Off the beaten track and amid the pristine rainforest on the Tableland is the delightfully unique eco and wildlife retreat of Cedar Park Rainforest Resort. We'd been to Cedar Park Resort a few months ago to celebrate the wedding of close friends and decided to revisit it for a couple's getaway.

DETAILS
WHAT Cedar Park Rainforest Resort
WHERE Cedar Park Rd, off Kennedy Highway, between Kuranda and Mareeba.
COST From $135 per night with breakfast for two, plus packages available online.
CONTACT www.cedarparkresort.com.au or phone 4093 7892

Cedar Park was the first resort to obtain permission to operate in the World Heritage area and has a wonderfully rich history from when it began as a family home and then grew into a resort in the 1970s.

Since 2004, the current owners, a charming Swiss trio of Christoph Huber, Markus Ryf and Rosy Maccarrone, have made a tremendous success of the property and are accustomed to welcoming repeat guests.

“We saw the potential of this amazing unique structure with its Gothic arches, stained glass windows and, of course, its pristine location. The decision to buy and renovate the resort was a huge step in our lives, and the results have exceeded our expectations,” Rosy says.

After giving the property its biggest makeover in four decades, they have indeed reaped the rewards. When you walk down the 31m hallway with its seven gothic arches, you can really feel the magic here. It draws you in and you just might be in another century. Or another place – there is really nothing like this elsewhere in Australia.

The room types, queen, deluxe and family, are all individually decorated, each with its own minibar, ensuite and veranda, and the wildlife thrives in the safe environment enclosed by Ganyon Creek which flows right past the resort. This is one of the most beautiful spots on the property and guests are encouraged to explore the walking tracks and swimming holes.

We chose to explore the near environs and took a bottle of champagne to enjoy in the tropical timber spa surrounded by rainforest and watching wallabies.

The restaurant has one of the most stunning settings in the region. A huge timber deck overlooks the rainforest and creek, with the open structure allowing guests to enjoy the tropical environment and wildlife. Markus and Christoph are dedicated, expert chefs. Christoph, the former owner of Atlantis Restaurant at Trinity Beach, was private chef for banker Richard Dryfus and has cooked for celebrities like Isabelle Lucas, Elizabeth Taylor, Lady Spencer, and the Prince of Malta.

Markus, former head chef of the Sebel Reef House and sous chef of Thala Beach Lodge, was chef in one of the best five star resorts in Grand Montana, Switzerland and cooked for Brigitte Bardot, Demis Russo and Jean Paul Belmondo. Both know and appreciate that while fresh food with unique local flavours is important, the key to keeping the regulars coming back is consistency and this is the true secret to success.

Cedar Park Resort has a great reputation for romantic weddings and other celebrations. With only six rooms, there is the option to book the whole property for this style of event. The resort does not accommodate children under 16 years.

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