Once upon a time, there was a run down and neglected hideaway named Cedar Park Rainforest Resort. 2004 was the year when Christoph Huber, Markus Ryf and Rosy Maccarrone discovered this secret place at the end of a very muddy and bumpy dirt track. The first thought was “Who in their right mind would build such an unusual place in the middle of the rainforest 40 years ago?”

We could see the potential in this very unique structure with the gothic arches, stained windows, and pristine location, and while still running the Atlantis Restaurant at Trinity Beach, the mission began to reinstate Cedar Park Resort to its former glory. The decision to buy and renovate the resort was a huge step in our lives, and one that has exceeded our initial expectations.

After nine months of sweating, swearing and nursing sore muscles we completed the first stage of renovations and opened for business. The Cedar Park Rainforest Resort had just had the biggest make over in four decades. This once dark and tired establishment was now a stunning and classy resort.

After three years we are still here and are thrilled that the resort is going so well with huge support from the Tableland and Cairns locals, along with the tourists who are looking for the wildlife and nature experience that the resort offers. There is still maintenance, fixing, hammering, painting, gardening and other things to do, but that’s the way to keep this rustic old place in top shape.

When you walk down the 31 metre hallway with seven gothic arches you can feel the magic in this place, it draws you in. It’s like being in another century, in another place. The Cedar Park team have travelled extensively and are confident in stating that there is nothing else like this in Australia. The rooms are all individually decorated with there own en-suite and veranda, and the wildlife is abundant in the natural and safe environment that is enclosed by the Ganyon Creek.

Ganyon Creek flows right past the Resort and has a ‘flying fox’ that goes over the creek and the swimming holes allowing guests to explore the walking tracks that meander through the rainforest on the other side of the creek. This is one of the most beautiful spots on the property.

As Members of Wildlife Rescue and Release, Rosy, Marcus and Christoph have created a haven for wildlife by planting native trees and plants that attract and feed the wildlife, and have built a lagoon which is visited regularly by frogs, wallabies and birds. There is a sitting area and bush bar where you can watch all the action while relaxing with a cool drink and a tasty snack.

The tropical spa is nestled in a lush ‘rainforest batch’ that was designed and built for the resort by Marcus and Christoph. Guests spend many hours relaxing in this unique outdoor spa set amongst huge rainforest trees, particularly after dinner under the moonshine.

The restaurant has one of the most stunning settings in the region. The huge timber deck overlooks the rainforest and creek, with the open structure allowing guests to enjoy the tropical environment and wildlife. Marcus and Christoph are dedicated chefs that have been well accomplished in their field of expertise for over 25 years. Both know and appreciate that while fresh food with unique local flavours is important, the most key to keeping the regular guests coming back is consistency, and this is their secret to long time success.

Cedar Park Resort has also achieved the reputation of being the place for a romantic wedding or other celebrations that may arise. With only six rooms, there is the option to book the whole resort for larger functions and we love to do these types of functions because that’s what we have done for over 90 years (all 3 of us together of course).

We are proud to be a venue that is frequented by many locals, and the tourists are so excited when they find this ‘secret place’ that enables them to watch the wildlife at close proximity and explore the native rainforest. With no television or mobile phones, Cedar Parks is the ultimate place for pure relaxation in a pristine environment that is only 40 minutes from Cairns.