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Australia’s newest luxury lodge borders two UNESCO-listed sites

Where rainforest meets reef along Queensland’s coast, a remarkable new stay is about to bloom.

One of Australia’s most extraordinary natural wonders is set to welcome an exclusive new address. Ever Bloomfield, the first property from newly launched accommodation brand Ever Lodges, will open on Queensland’s Daintree Coast later this year, setting a new benchmark for experiential luxury.

Inside Ever Bloomfield

With properties like El Questro in the Kimberley and South Australia’s Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia is no stranger to luxurious accommodation. But even among the country’s most coveted stays, the opening of Ever Bloomfield in Queensland this November is poised to turn heads.

Ever Bloomfield by Ever Lodges on the Daintree Coast, Queensland
Ever Bloomfield sits between Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef.

The first property under newly launched brand Ever Lodges, the retreat straddles two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites: the Daintree Rainforest on one side and Great Barrier Reef on the other. Once open to guests, it will offer direct access to both the world’s oldest living rainforest and largest coral reef system on Earth.

It’s this extraordinary setting that has inspired Ever Bloomfield’s design, led by acclaimed Aussie architecture firm Wolveridge Architects, with interiors by Adelaide-based Jacqui Dunn Interiors. The brief was simple: imbue a deep sense of place that can be felt from the moment of arrival.

Ever Bloomfield by Ever Lodges on the Daintree Coast, Queensland
Spaces are characterised by local timber, woven textures and statement lighting.

Built using local timber and stone, the property features a natural colour palette that allows woven textures, burnished fixtures and statement lighting to shine. Original artwork and decor pieces by local Indigenous artists also feature throughout, anchored by an abundance of natural light.

There are 14 private guestrooms at Ever Bloomfield. Each space acts as a private sanctuary for its occupants, where an off-grid ethos meets modern comforts like air conditioning, flatscreen TVs, soft linens and a balcony with a freestanding bathtub. Beyond the bedroom, stylish communal spaces range from the Long Room Restaurant and its chef-driven menu to Speak Easy Lounge and its craft cocktail program.

Ever Bloomfield by Ever Lodges on the Daintree Coast, Queensland
Ever Bloomfield boasts 14 private guestrooms, all with freestanding outdoor tubs.

Outside on the deck, a resort-style pool boasts sun loungers and uninterrupted ocean vistas. While setting up here for the day may seem enticing, the retreat’s guest-only experiences are just as compelling.

From sea safaris and ATV adventures to helicopter rides and coastal hikes, guests can explore the region from every angle with local guides. Whether you opt for a day of croc spotting on a river cruise or an e-bike ride that ends with a picnic by Trevathan Falls, you’ll return to the lodge each day with a new story to share.

Ever Bloomfield by Ever Lodges on the Daintree Coast, Queensland
Soak up panoramic ocean views from your sun lounger by the pool.

Throughout your stay, every need is catered for by an experienced team of staff, headed by general manager Patrick Barrie. With a resumé that includes luxury lodges like Longitude 131° and Saffire Freycinet, there’s no better man for the job.

“Bloomfield has something rare: a setting that asks you… to slow down, to pay attention, to be present. Our role as a team is simply to make that easy, to take care of the details so that guests can give themselves over to the place entirely," Barrie says.

“What I’m most proud of is the team we’re bringing together here. These are people who love this part of the world, who find the reef and the rainforest genuinely extraordinary, every time. That enthusiasm is contagious, and it shapes every interaction."

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Introducing Ever Lodges

Ever Bloomfield by Ever Lodges on the Daintree Coast, Queensland
Ever Bloomfield is the first property in Ever Lodges’ newly launched portfolio.

Built on nearly 30 years of experience, Ever Lodges seamlessly entered Australia’s luxury accommodation scene at the tail end of 2025. The exclusive portfolio, co-founded by long-time friends Drew Kluska and Justin Liberman, has been shaped by a mutual passion for experiential travel.

Ever Lodges is guided by the philosophy that accommodation should feel deeply personal, rather than materially led. Centred around shared moments, genuine hospitality and a true sense of belonging, every experience has been carefully curated to linger long after check-out.

Ever Bloomfield by Ever Lodges on the Daintree Coast, Queensland
Each experience, including the chef-driven menu at Long Room Restaurant, has been carefully curated.

“Ever was shaped not through strategy sessions or market trends, but through almost 30 years of deep listening: to guests, to guides, to hosts and to Country," says Kluska.

“What stays with people isn’t what they touch, but what they feel. A quiet moment with wildlife. A story shared at dusk. A guide who reveals a landscape in a new way. Ever exists to honour those moments."

While each stay is expected to leave a lasting impact on guests, the same can’t be said for the surrounding environment. Architecture will sit lightly on Country, with physical structures (and guest experiences) crafted in close collaboration with local Custodians and communities.

Ever Bloomfield by Ever Lodges on the Daintree Coast, Queensland
The luxury property has been designed to protect the surrounding environment.

Ever Bloomfield may be the brand’s first property, but it won’t be its last. Plans to expand the portfolio across the rest of Australia are firmly on the agenda, with future openings anticipated in the years ahead.

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The details

Bookings for Ever Bloomfield are now open ahead of its debut in November, and can be made online or over the phone. While the lodge’s first month has already sold out, dates are available from December onwards. Guests of all ages are welcome.

Ever Bloomfield by Ever Lodges on the Daintree Coast, Queensland
Guests can choose from four room types, including a spacious Suite.

There are four room types available, with rates based on an all-inclusive stay for two guests.

  • Queenslander: from $5400 per night
  • Suite: from $4900 per night
  • Cabin: from $4900 per night
  • Lodge Suite: from $3900 per night

Adding to its appeal, Ever Bloomfield is only accessible by boat or helicopter. The nearest airport is in Cairns, around 180 kilometres south of the lodge, with twice-weekly transfers available. Private charters can also be arranged.

* Availability and rates are accurate at the time of publication.

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Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
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Tropical islands, good food & world-class shows: Your eventful guide to a holiday in Townsville

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
    Townsville is buzzing as the events capital of North Queensland, with a host of festivals, international sporting and arts events on offer.

    Perched between the Coral Sea, the towering pink monolith of Castle Hill, and fringed by ancient rainforest ranges, Townsville North Queensland is a genuine tropical playground.

    Here, find postcard-worthy landscapes all the way from nearby Magnetic Island to inland swimming holes and waterfalls – all dotted with an array of endemic wildlife. Get the heart racing with adrenaline water sports. Soak in a world-class arts scene. And take advantage of a culinary offering that punches well above its weight.

    And, then there’s the fact that Townsville has fast become the destination to an outstanding line-up of events – from live music to top-level sporting contests.

    Whether you have a weekend or weeks, there’s plenty here to fill your tropical getaway.

    Day 1: An eventful day

    Morning

    The Strand in townsville
    Explore The Strand.

    Daily flights offer easy connectivity from all capital cities to Townsville Airport, and within 10 minutes’ drive, you’re in the city centre. Start your stay by recharging with breakfast or coffee at the city’s newest spot, Botaniq Cafe, on the ground floor of the award-winning Bridgewater restaurant on the banks of Ross Creek.

    Start exploring on a breezy walk along the 2.5-kilometre foreshore of The Strand. Here, a waterfront path stretches all the way to the headland of Jezzine Barracks parklands. Admire more than 35 sculptures and artworks, as well as stunning views from the top of the park. Further along, Queens Gardens, established in 1870, offers a cool retreat and is Townsville’s oldest botanic garden.

    Stroll Gregory Street, off The Strand, for boutiques, homeware stores, cafes and restaurants, or follow a self-guided street art walking trail through the city centre, stopping to admire colourful works by big-name artists including Queenslander Fintan Magee.

    Afternoon

    concert in front of castle hill townsville events
    Time your trip for one of many Townsville events.

    For a casual lunch, stop in at Balabite for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired street food. Build your own pita with a choice of fillings, before enjoying a relaxing afternoon in preparation for one of Townsville’s big events.

    Whether it’s a concert from a big-name international band – think Foo Fighters or Guns ‘n’ Roses – or a night cheering on the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup, there’s plenty to entertain you.

    Time your visit for events like the Townsville Folk Festival (June 12-14), Supercars Townsville 500 (July 10-12), Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week (August 27-September 2), North Australian Festival of Arts (September 25 – October 11) or see the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup (coming in 2027).

    Day 2: Island dreaming

    Morning

    Pilgrim Sailing magnetic island
    Take a lunchtime sailing trip with Pilgrim Sailing.

    Fuel up with breakfast at Cbar on The Strand, looking out to your destination for the day: Magnetic Island (or ‘Maggie’ to the locals). Catch a quick ferry to spend the day exploring walking trails through national park, choosing from 23 beaches and trying a hand at the island’s water sports.

    The Forts Walk is the best place to see wild koalas in Australia, and you’re likely to find friendly wallabies at the Nelly or Geoffrey Bay headlands. Try guided snorkelling with Aquascene Magnetic Island or Pleasure Divers, or take a land-based tour with MI Ride Discovery Tours to the secluded west coast of the island.

    Pilgrim Magnetic Island offers four-hour lunchtime sailing trips aboard a 58-foot luxury yacht, dropping in to some of Magnetic Island’s remote bays for snorkelling or swimming and including gourmet grazing platters, drinks and ocean views.

    Afternoon

    picnic bay on magnetic island
    Head to Picnic Bay for delicious dining.

    Refuel after a morning of adventure. Seasalt Arcade at Picnic Bay has several good options. Savour craft brews and Latin tapas at Maggie Island Brewery, opt for bagels and light bites at Lava Lava cafe or fine dining at Restaurant Elsie.

    Now, it’s time to choose your own adventure. Stay the whole day on Maggie, or return to Townsville, where there’s plenty more to discover.

    Head to The Docks at Flinders Street Wharves for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or join Poseidon Adventures for water sport adventures.

    Evening

    Ardo's Rooftop townsville
    End your day watching the sunset from Ardo’s Rooftop.

    However your day looked, end it with cocktails and canapes at Townsville’s Ardo Rooftop. Find something more substantial at the hotel’s elegant but casual Chef-hatted Japanese restaurant Terasu, where each dish is a work of art.

    Day 3: Natural delights

    Morning

    couple holiding hands at the top of castle hill in townsville
    Join the locals for an early walk to the peak of Castle Hill. (Credit: My Colourful World)

    Join the local early morning pilgrimage to hike up Castle Hill for the best 360-degree views in town, before heading to breakfast at Spirited Goat for gourmet treats and locally brewed coffee.

    A trip to Townsville wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef. For those with time, Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive runs full-day trips to the Museum of Underwater Art for snorkellers and divers to admire the reef’s stunning collection of submerged sculptures on John Brewer Reef, about two hours by boat from Townsville.

    Afternoon

    Shorehouse restaurant townsville
    Stop into the award-winning Shorehouse.

    Round off your Townsville getaway with lunch at Shorehouse, awarded Best Restaurant in the North Queensland People’s Choice Awards every year since 2023. Dine on the deck to catch the breeze and sample modern Asian cuisine as you watch the world go.

    Keen for something more to extend your stay? There are always more adventures –new, familiar and with a twist – in the events capital of the North.

    Plan your eventful visit to Townsville North Queensland at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au.