Six Tree Top Retreats

Want to get away from the fast, busy and structured lifestyle of the city then a stay is well overdue at Australia’s tranquil hotels hiding amongst the tree tops. With relaxing facilities and natural attractions to relieve the mind and de-stress the body you will never want to leave. The hidden gems are scatted all over Australia particularly in Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania.

Thala Beach Lodge, Port Douglas Queensland

Hidden away in the forests canopy 10 minutes from Port Douglas, Thala Beach Lodge is a tranquil oasis. With a 5 star luxury rating due to its panoramic views from the onsite world class restaurant Ospreys of the coastal lines and the earthiness of the timber bungalows Thala is at one with nature. You can bequeath yourself in the local nature by experiencing bird watching, star gazing, turtle spotting, enjoying the garden walks and many more. The cool and spacious stilt built bungalows will accommodate all your needs and the paths to the main building and sandy beaches weave amid organic eucalyptus tress. It is a highly accredited eco friendly through its awareness and sustainable practice.

Bungalow, Thala Beach Lodge, Port Douglas

Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Water Spa

Luxury and nature are each others yin and yang at Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Water Spa. The boutique hotel lodge is spread out along the Mossman River in contemporarily designed Treehouses surrounded by stunning rainforest adjoining national treasures including Daintree National Park and nearby Great Barrier Reef. There are countless activities including yoga, helicopter rides, drop off picnics, jungle surfing canopy tours to explore the spectacular environment.

Treehouse Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Water Spa, Queensland

The Healing Water Spa is one of a kind, inspired by ancient wisdom to harness the power of nature. The treatments are designed to nature and nurture the mind, body and spirit incorporating the surrounding rainforest. Winner of the 2011 Spa Award you will feel rejuvenated and revitalised.

Healing Water Spa, Silky Oaks Lodge

Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa

If you want to appreciate nature and all it has to offer with the immersion of aboriginal culture then Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa is your destination. With only 15 exclusive “bayans” (houses) nestled in the Daintree Rain Forest you are definitely at one with mother nature. It is an Ecolodge with the most pampering through its spa facilities which utilises the water from the nearby waterfall and incorporates Aboriginal culture and techniques. You can immerse yourself in local surroundings by participating in horse riding, Daintree river cruises and Rainforest safaris. The native Aboriginal culture is fused into all the aspects of the lodge and can be fully experienced by joining one of the tours or an Aboriginal art workshop.

"Bayans" at Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa, Queensland

Eaglereach Wilderness Resort, Barrington Tops- NSW

Eaglereach Wilderness Resort is the perfect place to see nature in its natural form, observe wildlife and captivate the Australian essence only 2 hours from Sydney. Placed in the Hunter Valley every room has a picturesque view spreading from either the Barrington Tops to the Pacific Ocean constantly providing breathtaking scenery to just relax and unwind. On the 1000 acres there is plenty of Australian wildlife to see including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas to the majestic wedge tailed eagle. Kayaking, mountain bikes and many more activities are complementary, perfect for the tight budget and not impeding on any enjoyment.    

Eagle Wilderness Resort, New South Wales

Stewarts Bay Lodge, Port Arthur

Located next to Port Arthur Historic Site Stewart Bay Lodge unites the water and forest into the perfect fusion accommodating every ones interests. Each day can be a new adventure either snorkeling in one of the nearby bays to bushwalking the Tasmanian Peninsular. It has a variety of facilities including Taylor’s Waterfront Restaurant which uses local sourced produce and flavours. There are countless natural attractions to explore including the nearby cascading Waterfall Bay, a remarkable cave and a riding ranch. Perfect for the active holiday.

View from cabin at Stewart Bay Lodge, Tasmania

Huon Bush Retreats, Tasmania

A lovely retreat placed in the centre of Huon Valley, Tasmania which is ideal for the person with a love of wine and a forest wonderland. The valley is home to vineyards which can be explored through the seasonal trails which let you discover high quality local produce to tantalise your taste buds. The rooms provide a warm feeling with a fireplace making you feel at home whilst enjoying the beautiful and peaceful surroundings. Very private though close to all attractions including the picturesque Huon Trail Touring Route, Hartz Mountain National Park and Recherché Bay Nature Recreation Area.

  

Tree house at Huon Bust Retreats, Tasmania

Our Staff share their favourite Australian Holiday Experience

The staff at Sunlover Holidays have travelled extensively around Australia and are full of travel ideas, making them the perfect people to share with us their 'favourite Aussie holiday experience'.

Monique from Reservations

“Tangalooma Island Resort is one of my favourite ‘best kept secrets’!  Each time I go there I’m always amazed that this piece of paradise is just off the coast of Brisbane. I always feel as though I am in the Whitsundays!  Crystal clear water and perfect white sand. A unique highlight is the nightly feeding of the wild dolphins!”



Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island via Brisbane 



Daniel from Sales

“I love Byron Bay in Northern NSW. It offers an eclectic blend of beach culture, rural farming, with the modern conveniences found in a thriving town. The people are the binding element to this area, from the characters you will meet at the Byron farmers market to the international visitors that are drawn here from all over the globe. Just in case you have not been tempted enough, the sheer natural beauty of Byron’s coastline and beaches will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired and wanting a taste for more.”

Lourdes from Sales Support

“My favourite holiday experience was Tasmania; Cradle Mountain in particularly, the place was simply out of this world, totally in tune with nature, the accommodation, the animals and just the general ambiance fantastic!”

Cradle Mountain - Tasmania



Breeze from Reservations

“The Whitsundays is my favourite holiday spot. From the pristine white sand that covers Whitehaven beach to one of the 74 magical islands, they all offer a different adventure to be had or a hammock to laze away your days.”

Whitehaven Beach

Julie from Sales

“I love Sydney! It is such a beautiful place to visit with so much on offer. Whether it be festivals, markets, shopping, dining or touring activities. You can either do as much or as little as you like. Did I mention the choice of accommodation options? Where do you begin? From budget to 5 star the choice is yours.”



Sydney City



Brooke from Reservations

“My favourite holiday experience in Australia would have to be Port Douglas. Not too big, not too small, great mix of fine dining and casual eating experiences. Four Mile Beach, backed by the beautiful Daintree Rainforest, is one of the jewels in Australia’s sandy crown! The Great Barrier Reef with its amazing marine life, pristine Cape Tribulation and the farmlands of the Atherton Tablelands are easy day trips from Port Douglas, all must-sees when you are in Topical North Queensland.”

Port Douglas

Hannah from Sales

“Last weekend I travelled to Broome which was incredible; the highlight being the day tour with Kimberley Wild, up the coast of Cape Leveque – stunning colours of the beache, red earth, white sand and blue skies of course! A must do for anyone travelling to Broome. Cable Beach Resort is excellent with fantastic facilities and I must say sipping cocktails watching that famous sunset was hardly tough work on a Saturday evening!”

Kimberly Wild Tour - Cape Leveque

Roylene from Reservations

"My favourite holiday destination in Australia is Palm Cove – no particular hotel, just the whole township. As soon as I drive in, along the Esplanade, I automatically feel like I’m on holidays and feel relaxed. The sea air, the relaxed feeling of the locals, the fact that it’s Australia’s Day Spa capital :) it just feels like holidays! The fact that it is so close to Cairns to restaurants and nightlife and also easily accessible to all day tours that operates in the fantastic Tropical North Queensland makes it the ideal holiday destination for me!"

Port Douglas Carnivale - 10 Days of Food

By Kerry Heaney. 

They know how to party in the tropics and it doesn't get much more tropical than Port Douglas.

If you like sand,sun and sea with swaying palm trees and clear skies, combined with a great selection of fine regional food - Port Douglas is your place, especially for 10 days from May 18.

The Port Douglas Carnivale starts with a slap up series of feasts that will challenge your appetite and endurance on one weekend (May 18 -20), perfect for a quick, indulgent getaway.

The opening weekend includes the -

Sheraton Mirage Longest Lunch May 18
Audi Plates of Port - dinner May 18
Food, Wine and A Taste of Port - dinner May 19
Meridien Seafood Extravaganza - lunch May 20

I visited Port Douglas in March for a sneak preview of what's on offer and it's good, very good.

To read on click here. 

Top 10 Tours in Tropical North Queensland

Tropical North Queensland has plenty of attractions to suit the adventurist, the environmentalist and animal lover! From relaxing tours to adventure tours Sunlover Holidays can find the perfect day tour for you.

10. Get your adrenaline pumping with an Adventure Tour

If you are keen for an adventurous holiday look no further than skydive over Cairns. From 11,000 feet in the air you can  enjoy the spectacular views of the World Heritage rainforests or ‘Jump the Beach’ and enjoy a Birdseye view of the Great Barrier Reef, tropical islands and Mission Beach.

For a smaller ‘jump’ take on AJ Hackett’s 50 metre bungy tower just 15 minutes from Cairns. If the weather is hot, then cool down by river rafting down the Barron or Tully River or, for a thrilling way to see the Daintree Forest ‘Jungle Surf’ through the canopies and over the treetops. Those who remember the rush of swinging in the school yard may enjoy the Minjim Jungle Swing, a cocoon that 1 to 3 people can share for a soaring ride across the rainforest and through the trees, reaching down just 2 metres from the rainforest floor before swinging up to views of the ocean.

If you prefer to be closer to the ground there are horse riding and quad biking tours through rainforest, bush and creeks. Ride around giant termite mounds and spot native wildlife during your 2 hour ride.

9. Learn about Australian Aboriginal Culture

Discover the legends of Australia’s Dreamtime with Tjapukai by Night. The people of the rainforest share their culture during an evening of spectacular entertainment including a traditional Tjapukai corroboree, didgeridoo blessing ceremony, Quinkan Spirit performance, spectacular lightning show and buffet dinner with professional entertainment before joining the dancers around the campfire. The tour includes an international buffet, face tribal marking face painting and you may self drive or book transfers from Cairns and Cairns Beaches.

8. Explore Cairns Highlands

For a relaxing and yummy experience take a unique coach tour to the Cairns Highlands for food, wine and sightseeing with Food Trail Tours. Experience the Wet Tropics Rainforest, dry savannah and red soil plains, discover the enormous Cathedral Fig Tree, enjoy tastiings at cheese and chocolate factories, sample wines at the vineyard then experience a coffee plantation tour. The day also includes exploration of a local macadamia plantation and a tropical seafood lunch!

Another highland tour take in the well known Spanish Castle (Paronella Park). Built by Jose Paronella on 5 hectares next to the spectacular Mena Creek Falls the castle has become beautiful ruins surrounded by a lush rainforest made up of over 7,500 tropical plants and trees. You will also have a chance to visit Lake Barrine for a wildlife cruise followed by Devonshire tea.

7. Watch the sunrise from a Hot Air Balloon

Enjoy the unique sensation of floating over the Atherton Tableland with its rainforest fringed mountains and tranquil country landscape from a hot air balloon. Tours depart before dawn so you can see the mist disperse over the patchwork ground below as the sun rises. The silence of dawn and the stillness of the tranquil landscape below is mesmerising. Transfers are available from Cairns, Cairns Beaches and Port Douglas.

6. Take a different route with Sky Rail and Scenic Rail

Sitting upon the hinterland is the town of Kuranda, well known for its alternative lifestyle, historic pubs and arts and crafts market. The town also offers the chance to enjoy local produce including lychee flavoured wine! You can journey here by car, but the much more scenic and relaxing route is by Scenic Rail. The train takes a leisurely pace through Cairns suburbs up into the mountains and stops at two impressive waterfalls.

Barron Falls

On your way home feel the rush of sliding smoothly across the rainforest in a glass encased cable car. Director James Cameron even took this journey for inspiration in creating the rainforests in Avatar. There are two stops along the journey so you can take short 2 minute boardwalks through the rainforest. See vines snaking up trees to reach the light and basket ferns that grow on the trees just under leafy branches that provide compost and nest. Did you know for a forest to be called a ‘rainforest’ it must receive at least 1.3 metres of rain a year?

Skyrail

5. Head Outback  

Journey back in history and discover spectacular savannah landscapes, limestone caves and the Mareeba Wetlands home to an array of birdlife and wildlife. Once you pass the Great Dividing Range watch the landscape change into agricultural fields and flat plains. Stop in Chillagoe to view the Chillagoe Smelters and the former mining site. Take a guided tour of the limestome caves and a stop at Mt Uncle Distillery for a cool drink before transfering back to Cairns.

4. Trek into a rainforest

Explore Cape Tribulation rainforest with a full day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. See where the ‘rainforest meets the reef’ and experience an aerial walkway amongst the trees. 4WD through the Bloomfield Track and relax upon Cable Tribulation Beach. The tour also includes barbeque lunch with a chance to hand feed kangaroos. 

Cape Tribulation

If you want to go even further north take a flight / 4WD tour of Cooktown. Experience the Daintree River cable ferry crossing and have lunch at the famous Lions Den Hotel. It’s a chance to enjoy the traverse rivers and mountain ranges of far North Queensland.

3. Visit an island

Fitzroy Island's Full Day Sea Kayaking tour offer the chance to discover the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Upon Fitzroy Island you have the chance to visit a private beach only accessible from water. This half day tour includes lunch, use of ocean trampoline and return ferry transfers from Cairns.

Green Island offers a great alternative for those not wanting to travel to the Outer Reef to see the coral. Just a short ferry ride from Cairns brings you to a tropical paradise surrounded by coral and fish life. The full day tour includes buffet lunch and the island includes a range of water activities and walks to keep you entertained, including a crocodile farm!

Green Island, off Cairns

If you prefer to feel the ocean breeze on a relaxing day out then take a Low Isles sailing cruise to a coral cay island. These islands offer white sandy beaches surrounded by fringing coral and an array of marine life including turtles and stingrays. Take a walk about the island, enjoy a guided snorkel tour, listen to a marine biologist reef and island interpretation and tuck into a buffet lunch. The day tours depart from Cairns to Port Douglas and include return transfers from your hotel.

2. Walk amongst the Wildlife

Australia is teeming with unique (and unusal) wildlife and there is no better place to catch a glance of these amazing creatures than one of Tropical North Queensland’s zoos and wildlife parks. Cairns Tropical Zoo offers a chance to cuddle a koala, hand feed kangaroos and get up close to a cassowary. The daily shows also include a chance to see snakes, crocodiles and free flying birds. Cairns Night Zoo lets you see what the animals get up to when the lights go out. See possums, owls, and join kangaroos around the campfire for billy tea and damper.

Hartley's Crocodile Farm

Hartley’s Crocodile Farm allows you to spot crocodiles in their natural environment, from the safety of your raised boardwalk or inside a boat cruising about the man-made waterway. Hear the incredible sound created when a crocodile snaps its jaw shut, as powerful and awesome as a dinosaur. For an extra cost you have the chance to feed one of these big guys yourself or have your photo taken with a young croc. The park also includes snakes, turtles, birds, wallabies, sleepy koalas and cassowaries. 

1. Snorkel upon the Great Barrier Reef

Discover the Great Barrier Reef on one of many reef cruises out to pontoons upon the outer reef. One of the most marvellous natural attractions in the world, the reef runs down more than half of the Queensland coast. There is almost 3000 individual reefs and an abundance of marine wildlife from tropical fish, stingrays, turtles, seahorse and dolphins. 

Snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef

Travel out by air conditioned catamaran and enjoy a snorkel or sunback on the sundeck while your lunch is being prepared. Even if you don't want to get wet you can enjoy the views from glass bottom boat and semi-submersible coral and fishing viewing with commentary. Listen to a marine biologist give a reef presentaiton and fish feeding demonstration then enjoy afternoon tea before your return journey home.

Clown Fish

 To book your Tropical North Queensland Holiday visit www.sunloverholidays.com.au or call our specialist Australian travel consultants on 13 88 33 (from Australia) or 0800 445 316 (from New Zealand).

Egg-ceptional Easter Deals

Sunlover Holidays have gone hopping mad to provide egg-ceptional Easter deals, cracking the prices of egg-ccommodation by up to 36 percent so you can egg-scape! There is no need to go on a holiday hunt this year; we have baskets choc-full of holidays for everyone with twin and quad share egg-ccommodation so you can invite all your bunnies, chicks or eggs to celebrate. Egg-ceptional deals are hopping out the door for the Easter break so get cracking and check out our egg-citing options.

Palm Cove

Far North Queensland offers amazing tropical weather and gorgeous, laid back towns including Palm Cove and Port Douglas. Enjoy yourself in the pristine beaches, stroll along tree lined streets featuring cafés, galleries and boutique stores. Get in touch with nature and enjoy amazing rainforest walks, four-wheel driving or even horse riding. Water sports ranging from leisurely snorkelling to jet skis and speed boats are widely available along the coast or if you prefer to stay dry, enjoy a relaxing cocktail by the pool at one of the many resorts. Port Douglas is renowned for its award winning restaurants so a fabulous meal is never far away with many offering fresh local seafood.

Surfers Paradise Beach

Don’t miss the Easter Carnival at Surfers Paradise; the beachfront comes alive with a basket full of family friendly events, games and entertainment on Easter Sunday. Surfers Paradise is located in the heart of the Gold Coast, a perfect location for the Easter long weekend but hop in quick because it has a reputation for being one of Australia’s favourite holiday destinations. Surfers Paradise appeals to all ages with its white sandy beaches, shopping precinct, nightlife, water sports and sightseeing options. To help you choose accommodation from the many hotels available Sunlover is offering fantastic deals at the Vibe Hotel, Breakfree Moroccan, Watermark Hotel and Spa Gold Coast and Jupiters Hotel and Casino Gold Coast.

Whitehaven Beach

If an Island escape is more your taste, why not hop over to the beautiful Daydream Island? As one of the Whitsunday Islands, Daydream is located within the Great Barrier Reef. Plenty of activities are available on the island for everyone from relaxing massages to jet ski, parasailing and boat adventures to get the heart racing. Take time to enjoy the beautiful reef whether you like snorkelling, diving or a more relaxed glass bottom boat adventure. To enjoy one of the top 10 beaches in the world join a day cruise to Whitehaven Beach.

Sydney Harbour

Sydney is full of things to do over Easter with the Sydney’s Royal Easter show which will be buzzing with excitement commencing on the 5th of April and the Hoopla Festival from the 6th to 9th of April. Sydney is home to many fantastic destinations such as Bondi Beach, Australia’s leading shopping districts, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Mt Wellington, Hobart

Small in size yet big on experiences, Tasmania offers an incredible list of things to see and do. Discover Australia’s heritage at the five World Heritage Convict Sites or engage in Tasmania’s popular nature based adventures; conquering mountains or trekking through the wilderness, cruise the rivers and discovering deserted beaches.

Northern Territory

If you are adventurous and like the heat the Northern Territory may be the perfect Easter holiday destination for you. The Northern Territory offers many nature based activities from discovering the outback desert, bushwalking through tropical north forests to find waterfalls, lakes and rivers, adventurous canoeing, bike rides and scenic flights. Aboriginal culture is abundant in the Northern Territory with one of Australia’s most well known iconic landmarks, Uluru (Ayers Rock) located 440km south-west of Alice Springs.

Seals on Kangaroo Island

South Australia is sure to have something for everyone with attractions from the busy and lively Easter Racing Carnival through to the numerous wineries. South Australia proudly hosts the Easter Racing Carnival at Oakbank Racecourse attracting more than 100, 000 people each year, qualifying as the worlds largest picnic race meeting. Experience the unique family friendly carnival atmosphere and enjoy trackside hospitality, rides and amusements, an animal petting zoo, roving entertainers and of course the thrilling horse racing all located in an idyllic country setting. South Australia also offers incredible beaches, the heritage town of Hahndorf, wildlife of Kangaroo Island areas or the Botanic Garden in the heart of the city may be more appealing. Adelaide is also in close proximity to over 200 cellars including the world famous Barossa Valley.

Cottesloe Beach, Perth

Western Australia is Australia’s largest state offering numerous things to do along the coast, in the cities and in the outback regional towns. The capital city of Perth offers amazing shopping, numerous entertainment and dining options plus a wide range of arts and cultural exhibitions. In the suburbs are a range of excellent beaches from which you can watch the sun set over the water. Broome is a tropical seaside town located in northern Western Australia. It is the point at which the red rocks of the desert meet the white sand of the beach and the cobalt blue waters making it the perfect destination to unwind over Easter. Take a stroll along cable beach, ride a camel, discover the abundance of sea life, discover the amazing pearls with a tour or in one of the many galleries and enjoy retail therapy all in the one place.

For assistance booking your Easter escape contact our Australian based travel consultants on 13 88 33.