After extensive searching the Internet for accommodation in far North Queensland, I came across www.sunloverholidays.com
Not only was this website easy to use they also offered deals on accommodation in Queensland that were far cheaper than any other site I had come across. We decided to stay at Rydges Reef Resort. It was rated as 4 Stars and at the bargain Price of $106 (AUSD) per night. $74 per night less than most of the other sites I visited. I quickly grabbed this deal for six nights staying in a Garden Room. I did have to pay a deposit and then the balance within 30 days of arrival. All these transactions were handled quickly and efficiently. All receipts and travel vouchers were dispatched to my email without so much as having to harass a travel agent with queries as to when my travel documentation will arrive! (Don’t you just love the Internet!) 5 Stars go to this website!

Port Douglas is approximately 70KM North of Cairns and the nearest domestic/international airport. We arrived at the airport at 9.15pm and within 15 minutes we had our baggage loaded into our Avis Rent-a-Car (Another Bargain that I will tell more about in another review!!) and were on our way. It took us approximately 60mins to drive the windy coastal roads, although not much to look at this time of the night. We arrived at Rydges at 10.30 and proceeded to reception.

Check in

The first thing that strikes you as you arrive at this resort is the reception area. It is not an enclosed building, more a very open plan that blends in perfectly with its tropical setting. There was a buzz of activity in the nearby bar and very relaxed and friendly staff to greet us. Check-in was smooth and efficient with the staff helpful in ensuring that everything was processed quickly so we could retire to our room. This was appreciated, as we were very tired after our 5-hour journey to get there! Throughout our stay we had very little reason to contact reception, apart from checkout and exchanging complimentary pool towels.

Our Room

Getting such a good deal had me worried as to what our room would be like. I was sure that for the price we would find ourselves in a room that resembled something slightly bigger than a closet and located at the back end of the resort. To our very pleasant surprise we were located in a room very handy to the resort amenities with a lovely balcony looking out toward a picturesque garden. The room was appeasing to the eye without being extravagant. It appeared to have been freshly painted and the carpet new. The room was not overly big but was sufficient for our needs, with plenty of cupboard space for us to unpack our belongings. The bedding was clean and comfortable. The room was also fitted with an air-conditioning unit as well as a ceiling fan; these were definitely needed in this tropical environment! The bathroom was big, bright and clean, with good water pressure and a seemingly unlimited hot water supply. (Although I tried not to have extended hot showers due to the hot weather and the fact that must of Australia is currently under water restrictions) The room had the usual trimmings, Television, Safe, Toiletries, Mini-bar etc, although the mini bar was empty (A blessing I’d say) we were able to stock with our own goodies purchased at the nearby supermarket! (Much cheaper option!) The rooms were cleaned daily and fresh towels provided if you required them. We did have a little Ant problem in the “wet areas” of the room, however this is tropical Queensland and it could have been a whole lot worse than a few little ants!


The Resort Facilities

This resort is huge; it is on a very large parcel of land and offers plenty! The grounds are well kept with beautiful Palm trees, tropical plants, lily ponds and lovely walking paths throughout the entire estate. At Night, walking around the grounds was just magical with the Burning Fire Lights that double as insect repellents, lining the pathways from the rooms & leading to the restaurant and bars. There are two lagoon style pools, one with a bar in the centre that you could swim up to and order drinks/ food from throughout the day. Also a lap pool and gymnasium for those people who were feeling energetic, two tennis courts and a Putt Putt course that could be used free of charge once a booking was made at reception. Tuesday to Sunday Nights the resort runs an outdoor Cinema for a small charge. Most of the movies on offer were not latest releases however it cost no more than the in-house movies on offer and was much more fun than sitting in a hotel room! The resort runs a daily Kids Club (5-12yrs) with two sessions being held each day. This service is offered for a small charge, however lunch is provided They also run a couple of night sessions during the week, which is ideal for the parents who wish to have a ‘Child free” meal in town!

The Restaurants and Bars were all of high quality with both friendly and efficient staff. “The Thirsty Fish” (The pool bar) served all the favourites as well as having an extensive Cocktail list, (a definite must in a tropical environment!) Happy hour with half price drinks and reduced priced Cocktails was held between 4pm and 5pm and if you wanted more once 5pm arrived you could head over to “The Shark Bar” and do happy hour all over again (5pm-6pm) “The Shark Bar” is a very relaxed bar. It has a big screen that plays all the sport from around the globe, as well as live entertainment between 5.30pm and 10pm. ‘The Shark bar’ serves light meals throughout the evenings, that were both relatively cheap ($8-15AUD) and tasty!

If you are looking for a la carte service and you do not wish to venture into town, then you can head to the resorts main restaurant. The meals were quite lovely with everything being fresh and well presented. The prices were on par with what was being charged in a restaurant in town ($20-$30 AUD for a main) and the service was once again excellent. My tip…..order the Garlic bread Stick!!! If anything, it is worth the laugh you see how it is presented!!!!


There were plenty more facilities that Rydges Reef Resort has to offer like Conference rooms, a Ballroom, Internet, a gift shop, a small Mini-mart, a tour information and booking office, a launderette, a massage & beauty therapist, Babysitting and a Gallery. If you wish you could charge all meals, drinks and services you requested throughout your stay to your room and pay the bill on checkout. Shuttle buses were regular to take you the short trip into town and the staff was always friendly and helpful. Even the barman who laughed at me when I returned from the Great Barrier Reef looking like a Lobster. The Lesson learned, take sunscreen, apply it then reapply it REGULARLY!

We stayed in a hotel room, however this resort does offer one, two and three bedroom self-contained units, with all the resort facilities included.

To be honest you could probably stay in a doghouse in Port Douglas and still have a wonderful time. There is just something about this place, as soon as you turn into the Palm lined road that leads you into this little Port in Far North Queensland, Australia, holiday mode kicks in. Rydges Reef Resort just made it an even better experience!


Recommended: Yes