We plan to spend a few days in Cairns, Queensland, before flying back to the UK. Can you suggest somewhere for a rainforest experience? We will have seen the Barrier Reef before arriving there.
Richard Fullerton, London
For the thrill of being in a remote, primeval forest without having to compromise on creature comforts, Bloomfield Lodge (bloomfieldlodge.com.au) is at the top of the tree. Getting to the lodge — set in thick forest where a small river flows into the Coral Sea — involves a short flight by light aircraft and a boat ride. With no more than 34 guests at a time, it has a terrifically intimate feel. The colonial-style chalet rooms are large and well spaced out, and a rope bridge and jungle pathways connect you to the superb alfresco restaurant and honesty bar, which overlook the pool area.
Trailfinders (0845 050 5871, trailfinders.com) can offer Bloomfield as an add-on from Cairns — four nights start at £815pp, full-board, including flight and boat transfers, a guided river cruise and a rainforest walk.
Alternatively, Silky Oaks Lodge (silkyoakslodge.com.au) is an hour’s drive from Cairns, on the edge of the Daintree National Park. Its treehouses and river houses above the Mossman River have verandas, wooden floors and elegant interiors. Bailey Robinson (01488 689700, baileyrobinson.com) has a three-night side trip from Cairns from £699pp, based on two adults sharing a treehouse and including breakfast, river snorkelling, canoeing, mountain-biking, a shuttle service to Port Douglas and private car transfers. It also offers trips to Bloomfield Lodge.
Other lodges worth a look are Red Mill House Bed and Breakfast (www.redmillhouse.com.au; doubles £124 in high season) and the Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa (daintree-ecolodge.com.au; double cabins from £137).
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For more information and ideas, go to visit-queensland.com.
Got a question for Richard? Then email travelclinic@sunday-times.co.uk