DESIGN CONCEPT

Owners Rob & Oonagh Prettejohn purchased the 145 acre Peninsula in the early 1970’s.  Originally an unsustainable sugar cane farm, they have spent over 30 years planting thousands of indigenous species to rehabitate the area and return it to its natural state, re-establishing the natural rainforest environment and seeing the return of native wildlife populations.

Architect Gordon McClymont was commissioned to design an eco-sensitive resort, and the lodge is built out of naturally sustainable materials in a style which does not set out to dominate the surrounding landscape.

Architects Statement:

I had initially worked with the owners of Thala Beach Lodge on new cabins at another North Queensland resort. These were individual cabins clustered around a lagoon. When Rob approached me to design Thala Beach Lodge I was excited by the challenge. He wanted to create a hotel that merged in with its surroundings and took advantage of the magnificent views along the coastline.
The site is on a headland looking north towards Port Douglas. It was a very steep site and ideally suited for raised cabins. I had designed a number of pole homes in Cairns during the late 80’s so was familiar in working with difficult sites.
The main challenge was the placement of the main building, which had to house the reception area, kitchens, restaurant and bars. The position of the restaurant was dictated by the views to Port Douglas. It was placed at one end of a ridge. At the other end of the building is a library lounge facing south, to take advantage of the views towards Cairns. The design was based around a semi circular restaurant and circular library/lounge linked by the bar and kitchen area on the upper level. The bar is basically a veranda.
The design evolved in collaboration with the client and many visits to the site. It was a difficult site to get the feel of it initially as it was heavily vegetated and very steep in places. The brief was to create a different experience for the guests and open up the buildings to the site. This resulted in leaving the public areas opening onto the landscaping. The reception area is approached from the driveway via sweeping steps. You look up into the building and you can see both the reception area and the upper restaurant level.
The main building uses local timber for the floors, ceilings and structural timbers. The roof structure is supported on a series of hardwood columns. A sweeping stair leads from the reception area to the veranda bar area. The bar looks out onto the pool terrace. The cabins follow the contours around the main ridge to take advantage of the views. They are linked by pathways.  They also make use of local timbers for the structural elements and floors.


ENVIRONMENTAL

Wildlife specialists are on hand to educate and guide guests through tours of the forests, the beaches and along the headlands, and Thala also works with local indigenous communities, with Elders of the KuKu – Yalanji community invited to take guests through the journey of their culture on a regular basis, from healing plants to bush food.

The lodge is built out of natural sustainable materials in a style that does not set out to dominate the surrounding landscape.     AWARDS

Eco Certified.  Awarded the highest Ecotourism accreditation by maximising meaningful experiences, whilst minimizing the impact on the environment. The Thala Experience adheres to the principals of Ecotourism.


FEATURES

The timber deluxe bungalows sit on high poles and look through the tree canopy. All bungalows have views either to the ocean or the forested mountains. Time spent relaxing on the timber decked verandahs is always well rewarded by sightings of birds, butterflies or at night, possums and sugar gliders. All private bungalows have king/twin single beds, ensuite, balcony, mini bar, AC, ceiling fans.  Free wireless internet is available in the main lodge.

A circular guest lounge and reading room perches high amongst the Poplar Gums with a breathtaking view over the Pacific Ocean

The Osprey Restaurant and cocktail bar have panoramic views over the ocean, whilst the Evolve Day Spa overlooks a tranquil forest.  There are 2 freeform pools with waterfalls.     LOCATION

Situated 38 kilometres North of the city of Cairns and 16 kilometres South of the village of Port Douglas.

Thala is located 10 minutes, by regular shuttle, from Port Douglas. All tours in the Cairns, Port Douglas area pick up at the Lodge. All local specialist tours can be arranged for you after arrival.

RATES   From AUD $249 per night per room