Entire home

Bowenia Daintree Rainforest Retreat

Photo gallery for Bowenia Daintree Rainforest Retreat

Terrace/patio
Outdoor dining
Exterior
2 bedrooms, free WiFi, bed sheets
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Bowenia Daintree Rainforest Retreat

Welcome to the jungle! It’s your time to relax in a tropical rainforest paradise. Nestled in a secluded spot in the world heritage Daintree Rainforest, Bowenia Daintree Rainforest Retreat is a unique and beautiful, handmade timber post and beam home, built from sustainable timbers. Featuring a large, breezy deck and a unique and well-appointed interior, this off grid, totally self sufficient and eco friendly home is the perfect place to wind down and use as a home base while you explore the iconic and stunningly beautiful Daintree region.

Bowenia is within walking distance to the beautiful Cow Bay Beach and only a short drive to restaurants, boardwalks and other sights of the Daintree including, the Daintree Discovery Centre, Coopers Creek Wilderness tours, horse riding, and tropical ice cream outlets. Reef trips from Cape Tribulation are a favourite. There are also numerous waterholes, mangroves and rainforest boardwalks to enjoy. Or you can just relax and enjoy being surrounded by old growth forest at home.

The space
• With a large open living area and covered decking surrounded by rainforest this is a truly tranquil space to unwind.
• Our superb deck provides charming vantage points overlooking our extensive private tropical gardens, while the floor to ceiling bifold doors open the living room to the deck to combine your indoor and outdoor living experiences.
• The indoor dining table seats six, or you can enjoy your meal alfresco on the deck which also has a dining table and easy chairs.
• The property is suitable both for couples and families as it comfortably sleeps seven people. There are 2 bedrooms with a luxurious king and queen bed, a double futon (which is in the living room) and single bed in a separate area. Mosquito nets are provided.
• The brand new custom built kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need and includes a gas cook top and oven. The full size fridge/freezer is large enough for the whole family. Powered kitchen equipment such as a toaster and electric jug are not used here (toast cooks very well on the stove).
• We provide sugar, Daintree tea and instant coffee as well as a plunger, however guests need to provide their own ground coffee, milk etc.
• A selection of books, games and puzzles are provided for guests to enjoy. The comfortable living room has a flat screen Smart TV.
• Guests are provided with shampoo, conditioner and soap in the modern bathroom. There is a large shower with a dual shower head.
• As this is a fully off grid house, there is no air conditioning, however there are multiple ceiling fans throughout the house and on the deck and plenty of air flow to capture cool breezes from any direction.


• There is a Treehouse on the property which has not yet been fully renovated however it is safe and a fun place to explore and see the property from above. Children must be supervised.
• Wi-Fi is available on request.
• The Laundry has a washer and dryer which should be used sparingly as the power load is quite high. In the interests of conserving power please use the clothes line where possible. Guests are advised that the washing machine must not be used on hot settings as the load is too great for the system. Guests will be held responsible for any damage that results due to incorrect use. Please read the instructions provided before using. There is also a Laundromat at Mossman.
• There is a large undercover parking area which can also hold a boat, caravan or trailer.
Guest access
• Guests have the entire property, excluding the shed area, to themselves for the duration of their stay. Any communication will be conducted via the website or telephone.

House Rules
• This eco home, as all homes in the Daintree, is off grid and so please help to reduce your human foot-print by using water and power wisely during your stay. Our water is pure rainwater and the solar power is stored in large batteries, ensuring a peaceful and quiet stay. A generator is provided for times of high electricity demand, or little sun. High powered devices like electric jugs, toasters, hairdryers and shavers must not be used. There is no mobile reception on the property which adds to the feeling of being able to totally switch off from it all. There is mobile reception available just a few minutes drive up the road. Wi-Fi is available on request and can be used to make Wi-Fi calls on your phone or connect to the internet.

Smoking Policy
• We respect your right to smoke, however, it is not permitted inside the house. Smoking is allowed on the deck area. An ashtray is provided and we request that all cigarette butts, ash, tobacco or any used smoking product is disposed of correctly. Please don’t take any soiled ashtrays inside the accommodation.

Rubbish
• There are no rubbish removal services in the Daintree. The refuse facility is located at the bottom of Quandong Road. Opening times are displayed on the wall near the kitchen. You will need to take the refuse facility card. There is a silver bin outside which can be used to store accumulated rubbish which will be removed after your stay. Please ensure all bins are secured away from wildlife.
Wildlife
• The area is full of beautiful wildlife including cassowaries, who are regular visitors. You might be lucky to see, tree kangaroos, and a myriad of unique small mammals and insects. We have an amazing array of birds including the Wompoo Pigeon and sunbirds. The birdsong from the forest at dawn is a lovely way to start the day. Please don’t feed or try to interact with the wildlife, just enjoy them from a distance! We are too far from the beach to have crocodiles here however please pay attention to the signs at the beaches and creeks when you go there.

Pets
• Please let us know if you would like to bring a pet. Pets must be able to be controlled at all times. Pets must not be on beds or furniture.

Location
The Daintree is accessed by crossing the Daintree River by ferry. When you drive off and head up the range you immediately begin to feel the beauty and peace of the old growth rainforest surround you. Driving into the private property completes the feeling of total seclusion.

The return cost on the ferry is $26, however we are happy to provide a ferry pass for your return journey (on the Daintree River Ferry crossing) so only a one way pass needs to be purchased. Additional passes can also be arranged for guests staying longer than 3 nights.

As there are limited supplies available in the area, we recommend you shop in Mossman before you cross the river on the ferry, otherwise there is a small Service Station and Convenience store about 10 minutes drive from the home and an IGA 25 minutes away at Cape Tribulation. There is ample storage for food in the well-appointed kitchen as well as a full-sized fridge/freezer.

Further Information
• Check in times preferred before 5pm, check out 10.30 am.
• Children must be supervised at all times.


Property manager

Darrell

Languages

English

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Freezer
  • Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • Kitchen island
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Washer/dryer

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total (up to 55 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Designated smoking areas

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • 100% renewable energy
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Garden

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 55 lbs per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

House
Sunbird House Cow Bay
Daintree Tropical Forest Retreat
Sunbird House Private vacation home
Sunbird House Private vacation home Cow Bay

About the area

Map
Cow Bay, QLD

What's nearby

  • Baralba Corridor Nature Refuge - 4 min walk
  • Daintree Discovery Centre - 7 min drive
  • Jindalba Boardwalk - 10 min drive
  • Daintree Rainforest - 14 min drive
  • Thornton Beach - 18 min drive

Getting around

  • Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) - 124 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lync-Haven - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Crossroads Cafe - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Cape Trib Beach House - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪On the Turps - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Daintree Tea Company - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Bowenia Daintree Rainforest Retreat have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Bowenia Daintree Rainforest Retreat pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 55 lbs per pet.

What time is check-in at Bowenia Daintree Rainforest Retreat ?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Bowenia Daintree Rainforest Retreat ?

Check-out is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Bowenia Daintree Rainforest Retreat located?

Situated in Cow Bay, this vacation home is within a 5-minute walk of Wet Tropics of Queensland and Baralba Corridor Nature Refuge. Cow Bay is 1.3 mi (2 km) away.

Bowenia Daintree Rainforest Retreat Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 33 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 35 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jane N., Canada

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely home, beautiful setting, great location
Bowenia was the perfect house for our short stay in the Daintree Rainforest. Accordion doors fully open the large living and dining areas to the spacious outdoor deck, providing multiple seating options and places for children to play. The kitchen is fully stocked with quality dishes and cookware, allowing full meals to be prepared. Beds are comfortable, and fitted with quality linens. Large, absorbent towels and quality bath products are provided. The location is very convenient, being close to both Daintree Discovery Centre and Cape Tribulation. Communication with the host was excellent prior to and during our stay. Staying at Bowenia enhanced our Daintree experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anthony B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely
Great location. Lots of wildlife. Very peaceful.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Samuel B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful escape into the rainforest
Beautiful wooden cabin in the rainforest No pool though that was advertised on stayz, but it was not needed as we had ample to do on our 3 night stay
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Clare H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Idyllic hideaway in the rainforest
Beautiful property and perfectly equipped for our family of 5 given 3 adult/teenagers all needing their own bed! Everything supplied and fantastic information and messages from Darryl. Would have loved to spend a couple more days and really decompress…… We understand why but with one bathroom/toilet you need to be ready to go early or take a very relaxed start….. Bliss!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Rainforest heaven
The house is stunning and equipped with everything we needed. The birdsong in the mornings, the butterflies, the ambiance of the rainforest, the seclusion, and the peace and quiet were absolutely wonderful. I wish we could come back one day.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

James H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Completely beautiful, peaceful, off-grid property
We spent 3 nights here with our two teenage kids and it wasn’t long enough! We had such a nice time having a quiet time - you can walk to the beach or drive if you’re feeling lazy - playing games, reading books, and yes, there was wifi for the teenagers to recover from some good disconnected time! All of the communications really easy, and the house has everything you need. We picked up food in Cairns before driving up, which was a good idea, just as a tip...
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kylie G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful
Beautiful Property in the rainforest. Very peaceful and relaxing close to the beautiful Cow Bay and amazing Daintree rainforest. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Rainforest Delight
A beautiful, rustic pole home set in a hidden, lush setting. We could have been on a polynesian island as the home is so unique. No fly screens, microwave, toaster or washing machine. But what it does offer is a unique experience in a beautiful part of Cape Tribulation.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tropical hideaway
Great place to unwind, relax and enjoy the rainforest. All the necessities available made the stay feel very comfortable. My wife was not keen on nature, but was relaxed on the massive verandah having dinner and reading (a hammock would have been perfect), we thoroughly enjoyed and recommend a stay here.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nathalie E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Chill out
Very enjoyable. Quiet. Lovely deck to sit and watch the world go by.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful
Two cassowary’s in the garden in 5 days! Fantastic house with the simple design working well with the environment
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Spectacular Experience
There were 4 adults and NONE of us wanted to leave. The orchestra of birds in the early dawn hours was mind blowing. So beautiful. The open-air-ness of the home added to the incredible ambiance of the home & property. There were no bugs. The beds were comfy & cozy. Location could not have been better for exploring the Daintree area & it was even a perfect location for the drive to Port Douglas to dive on the Great Barrier Reef. The owner answered all my questions and check in & out was a breeze. A huge Thank You to the owners. I hope to make it back one day. Maryln USA
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adolfo F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic
Fantastic ,location. Great, homly place blending the outstanding surrandings
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Malen R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location in rainforest
We had a great stay here, the house is awesome and the location feeling like you are amongst the rainforest was amazing. Kids enjoyed the cubby house as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful home in the Rainforest
Amazing tropical home in Cow Bay. Great location to use as a base to explore the Daintree.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful rainforest stay
Our family loved this beautiful, airy, spacious house. Set in gorgeous landscaping, very peaceful and comfortable. We’re already dreaming of going back again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jean U.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect peace and serenity
Beautiful house nestled among the rainforest Wake up to the birdsong and animal greeting! Beautiful comfortable beds, wonderful decor All in all our stay was an unforgettable experience
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hazel L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing experience
A beautiful house where you feel fully immersed in the rainforest. Loved it.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adambarage d., Australia

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful tropical experience
The house was very clean, spacious and situated in a beautiful environment. The kitchen was sufficiently equipped with enough utensils for an adult family of 5. The property had large living areas to relax. In all honesty, the location and the house itself is far more beautiful than the photos suggest (the current photos on the web don’t do this beautiful property justice). The one improvement we would suggest would be to set up a mosquito net for the second bedroom. Thanks Darrell for letting us stay at your lovely property.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sarah W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Daintree property.
My parents and I loved our stay at Darrell's property in Cow Bay. It is house which you can open up the big bi-fold doors and feel totally immersed in the rainforest surrounds. I loved sitting on the deck relaxing, listening to sounds of the rainforest. Everything we required was provided for. Great open plan living with the kitchen, dining, lounge all together. Good base to have whilst staying in the beautiful Daintree. Darrell was very helpful and promptly answered our queries straight away. Thank you for a wonderful stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Clare D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous place in a beautiful location
One of my friends when we arrived said, “I don’t want to go anywhere”. That sums up how beautiful this place is. Huge space with doors you can open completely out to the large deck. Great kitchen that enables you to be social while cooking. Great bedrooms and super comfortable beds looking out to paradise. The host is a great communicator. Highly recommend this place and hope to come back and stay again soon. We all loved it!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Duncan U.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect hideaway
A wonderful open home in the heart of the Daintree. Our family had a fantastic time staying.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Leah J.

Liked: Cleanliness
The most beautiful home we’ve stayed in!
This is the perfect piece of paradise and a real Daintree Rainforest Retreat… we’d love to return to!!! Immersed in natures finest!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Danielle K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gorgeous rainforest setting
This property was a favourite for our family- beautiful quiet, private location and the house itself is amazing. It had everything we needed to be comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Getaway
Loved it! Perfect getaway. Thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022