Our first full day was spent with a local Indigenous guide, and it ended up being one of the most humbling, memorable travel experiences I’ve ever had. We learned about First Nations culture, history, traditional hunting methods—and yes, we went mud crabbing through the mangroves. Wading through the wetlands, catching our own seafood for lunch… it was real, raw, and unforgettable. You can’t help but feel a deep connection to the land and the stories it holds.

Day two was all about the reef. We chartered a luxury yacht with one of our preferred local partners—true reef specialists who focus on smaller, more curated experiences. With just a handful of fellow guests, we spent the day exploring two pristine snorkelling sites on the Great Barrier Reef. The clarity, the colour, the sheer abundance of marine life—it’s everything the reef should be, without the crowds. 

And while those two days were certainly the highlights, there’s no shortage of adventures on offer here. Guided rainforest walks through the Daintree are available directly from the lodge, with expert naturalists helping you spot native wildlife and understand the rainforest’s incredible biodiversity. For something slower-paced, you can take a kayak or paddleboard down the Mossman River—it’s peaceful, scenic, and often accompanied by the sounds of tropical birds in the canopy above.

Back at the lodge, you can unwind with a spa treatment at the Healing Waters Spa, inspired by ancient Aboriginal traditions and using locally sourced botanicals. There’s also a riverside swimming hole just a short walk from the main lodge—perfect for a refreshing dip between activities. For the more adventurous, the lodge team can arrange canyoning, waterfall hikes, or full-day trips into Cape Tribulation and the deeper reaches of the Daintree.