Portland House

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Reviews of Portland House

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  Donna Phillips Added May 10, 2022

  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
  THE EXPERIENCE
  As return visitors we are constantly awed by how The Roads continues to surprise and reveal more of its beauty...and secrets! It’s spectacular seeing it at different times of the year and we love to drive up lapping up the character of places like Musgrave and Lakeland. The country is captivating and dramatic: from endless red soil stretches of road to the hauntingly beautiful country north to Cohen, Split Rock, creek crossings that Banjo Patterson would have loved and which coax you out of the vehicle and into the water. And just when you think there could be no more, you hit the “High Country” (indescribably different and beautiful) AND THEN..... Rain forest! .....full of birdsong, mystery and bursting with rich green foliage.
  Nothing could you prepare you for the freak of geography that gifts you a long, late sunset over the ocean EVERY evening at Portland House. After a day a of beachcombing, fishing, ”popping” over the coral shallows or chill-axing on the always cool verandas of Portland House, what could be better than savouring those vistas over a chat, a plate of mouthwatering antipasto,from Lou’s in Ingham and your favourite tipple?? Believe me, it’s magic! And if you’re too exhausted to think about cooking, then don’t! Walk those few steps next door for a sumptuous platter of North Queensland fare. There’s something for everyone but we can never get past the fresh seafood. It’s a memory that will tease you for months after you leave!
  
  THE STAY
  We are always so excited to arrive, meet Greg and Sheree who welcome and induct us. Then we hastily throw the vehicle contents into the house and escape to one of the many beachside enticements on offer.
  Portland House really does have everything you could possibly need. Greg and Sheree have anticipated guest needs on so many levels. From pantry items to a very well equipped kitchen, loads of areas to relax, beautiful beach themed bedrooms with really comfy beds, games, books, laundry facilities and a lovely hot shower. We really appreciate the addition of air conditioning to the bedrooms - an unexpected luxury in an off-grid environment. The house is quirky with beach theme bric-a-brac and embraces you from the moment you step inside!
  Holidaying here is so easy, uncomplicated and as organic or organised as you’d like it to be. The tides typically dictate our activities, so we would normally take each day as it comes and decide what we’ll do depending on weather. Chilli Beach is a fave and low tide out front and beyond the point will reveal a myriad of exotic creatures. Fishing is always a highlight and great because you’ll catch fish on the full tide as well as the low tide. Mangrove Jack, Cod, Fingermark, Queenfish, Trevally, Parrot Fish, Sweetlip, Bream are just some of the species we catch at PR.
  
  THE HOSTS
  While Greg and Sheree are there to welcome you and explain how the house works, they tend to leave you in peace and respect your privacy. Having said that, they encourage curiosity, know a lot about the local area and enjoy having a chat about this bountiful, sometimes harsh wilderness area that they love. You’ll find them professional, efficient, knowledgeable and friendly.
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  Margaret Robertson Added May 07, 2022

  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
  Portland House has everything you need - magical old-style beach house in a breezy position, with everything you need, perfect quiet, beautiful little bay, Iron Range NP up the road, and superb food in the restaurant next door. No need to cook!!
  The hosts, Sheree and Greg, are genuinely friendly and helpful and make sure you get the most out of your stay. Sheree is an extremely good cook. I have an eating problem and Sheree went out of her way to make sure I had delicious food every night.
  
  We would love to be able to stay there again.
  
  You and Greg were great hosts.
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  Martine Maron Added May 05, 2022

  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
  The ideal place to stay while exploring Kutini-Payamu NP; spacious, comfortable and functional, with amazing views and wonderful hosts Greg and Sheree right next door who are keen to help with anything you need. They also provide superb meals at their Out of the Blue cafe - exceptional seafood. You can watch frigatebirds cruising over the headland from the hammock on the deck. A paradise really. Will be back.
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  Grant Freckelton Added May 01, 2022

  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
  We found Portland House to be a great option for a quick trip to the Cape York region.
  
  We wanted to visit far north Queensland without having the time or 4wd experience to drive to and from Cairns. Portland House offered a suitable fly-drive option that included accomodation, flights from Cairns to Lockhart River and a 4WD awaiting on arrival.
  
  Portland House is a 35-50 minute drive from Lockhart River (depending on conditions and/or birdwatching). It is located in the peaceful and beautiful seaside community of Portland Roads, and overlooks the Coral Sea. Within minutes of arriving we were watching frigate birds glide over palm trees from the comfort of our lounge.
  
  Nearby Lockhart River has a well stocked supermarket open 6 days a week, a 24 hour petrol station and Telstra mobile coverage. This, combined with locally available seafood (you can by fresh fish and prawns near Chili Beach), a cafe right door, and an option for a pantry service, means that the remote location doesn’t mean you’re too far from creature comforts. Portland House’s kitchen also comes stocked with basics like salt, pepper and oil. We opted to self cater, although we had one delicious meal at the Out of the Blue cafe, run by Portland House’s owners Greg and Sheree.
  
  The accomodation itself is a rustic beach house. It is rustic in a charming way that for us meant a much more fun and relaxing experience. There is no TV at the house and although limited WiFi was available we chose to stay off grid for the few days and stick to reading - the house has a well stocked library.
  
  The sleeping areas are clean and enclosed but the rest of the house is open air (again.. the view is magnificent). Staying there is not glamping nor is it a sanitisied resort experience - the open air nature of the common areas means you will be sharing the house with moths and butterflies and use of the complimentary mozzie coils are a must. The open air nature also means waking up in the morning to find bats flying around the lounge room and sharing the house with a very sweet and charming python. As wildlife lovers these were welcome additions.
  
  It’s worth noting that we visited a few months after Cyclone Trevor brought destruction to much of the area. Although damage to the rainforest was visible we still saw plenty of wildlife. Travelling to nearby Chili Beach early in the morning is a must to spot Palm Cockatoos, Eclectus Parrots and other birds and at least one night of spotlighting along the local roads is recommended.
  
  All in all Portland House an excellent option for anyone wishing to visit this part of Australia without committing to a long drive or camping.
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  Murray Hunt Added April 28, 2022

  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
  Great accommodation for birdwatchers or those wanting to get away from it all. Great house overlooking the ocean. Clean air-conditioned rooms. Great dinner can be had next door at ‘Out of the Blue’ cafe run by the same owners. It’s a perfect base for birdwatchers hoping to find all the special birds of Iron Range National Park. Hosts can also help you with flights and a 4x4 rental car.

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