Thala Beach Nature Reserve is a gorgeous retreat.

Terry and I drove up the Australian coast towards Port Douglas. We stopped at Thala Beach Lodge and Nature Reserve (5078 Captain Cook Highway, Oak Beach QLD 4877, Australia). The lodging consisted of a series of bungalow tree houses on stilts. Terry had purchased a book that identified all of Australia’s bird species. She was in heaven with her eyes in the tree branches. There are walking trails all throughout the 145 acre property and on one hike we saw wallaby’s grazing on the grass. A wallaby looks like a kangaroo, but is a bit smaller and cuter. Our room came with a gift basket and champagne, so as the sun set, we popped the cork and relaxed.

I had a leisurely breakfast alone while Terry took an early morning nature walk with the reserves birding expert. The deck of the restaurant overlooked the Daintree Rainforest‘s tree canopy towards the ocean. A tree branch had a hollow that was filled with water and colorful lorikeets would battle the other birds for a turn at the bird bath. Only one bird could fit into the notch at a time so there was a constant chirping negotiation as birds waited for a turn. There is a live web cam overlooking this bird bath. With time to myself, I decided to hike down to the beach and see if I could squeeze in a second sketch before starting another day of sight seeing. Terry returned very excited about all the rare species of birds she had seen. I was satisfied with the two species I had watched at the bird bath.