The Greenhoose Accommodation, Cape York

By far one of the best experiences of our Cape York trip. The birdlife and natural beauty of the Iron Ranges is a must see! The hospitality of the staff was second to none and we felt incredibly welcome and looked after. The room was immaculate, very comfortable and airconditioned. We were lucky enough to see a Rifle Bird in display and plenty of Palm Cockatos all within walking distance of the accommodation. If I could give it 6 stars I would!We will definitely be back.

Imagine you have driven on a muddy road through towering rainforest trees, splashing through streams to the accompaniment of the haunting calls of birds you never imagined existed, then you would probably want to stay at a place that reflects this remarkable corner of the world on the Cape York Peninsula of Queensland, Australia. Set in a rainforest off the road from the Lockhart River airfield (you can also fly here from Cairns on Skytrans, which can be a hit-and-miss experience) you'll find the Greenhoose, your home in one of most remote regions of a very remote island continent. In a clever use of shipping containers, the Greenhoose offers its guests tidy, small rooms with decks and comfortable beds; a few of the rooms have their own en suites, and many have shared toilets and showers. There is good food if you choose to dine there--a well equipped kitchen if you bring your own food-- and five-star hospitality that crosses into that mythical zone where guests feel more like members of a big family than just customers. The Greenhoose mainly caters to workers who service this remote area of the world and nomadic bird watchers who have access to a remarkable diversity of habitats and endemic species, including the remarkable Palm Cockatoo, the emblem of the Greenhoose. The Palm Cockatoo is the second largest parrot in the world, behind the Amazon's Hyacinth Macaw, and often dines on the sea almonds at Cape Lockhart's main beach. With its exceptionally large bill, wild spiky crest, bright red cheek patch and a sharp, whistling call when in flight, it is truly an impressive bird, particularly if you are lucky enough to hear them drum with a stick it bites off a branch. If you want to know more about what you are looking at or photographing, the Greenhoose offers very good guided walks by Claire and Daniel, which are well worth it. They are switched on guides who can knowledgeably tell you about the new discoveries biologists are constantly making in the Iron Range. Sophie Frame, who manages the day-to-day operations, is a gem when it comes to bending over backwards if something doesn't work right. When Skytrans cancelled our flights two days running, she found us a spare room, a good meal and hot shower. She is never too busy to drop what she is doing to help a guest out, including to answer why the place is called The Greenhoose. Owner Stu is also freely available to answer your questions and drive you around to show you off the beaten paths to walk. Many guests who are repeat customers choose to drive in during the dry season and pack their own provisions. However you arrive--by air or land--the Greenhoose is well worth booking.

We stayed at Green Hoose over the last 4 days for work and had a great time there. Both Lyn and Stewie, as well as their staff were very Hospitable and made us feel very welcome. They have a great attitude in making everyone feel as part of the family. Although i didn't get the meal option, the boys really enjoyed the hearty and home cooked meals provided. Facilities were pretty new and clean and garden setting was beautiful. Definitely recommend a stay here.

My friend and I stayed in a family room for five nights and had an amazing time! Rooms were comfortable and clean, communal cooking facilities were spacious and of very high quality. The staff (Maddy, Brandon, Claire and Daniel) were all down to earth, keen to have a chat and always helpful with anything we needed. I've hardly ever stayed at a place with such lovely and relateable staff which honestly made it hard to leave even after just a few days! For birders like us, the Greenhoose is an excellent option and we observed many of the Cape York specialities on the property (Palm Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Red-cheeked Parrot, Northern Scrub Robin, Papuan Pitta, Graceful Honeyeater, Marbled and Papuan Frogmouths, Magnificent Riflebird, Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Spotted Cuscus). It is also only a short 10 minute drive from here to some of the best birdwatching in Iron Range. Highly recommend this spot for anyone visiting Cape York.

This is a cute accommodation away from everywhere and everything.Tim is an amazing host. He's so welcoming and friendly.The room is cute and comfortable, plus cool.There is a bushwalking area in the back that leads to the river.The internet is not the best, but they are upgrading, plus sometime is best to be disconnected from everything.

The Lockhart River area doesn't have many places for visitors to stay, and often accommodation is booked out at the airport. Luckily, Greenhoose is my preferred option. The staff are about as friendly as any place I have ever been, and the grounds and landscaping are done impeccably, showcasing the area's natural beauty and biodiversity, balanced with tidiness and comfort. The dongas, or craftily converted containers, with A/C's, just enough room, crazy good water pressure, and other standard hotel room fare. They also have a fire pit, and a full kitchen for guests to cook their own meals and a dinner service if you request it in advance. The area is rainforest; lots of rain and humidity so mozzies and mold/mildew scents are unavoidable. I've been staying here periodically over the last 5 years and it's been consistently good, and always memorable, in the best of ways.

The rooms could use a little more finishing touches such as coast hooks, towel rails and a small table but really, you're not here to be in your room now are you? Your here for some of the best nature shooting in the country. Indeed it really is like another country. We're keen birders but there are very few bird calls we actually recognised! Then there's the amethystine python, the variously green/yellow and even blue colours of the tree snakes and the weird cuscus which is like a tree kangaroo need with a possum. The flora too is almost completely different.If you can get there in November or December you'll see the spectacular migratory bird species as well.The staff here are also very helpful and knowledgeable.

Relaxing and peaceful..do as much or as little as you like..lot's of wildlife and birdwatching if you're into that. The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable in the native wildlife in the area.

Considering we are in the top end of Australia, this place is brilliant. The rooms are quite small, but there is big verandas on all rooms and air conditioning! The highlight way the food. We had some amazing dinners cooked by the staff. Being right on the rainforest made for amazing walks, and what birds we saw!

Greenhoose is undoubtedly the place to stay if you want to experience the wonderful world of iron range national park. The rooms are tidy and comfortable, the staff are friendly and welcoming, the food is fantastic and the setting, being in the most amazing part of wild Australia is incredible. Rare birds, mammals and reptiles quite literally at your doorstep. I cannot recommend them enough. Will be visiting again many times in the future!Leo