Daintree Rainforest Accommodation - Luxury Holiday House in the Daintree Rainforest

Eco Certification – Eco tourism Australia

murray — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 07:46:46 +0000

Stonewood Retreat – Daintree Accommodation has been awarded the Advanced Eco Certification Certificate, which illustrates our commitment to maintaining an Eco Friendly & Luxury accommodation at the same time by Eco tourism Australia and T-Qual.

At Stonewood Retreat we are passionate about conserving the environment so that people from all over the world can experience it now and in the future. We have an ongoing commitment to reduce and neutralize the impact of CO2 emissions.

Ecotourism – Energy-Saving Tips for Travelers

murray — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:58:31 +0000

Ecotourism – Energy-Saving Tips for Travelers

10 things you can do to conserve energy when you travel

1. Fly Wisely:

Air travel is often the most energy consuming aspect of your travel. Plan your trip so that you minimize air travel, and choose, whenever possible, to stay longer in a destination instead of making many short trips.

2. Travel Light:

Pack only what you need, and don’t bring things that will become waste. By reducing the weight of luggage travelers can significantly cut green house gas emissions.

3. Book Responsibly:

When choosing your accommodation, tour operator, or other service providers, select ones that have good sustainability practices. Look for information on the company’s environmental initiatives; strategies, save energy and minimize waste; involvement in sustainable tourism certification program.

4. Unplug Before You Leave:

Turn off lights and unplug household appliances that can be left unplugged while you are away.

5. Unplug While You Are There:

Turn off all the lights and air conditioner/heater when you leave your room, and unplug unnecessary appliances.

6. Choose Greener Ways To Get Around:

Utilize public transportation (bus, train, city car, etc.) and alternative modes of transportation (walking, bicycle, non-motorized vehicles, horse, camel) as much as possible. It’s a more sustainable way to get around, and also a healthier and more enjoyable way to get to know the place you are visiting.

7. Eat Local:

Reduce your ‘food miles’ by choosing local. Visit a local farmer’s market, shop at a locally owned grocery store and choose locally owned restaurants that buy local. Locally produced foods are a tastier and more sustainable option.

8. Save Water:

Use the minimum amount of water needed for a shower/bath, don’t let water run while shaving, brushing or washing, and check if your accommodation has a linen reuse program – if so, reuse your towels and bed sheets by placing the card to indicate you don’t wish to have them washed every day, if not, request hospitality staff not to change them every day.

9. Charge Your Trip Sustainably:

Whenever possible, utilize options that do not require batteries. Buy rechargeable batteries for your essential travel items such as cameras, razors, and flash lights.

10. Offset the Unavoidable Footprint:

Contribute to a credible carbon offsetting program to support conservation, renewable energy, and other energy saving projects.

Going in for eco-tourism is a noble and worthy thing to do, especially because Mother Nature is in grave danger and it is of utmost importance to conserve nature. Our very survival depends on it.

Source: TIES – The International Ecotourism Society

Ecotourism – Responsible Travel Tips

murray — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 02:47:08 +0000

Stonewood Retreat is passionate about and has been working towards a better environment for now, and the next generations. We are working with an ecotourism certification program at the moment and would love to share our new discoveries and progress within the retreat and amongst the worldwide community.

Watch this space!

Do’s and Don’ts While Traveling

By exploring alternative travel choices, you can have a unique trip and avoid leaving negative marks on cultures, economies, and the environment.

1. At the hotel/retreat/accommodation: Ask about environmental policies and practices. Talk with staff/hosts about working conditions. Does the hotel/retreat accommodation support community projects?

2. Language: Learn a few words of the local language and use them.

3. Dress: Read up on local conventions and dress appropriately. In many countries, modest dress is important.

4. Behavior: Be respectful of local citizens’ privacy. Ask permission before entering sacred places, homes, or private land.

5. Photos: Be sensitive to when and where you take photos/video of people. Always ask first.

6. Environment: Respect the natural environment. Never touch or harass animals. Always follow designated trails. Support conservation by paying entrance fees to parks and protected sites.

7. Animal products: Never buy crafts or products made from protected or endangered animals.

8. Pay the fair price: Don’t engage in overly aggressive bargaining for souvenirs. Don’t short-change on tips for services.

9. Buy local: Choose locally-owned lodges, hotels, and B&Bs. Use local buses, car rental agencies, and airlines. Eat in local restaurants, shop in local markets, and attend local festivals/events.

10. Hire local guides: Enrich your experience and support the local economy. Ask guides if they are licensed and live locally. Are they recommended by tour operators?

References:

TIES

Ecotourism Australia

Open Roads from Daintree to Cooktown

murray — Tue, 31 May 2011 08:03:25 +0000

That’s an article written by our friend Mike, whose passion has lead to him creating personalised 4WD tours around the Daintree area. Check it out:

“Getting my fix at Archer Point”

I guess I’ve been a bit like an addict, strung out for a travel fix after almost 4 months not able to visit Cooktown from Cape Trib.

So, last week I was happy to take some friendly clients to Cooktown, and on the way back, we drove out to one of my very favourite places – Archer Point.

The turnoff to the Point is about 12 kms from Cooktown, with a further 12 kms to the first headland. The track in was a bit rough, with some blue metal thankfully dropped on the worst places.

Archer Point was at its very best—windy, of course, but with absolutely wonderful scenery and colours.

The area has lots of features — three beaches; a “new” (1979) lighthouse and an old lighthouse base on the headland; an off-shore island; a deserted wharf; mangroves; wonderful coastal scenery; and a genuine 4X4 track up to the Lighthouse, the highest spot in the area.

If you want to avoid the last tough stretch, you can simply drive to the first headland, enjoy the views, walk around, take some photos and return – all within the hour from the Cooktown turnoff. Add another 20 minutes to visit the lighthouse.

So, make sure you visit there soon. If you intend to camp, it is proper and polite to obtain permission from the traditional owners, via the Gungarde Corporation on 07 4069 5142.

Remember that the Cooktown Discovery Festival is coming up soon on the weekend of 10-13 June.

Week 16 Bloomfield Crossing progress

4WD vehicles are able to cross over, with some delays of up to one hour at times during the day, when major work is underway, or during high tides. Check the tide chart.

If you get delayed , you can use this time in a positive way by taking a free river trip on the passenger ferry, and wandering through the village and visiting the Arts Centre (Tuesdays to Thursdays), or just stop and have a cuppa. The ferry is now open seven days a week, indefinitely.

Currently, there is no Crossing work being done after about 4.30pm or at weekends, but this may change in case some weekend work is needed.

Good news. Cairns Council has agreed to keep the Crossing open all day for the Cooktown Discovery Festival 10-12 June! So, travel with confidence.

Back on the crossing, several of the 1 metre concrete blocks were in place over last weekend, as the photo shows. The plan is to place all of these into position, fill the space in between with stone, and later concrete in between to complete the temporary crossing.

Wildlife on the Track

In the meantime, look out for Spartacus the resident croc of Wujal Wujal Falls. Spartacus loves to warm himself on a rock facing the Falls. Anywhere along the river, especially at low tide, you have a good chance of spotting a croc, including from the Bloomfield River lookout.

You won’t see Jabba the wandering, lost adolescent Jabiru (Aren’t they all, though??). Keith and the staff at the Wujal Wujal Health Centre tended Jabba for a couple of weeks until he was able to be re-located a few days ago. Thanks from all of us, Keith. How much did those pilchards cost?

Happy travelling!”

Mike D’Arcy
D’Arcy of Daintree 4WDTours

Daintree Flora

murray — Thu, 19 May 2011 01:30:25 +0000

Rainforest Canopy

Take a walk through our beautiful gardens filled with ancient trees, tropical native plants and a little orchid. Our daintree family accommodation is totally private and an ideal set up to contemplate, centre and recharge from the normal life “busyness”. You can let your imagination flow and get immersed into the forest….

This view from the rainforest floor reveals openings in the canopy where sunlight gets through. Despite the blanketed look of rain forests from above, canopy trees actually rarely touch, possibly to minimize the spread of disease and leaf-eating bugs.

Photograph by Mattias Klum

Cooper Creek Causeway upgrade

murray — Mon, 16 May 2011 00:04:01 +0000

Mayor Val Schier opened the Cooper Creek Causeway

Cape Tribulation Road is now officially all-weather proof! Mayor Val Schier opened the Cooper Creek causeway with the help of a very friendly cassowary, ‘Max the Cass’.

The cassowary pushed in to thwart the ribbon cutting ceremony Saturday evening to open the new Cooper Creek Bridge. Kids on decorated bikes, pedestrians and a couple of smart cars were the first over. Two real cassowaries appeared at either end of the bridge whilst people were waiting for the opening.

This now means that there are no barriers for visitors to Cape Trib. You can drive a normal car in the wet season and know that you will not be flooded.

Cairns Regional Council offering free Daintree River ferry crossings

murray — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 02:27:21 +0000

Free Ferry for the Daintree

Free ferry trips across the Daintree River will be offered during the Easter holidays, encouraging everyone to take advantage of the attractions that exist right on their doorstep. Thanks to Cairns Regional Council, the ferry service will waive all crossing fees for the duration of the holidays.
This is an opportunity for Cairns residents to get out ,explore get to know where you live : one of the most spectacular spots in the world !

The free ferry service will run from 6am on Saturday, April 16, to midnight on Monday, May 2. Tickets will still need to be obtained from the ticket booth.FREE Daintree Ferry Travel

Daintree Rainforest: local Information on Eco Tourism, Fauna & Flora..

murray — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 03:02:15 +0000

Research, Maps in the Wet Tropics Heritage area:

Cooper Creek Wilderness is a Daintree Rainforest Tour Company dedicated to conservation through education and sustainable tourism. It’s a well worth reading and reference website for our tropical local area as well as experiencing one of their tours. CCWild is only 5 minutes from our Daintree Accommodation have tours running daily except Christmas Day.

Also check:

Daintree Coast Association

Daintree Rainforest Discovery Centre

Facebook and Twitter

murray — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 08:17:00 +0000

Stonewood Retreat has now a Facebook page and you can also follow us on Twitter! There you can find our latest Special offers and see what we are up to!

cyclone news

murray — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 02:28:04 +0000

The Daintree has fortunately been spared from Cyclone Yasi. We have had a few small tree’s down, but overall nature has redecorated quite well. In fact, after all that exciting electrical storm, the forest, creek and air seem to be clearer then before.There is a sense of new beginnings…