Rainforest to River, to the Great barrier Reef. Ranking in the top 5, Most gorgeous and sublime adventures I've embarked on - surrounded by forest, sky, sand, sea and reef. Immersed in all the colours, sounds, smells, textures - and tastes! Where the salt and sea, The damp of soil and leaves, these smells are all a part of the experience.

‍

‍

It all started at , The Daintree Eco Lodge. Amongst the cool damp forest air and rustling of fern leaves, at the base of the Daintree Rainforest, the worlds oldest rainforest - we wander, learn, wine, dine and rest and relax beneath her calming leaves.

‍

I am lost and deeply fascinated if you tell me were in an edible garden.... On a bush walk around the property,  surrounded by flowers, we went foraging for food. We learnt about things to eat and not to eat around the rainforest. We witnessed harvesting brain powering Gotu Kola, digestion-stimulating ginger and diuretic cats whiskers - all the detoxing things! We may have been persuaded to lick a particular kind of ants butt... It was Zesty, apparently packed full of Vitamin C! 

‍

The Eco Lodges' Julaymba restaurant was unbelievable. The humble, earthy, tranquil surroundings had me surprised when I sat down for a carefully curated, seasonal 5 course meal… Julaymba encapsulated so many quintessentially Australian flavours throughout the meal. Using Native foods like quandong, lemon myrtle, barramundi, coral trout, local bananas and more.
‍

Cape Tribulation was a beautiful place, from Rainforest to River to the Great barrier Reef, we marvelled in the crossfire of Natures great wonders. Nostalgic are rock pools and fresh water streams. I find myself at ease by the trickling fresh water weaving around wet rocks and pebbles. We picnicked below the lichen and moss covered canopy, the sun dancing through tiny spaces between leaves, shining beams down into the clear pools pebbly river bed. One of my Favourite past times.
‍

Have you ever heard of Daintree ice-cream Co. ? Mmm... this ice creamery was recommended by some friends of mine! Its certainly unsuspecting, a little shack nestled into an orchard! With four flavours per cup, each a delicate, seasonal sensation harvested from the properties very own Soursop, Mango, Passionfruit and coconut trees.   “The most scenic ice-cream company ever” - Lonely Planet. They also are involved in preservation and many conservation programs for wildlife in the region.

Next up… A helicopter flies us over The Rainforest to The Reef. Reminded again of the unbelievably diverse beauty of Northern Queensland. We leave the Daintree and arrive at Orpheus Island.

‍

‍

ORPHEUS ISLAND As I step off the helicopter,  buzzing and vibratory, vivid experience washed over me, as I step down onto solid ground. Grounding. An island with no cars, complete calm. An uncanny wave of relaxation swept over me as were greeted by beautiful open space, tropical trees, clear turquoise water and friendly faces (a few at that, it seems there's barley anyone on this island!) Every evening the glorious sunsets went on forever. Blue to yellow to orange, red to pink, and the finale a vibrant but fading fuchsia, violet, navy… black but starry skies. beaming moon. Beautiful. There were gorgeous hikes all around the island, walking for and hour or more not seeing a soul, just engulfed in nature sounds, smells and sights. As for the food, I can't find the words to describe how healthy and light yet happily indulged I felt. Brekkie, well…. yum. and someone knew, somehow - that I love butter in my coffee. Lunch everyday was inspired by a different cuisine, I loved this concept. We enjoyed Lebanese lunch, Indian lunch, and a picnic lunch which we took on a boat - on our own, out along the reef to a private beach… with soft white sand, beautiful boulders, clear turquoise water…you get the rest. Dinner each night was nothing short of impeccably delicious, local, light, tasty, innovative, experimental, satisfying.

I can't wait for another adventure up north. I think the Outback is calling!

‍

‍

Special Thanks to Northern Escapes for this incredible opportunity.