Cow Bay Stories: Guests information

Welcome to Cow Bay HomestayB&B

A bit of information about rainforest living.

This area north of the Daintree River does not have mains power.

Small accommodation places like us have solar, batteries and a backup generator; bigger resorts have generators only. There is no street lighting here and you will need a flashlight/torch/mobile phone to find your way to the restaurant at night time, and back to your car.

We do have plenty of water and it is very good drinking quality. We do pump the water into the house and this requires power. Please do not use a hair dryer /straightener or other items, which create heat, it will trip the power supply immediately! Charging your batteries is fine. The golden rule is: turn on only what you use.

We do have ceiling fans and air conditioners in the bed rooms. Our house is designed for the tropical climate and it is comfortable. We do provide you with doonas in winter; it can become rather cool during the night. The windows are screened for insects and you can adjust the louvers for cross breezes.

Now to the fun part!

I have attached a map for the last part of your drive to Cow Bay Homestay B&B.

From Cairns, it takes 2 hours to drive to Cow Bay Homestay B&B.

Follow the signs north towards Port Douglas and Mossman. Once in Mossman it takes 30-40 minutes, and then you turn right to the Daintree River Ferry/Cape Tribulation. Please pay only for a one-way ticket on the ferry, we will give you the return ticket here. We suggest you bring a little reserve of cash money in case the ATMs don’t work.

On the other side of the Daintree River you will enter this wonderfully vibrant part of the world. Enjoy your drive, approximately 20 minutes, and if you like to take it slow, pull off to the side of the road and let the traffic behind you pass. The road is narrow and winds over the Alexandra Range. In Cow Bay drive past the Cow Bay Hotel and turn right into Buchanan Creek Road. After 5km Wattle Close is on your right. Drive up the road and you will see our sign on the left. This is the driveway into the property. Take is easy in first gear. There is plenty of room to park.

‘Queen Room sleeps 3’ is on the left and ‘Queen Room sleeps 2’ on the right of the front stairs; I hope you will find it comfortable.

And…what can you do here!!!

Please let me know when you plan to arrive, any time after 2 pm is fine, and I will meet you with tea or coffee and a quick overview on the numerous activities, and I can organize your tour bookings right here.

When you arrive, I suggest you walk, 15 minutes, or drive, 3 minutes, down to Cow Bay Beach. You will see the rain forest practically fall into the Coral Sea and on a calm day you can see a number of inshore reefs. Most times you will be there by yourself!

The 2 hours guided Night Walk at Crocodylus Village is a good introduction into the ‘night life’ here. You may like to have dinner at Crocodylus restaurant, 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm, and then join the group at 8 pm. Please note that all the restaurants, we have 8 to choose from, finish their dinner service/orders 7.30 / 8.00 pm!!!!!

Breakfast (your time) of your choice of tea, coffee, juice, fresh tropical fruits, toast, cereal and eggs etc. is served in the dining area in the center of the house. Feel free to wander in the garden, explore the fresh water creek, the old Mango trees or discover our boundary walk.

A leisurely drive, 30 minutes, north to Cape Tribulation armed with maps and brochures will give you a good experience for the first day. You will see what is around and you may even try Jungle Surfing, or go to the Barrier Reef for a half day trip. The reef off Cape Tribulation is very close to the coast, making it quick to arrive at a wonderful sand cay, to snorkel or swim.

You can see crocodiles in the wild with Cape Tribulation Wilderness Cruises, do an early evening cruise on the Daintree River, go horse riding, enjoy to the Exotic Fruit Tasting or explore the National Park Board Walks. The Discovery Centre in Cow Bay is very informative. There is also an insect museum, showing off our huge range of Jungle Bugs and butterflies. Excellent locally guided Adventure 4WD tours to Bloomfield Falls and Cooktown are available as well.

Any bookings can be made with me, or on the tour link on my website http://cowbayhomestay.bookconfirm.com/A-selection-of-local-tours-packageID-525.html

I am looking forward to welcoming you here at Cow Bay Homestay B&B.

Best regards, Marion