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Australia’s newest luxury lodge borders two UNESCO-listed sites

Where rainforest meets reef along Queensland’s coast, a remarkable new stay is about to bloom.

One of Australia’s most extraordinary natural wonders is set to welcome an exclusive new address. Ever Bloomfield, the first property from newly launched accommodation brand Ever Lodges, will open on Queensland’s Daintree Coast later this year, setting a new benchmark for experiential luxury.

Inside Ever Bloomfield

With properties like El Questro in the Kimberley and South Australia’s Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia is no stranger to luxurious accommodation. But even among the country’s most coveted stays, the opening of Ever Bloomfield in Queensland this November is poised to turn heads.

Ever Bloomfield by Ever Lodges on the Daintree Coast, Queensland
Ever Bloomfield sits between Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef.

The first property under newly launched brand Ever Lodges, the retreat straddles two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites: the Daintree Rainforest on one side and Great Barrier Reef on the other. Once open to guests, it will offer direct access to both the world’s oldest living rainforest and largest coral reef system on Earth.

It’s this extraordinary setting that has inspired Ever Bloomfield’s design, led by acclaimed Aussie architecture firm Wolveridge Architects, with interiors by Adelaide-based Jacqui Dunn Interiors. The brief was simple: imbue a deep sense of place that can be felt from the moment of arrival.

Ever Bloomfield by Ever Lodges on the Daintree Coast, Queensland
Spaces are characterised by local timber, woven textures and statement lighting.

Built using local timber and stone, the property features a natural colour palette that allows woven textures, burnished fixtures and statement lighting to shine. Original artwork and decor pieces by local Indigenous artists also feature throughout, anchored by an abundance of natural light.

There are 14 private guestrooms at Ever Bloomfield. Each space acts as a private sanctuary for its occupants, where an off-grid ethos meets modern comforts like air conditioning, flatscreen TVs, soft linens and a balcony with a freestanding bathtub. Beyond the bedroom, stylish communal spaces range from the Long Room Restaurant and its chef-driven menu to Speak Easy Lounge and its craft cocktail program.

Ever Bloomfield by Ever Lodges on the Daintree Coast, Queensland
Ever Bloomfield boasts 14 private guestrooms, all with freestanding outdoor tubs.

Outside on the deck, a resort-style pool boasts sun loungers and uninterrupted ocean vistas. While setting up here for the day may seem enticing, the retreat’s guest-only experiences are just as compelling.

From sea safaris and ATV adventures to helicopter rides and coastal hikes, guests can explore the region from every angle with local guides. Whether you opt for a day of croc spotting on a river cruise or an e-bike ride that ends with a picnic by Trevathan Falls, you’ll return to the lodge each day with a new story to share.

Ever Bloomfield by Ever Lodges on the Daintree Coast, Queensland
Soak up panoramic ocean views from your sun lounger by the pool.

Throughout your stay, every need is catered for by an experienced team of staff, headed by general manager Patrick Barrie. With a resumé that includes luxury lodges like Longitude 131° and Saffire Freycinet, there’s no better man for the job.

“Bloomfield has something rare: a setting that asks you… to slow down, to pay attention, to be present. Our role as a team is simply to make that easy, to take care of the details so that guests can give themselves over to the place entirely," Barrie says.

“What I’m most proud of is the team we’re bringing together here. These are people who love this part of the world, who find the reef and the rainforest genuinely extraordinary, every time. That enthusiasm is contagious, and it shapes every interaction."

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Introducing Ever Lodges

Ever Bloomfield by Ever Lodges on the Daintree Coast, Queensland
Ever Bloomfield is the first property in Ever Lodges’ newly launched portfolio.

Built on nearly 30 years of experience, Ever Lodges seamlessly entered Australia’s luxury accommodation scene at the tail end of 2025. The exclusive portfolio, co-founded by long-time friends Drew Kluska and Justin Liberman, has been shaped by a mutual passion for experiential travel.

Ever Lodges is guided by the philosophy that accommodation should feel deeply personal, rather than materially led. Centred around shared moments, genuine hospitality and a true sense of belonging, every experience has been carefully curated to linger long after check-out.

Ever Bloomfield by Ever Lodges on the Daintree Coast, Queensland
Each experience, including the chef-driven menu at Long Room Restaurant, has been carefully curated.

“Ever was shaped not through strategy sessions or market trends, but through almost 30 years of deep listening: to guests, to guides, to hosts and to Country," says Kluska.

“What stays with people isn’t what they touch, but what they feel. A quiet moment with wildlife. A story shared at dusk. A guide who reveals a landscape in a new way. Ever exists to honour those moments."

While each stay is expected to leave a lasting impact on guests, the same can’t be said for the surrounding environment. Architecture will sit lightly on Country, with physical structures (and guest experiences) crafted in close collaboration with local Custodians and communities.

Ever Bloomfield by Ever Lodges on the Daintree Coast, Queensland
The luxury property has been designed to protect the surrounding environment.

Ever Bloomfield may be the brand’s first property, but it won’t be its last. Plans to expand the portfolio across the rest of Australia are firmly on the agenda, with future openings anticipated in the years ahead.

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The details

Bookings for Ever Bloomfield are now open ahead of its debut in November, and can be made online or over the phone. While the lodge’s first month has already sold out, dates are available from December onwards. Guests of all ages are welcome.

Ever Bloomfield by Ever Lodges on the Daintree Coast, Queensland
Guests can choose from four room types, including a spacious Suite.

There are four room types available, with rates based on an all-inclusive stay for two guests.

  • Queenslander: from $5400 per night
  • Suite: from $4900 per night
  • Cabin: from $4900 per night
  • Lodge Suite: from $3900 per night

Adding to its appeal, Ever Bloomfield is only accessible by boat or helicopter. The nearest airport is in Cairns, around 180 kilometres south of the lodge, with twice-weekly transfers available. Private charters can also be arranged.

* Availability and rates are accurate at the time of publication.

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Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
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From reef to rainforest: Discover the best Port Douglas experiences

(Credit: TTNQ)

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
    Ancient rainforest, coral reefs, laid-back luxury and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Port Douglas offers a side of Australia unlike anywhere else.

    Mornings in Port Douglas start with a beautiful symphony. As day breaks, the lyrical calls of Rainbow Lorikeets, cries of the sulphur-crested cockatoos and rhythmic Coral Sea waves create a colourful soundtrack for Tropical North Queensland’s sunrise. If there’s one place in Australia that captures the sweet spot between luxury and laid-back living, it’s here. This small, seaside village has just enough glamour to feel indulgent and just enough barefoot charm to make you feel like you’ve escaped the chaos of everyday life.

    Whether you’re diving into the warm waters on Four Mile Beach or enjoying an ice-cold drink and a Barramundi burger overlooking the marina, Port Douglas offers more than just a seaside holiday.

    Local gourmet goodies

    Nautilus restaurant port douglas
    Nab an open-air table beneath a canopy of palms at Nautilus. (Image: Toby Stanley)

    The tropical food scene in Port Douglas is influenced by the rich agricultural regions surrounding it, with fresh produce arriving daily from nearby farms and tropical growers across the region. At Nautilus – a hidden, palm-fringed restaurant just off Macrossan Street – the menu showcases regional flavours. Its Signature Nautilus Mango Soufflé is a long-time favourite.

    Nearby, Hi-Tide by the Beach offers a relaxed way beachfront dining experience overlooking the Coral Sea. From crocodile and lemon myrtle spring rolls to wild barramundi and a volcanic hot stone steak, taste the diverse flavours of Tropical North Queensland.

    Visitors can also explore the region’s local markets. Port Douglas Markets offers artisan products and tropical treats each Sunday, while the Saturday morning Mossman Markets is the place for fresh local produce from the surrounding farming community.

    Just outside of Port Douglas, Ospreys at Thala Beach Nature Reserve has one of the region’s most memorable dining outlooks. Perched on a small headland between rainforest and sea, take in views across the coastline and mountains while you dine. The seasonal menu highlights local seafood, tropical fruits and native ingredients sourced from across the region

    Travelling with young humans

    Hartley's Crocodile Adventures port douglas
    Catch a spectacle at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. (Credit: TTNQ)

    Port Douglas caters for all types of visitors, but families especially love the walkable streets, wide beaches and range of activities nearby. An attraction that never fails to delight all ages is Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – a wildlife sanctuary and ecotourism park with some of the region’s largest crocodiles. Here, you’ll also find koalas, cassowaries, turtles and other Australian wildlife.

    For something slower paced, sit back and enjoy a tranquil visit aboard the historic Lady Douglas River Cruise. Glide along the calm waters of Dickson Inlet, keeping an eye out for birdlife and estuarine crocodiles along the mangroves. Children can take part in activity sheets onboard and even have the opportunity to help steer the boat.

    This region is also deeply connected to Indigenous culture, and a Dreamtime Walk is one way to learn about it. Discover the stories, traditions and connection to Country of the local Kuku Yalanji people from local Indigenous guides, while exploring the rainforest and waters of Mossman Gorge.

    Exploring local waterways

    Coya Beach port douglas
    Walk along the peaceful Cooya Beach. (Credit: TTNQ)

    Join a guided tour with Walkabout Cultural Adventures to explore the peaceful Cooya Beach. Led by deeply knowledgeable local Aboriginal guides, try seasonal local bush tucker, take in the beautiful landscape and gain insight into the history, culture and traditions of this land.

    Surrounded by dense canopy and ancient species, nearby Hartley’s Creek Falls are at their finest after rain. These beautiful falls are reached via a lush rainforest walk that winds through creek crossings, towering greenery and moss-covered boulders.

    To swim where the locals swim, head out past local farms and into the foothills of the Mossman River to Shannonvale – a low-key freshwater swimming hole surrounded by sun-warmed rocks and deep pockets of clear water. It’s a quiet area to spend a few hours retreating from the world.

    Adrenaline adventures

    Sailaway Port Douglas
    Take to the ocean with Sailaway Port Douglas. (Credit: TTNQ)

    One of the most high-octane ways to enjoy the nature of Tropical North Queensland is white-water rafting down the impressive Barron River. With Grade two and Grade three rapids, expect plenty of splashing, some teamwork, and a few moments where everyone in the raft screams and laughs at the same time.

    Join Back Country Bliss for the most unique floating experience you’ll ever encounter. Head into the rainforest and float along the serene Mossman River on your individual board, taking in the sights and sounds of the ancient landscape around you.

    If you prefer ocean swimming, Sailaway Port Douglas explores the idyllic Low Isles and the outer reef on their snorkelling tours. Enjoy the Great Barrier Reef from above or below and look out for coral gardens, giant clams, colourful reef fish and, if you’re lucky, sea turtles.

    For land-lovers, the Devil’s Thumb is a challenging but rewarding hike with incredible views over the coast and endless cane fields. This 10km return hike will take around six to eight hours, so leave a whole day and pack snacks!

    Experiences that give back

    Skyrail Rainforest Cableway port douglas experiences
    See the rainforest from above on The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. (Credit: TTNQ)

    With two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland rainforest region – it’s not surprising Tropical North Queensland is a hub for eco-tourism. The stunning Daintree Ecolodge was founded on the principles of minimising environmental impact, supporting the local community and teaching guests about the local Indigenous culture. Their elevated rainforest-style ‘bayans’ are tucked among the trees, bringing nature into every part of a guest’s stay.

    Further down the coast, the luxury bungalows and treetop hideaways of Thala Beach Nature Reserve are dotted across 45 acres of protected headland, forest and beach. The property’s design intentionally preserves large areas of native vegetation and beachfront ecosystem, while conserving the surrounding habitat. The private beach and various swimming pools offer a cool retreat from the heat of the day, while the main lodge offers the perfect place to read and relax.

    The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a 7.5-kilometre cableway between Cairns and nearby Kuranda, has won multiple tourism and environmental awards. It’s also the first tourism attraction in the world to achieve Platinum EarthCheck Accreditation, for its long-term environmental management and sustainability initiatives.

    Start planning your Port Douglas adventure at tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au.