Australian timber & granite has been used throughout creating an ambience reflecting the pristine environment.

All bungalows are airconditioned, 45m2 (excluding Sandpiper Suite – approx 60m2), stylishly decorated, have screened windows and sublime views either to the ocean or forested mountains. 

There are 4 styles of bungalows available. All rooms are air-conditioned and offer a bathtub, a refrigerator, and a minibar. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs with digital channels, and you can enjoy furnished balconies or patios, DVD players, and in-room childcare.

Minibars provide refreshments, and in-room dining is easy with amenities like refrigerators and room service. Separate bathtubs and showers, coffee/tea makers, and in-room massages are also available. Limited housekeeping is available.

Private dining in Ospreys Restaurant, Masked Plovers Bar

Day spa / massage, Art & jewellery gallery and library

2 free form rock pools (outdoor)

24-hour concierge and Reception

10kms bushwalking trails, 2kms private beaches

• 10kms bushwalking trails
• 2kms private beaches
• 2 free form rock pools (outdoor)
• Free guided nature tours are available and include tree planting, stargazing at an outdoor observatory, beach discovery, wildlife walks and bird-watching tours.

From THALA BEACH NATURE RESERVE:

“Great sensitivity is paid to the natural environment that Thala shares with the local plants and animals. Thala has achieved the highest possible accreditation of eco tourism awarded to resorts and hotels and is a member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World.

Conservation and sustainability is a top priority for Thala and guests are encouraged to tread softly and appreciate the local environment. 

After ten consecutive years meeting the strict criteria for Advanced Ecotourism status, Thala was awarded Green Travel Leader status with Ecotourism Australia in 2017.

In April 2018, in recognition of Thala’s substantial credentials in offering deluxe eco-designed accommodation while minimising environmental impact, the beachfront eco lodge was handpicked for membership of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World after successfully undergoing a rigorous vetting process. The standards for inclusion are based on four pillars of sustainable tourism:

Protection of natural heritage
Protection of cultural heritage
Support for local communities
Environmentally friendly practices

National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World is a collection of handpicked lodges that invite guests to experience the world’s most treasured places while helping to protect them for generations to come. Each lodge has made the choice to tread lightly, to celebrate nature rather than conquer it, to support cultural heritage, and to engage with local communities. Their active involvement at Thala also assists in the environmental rehabilitation process. Owners of Thala Beach, Rob & Oonagh Prettejohn, and their staff, are proud to be associated with the modern and thoughtful ethos for which Australia’s Eco Accreditation scheme upholds the highest standards.

Natural Area Focus

Thala is built atop a private peninsular jutting into the Coral Sea, surrounded by miles of World Heritage coastline and The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park on the seaward side. Thala’s magnificent 145 acre peninsular has six different habitats concentrated into this small area. Ancient littoral rainforest, casuarinas and mangroves lap the beach, while dry eucalypt woodland, gallery forest and coconuts occupy the higher ground and inland creeks. Each habitat attracts its own unique species.

Environmental Sustainability

In the early 1970’s Rob & Oonagh Prettejohn purchased the 145 acre Peninsula. At the time Thala only had 45 acres of the original forest. The balance of 100 acres had been cleared and was a degraded, unsustainable sugar cane plantation. Environmental sensitivities were not as they are today and planning approval at the time would have allowed for a 700 bedroom hotel to be built! Fortunately as locals with a feel for a low impact on this wonderful environment, this was not their style. They planted many thousands of indigenous plants to rehabilitate the area and start its return back to a wild natural state. The lodge is built out of natural sustainable materials in a low impact style that does not set out to dominate the surrounding landscape.

Contribution to Conservation

Thala Beach Lodge is a beacon of hope as mankind progresses from being ‘the demolisher’ to ‘the conserver’ and now to ‘the environmental benefactor’. Over a period of 30 years, Rob and Oonagh have shepherded the re-establishment of complex forests on land that was once cleared and devastated by extractive farming. With the return of the forests, wildlife populations have exploded bringing their pulsating natural energy.

Customer Satisfaction

Rob and Oonagh employ wildlife specialists who are on hand to guide and amaze their guests in their forests, the beaches or along their rocky headland. This is done in a personalised quiet and unregimented fashion: Designed so guests can enjoy the thrill of making their very own discoveries. They might see rare Snub-finned Dolphins , followed soon afterwards by a resident Osprey diving for fish to feed her chicks. Then delicately treading along sandy paths through the magnificent rainforest with its many species of tropical birds and butterflies. Guests are encouraged to add new sightings to the growing lists recorded.

Working with Local Communities

Recognising the importance of the spirit of our local indigenous communities Thala invites the elders of the KuKu Yalanji community to take our guests through the journey of their culture. From healing plants to bush food the elders bring in leaves and seeds for guests to handle and learn their history and importance to the survival of this wonderful community. Thala is always grateful to the KuKu Yalanji elders for their eager sharing of their ancient knowledge.