Heritage Lodge
Location
Daintree Rainforest, Queensland, Australia
Here where the world's most ancient rain forest meets the reef, follow in the footsteps of Sir David Attenborough who stayed at Heritage Lodge while filming The Life of a Plant. Twenty secluded cabins are nestled amid the intense greenery of ferns, vines and palms, while Cooper Creek, a crystalline stream with pristine swimming holes, winds through the property on its course from the mountains to the sea. The silence is broken only by the call of birds or a passing musky rat-kangaroo rustling the leaves. The lodge, which feels one with its surroundings, has been lovingly renovated by its owners, a couple who bought and restored it from a state of disrepair. While upgraded with every comfort, it retains a sense of family-run intimacy and friendliness. Individual cabins feature dark tropical hardwoods, queen-size beds, en suite bathrooms and private balconies from which you might spot an endangered tree kangaroo, cassowary, bandicoot or tree frog. Air conditioning and a ceiling fan ensure comfort, and amenities include coffee- and tea-making facilities, a small refrigerator, TV and DVD player. Start the day overlooking the creek with a tropical continental breakfast featuring fresh-baked bread, homemade jams and special Daintree Tea. In the evening, dine in the open on creative chef-prepared dishes featuring local ingredients, as candlelight, flaming torches and rain forest night sounds create an exotic atmosphere.