The World Incorporated Travel Blog

Tag: wanderlust

Cuddling a Koala Got Personal

Koalas. Those cute, fuzzy, gray marsupials with noses like big mushrooms and mobility like a drunk baby. It’s criminal to travel all the way down under and not hug this iconic Australian animal. There are only two states in Oz that allow visitors to hold koalas, and Queensland is one of them.

Fun Fact: Did you know that “koala” is the aboriginal word for “no drink”? Because koalas feed on eucalypt leaves with a high moisture level, they usually don’t need to drink water!

We decided to wait until we arrived on Hamilton Island for this animal encounter for the sole reason that WILD LIFE Hamilton Island offers breakfast with the koalas every morning. Breakfast – our favorite (and the most important) meal of the day – WITH a koala dining companion? Sold. There’s also that warm fuzzy thought [pun intended] that WILD LIFE Hamilton Island is not just a zoo – it’s an animal rescue center.

When we entered the vicinity of the restaurant, my first thought was “Where are all the koalas?!” It took a minute of playing Where’s Waldo, but there they were, hanging out in the trees among the diners. We picked a table with a great vantage point. Though they rested in the trees like living ornaments, I couldn’t help but feel that their breakfast duty was more of an annoyance between the squealing kids and clinking of forks scraping away at the eggs, bacon, and sausage brekky. Can koalas roll their eyes? Between sleep, I swear I witnessed the koala glaring through tired, slitted eyes when dishes loudly clanged at the breakfast buffet. But if there is such a thing as relaxing with grace, these koalas were experts.

5 points if you spot the koala! Notice the sign… poor sleepy guy!

After overindulging everything on the menu, it was time for the main event: Koala cuddling. Introducing the cuddler of the day: Willow, the tiniest (& most adorable) koala resident at WILD LIFE Hamilton Island.

I’ve heard that koalas can rip faces off (True? Or no?) and those long, black claws reached out toward me with purpose; I hesitated for a minute, not knowing what to do with myself. Sorry, I’ve never received How To Hold A Koala training before! “Cradle the bottom” the keeper instructed. “Touch its butt?!” I hesitated again, feeling like I would violate poor Willow with some behind contact. Throwing reluctances aside, I ignored the thought of her discolored derriere and reached out to the adorable creature. All she wanted was something to grasp, so Willow reached longingly as she was passed along: I cradled the butt, hugged her close… and she grabbed on to the ta-ta, clutching for extra security. I guess you can say things got personal pretty quickly.

Holding Willow felt like a sack of sand plopped in a koala pillow case. She was a bottom-heavy, floppy creature. Her thick, dense fur, slightly wiry and surprisingly plush wasn’t necessarily soft, but definitely fuzzy and padded and completely cuddle-able. Willow was so cute, I didn’t even mind that she chose to go straight to second base.

Getting Groped by a Koala: Definitely bucket list worthy.

Isn’t she adorable? If I could have kidnapped her and taken her home with me, I would have. But I suppose, in a way, I did. I have the most epic professional souvenir photo of us hanging in my office cubicle. It thrills when my co-workers ask about the photo (“Is that your baby?” “Is that real?” “How did you hold a koala?!”). When my work days get dull & I dwindle to adventure-emptiness, those koala cuddling moments captured on paper prompt a smile. It inflates me with happiness… and hope that more creature friends will find their way into my travels in the future.

Is cuddling a koala something you’d like to do one day? What animals have you befriended on your travels? I’d love to hear in the comments!

6 January 2015
Getting to Know the Top 25 #EpicBucketList Finalists

Thousands entered in The Buried Life & Contiki’s Most #EpicBucketList Contest (ever) competition. Only the Top 25 point earners have a chance at the grand prize (an epic adventure from Contiki) and are vying for that “Congratulations!” email we are all anticipating on Friday. We were charged to create a 1-minute video detailing who we are/why we want to win. Sure, this is a competition, but we’re people with aligned passions & positive hearts – we’ve found camaraderie & encouragement through this amazing World Wide Web.

We aren’t just dreamers & wanderlusters, we’re doers who plan to embrace life with stars in our eyes & goals in our pockets. Who are we? Introducing the Top 25 #EpicBucketList finalists & our video submissions (pay attention, you might make a new amigo):

Samantha B. – Hamilton, Ontario

Mini Bio: I recently graduated from McMaster University and work as a Sales & Marketing rep at Rocket SEO & run kids sports programs for the City of Hamilton Recreation Division. I love coaching and playing soccer, but pretty much enjoy any activity that is high energy. I am a complete optimist & romantic and always see the silver lining in every situation. I have been blessed with an amazingly supportive family and friendships that have already lasted decades. They really mean the world to me and I work hard every day to make em all proud: P! Most would say I am easily excited & energetic, but I really just want to see it all and try everything at least once, maybe twice!
Words You Live By: Don’t sweat the small stuff!
Your Superpower: Planning, although that seems boring I am always the individual to plan trips & activities and always want everyone around me to be having the time of their life. It is very rewarding to see everyone having a blast.
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: I just recently ran the Run for Hope Marathon with my best friend and although I am an active individual running for long periods of time seemed terrible. I dedicated my race to a special individual that unfortunately was taken from us way too young and her strength and endurance motivated me to keep trucking through the rain and snow.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? I really want to go to Australia, live out of my car and live the carefree life, oh and of course learn to surf.
#EpicBucketList Video: Epic Bucket List Samantha B.

Francesca B. – New Jersey

Mini Bio: I’m a Fashion Merchandising student graduating THIS MAY and still not mentally ready for it. I have an absolute love for travel ever since I studied abroad for a semester my sophomore year in London. I left a little (giant) piece of my heart there. I love getting involved with as many things as possible and that’s a major drive for my bucket list. Why not do as many awesome things as you can before you die?
Words You Live By: “Life is really just beautiful moments one after right another.” -Zach Sobiech
Your Superpower: panics Uhm, I’m really good at responding to emails….BUT I WISH I COULD FLY.
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Riding an elephant!
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? Go on the Rickshaw Run!
#EpicBucketList Video: Epic Bucket List Challenge Video!

Trish B. – Toronto, Ontario

Mini Bio: 25 y/o Canadian. Collector of stories, maker of memories. I’ll probably convince you to come on a last minute adventure, and even call in sick for you.. My passport is my favourite accessory.
Words You Live By: Always play.
Your Superpower: Flight.
Favourite Bucket List Item Completed: Saw Red Bull Rampage in person this fall. If you don’t know what that is, google it. It’s unreal.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? I’ve decided I’m heading to New Zealand this winter (for their summer), I just haven’t figured out how…
#EpicBucketList Video: Trish B’s Epic Bucket List

Amanda C. – Metro Detroit, Michigan

Mini Bio: Graduated with a degree in marketing, international studies & Spanish. Formerly president of the student body at my university, now president of my cubicle. I do marketing for a company in the insurance/banking industry but I fill my free time with blogging, learning, singing in a chorale, being a local tourist, finding adventures & enjoying craft beers (I’m looking at you, Final Absolution). I’m also obsessed with my cat. And chocolate. And travel. Definitely travel. It’s my destiny to get my own Travel Channel show.
Words You Live By: “I’d rather be ashes than dust.”
Your Superpower: Smiling. It’s contagious. And powerful.
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Volunteering in China to teach English.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? Go streaking in Antarctica. And collect my family history.
#EpicBucketList Video: Amanda’s Epic Rap

Tanya C. – Ottawa, Ontario – WINNER

Mini Bio: Full time Barber/Stylist/Bar industry worker. Dancer for 10yrs traveling big cities such as DC, San Diego, performing for dance showcases. Past 3yrs have been performing/entertaining onstage with big DJs such as Swedish house mafia and nervo for music festivals in home town. Past two years teaching hiphop to youth outreach programs getting kids to share the stage at out yearly showcase. Cutting hair for 3yrs, also traveling to cities such as Toronto and New York to learn new cutting techniques. I also work the front door at local clubs helping out in the industry once every week or two. If I’m not working I’m overall still being a pretty active human being; gym, rollerblading, hiking, skating.
Words You Live By: Just be. Can’t stop won’t stop.
Superpower: Having fun, making new friends, socially interacting with people by keeping them positive and happy
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: I have 3. Bartended for 3years, Traveled and seen half of Canada, Taught a hiphop class where I took my first class.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? Travel to, teach and do adventures in places other than big cities.
#EpicBucketList Video: Epic Bucket List Challenge (day in the life)

Christina G. – Toronto, Ontario

Mini Bio: Hello! My name is Christina and I am an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto studying Global Health and Physiology. I am a well-rounded and adventurous person; you can find me either helping the homeless and at my local hospital in the community, or attending a music festival or winter camping with my friends. I love to try new things, and most importantly, work on completing my bucketlist, which I am constantly working at completing.
Words You Live By: Seize the day.
Your Superpower: Flying.
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Volunteer Trip to Kenya
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? Attend Tomorrowland
#EpicBucketList Video: Epic Entry for An Epic Contest

Peyton L. – Fort Wayne, Indiana – WINNER

Mini Bio: I’m 20 years old studying journalism at Indiana University.
Words You Live By: “Stay hungry, stay foolish.” – Steve Jobs
Your Superpower: beer pong
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Pull the horn on a train.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? See the Northern Lights.
#EpicBucketList Video: Epic Bucket List With Buried Life Contiki

Amanda M. – Ile des Chenes, Manitoba

Mini Bio: 24 years old, going to University of Manitoba, taking environmental science, love to travel, and volunteer with animals.
Words You Live By: The more you travel the more you learn who you are.
Your Superpower: Having an animal instantly fall in love with me.
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Going to Africa and hanging out with cheetahs.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? Too many, most recently i want to go to Costa Rica to surf and save turtles, or go to Thailand and volunteer with elephants and also surf.
#EpicBucketList Video: bucket list

Justin M. – Sacramento, California – WINNER

Mini Bio: I love music, making videos and doing rad things.
Words You Live By: Live In The Moment.
Your Superpower: I’m Batman, so I have none.
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Be part of a devinsupertramp video.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? Make a living doing something I love.
#EpicBucketList Video: Justin’s #EpicBucketList Entry

Elizabeth P. – Utica, New York

Mini Bio: I’m a Junior Nursing student at Binghamton University- set to graduate in May 2016! I already have a degree in neuroscience- it is clear that I have a passion for science and health care. I would like to volunteer in the Peace Corps and become a traveling nurse full time. In my spare time I love to draw and paint-most recently picked up welding for sculpture. I’m also planning on starting my yoga certification so I can teach. It is my goal to help people by teaching yoga and as a nurse manage stress and help people through anxiety and depression through healthy habits.
Words You Live By: “Something good is going to happen to you.” My Dad always says it to remind me that things are not so bad, and there’s always something around the corner.
Your Superpower: Teleportation
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Visited Normandy- the beaches and the cemetery and memorial.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? It’s a tie between. Strike a yoga pose in every major city and country I visit! Headstands all over the globe- And write a pet friendly travel handbook- list all the pet friendly hotels and hostels as well as places to visit with your furry best friend!
#EpicBucketList Video: Epic Bucket List Contest Finalist Movie

Kim P. – Napa, California

Mini Bio: Well, I have been able to do a lot on my list, like my video says. But after graduating university and getting my dream job doing what I love for an awesome company, I’ve had to put my dreaming on hold. Rent, bills, insurance, taxes, I can’t do much else right now. I love travel (I’ve been to 19 countries). I love learning. I love racing my family’s old 356 Porsche (I’m actually kinda good!). I used to be able to squat 150 pounds. I still hold two swimming records at my home pool from when I was seven. I appreciate art in unusual places and well crafted things. I also knit, weld, and can run in heels.
Words You Live By: There is always something new to learn about a culture and yourself and travel is the best way to bring it out! Superpower: Flight. To be like a bird. I just want to run off something high, jump, and soar!
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Living abroad for a year. I studied abroad in London 2011-12 and it was the best year of my life. Made amazing friends and memories.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? I would love to be a surrogate. I am kinda scared of children, but to bring a life into the word and add to someone’s family which wouldn’t otherwise be complete would be really fulfilling.
#EpicBucketList Video: Kim’s Epic Bucket List Finalist Video AKA #SolidBronzeWalken

Stephen “Bob” S. – Fleming Island, Florida

Mini Bio: So clearly my name is Stephen Bob Shapeshifter Schaefer! Haha but no actually it’s just Stephen Michael Schaefer but EVERYONE calls me Bob! I’m from Fleming Island, Florida. I’ve lived in Florida my whole life and graduated from UCF. I work with kids in an after school program being a role model for them and I’m about to become a teacher. But hopefully soon I’m going to go back to school to be a commercial pilot!
Words You Live By: I literally use this quote all the time to help motivate me to be myself and it’s by Robert Downey Jr. “Listen, Smile, Agree. And then do whatever the fuck you were gonna do anyway.”
Your Superpower: is being a wizard a super power cause EXPELLIARMUS!! If not then I’ll go with Flying.
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Complete an Olympic Triathlon (1 mile swim, 26 mile bike, 6 mile run.. I did very little training haha).
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? (so hard to pick!!!) either play a real life game of where’s Waldo in a city or act in a movie with Adam Sandler.
#EpicBucketList Video: The Most Epic Bucket List Ever!

Natalya S. – Cleveland, Ohio

Mini Bio: My entire family is from Ukraine, but I was born in Rome. Came to the USA when I was a baby. Have my bachelors in biochemistry. My dream job is to become a physical therapist for a professional soccer team (Liverpool FC <3).
Words You Live By: “If they respect you, respect them. If they disrespect you, still respect them. Do not allow the actions of others to decrease your good manners, because you represent yourself, not others.”
Your Superpower: Making surprises or pulling pranks on people.
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Flew to Miami just to see my favorite soccer player and England play.
What do you want to do before you die? Celebrate New Years in every major city in the world (at least Sydney, Paris, and London).
#EpicBucketList Video: The Most Epic Bucket List Contest (France) The Buried Life

Carolyn S. – New York

Mini Bio: I’m a first year emergency veterinarian learning something new every day; it’s definitely been a transformational year. I grew up in Florida and went to UF for undergrad. Between undergrad and vet school I spent time interning at a phenomenal wildlife center in Texas with cheetahs, rhinos, giraffes and a ton of other beautiful and unique animals. I got to take care of an emu named Einstein. My two biggest passions in life are traveling and animals. I’ve been to some beautiful places (Sri Lanka, India, Galapagos Islands) but there are so many more places and people I want to see and meet in this world.

Words You Live By: “The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them: that’s the essence of inhumanity.” George Bernard Shaw
Your Superpower: If I could pick one – teleportation. In real life – being able to read people.
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Traveling to Sri Lanka and working with elephants.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? Volunteer at a penguin conservation in South Africa (SANCCOB) and an Olympic Opening ceremony, hoping for Brazil 2016!
#EpicBucketList Video: Epic Bucket List Buried Life Video

Shaylee Z. – Denver, Colorado

Mini Bio: I’m a person who loves to fully explore life. I am exceptionally curious and, therefore, learning is probably my favorite activity after adventuring. I graduated from the University of Denver one year ago, and I currently work for 2 non-profits and lead middle schoolers in Wyld Life. I love books, Nutella, geocaching, and the movie UP. I have 2 pet mice named Poppet and Widget. I can chirp like a little bird. I am imperfect.
Words You Live By: Measure your wealth in smiles.
Your Superpower: I can instantly detect if something is crooked on a wall.
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Surfing on sand – which I completed this summer with my adventure buddies at Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? This is a toss up between two of my favorite list items. It’s my dream to go on my “Great No Directions Road Trip” across North America, but I also really want to get shot out of a cannon before I die.
#EpicBucketList Video: Shaylee’s EpicBucketList

** If you’ve been counting, you probably noticed that there aren’t 25 on this list. This was just a ‘for fun’ community thing we put together and not everyone participated. These finalists are like Pokemon. But enjoy anyway! **

3 December 2014
Amanda in Kuranda

Few words rhyme with my name. Panda. Propaganda. Memoranda. Now I can add Kuranda to the list. A town in Tropical North Queensland, a visit to Kuranda welcomed a slower-paced day of moderate activity. Everyone’s adventurous spirit needs a vacation day, right? Kuranda offered the pause to sit back and observe the scenery or meander through the shops of the village, unrushed, unscheduled. After four active days in Sydney, a day trip to Kuranda was the perfect introduction to Queensland.

Here’s what we did in Kuranda:

C’mon Ride The Train

The day commenced with a leisurely 2 hour train ride from Cairns to Kuranda. This historic, mechanical chunk of machinery weaved through the rainforest, charged up the mountains and barreled through the tunnels. Incredible sights unfolded during our journey – from the roaring Stony Creek Falls to the patchwork cane fields to the lush, towering mountains. It’s easy to get lost in the setting and forget that Kuranda Scenic Railway wasn’t always a tourist attraction – it first served as a railway for mining, agriculture and passenger transport.

It took five years to build three sections of this railway including wood & steel bridges and 15 tunnels – remember, this railway was constructed from 1886-1891. Late 1800s! Before we were spoiled with technology, industrial standards and workplace safety. Yes, many men perished during the railway’s construction and the workers were expected to BYOB (bring your own bush tools). Some even worked solely with their hands. Can you imagine digging out 15 tunnels of rock and dirt with your bare hands? Interestingly, most of the workers were recruits from Italy and Ireland. Nothing like some good ol’ pasta & potatoes, eh? It was HARD manual labor. These men faced adversity from steep land grades, decomposed rock, precarious angles, brutal rainy seasons, food supply shortages, and a lack of understanding of the geology of the earth and its dangers.

That’s part of the reason this railway is considered such a feat – for its time and the elements, it’s amazing that this endeavor successfully completed. Development in the 1880s was so hasty, it was believed that many construction projects were fast tracked (pun intended), often derailing (pun also intended) adequate engineering review before plans were approved. But don’t worry – it seemed to work out for them as I lived to tell the tale of this scenic journey over a century after its maiden voyage.

A small corner of Queensland’s most photographed bridge.

The roaring Stony Creek Falls as the train slowly chugged by. I could feel the mist on my face… ahhh. They say that the governor of Queensland once came here to visit after the bride was constructed, but no speeches were made that day due to the thunder of the falls.

Soak it in…

Meander in Kuranda

Once the train arrived in Kuranda, we had quite a few hours allotted to explore. That’s the beauty of visiting this village – as a completely unscheduled part of our day, we could mosey around town as we pleased. The mango wine teased and the cafes tantalized. There are plenty of food options here. If you’re someone who is anticipating a day trip, I highly recommend checking our their website. We enjoyed strolling through the older part of Kuranda that I would dub “hipsterville.” This corner of the village of Kuranda has an edgier vibe – seemingly more artistic, alternative, colorful and communal. It’s further past the main strip of markets. When we walked through it was pretty empty – which is why I’m under the impression that not many people walk far enough to come across it. Don’t make that mistake!

He purposefully wore that shirt to match the typeface.

Birdmanda in Birdworld

While there are various places to visit in Kuranda for an entry fee – Butterfly Sanctuary, Koala Gardens ,etc. – only Birdworld made our itinerary. I mean, I had to stay true to my nickname, Birdmanda (I’ll save the story for later – but it involves the rapper Birdman & Canadian Geese on Belle Isle). Birdworld was smaller than I expected, but not so small that I’d consider it inhumane. These birds seemed to contently fly around the enclosure, snagging food from the hands of visitors. It was so fun to interact with these birds up close. One bird foe even decided to gnaw on (and break!) my awesome f-stop backpack. Rude! These are my favorite photos from Birdworld:

A casual bro nod? Or friends of a feather?

Backpack biter… brat bird

I’ll be posting plenty more Birdworld photos on instagram, so if you have an account, follow me there!

Shopping at Open Air Markets

Kuranda is known for its open air markets. I’m grateful for the suggestion to do most souvenir and gift shopping in Kuranda. While the kitschy Aussie shops were plentiful (kinda like UGG stores in Sydney… EVERYWHERE), there were some stand out stores that sold legitimate artist wares vs. the cheaper, mass-manufactured items. Trust me, you’ll know the difference. When you see the exact same didgeridoo and boomerang taunting in 3 different doorways, you’ll know to avoid it. I need to recommend Doongal Local Aboriginal Art (pictured below) – this is where Eric & I purchased our didgeridoo and boomerangs. The items are organized by artist and each artist has his or her own unique style. Not only are the items signed by the creator, each purchase includes an info sheet with a photo and biography about the aboriginal artist. The store attendant even played our didgeridoo for us to make sure we liked the sound quality.

There’s also a grocery store and bottle shop in Kuranda – so if you’re stranded on a resort like we were, here’s your opportunity to stock up on snacks and wine.

One of the many kitschy Aussie shops you’ll find in Kuranda… get your share of croc skins, kangaroo skins, and bush hats!

The face of a man unknowingly about to drop a fat dime on some didgeridoos and boomerangs. ;)

SkyRail

The skyrail cableway began the leisurely descent from Kuranda toward Cairns where our shuttles waited. As we stood in line, we noticed our new friend, Carol, that we had met earlier on the train. We invited her to join us. Sharing her company twice was a blessing. We chatted about Australia and the U.S. We discussed cultural differences, politics, economics, and all interesting and informative conversation we wouldn’t have had unless we spoke with a knowledgeable Aussie. Our eyes were opened much wider thanks to her. We glided high above the canopy and the Barron Gorge. The treetops looked like large fields of broccoli reaching for the sky. The cableway made stops at different lookout points – the Barron Falls, a rainforest stroll – a casual break from the heights. Although the cableway is safe, it’s still a stomach lurcher when you look down.

For the thrill seeker, a day in Kuranda my sound like a boring tourist trap. But for this adverturist, the change of pace and scenery really gave me the chance to inhale deeply and say, “aahh… so THIS is Queensland.”

Descending back to Cairns on the skyrail. Wouldja look at that view!

Gliding over the Barron River. Thanks Carol for the pic!

My snap of the feeble Barron Falls – they were not in full force!

7 October 2014
Hypes & Gripes: A Review of the Kewarra Beach Resort in Cairns, Queensland
Eric & I relaxed at the Kewarra Beach Resort & Spa (Kewarra) in the month of May (autumn, in Australia) as our accommodation for our visit to tropical north Queensland. We stayed in the 1 room Pandanus Bungalow hidden in the rainforest, not far from the beach. Here is my review of our Kewarra Beach Resort experience.

SNAPSHOT

The Quick: Kewarra is a secluded, private bungalow-style resort nestled in the natural setting of the rainforest along Kewarra Beach in Cairns, Queensland. There’s a lovely open-air restaurant, laundry room and wifi among many other amenities. There are various bungalow styles and locations on the resort , ranging in amenities and prices.

The Damage: Rooms range approximately $277-600 USD ($300-650 AUD) depending on bungalow style, location and season of stay. Packages are available.

Three Adjectives: Romantic, Tropical, Natural

Recommendation: I adored our stay at Kewarra. If I were heading back to Tropical North Queensland, I would stay again. If you’re planning a stay near Cairns or Port Douglas, consider Kewarra for your accommodation.

HYPES

(AKA things worth bragging about)
- Location, Location, Location! Private, secluded, natural rainforest, along the beach, between Cairns and Port Douglas, not too far from Palm Cove… all these things added up to a sublime location.
- Call of the Wild. Nature lovers, rejoice! You are living among Mother Nature’s finest flora and fauna. The greatest point of difference about Kewarra compared to the other accommodations I considered, was the embrace of the natural environment. While most resorts have that “embellished with landscaping” image, Kewarra seemed like the bungalows were designed around the native flow of the forest.
- Animal Kingdom. It is true that the landscaping at Kewarra is organic and purposefully untamed. That doesn’t mean it is overgrown and unkempt. It means the grounds are a friendlier habitat for the creatures that call Kewarra home. We enjoyed watching wallabies frolic on the lawn, fruit bats hanging out in the trees, gorgeous butterflies fluttering around the tropical flowers, lizards scurrying toward protection, a strange chicken/turkey-like bird digging holes along the path (hilarious, by the way)… every step outside our bungalow created excitement for whatever nature we were about to encounter. We never saw the infamous goanna, however.
- Smiling Staff. The staff at Kewarra genuinely cared and recognized our faces as guests. It’s the familiarity that gave that “We matter” feeling. The Paperbark Restaurant workers were amiable and helpful; the receptionist assisted with all our requests (confirming tours, helping book an excursion, exchanging cash for coins, scheduling airport transfers). It left Eric wondering, “Why are people here SO NICE?!” (people aren’t very nice to him too often…)
- Size Matters. Our little 1 room bungalow was cozy, not small. A room with a bed, two chairs, side table and tv stand was plenty space. It wasn’t luxurious, but was charming and comfortable. It’s not like we were often IN the room, besides for shut eye and watching the strangest Chinese gameshows ever (but seriously entertaining).
- Quiet Public Beach. Kewarra Beach is a public beach, though I never would have guessed it. The sand was litter-free. A few beach-goers relaxed with their families. Couples walked their dogs. A net encapsulated part of the water to safeguard from jellies. Kewarra Beach was tranquil.
- Excursion Friendly. Kewarra is a pick-up point for every tour. Going on excursions was hassle-free with Kewarra. The staff confirmed all our reservations and helped book any additional tours. Even if you do not have any plans, there are plenty of brochures at the desk to make last minute planning easier.
- Laundry Facilities. Back toward the entrance of the resort, Kewarra has a small building beyond the parking lot dedicated to two washers and dryers. Although the laundry room was dated, the ability for us to do our own laundry & pay with coins saved so much money compared to the “laundry service” provided at most hotels ($5 to clean my undies?! No thanks).
GRIPES

(AKA notes/complaints worth mentioning)
- “Hit or Miss” Restaurant. Though I’d slide the scale toward satisfied vs. dissatisfied, my experience with Paperbark Restaurant was mixed. While Eric would classify his dishes as sublime (kangaroo steak = superb, scallop entree = addicting), I had a couple dishes (i.e. seafood risotto) that were as salty as our Great Barrier Reef excursion. There was an evening when the wait staff forgot to place our order, but they quickly rectified the situation with complimentary dessert (gelato trio… mmm). Brekky was painfully expensive to buy every day – even just for poached eggs on toast – so I’d recommend a package with breakfast included in the morning (or BYO). Keep in mind, there’s a reason why Paperbark Restaurant won TripAdvisor’s 2014 Award of Excellence.
- Secluded… and Stuck. While Kewarra is a nice little hideaway, it also means “trap” to guests who don’t hire a car or walk to the bus stop. There really is nothing within close walking distance (unless you want to trek over 30 minutes); essentially you’re bound to the resort restaurant/bar and grounds. We beach walked to Palm Cove one day (40 minutes) for a change of scenery & food. When on excursions, we’d take advantage & purchase snacks/wine from random stores we encountered. Most excursions pick up at the reception of the resort.
- Alligator Toots. A barely noticeable odd odor lingered in our room. The veranda of our bungalow overlooked the lagoon – this may have been the culprit of the smell. It was a subtle scent of alligator toots, as my sister would have said during our childhood trips to Florida when we’d cross a swamp/stillwater. It wasn’t terrible and after 5 minutes our noses acclimated… so don’t let that deter you.
- Weak Air Con. It was not terribly hot during our travels, but the room felt slightly muggy and never reached that bitingly crisp cold. I could see this being a nuisance in the summer, but for our stay, it was not a hindrance to a comfortable sleep. Just something worth noting.
- Lonely Pools. We never saw a soul in the pools. We never swam in the pools. Partly because our days were consumed by activities, partly because the evenings grew dark by 6pm, but mostly because the pools were sheltered by the rainforest. The pools didn’t see the sun, weren’t overly warm, and the leaves from the surrounding trees tainted the water clarity. Oh, and I had the irrational fear that a spider would web down from a tree above. I did see a diligent cleaning crew at the pool every morning, but by the time evening rolled around they’d be full of debris again. But what would you expect from a pool surrounded by trees? The pools are beautiful, but if you’re looking for an open, pristine, sun-filled, Olympic-size pool, this is not it.
- Nananananananananana… Bat Land! A point of admiration for Kewarra was the abundance of wildlife. When Eric and I first toured the footpath that weaved around the bungalows, we encountered hundreds of flying foxes screeching in the trees above. This didn’t bother me a bit; I like nature (& bats). We never heard them from our bungalow. But if you were the bungalow beneath the bats? Darn, good luck sleeping. If you have a fear of bats? Darn, happy nightmares to you. Perhaps request that your bungalow isn’t close to the bats to mitigate this issue.
OUR EXPERIENCE

I felt a touch of magic from Kewarra as I researched accommodations from home. Kewarra seemed to offer that unique experience I sought – and it delivered. When the airport shuttle first dropped us off to that lush green canopy and we walked up to the open air reception (open air! no walls! what?!) my expectations for a tropical getaway were already met. Kewarra forever has the honor of being my first ever resort stay, so when our luggage was whisked away to our rooms on a golf cart while we sat in plush lounge chairs enjoying a refreshing, pineapple-y welcome drink, I refrained from a happy dance that wanted to jump around from the excitement of luxury. Kewarra wasn’t a sterile, uniform hotel. Every step outside the bungalows was art for the eyes between the flowers and nature that encompassed the bungalows. The pace of Kewarra felt slow and relaxed. It wasn’t overrun by tourists. Sometimes it seemed we had the whole place to ourselves. I’m so fond of the memories made at Kewarra. We laughed with outrageous joy as we watched a joey wallaby bounce around the lawn like a spazzed out kitten on catnip. I laughed when Eric encountered a gecko in our bathroom. We discovered what a paperbark tree really felt like. I made an embarrassing scene over Eric dipping his toes in the ocean for the first time. Every night ended with watching the strangest Chinese dating game shows. We spent a dark evening taking long-exposure photographs of the stars. We were happy. Truly, blissfully, adventurously happy. And Kewarra was the setting.

LEARN MORE

Here are more ways to learn about the Kewarra Beach Resort & Spa:
- Visit their website
- Like their Facebook page
- Check out other guest reviews on TripAdvisor
Have you ever stayed at Kewarra Beach Resort? Thinking about it? How about any other accommodations around Cairns? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below! :)

*Lucky me – I was a guest of Tourism & Events Queensland from winning a blogger contest. A portion of my stay in Queensland was covered. All opinions are genuinely my own.

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9 September 2014