Thala Beach Nature Reserve

Recent Reviews: 1889

• User:simonjbrealey

  Trip type: Couples

  Perfect getaway - no worries

  30 Apr 2026

  Thala Beach Nature Reserve was absolutely brilliant on so many levels - it suited us down to the sand! Firstly, the staff were simply fantastic. My partner was a bit debilitated due to an accident 2 days before we arrived and the wonderful staff literals not do enough to help us (shout out to Lyndon and Ray). We were there at a non-peak time; dodgy weather, stingers in the (beautifully warm) water, not breeding or migration season for the birds or butterflies. No matter - the ambiance of this utterly gorgeous place won us immediately and we are already planning our next stay. The accommodation (eucalypt bungalow) was perfect (but we might upgrade to coral sea bungalow next time). Coconut water from the nut at breakfast watching ospreys and sea eagles fish had my heart pounding from the moment I awoke. The casual friendliness of everyone we met was unbelievable, so relaxing and we honestly felt like part of the family. Food at the restaurant was first class (and I know about these things). Drinks selection perfect (Belvedere vodka anyone). Picnic hampers wonderful. We did not want to leave. We absolutely loved Thala Beach and a huge thank you to everyone who made our stay so perfect. Simon Eleanor Jones, Marketing at Thala Beach Nature Reserve, responded to this review Dear Simon,Thank you for such a thoughtful and generous review. We’re delighted to hear your stay at Thala Beach Nature Reserve was so memorable, even with a few challenges along the way.Linc, Ray and the entire team are thrilled to know they made a difference during your visit. It’s wonderful to hear the Eucalypt Bungalow, the wildlife moments, and those simple pleasures like fresh coconut at breakfast left such a lasting impression.We truly appreciate your kind words and can’t wait to welcome you back.Warm regards,The Thala Team

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• User:seanbrennan2017

  Trip type: Couples

  Disappointing wildlife, disgraceful tollerance of feral animals

  04 Apr 2026

  Thala has an impressive main building atop a rocky point with excellent views. The cabins are set in dense forrest. We have been there a few times. The food had always let the experience down. A new chef and menu held promise, but meals were still hit and miss with some very good, such as all the breakfasts and others not so good such as the lunch, Vietnamese Vego rice paper rolls with the rice paper, tough as leather. We sent them back but the replacements were also the same. The steak sandwich on the other hand was excellent. For dinner seafood bisque would have been excellent but served in such a shallow bowl that we couldn't get the bisque until we had eaten all the seafood, leaving the raw potato, then tilt the bowl to spoon up the bisque. The Pork Belly appeared to be overly deep-fried rather than roasted. The Barramundi and the Beef Tenderloin were excellent.The biggest dissapointment for a NATURE RESERVE was that we walked the entire property, day and night but found almost a total lack of native wildlife. FERAL PIGS, however, were roaming the entire property up to and even under the cabins, to the amusement of some overseas guests and staff, but not to any Australian (or informed overseas) nature lover. The "Bird Pond" lacked birds but was beset with plague proportion of Cane Toads. There were no obvious efforts to reduce the feral numbers.Perhaps they could change their name to Thala FERAL Reserve. Eleanor Jones, Marketing at Thala Beach Nature Reserve, responded to this review Thank you for your continued support and for taking the time to share your feedback.It’s unfortunate that some menu items did not meet your expectations during your visit. We are in the early stages of a seasonal menu change and your comments have been shared with our culinary team. We have already made amendments with your feedback considered as we do strive to be a high quality dining destination.Managing feral species such as pigs and cane toads is a complex, region-wide challenge across Tropical North Queensland and beyond. We adhere closely to environmental guidelines and collaborate with the relevant authorities for continued trapping and reducing feral animal numbers. Suggesting our approach is disgraceful and that no measures are in place is misleading and does not reflect the careful management of the property. As a local, you would appreciate the efforts involved rather than overstate the issue. The total lack of native wildlife you experienced is a saddening comment considering the property is home to a range of native wildlife that has been regularly spotted and added to our ever growing sightings lists which our guests consistently view and add to. It saddens us you were compelled to leave such a low review. We would have appreciated the opportunity to discuss these issues with you while you were with us. We look forward to welcoming you should you wish to stay again in the future.

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• User:ann k

  Trip type: Couples

  Most beautiful place

  27 Feb 2026

  Amazing beautiful place - nature at its finest Eleanor Jones, Marketing at Thala Beach Nature Reserve, responded to this review Thank you so much for your review!

• User:Claire B

  Trip type: Couples

  A cut above the rest

  08 Feb 2026

  Thala Beach is an extraordinary place. The accommodation is quiet and comfortable and you feel completely private yet a quick call has someone at your cabin swiftly to deal with any issues you may have. The food in the restaurant is excellent. The pools are very special. What sets this place apart from the rest is the staff. I hadn’t been clear enough about my needs when booking - upon arrival this was sorted out in fifteen minutes. An unexpected flood warning was called for our home town - we quickly packed up and there was no penalty for leaving early.Really looking forward to returning to Thala Beach Nature Reserve, out of the wet season! Eleanor Jones, Marketing at Thala Beach Nature Reserve, responded to this review What a lovely review, thank you so much Claire! We really appreciate you taking the time to write about your experience at Thala. Sorry to hear your trip was cut short, we hope everything is alright in your home town. Please do let us know when you want to come back. We look forward to seeing you again very soon.Thank you.

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• User:ristretto_ricasso

  Trip type: Solo travel

  Best massage I have ever received

  22 Jan 2026

  I was fortunate to book a massage with Lani early December - I didn't want anything painful, and I didn't mind what type of massage modality. Can I say this is the best massage I have ever received in my life. My ability to then gently sail through the stressful month ahead I attribute to the massage. The environs and Lani are second to none. It is clean, beautiful and you feel nourished and nurtured in the natural environment. II then headed up to the restaurant in their electric driven gomobile and enjoyed a cold fresh coconut drink from the property. There is a strong family-run and staff ethos here, who care about what they do and the service they provide. I hope they never change as they are at the pinnacle of nature experience and service provision. I could extend my lengthy praise but instead I would say if you are in the Port Douglas or Cairns area make a massage with Lani at Thala a priority for your health and wellbeing. Don't take my word - go and find out for yourself :-) Eleanor Jones, Marketing at Thala Beach Nature Reserve, responded to this review This is an incredible review! Thank you so much for taking the time to write about your massage and Thala experience. We hope to welcome you back again soon.

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