When you take the scenic drive from Cairns to Port Douglas, you’ll experience a genuine sense of having arrived somewhere special. This corner of Australia is unique. It’s a lush, dramatic landscape characterised by emerald rainforest, deep gullies and crystal-clear waterfalls. For a sense of it all, take a walk up Flagstaff Hill for sensational views of the Coral Sea and the picture perfect crescent of Four Mile Beach fringed by dense, green rainforest.

The Daintree National Park is an ancient land inhabited by cassowaries, prehistoric plants and illusive tree kangaroos. It is also the traditional home of the Kuku Yalanji people, who have lived off the land for tens of thousands of years. They’ve invented traps for fish and game, are accurate spear fishermen and know how to prepare native fruits, nuts and berries of the rainforest for consumption. They prepare meats and fish by wrapping them in fragrant paperbark from melaleuca trees, then smoking them over an open fire.

Daintree National Park
Daintree National Park

The Kuku Yalanji knowledge of the rainforest has been passed down for generations from their elders. Today, they have an ongoing, intimate relationship with Tropical North Queensland. They live in harmony with the rainforest and hold a deep respect for their environment. Kuku Yalanji Dreamtime offers visitors to the region guided rainforest walks along private tracks. The tours visits special places and culturally-significant sites, as well as taking you past traditional bark shelters and over cool rainforest streams.

The experienced interpretive guides demonstrate traditional plant use, identify bush tucker sources, share their Dreamtime legends, explain the history of cave paintings and explain their special relationship with this ancient tropical environment. The Dreamtime Walks are conducted four times a day, after which guests enjoy tea and damper at the end of each tour.

 

Taste the Tropics at Treetops Bar and Grill

Drawing from the bounty of the Australian bush, Wyndham’s world-class chefs seek to capture the unique tastes of Australia in their dishes. Native flavours are even finding their way into ice-cream, beverages and spices. Macadamia nuts, Australia’s first indigenous food to be used commercially, are now prized around the world.

At Treetops Bar and Grill, located onsite at Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas, you will also have the opportunity to try dishes that reflect the region, like crocodile laksa and kangaroo fillet.

“I encourage my chefs to work with local produce including locally grown produce and freshly caught seafood. The best thing about the produce here is the variety and high quality. We source great tropical fruits like pitaya (dragon fruit) and carambola (star fruit) through to Tablelands pork and local wild caught barramundi,” says executive chef Anthony Smith.

Port Douglas bar
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas

Dine at night by flickering firelight and illuminated trees, and enjoy cuisine that is characterised by the unique flavours of Tropical North Queensland. Feast on wild barramundi with a mango and lychee salsa, braised Atherton Tableland pork belly and Queensland kangaroo fillet served with a pink grapefruit salad. Dishes like these are served alongside modern classics, from steak and seafood to pizzas and pastas. The breakfast buffet is sensational, and the lunch menu also provides a range of choice designed to satisfy all palates.

Nestled in the heart of Wyndham Port Douglas, the Tree Bar and Grill is framed by ancient rainforest and overlooks the resort’s lagoon pool and waterfall. In addition to the restaurant, there is a casual bar and swim-up bar beside the lagoon pool. The restaurant’s tangled strangler fig pillars are a striking aesthetic feature.

Port Douglas Pool
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas

 

3 Must-Dos

  1. Take a Kuku Yalanji cultural tour to gain an appreciation for their empathy and relationship with the rainforest
  2. Take a dip at Mossman Gorge to immerse in its pristine forests and waterfalls
  3. Take a day trip out to the Great Barrier Reef

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