Notes from the host
Bowenia Daintree Rainforest Retreat
Welcome to the jungle! It’s your time to relax in a tropical rainforest paradise. Nestled in a secluded spot in the world heritage Daintree Rainforest, Bowenia Daintree Rainforest Retreat is a unique and beautiful, handmade timber post and beam home, built from sustainable timbers. Featuring a large, breezy deck and a unique and well-appointed interior, this off grid, totally self sufficient and eco friendly home is the perfect place to wind down and use as a home base while you explore the iconic and stunningly beautiful Daintree region.
Bowenia is within walking distance to the beautiful Cow Bay Beach and only a short drive to restaurants, boardwalks and other sights of the Daintree including, the Daintree Discovery Centre, Coopers Creek Wilderness tours, horse riding, and tropical ice cream outlets. Reef trips from Cape Tribulation are a favourite. There are also numerous waterholes, mangroves and rainforest boardwalks to enjoy. Or you can just relax and enjoy being surrounded by old growth forest at home.
The space
• With a large open living area and covered decking surrounded by rainforest this is a truly tranquil space to unwind.
• Our superb deck provides charming vantage points overlooking our extensive private tropical gardens, while the floor to ceiling bifold doors open the living room to the deck to combine your indoor and outdoor living experiences.
• The indoor dining table seats six, or you can enjoy your meal alfresco on the deck which also has a dining table and easy chairs.
• The property is suitable both for couples and families as it comfortably sleeps seven people. There are 2 bedrooms with a luxurious king and queen bed, a double futon (which is in the living room) and single bed in a separate area. Mosquito nets are provided.
• The brand new custom built kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need and includes a gas cook top and oven. The full size fridge/freezer is large enough for the whole family. Powered kitchen equipment such as a toaster and electric jug are not used here (toast cooks very well on the stove).
• We provide sugar, Daintree tea and instant coffee as well as a plunger, however guests need to provide their own ground coffee, milk etc.
• A selection of books, games and puzzles are provided for guests to enjoy. The comfortable living room has a flat screen Smart TV.
• Guests are provided with shampoo, conditioner and soap in the modern bathroom. There is a large shower with a dual shower head.
• As this is a fully off grid house, there is no air conditioning, however there are multiple ceiling fans throughout the house and on the deck and plenty of air flow to capture cool breezes from any direction.
• There is a Treehouse on the property which has not yet been fully renovated however it is safe and a fun place to explore and see the property from above. Children must be supervised.
• Wi-Fi is available on request.
• The Laundry has a washer and dryer which should be used sparingly as the power load is quite high. In the interests of conserving power please use the clothes line where possible. Guests are advised that the washing machine must not be used on hot settings as the load is too great for the system. Guests will be held responsible for any damage that results due to incorrect use. Please read the instructions provided before using. There is also a Laundromat at Mossman.
• There is a large undercover parking area which can also hold a boat, caravan or trailer.
Guest access
• Guests have the entire property, excluding the shed area, to themselves for the duration of their stay. Any communication will be conducted via the website or telephone.
House Rules
• This eco home, as all homes in the Daintree, is off grid and so please help to reduce your human foot-print by using water and power wisely during your stay. Our water is pure rainwater and the solar power is stored in large batteries, ensuring a peaceful and quiet stay. A generator is provided for times of high electricity demand, or little sun. High powered devices like electric jugs, toasters, hairdryers and shavers must not be used. There is no mobile reception on the property which adds to the feeling of being able to totally switch off from it all. There is mobile reception available just a few minutes drive up the road. Wi-Fi is available on request and can be used to make Wi-Fi calls on your phone or connect to the internet.
Smoking Policy
• We respect your right to smoke, however, it is not permitted inside the house. Smoking is allowed on the deck area. An ashtray is provided and we request that all cigarette butts, ash, tobacco or any used smoking product is disposed of correctly. Please don’t take any soiled ashtrays inside the accommodation.
Rubbish
• There are no rubbish removal services in the Daintree. The refuse facility is located at the bottom of Quandong Road. Opening times are displayed on the wall near the kitchen. You will need to take the refuse facility card. There is a silver bin outside which can be used to store accumulated rubbish which will be removed after your stay. Please ensure all bins are secured away from wildlife.
Wildlife
• The area is full of beautiful wildlife including cassowaries, who are regular visitors. You might be lucky to see, tree kangaroos, and a myriad of unique small mammals and insects. We have an amazing array of birds including the Wompoo Pigeon and sunbirds. The birdsong from the forest at dawn is a lovely way to start the day. Please don’t feed or try to interact with the wildlife, just enjoy them from a distance! We are too far from the beach to have crocodiles here however please pay attention to the signs at the beaches and creeks when you go there.
Pets
• Please let us know if you would like to bring a pet. Pets must be able to be controlled at all times. Pets must not be on beds or furniture.
Location
The Daintree is accessed by crossing the Daintree River by ferry. When you drive off and head up the range you immediately begin to feel the beauty and peace of the old growth rainforest surround you. Driving into the private property completes the feeling of total seclusion.
The return cost on the ferry is $26, however we are happy to provide a ferry pass for your return journey (on the Daintree River Ferry crossing) so only a one way pass needs to be purchased. Additional passes can also be arranged for guests staying longer than 3 nights.
As there are limited supplies available in the area, we recommend you shop in Mossman before you cross the river on the ferry, otherwise there is a small Service Station and Convenience store about 10 minutes drive from the home and an IGA 25 minutes away at Cape Tribulation. There is ample storage for food in the well-appointed kitchen as well as a full-sized fridge/freezer.
Further Information
• Check in times preferred before 5pm, check out 10.30 am.
• Children must be supervised at all times.