Kewarra Beach Resort, Ellis Beach

We have just spent the most amazing 5 days at this beautiful place. It is situated a short distance North of the city of Cairns. We nearly stayed in Cairns city which would have been a big mistake..it is nothing special just another touristy city. Kewarra on the other hand provided the perfect romantic and secluded hideaway for us, with it's own private beautiful beach and stunning tropical gardens, all the rooms are forest bungalows and you would never know there was anyone near you it was so peaceful and surrounded by natural forest and a tropical lagoon that was teeming with fish. This is a great place to stay if you like nature and enjoy bird watching or just relaxing in a natural environment. The food was excellent, in fact the best we had during the whole time we were in Australia and the staff cannot do enough for you they were always so eager to please and assisted us with all our touring plans, they are very knowledgeable about all the 'must do' experiences and we saved a fortune by following their advice, they recommended some fantastic trips, including a truly memorable day on the Great Barrier Reef which we will remember for the rest of our lives. All the tours will pick you up at Kewarra even the private safaris that take you up to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree rainforest. We wish we had spent less time in Sydney and Brisbane and allowed more time at Kewarra, we know next time we will spend at least a week at Kewarra. If you are looking for a peaceful, romantic beach experience look no further than Kewarra Beach Resort, from the moment we arrived and were greeted with a beautiful refreshing tropical cocktail to the sad moment we were bid farewell by their friendly caring staff we were made to feel very very special. Ron & Sally Henley-on-Thames England November 2009

Unlike the other reviews on this site, I would avoid the Kewarra - they charge for all little things like coffee, etc which is outrageous given the price paid. Also, the showers have small heated water tanks, so don't expect to take a long shower, let alone take two back to back. The king bed is simply two twins pushed together and quite uncomfortable. The hotel food is so-so and costs too much. This, combined with it's remote location and lack of transportation, I would avoid it and stay in Palm Cove, a short drive north. The one thing I liked about this place is the exceptional staff which is always helpful and very nice. But be careful with their "adventure staff" which is aimed at quantity over quality and was too quick to book us on the first thing she recommended, not wanting to take the time to get us what we really wanted.

This resort is located on Kewerra Beach, approx 30 minutes drive north of Cairns. I have mixed feelings regarding this resort; as probably I have been too spoilt.I have stayed in numerous resorts like Kewarra, and I wanted to try this particular hotel as I noticed it was number 3 in Australia on T/A. We were greeted warmly on arrival and led to our beachfront bungalow. We were very disappointed when we opened our door, for $420.00 AUD a night we basically had a very ordinary furnished bungalow with a very average bathroom. The bungalow consisted of a bed, bedside tables, cabinet with mini bar, coffee and tea facilities, and a chair. There was another small room attached which housed the wardrobe and led to the bathroom, which consisted of a very small vanity unit, shower over the bath and a toilet. There was also a small veranda with table and chairs at the entrance to the bungalow. This is no way luxury accommodation which they advertise on their website. It’s basically a 3 star with a 5 star location. After walking through the resort, we decided it would have been better and cheaper staying at one of the other bungalows or mouds tucked away in the gardens. Our beachfront moud was not private and we basically had other guests looking at us whilst sitting on the veranda. If you can afford it the Timara Suite looked the best of the bunch, a lovely private bungalow tucked away beside the lagoon. The resort has two refreshing natural looking swimming pools nestled within the tropical gardens; both are ample size with a natural waterfall spa attached. The restaurant has an African/ Asian feel to it but we were disappointed with the menu and wine selection. We noticed on arriving for dinner that other Japanese guests were feasting on some crayfish and when the menu arrived it was not on the list. On requiring about what offer guests were eating they told us it was a special menu for the Japanese. ………but they would ask the chef if we could see it. Naturally, we wanted what they had, which seemed ludicrous to us that they should have two different menus. Anyway, they happened to have one crayfish left, which I ordered. Further to our disappointment,we had put our laundry in for cleaning the night before so we would not miss the pick-up, as we desperately needed some washing done. After 7pm and no laundry return we rang reception to ask about it, they told us it would be returned early next morning before our departure. To cut a long story short, the laundry never went out, so we were left with a bag of dirty clothes and basically no clean undies to wear for the rest of our trip. They did however apologize sincerely but to us there was no excuse seeing we had delivered it to reception within ample time, plus to say it would be there in the morning, to us was appalling service. The interesting factor about this resort is when checking out Palm Cove Hotels like Sea Temple, Outrigger etc.etc. We were actually glad we stayed at Kewarra; it presented a lovely natural surrounding on the beachfront. You just have to get over that there are no 5 star trimmings but 5 stars for its natural environment. I have given this resort a four star rating due to my experience, mainly the huge laundry stuff up and the menu fiasco. I also think for the price they could improve the bungalows interior without losing the overall natural ambiance. Tip: A car is necessary for getting around.

I stayed here when i was carrying my first child in 2000 i was in a very delicate state and they catered to my every need...staff very helpful and attentive, you can even have your evening meal served to you right on the beach. i reccomend this retreat to everyone planing a romantic get away.and the little bungalows are stunning

Now i have lived at Kewarra beach , I loved it recomend it for a retreat to get away to, come to the tropical North of Australia come have memories you will carry with you for ever , someof us only have the lucktury of holidaying in places like Cairns, then there of us who actualy live here so to you all i say Hey come on come share Paradise, for a week a day a moment even come see the real place you think you can only see in movies in magazines or on TV make you dreams come true At Kewarra Beach Resort

Great place to get away. Coach pickup is available for the Kuranda train, the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, the Great Barrier Reef, and other attractions. We found all of the resort personnel to be very friendly and helpful. The restaurant is open to the outside and the tropical surroundings provide for a very relaxing and informal setting. The food and service was very good. The bungalows are surrounded by tropical trees and plants and make you feel like you are in the middle of your very own rainforest. The view from the beach is great but stay out of the water from November to April. The stinger jellyfish are plentiful and their stings can be deadly. However, the two pools provide an excellent substitution for swimming and relaxing. Tourist attractions in the area are great but try to allow for a day or two to just enjoy being at the resort. You will find it difficult to leave. If you have to communicate with the outside world while at the resort you will find that the internet connection in the lobby area is easy to use, high speed and cheap.