Thala Beach Nature Reserve is located on the Captain Cook Highway, 45 minutes drive north of Cairns and 10 minutes drive south of Port Douglas.
Driving Instructions
Thala Beach Nature Reserve GPS Coordinates are; -16.587254, 145.513744
As you leave Cairns Airport, drive straight ahead at the first set of traffic lights. At the second set of traffic lights you will come to a T-junction at the main Captain Cook Highway. Turn RIGHT at these lights and remain on this road (Captain Cook Highway) until your arrival at Thala Beach approximately 45 – 50 minutes later.
There are a total of nine roundabouts between Cairns Airport and Kewarra Beach (where the dual lane highway reverts to single lane). Make sure that you always exit off these roundabouts on the Port Douglas/Mossman exit (DO NOT TURN OFF FOR KURANDA). After the ninth roundabout, remain on Captain Cook Highway for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. The road follows the coastline and is a very picturesque drive (REMEMBER TO KEEP TO THE LEFT).
You will pass Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures followed by a small area of homes known as Wangetti. Rex Lookout is a few minutes past Wangetti, and is a good spot to pull over for photographs and to take in scenic coastal views. Thala is approximately 12 minutes past Wangetti. The road continues to twist around the coastline. There are overtaking lanes where slower cars can pull over to the left to allow following traffic to overtake – please utilise these as a courtesy to fellow travellers.
You will see a highway sign on the left indicating ‘Thala Beach Lodge 400m’ – and a coconut plantation on the right. Then you will see another sign on the right indicating ‘Thala Beach Lodge 100 metres’ – slow down and indicate to turn RIGHT at this stage. You will then come to our entrance, follow the road up the hill to the main lodge and reception area. Our Porter will valet park your vehicle upon your arrival.
Drive Safely! Print Thala Driving Instructions
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers can be organised from Cairns International and Domestic airports via shuttle bus along the scenic coastal drive north of Cairns straight to Thala. Airport transfers must be booked before your arrival into Cairns.
Private car transfers are also available.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve has a heli-pad – please let us know if you require information about arriving by helicopter
Local Transport & Tours
A shuttle bus service departs Thala’s reception area regularly for Port Douglas (10 minutes away) for a fee. Taxi’s are also available.
Tour operators in Cairns and Port Douglas area pick up guests at Thala Beach Nature Reserve by pre-arrangement. Tours can be booked at reception.
Please contact us if you would like to book Airport Transfers or Tours. Additionally if you require any more information on how to get to Thala Beach Nature Reserve we’d be happy to assist.