Cockatoo Hill Retreat

We spent two nights here at this beautiful retreat. We had limited internet and phone reception, which honestly made us enjoy the peaceful surroundings even more. The rooms were private, thoughtfully designed and with an absolutely beautiful view. Carmen was incredible, and shared recommendations and made dinner reservations at local spots for us. We learnt so much about the area, the wildlife and just how special this area of Australia is. Our morning breakfast that Carmen prepared was delicious and made for a perfect start to the day. Thankyou Carmen for making us feel at home at Cockatoo Hill Retreat, and for taking the time to share your knowledge and stories of the local area. :)

If you want to feel special, this is the place for you. Carmen, our hostess is a true gem. From the very private, romantic rooms with local flora placed artfully throughout the room and ensuite, to the stunning view of rainforest from each cabin. Carmen excelled herself with a delicious breakfast (wait till you see the fruit salad) and caters to all dietary needs. She is happy to suggest points of interest in the region and equally happy to share her stories. I would definitely go back.

Quite possibly the most gorgeous and most intimate place I have ever stayed. Each bungalow's windows look over the rainforest, the host Carmen is an INCREDIBLE hostess and makes wonderful breakfast. I would go back in a heartbeat.

Absolutely stunning! Great to read that Carmen still runs the place. We spent a few days/nights there 11 years ago and it was simply perfect. The location, the view, the care that is put into the place, the pool, the host, breakfast with fresh fruit-salad from fruits on the property, in the evening a chat on the snake bar, going through the photo-albums on how the place was built. Back then we have been totally off-reception in the area of our cabin and it was great to spend time without Net, not sure if this still is. Carmen pointing us to a secure spot in a nearby Creek where we had the ability to swim with turtles, the great rainforest tour with Piggy, ..... This place is something very special and everyone who has the chance to go there should do it. It can't be highly enough recommended!

My partner and I stayed at Cockatoo Hill Retreat for a few nights of our honeymoon in April 2022. We absolutely loved our time here! The accomodation is stunning and I already miss waking up to the most beautiful sunrises I have ever seen. Carmen, the host, is such a wonderful person. She really went above and beyond to make sure we had the best experience. As we hadn't actually planned much for our stay, she helped organising activities and places to eat. She also makes a killer fruit salad which we enjoyed every morning. I have no hesitation recommending Cockatoo Hill Retreat and am hopeful we can return back one day.

Total seclusion and serenity! Far away from the hustle and bustle and some of the more touristy places. Nothing but the treetop views all the way to the ocean, and the sounds of the rainforest.

Our cabin was one of only four at this ‘no kids’ hideaway, which was beautifully appointed with king size bed and crisp white bedding. Very comfy over the 5 nights.

After a full day of walking through the rainforest, and cassowary spotting, there was nothing more rejuvenating than taking a cooling dip in the swimming pool that overlooks the surrounding rainforest. Many bird species were spotted from this position.

Carmen is the hostess, she has lived there for many years, and has many beautiful stories to share, and is quite the accomplished wildlife photographer. Her tropical fruit salad and croissant breakfasts are abundant and fresh.

- 4WD / all wheel drive access only.
- tropical strength bug spray a must for the region.

Highly recommend, and would love to stay there again. My partner and I completely understand why there are so many repeat guests to this jungle hideaway.

We loved our stay with Carmen at Cockatoo Hill Retreat. We booked directly through her site for our honeymoon and from that moment on knew we'd picked the best place to stay. Carmen made tour recommendations, guided us with directions and was so helpful in planning our stay. Once we were there (up the dirt track) we had the most amazing views of the sea and forest, in our lovely room and large balcony. It really made us feel more aware and appreciative of our natural environment. Carmen booked all our trips and restaurant meals directly with the operators, fed us the most delicious breakfasts in the morning and taught us about the Daintree. We will definitely be back!

Fantastic view, great host and a truly exceptional experience! We would definitely stay here again. The view is unbeatable, in the middle of the Daintree with the ocean in the distance. No lights around and the stars are incredibly clear to see. Carmen was incredible and the place was immaculate!

I stayed here with my partner back in Jan and it was absolutely stunning! The rooms and view were beautiful and the accommodation had an incredible pool overlooking the rainforest. The host Carman was so lovely and really made the trip for us, welcoming service and great local advice and knowledge. Would absolutely recommend :)

Beautiful small bed and breakfast situated on top of hill overlooking tree canopy out to the sea. Beautiful rooms with individual balconies. Lovely gardens teeming with birds and butterflies. Lovely pool. Breakfasts are great as is Carmen, the owner, who could not be more helpful. All in all a very peaceful and relaxing place to stay.

Amazing experience. Great view from the balcony above the tree’s canopy onto the ocean. Really quite, no sounds from cars or anything, just the birds in the morning with their lovely songs. Best star gazing I’ve ever had, because no light noise - you can see the Milky Way in its entire beauty. Lovely host with self made jams made of local tropical fruits served for breakfast, very friendly chats and very helpful in planning / booking activities in the upper Daintree area.

The most beautiful place to stay in the Daintree Rainforest. Our stay here was amazing. The location and scenery were stunning. Carmen was an absolute superb host who had excellent local knowledge and helped us book tours and activities. Would highly recommend.

Highly recommended. Carmen was a great host in a beautiful setting. Lovely breakfeast and lots of help planning activities for your Daintree stay and a good dose of insights about plant and animal life. The sunrise from about 5am is a must - will be seen from your balcony like you have never seen before.

Such a lovely spot. So calm and beautiful.
4 cabins with a view over the forest to the coral sea. The infinity pool is a perfect way to finish a day of exploring the Daintree forest. Carmen is a fabulous host and helps you maximise your stay in the area.

The most special place we have ever stayed. For a romantic getaway, you could ask for no more. Carmen is a delightful host and her dream of creating this tropical oasis in The Daintree Forest is just magical. We are about to embark on our 3rd stay here and will keep coming back. Just do it!

The first entrance to the room is really a kodak moment. The cabin is well designed and in fine taste as all this amassing property which looks like a small botanic garden. as late sleepers we were concerned that the windows are not covered but when u see the sun rises u realy understand why.... just perfect. Breeze is felt all day long so no ac needed. Hot water all day long. Pool is fantastic and cleaned. Even though u actually in the middle of a forest u feel nothing is missing. The drive way is a bit steep and hard to drive but we had hndy i30 that managed to drive it up.
I would highly recommend to spend 3-4 nights in the Deintrees to see the different sights calmly and absorb the cool vibes.
Carmen, u r great! Thank u for a lovely hosting.

I very much enjoyed my time here with Carmen. I consider her a new friend.

The Cockatoo Hill Retreat is a beautiful and magical place. The owner Carmen is very lovely and helpful. There was a great breakfast. The view was amazing and so romantic.

Amazing spot! Cabins have a great view over the forest.
Lots to do around the Daintree area with an excellent host.
Rooms are kept to a very high standard, we had a great time and would highly recommend.

The setting, host and breakfast was magical. It’s clear Carmen the host and owner wants you to have the most wonderful time in the Daintree. Her knowledge on the area is very impressive and I highly recommend you stay here when visiting the Daintree.