Located a 30 minute walk (or quick bus) from the main shopping area, Kipara Rainforest Retreat is the perfect peaceful getaway.
In my own private room, I awoke to the sounds of birds chirping and realized that I’d chosen to stay at the right place in Airlie Beach. Most of the hostels in Airlie had poor reviews, so I was looking for something with a bit of a higher standard. Upon walking in and meeting the lovely manager, Shirley, I knew it’d be a good stay.
The Accommodation
Offering private rooms, self contained cabins, and self-contained villas, Kipara Rainforest Retreat has something for everyone — solo travelers, couples, and families alike. I stayed in a private room surrounded by tropical gardens, with access to a shared veranda. The rooms are basic, but comfortable.
The Facilities
Every room has air conditioning, and in a place as hot as Airlie Beach, this was much appreciated! In addition to A/C, each room has a private en suite bathroom and shower, TV (with free Austar), fridge, and desk with WiFi accessible. There’s access to a camping kitchen and lovely pool as well.
The Management
A highlight of my trip to Kipara Rainforest Retreat was getting to know Shirley and Bruce, the managers. They were very friendly, outgoing, informative, and full of fun travel stories. As I had dedicated my time at Kipara to writing, they saw quite a bit of me since the WiFi was quickest in the reception area. With me being around so much, I was able to observe their graciousness and hospitality. They even took it one step further and offered to drive me into town to catch my overnight bus to Cairns so that I didn’t need to use public transportation with my bags.
The Accessibility
Airlie Beach is a tourist town, as it’s the gateway to Whitehaven Beach, Hamilton Island, and Whitsundays Island. It is quite common to visit Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island as day trips, but many people also “Sail Whitsundays” from Airlie Beach and embark on a 3-day sailing trip around the islands. I wanted something a little more, and hopped aboard the Anaconda III because it was one of two boats that takes you out to the Outer Great Barrier Reef! Kipara served as the perfect spot to stay both before and after my trip, and they also stored my luggage safely, and for free, during my tour.
Everyone should go to Airlie Beach at some point to explore this adorable beach town and to access some of Australia’s most beautiful islands. Get away from the bars and crowds by heading to Kipara Rainforest Retreat when you visit!
