

Beautiful and authentic experience, the best choice to make while staying at the daintree. Cabin was great, exceptional food and stuff were all really nice and helpful.

Nothing

A delightful and beautiful boutique hotel in the middle of the rain forest. Beautifully appointed cabin and exemplary food and service. I just wish we could have stayed longer than two days!

A totally, perfectly unique stay. Beautiful lodge, setting, food and staff. Our experience was more than 5 star with fantastic staff who offered a caring, friendly, personal service. Sacha, Maud and the rest of the staff couldn't do enough for us, they are doing an amazing job. We were sad to leave. If you're contemplating booking, you'd be a fool not to 🥰

Amazing location in the rainforest. Friendly attentive staff. Good food and drinks.

Imagine a quiet sanctuary in a rainforest with only birdsong and the quiet scuttle of hidden creatures disturbing the silence. A 1.5h drive from Cairns Airport will land you in your own cabin in the Daintree. The small but attentive team ensures you are comfortable and their enthusiasm for the environment is clear, whether excitedly pointing out a hidden nest above the breakfast terrace or recommending the excellent food. We especially loved the full length window in the shower that gave you a private view. Bed was super comfy. Close by are two excellent ice cream makers for hot days and the hop to Cape Trib is easy and short, giving plenty of time for rainforest walks and relaxation. Staff will remind you to order dinner and breakfast ahead of time to keep service smooth. We didn’t make use of the shared hot tub but we relaxed on the sofa outside our room. Plenty of bug spray at the reception and a torchlight is provided for the boardwalk to your cabin at night. As the start to a 3 week break, it was the perfect decompression chamber to begin our trip. My first visit to the area was on a rushed day trip but do yourself a favour and stop here for a few nights. You won’t regret it.