Thala Beach Nature Reserve - Oak Beach, Queensland

Susan M.

Stopped at this beautiful location for lunch. The view over and through the tree canopy to the ocean is spectacular! Bird viewing was amazing. We were a little early for lunch, yet the staff graciously seated us at an outside table in the open air space. Our lunch was beautifully served and contained the freshest of ingredients and flavors! I highly recommend stopping for a meal!

Keith R.

Wow what a beautiful place.||We stayed here for our last 3 nights of a 5 week holiday in Australia and what a lovely surprise it was. The resort is built on a hill overlooking the sea and they have really made the most of the spectacular views from the restaurant. At breakfast you can sit and watch the birds in the trees from your table whilst enjoying excellent food.||There are pools to swim and relax in and a private beach with hammocks and loungers to relax in.||We had a jungle bungalow which was perfect and all of these are detached and raised from the forest floor.||The staff were all really friendly and they collect you with your luggage from the car park to take you to your chosen holiday home. 3 days was not enough and we wished we could have stayed longer but we shall have to return.||One thing to be aware of for the less able bodied is that there are a lot of steps to climb up to the main reception and eating/bar area as the location is a hill. But you can request a golf buggy to collect and return you to your room.||All in all a perfect and idyllic spot.

April G.

Stunning place to stay for tourists as well as locals.. So much wildlife and kind staff. The room was beautiful, and the meals were delicious. Little phone reception but the wifi was in every room and worked well. Very comfortable beds, and the rooms are private and aircon worked well for the heat. Will be back and highly recommend to anyone - tourists and locals alike. 🌺🌴🍹

Anna C.

My boyfriend and I stayed at Thala for 5 nights. The location is beautiful and unique, with unparalleled views from the restaurant and bar. The complimentary Nature Walk was also a highlight (Brett was amazing).||While the staff were very friendly and we enjoyed our stay overall, there were a few things that disappointed us - particularly given Thala’s expensive price tag. ||Firstly, we had booked dinner for our first night well in advance (2 months), requesting the best table. Thala confirmed this, and we even called a week before arriving to confirm this a second time. Unfortunately, when we turned up, the best tables had already gone, and no table had been reserved for us. This was disappointing, as we’d been really looking forward to (and saving up for) this special trip and dinner.||Secondly, the jacuzzi didn’t work all week and there was not anywhere to sit in the sun by the pool (as it is surrounded by trees). While it was still beautiful to relax in these surrounds, it was not very conducive to a tan! Perhaps we would have enjoyed soaking up the sun on Oak Beach but for the onset of stinger season.||Finally, the tiny mini bar menu was cleverly obscured behind a bunch of glasses and crockery. Given there was not much on offer, we assumed (wrongly) that the pringles and tonic were complimentary. This was possibly our fault too, for assuming anything!||In sum, Thala is a beautiful place, but a pricey experience for what we felt we got. If breakfast was included (I paid $28 for Muesli..), and the above concerns were addressed, I would have been thrilled.

Claude F.

If you like to be in a remote and foresty area this is for you. They are all individual cabins and well separated so you get the woody feeling. During the night you can hear the birds everywhere. They have a nice pool with lovely waterfall. (the pool is not heated so be aware). A few hiking trails.|The restaurant is beautiful and all the food is delicious. It is open to the sea so great views. Nice wine list as well.|But be aware you are in the middle of nowhere so you can't walk to a corner store or other restaurants. If you have a car they would be about a 20-min drive. You are stuck with the hotel food, which luckily is great.

Michelle H.

It makes me sad to leave anything less than a 5 star review for Thala. This place is hands down my favourite spot in Far North Queensland. I have stayed here before (even though I live locally in Cairns) - just so I can soak it up. I adore the ospray restaurant, and until last week had never had anything less than a 5 star experience food and service). However breakfast on Friday last week (3/1/25) was different. We got up early and drove from Cairns as a treat. Sadly we were disappointed.

The eggs were over cooked, and although replaced were still very average. The entire meal was average - cold and soggy bread. I only ate a third of my breakfast. Service was wonderful as always and I was offered my beverages for free due to disappointment with the food. I’m not sure if it was a bad day or different chef. But I hope it was a one off… and I will definitely come again, hoping that the next time will be as magical as I remember.

Darren H.

Truly a nature reserve. Amazing bungalows, hiking trails that led to the most amazing views of the bay and rainforest. Beautiful grounds. Amazing views from the restaurant and bar. Extremely comfortable room. Quiet and secluded. Top shelf accommodation! Shout out to Sophie - great job. Amazingly friendly staff.

Lily (.

Such a beautiful experience that I recommend to everyone! The rooms are beautiful and secluded with a comfortable bed and all the necessary amenities. The restaurant serves absolutely delicious food, the staff are incredibly kind and the pools are refreshing and relaxing (we couldn't swim at the beach due to stinger season) 10/10 experience..P.s a special shout out to the guys driving the buggies! They were a huge help 🙂