Silky Oaks Lodge: A Luxury Escape In The Rainforest

Green peace: the little things mean a lot in this Luxury Lodges of Australia rainforest retreat.

High in the trees, through which the sunlight pours, is where you will find Silky Oaks Lodge. Here, it is as much an experience as somewhere to stay in the Daintree Rainforest. The property, part of the Baillie Lodges portfolio of luxury lodges , recently underwent a $20 million makeover to become one of the shiny new emerald jewels in Tropical North Queensland’s crown. There are few strikingly beautiful places in the world that offer such a connection to the landscape.

Views from the Treehouse at Silky Oaks Lodge — Rainforest views from the Treehouse Restaurant.

Silky Oaks Lodge is Australia’s original rainforest retreat , first opening its silky oak doors in 1985. The reinvention of the lodge and main open-air lobby is all about the elements and drawing the eye to the rainforest surrounds. Forget the weather forecast. The best place on Earth to be when it rains is in the rainforest. Alternatively, head to Tropical North Queensland for a winter escape when the average temperature ranges from 18ºC to 26ºC.

View of Silky Oaks Lodge from the river — Silky Oak Lodge is the original rainforest retreat.

Location

Silky Oaks Lodge sits high in the treetops surrounded by a latticed canopy of green leaves. It’s just one hour’s drive from Cairns and 20 minutes from Port Douglas. Guests staying at Silky Oaks Lodge appreciate its proximity to both the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest estimated to be about 180 million years old.

The lodge is located on Kubirri-Warra country, on the Traditional Lands of the eastern Indigenous Kuku Yalanji people, who lead tours from the nearby Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre. Visitors will also find extensive hiking trails that fork out from the lodge into the Daintree National Park . It’s like stepping into a full-sized Jeannie Baker collage. Or a scene from James Cameron’s Avatar.

Style and character

Silky Oaks Lodge is designed to encourage visitors to rest, relax, sit, talk and just be. The Kubirri Lounge is where guests gather to chill, read or play board games. As always, that perfume of moss and peat in the open-air lodge connects visitors to the forest and provides a sense of place.

Kubirri Lounge pictured with open-air setting — The open-air lounge invites the rainforest in.

You can get your fix of admiring the natural theatre of the rainforest from any number of nooks that are oriented toward the treetops. The lodge features the works of Australian and local First Nations artists. Expect warm timber tones, contemporary furnishings, and lots of leather and stone.

Indigenous Art at Silky Oaks Lodge — Indigenous art lines the walls of the property.

Facilities

Silky Oaks Lodge has a crystal-clear lagoon-style swimming pool swathed in green. There’s also a fully equipped air-conditioned gymnasium overlooking the lush, tropical garden. And complimentary classes led by a qualified local teacher in the open-air Marrdja Pavilion each day.

Aerial view of woman swimming in the pool at Silky Oaks Lodge — Luxury swims don’t come better than this.

You can soak in your surrounds in the Healing Waters Spa. Throw on a bathrobe and tip toe to the spa, which offers multiple treatment rooms. Then cue the reverberating hum of a crystal singing bowl and let the pummelling begin.

Two chairs fact the window with views of the rainforest at Healing Waters Spa — Healing Waters Spa offers serene views of the surrounding rainforest.

There’s also a media room where guests can enjoy the latest sporting match or blockbuster. Guests at Silky Oaks Lodge also have an in-suite bar that is replenished with local treats and beverages each day.

Rooms

Curl up on the River Treehouse balcony in your hammock to watch the Mossman River rushing in its hurry over boulders as smooth as polished marble. Like all of the Baillie Lodges properties, the suites are designed to bring the surrounding landscape to life.

Inside the bedroom of the Riverhouse Suite at Silky Oaks Lodge — The Riverhouse Suite blends perfectly into the surrounding landscape.

The bath in the Riverhouse Suite is perched on the baloncy — Take a dip in the balcony tub.

All up, there are 40 guest treehouse-style suites surrounded by the dense greenery of the Daintree Rainforest. The rooms all have ensuites and private balconies and are fitted out in colours that complement the rich tapestry of the rainforest.

There are 14 Rainforest Retreats, 10 Treehouse Retreats, 2 Treehouse Premium suites (for four guests), 11 Riverhouse suites, two Billabong Suites and the two-bedroom Daintree Pavilion (the ultimate luxury retreat). Many of the suites have freestanding showers and open-air bathtubs.

Views from the bedroom of the Daintree Pavilion — Awake in the treetops with views from the bedroom of the Daintree Pavilion.

Pool and deck surrounded by rainforest in Silky Oaks Lodge Daintree Pavilion — The pool at the Daintree Pavilion is the ultimate luxury inclusion.

Lounge area of Daintree Pavilion at Silky Oaks Lodge — The luxe lounge area of the Daintree Pavilion.

What are the food and drink options?

A stay at Silky Oaks Lodge ensures a sensory experience. And that extends to the food and drink offerings.

Views from the Treehouse Restaurant with tables set for dinner — Dine beside the rainforest in the Treehouse Restaurant.

Sit around on a timber table in the tiered Treehouse Restaurant to enjoy dinner prepared by executive chef Edo Pitzalis who draws inspiration for the menu from his Sardinian background. Expect Indigenous flavours such as wattleseed and pepperberry as well as seasonal ingredients plucked from the onsite kitchen garden that range from passionfruit to pandan.

Close up of a dish at Treehouse Restaurant that uses local ingredients. — The menu is inspired by local ingredients.

Close up of contemporary cuisine dish at Silky Oaks Lodge Treehouse Restaurant — Find contemporary cuisine on the menu.

Join your new-found friends at the Jungle Perch Bar to enjoy a drink and chat about the day’s adventures. And quench your thirst with the complimentary cocktail and snacks served daily at sunset.

Two women sit in the Jungle Perch at Silky Oaks Lodge — The Jungle Perch wraps you in rainforest views.

Dinner in the restaurant is reserved for in-house guests only and wines are matched with dinner every evening. It would be remiss not to raise a glass to this sophisticated setting with a Queensland quencher either inside the restaurant or at the adjoining bar.

Bartender making cocktails at Treehouse Bar — Make a visit to the Treehouse Bar.

What experiences can we have at Silky Oaks Lodge?

One of the best things to do when you are staying at the newly reinvented Silky Oaks Lodge is to sit on your balcony, close your eyes and listen. What you’re about to hear is your welcome forest fanfare. From the rippling chirp of the bridled honeyeater to the unmistakable crack of the whipbird, a stay at Silky Oaks Lodge is akin to listening to a Sound Cloud of the ancient rainforest.

The balcony set up in the Billabong Suite — The generous-sized balcony of the Billabong Suite is the perfect spot to relax.

Grab an e-bike and cycle into Mossman or Cooya Beach on quiet country roads fringed with fields of sugar cane. There are also snorkels for use for those who would like to drift down the river and find freshwater turtles and fish. Don’t worry, there are no crocodiles in the Mossman River as the water is too cool (save the croc sightings for the river cruise.). Self-guided walks to Fig Tree Rapids are also an option. One of the new immersive experiences on offer at Silky Oaks is the Rock Art Heli Tour led by a Kuku Yalanji guide to an exclusive location on the Cape York Peninsula.

A woman sits on a rock in Mossman River — Mossman River is a serene spot for a swim.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

The eco accommodation at Silky Oaks Lodge includes a dedicated wheelchair and mobility-accessible Rainforest Retreat. The suite is located near to the main reception area and features level ramp access to reach the main central areas of the lodge.

Balcony view of Rainforest Retreat at Silky Oaks Lodge — The Rainforest Retreat features a balcony with hammock to give the illusion you’re swaying from the trees.

Wheelchair access can also be arranged during daily guided walks around the lodge but the terrain may be wet and steeply inclined in places. There are no handrails along the bush path. The lower level of the swimming pool is accessible via a couple of steps with a handrail. Those with mobility issues can be escorted to the area in a motorised golf buggy.

Is Silky Oaks Lodge family-friendly?

Children under the age of 10 are not allowed to stay at Silky Oaks Lodge due to the potential dangers associated with staying amid such a wild jungle environment. Yep it’s a jungle out there. Those who do bring their children aged over 10 tend to be more thoughtful travellers who encourage their kids to put down their devices and notice the silvery threadwork of a spiderweb. Or try and spot some of the unique wildlife of the Daintree such as the Lumholtz tree kangaroo, sugar glider or southern cassowary. Silky Oaks Lodge is also popular for multigenerational getaways and special occasions.

Details

A stay at the Luxury Lodges of Australia property starts from $1300 per night in a rainforest retreat which includes breakfast and a la carte dinners. There is also a range of packages available at Silky Oaks Lodge including the three-night Silky Escape, priced from $1170 per night. The Rainforest to Reef package, priced from $4500 for a minimum stay of three nights, also includes two bonus adventures in the region.

Reception of Silky Oaks Lodge — Follow the boardwalk to the reception.

Getting to Silky Oaks Lodge

Silky Oaks Lodge is easily accessible from Cairns Airport with direct daily flights to and from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Uluru. The scenic drive from Cairns is also one of the most popular road trips in Australia.

For more nearby accommodation options, read our guide to Cape Tribulation accommodation.

City buzz, gourmet trails, surf breaks and art scenes are all at your fingertips.

When it comes to planning a trip, picking a holiday destination is the easy part. The real dilemma is where to set yourself up for the night. Do you go coastal, city, or countryside? Somewhere remote and rugged, or right in the action? Luckily, the Sunshine Coast, and huge number of amazing Sunshine Coast day trips, have kindly made the choice for you.

Ditch the hotel-hopping and suitcase-lugging. Instead, base yourself at Novotel Sunshine Coast or Mantra Mooloolaba , where big-city culture, vine-covered valleys, and theme parks are all within a two-hour drive.

1. Sunshine Coast to Brisbane

Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes (105km)

Shake off the sand from your sandals and swap the beach for the throb of the Queensland capital. Ease in gently with a bougainvillea-filled stroll through South Bank, iced latte in hand, before cooling off at Streets Beach lagoon – Brisbane’s answer to the coast (but without the waves).

Once firmly in big-city mode, hit up the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) , home to Australia’s largest collection of modern and contemporary artworks. Dive into the past at the Queensland Museum, where prehistoric fossils of Australian dinosaurs and megafauna collide with First Nations cultural collections and interactive science exhibits.

All this learning got you hungry? Howard Smith Wharves calls. Here, riverside dining delivers breweries with meat-forward menus, Japanese fine dining and overwater bars. If you’ve got room for more, Fortitude Valley’s shopping boutiques await you and your wallet.

woman walking around Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) — Wander the Gallery of Modern Art. (Image: TEQ)

2. Sunshine Coast to the Scenic Rim

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (170km)

Make your way inland to the Scenic Rim for the state’s best vineyards and age-old volcanic slopes. Start your day early (like, sparrow’s breakfast early) at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park . Here, take a treetop walk through the canopy and hand-feed the wild birds who flock here.

Next, it’s your turn to eat. Here, the food scene operates where locally sourced produce is an expectation, not an exception. Order a picnic basket crammed with regional wine and cheese to devour next to the creek at Canungra Valley Vineyards . Or perhaps a grazing platter of vegan and non-vegan cheeses at Witches Falls Winery .

Feeling bold? Tackle the Twin Falls circuit in Springbrook National Park. Or keep the gourmet life going with a Scenic Rim Brewery tasting paddle, best enjoyed while taking in the rise of the Great Dividing Range.

woman with cheese and wine at Witches Falls Winery — Enjoy a cheese platter at Witches Falls Winery. (Image: TEQ)

3. Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast

Drive time: 2 hours (180km)

Surf, sand and sparkling skylines might be the Gold Coast’s MO, but there’s more to Surfers Paradise and beyond. Kick things off with a beachfront coffee at Burleigh Heads, then hike through Burleigh Head National Park to look over the ocean and whale sightings (dependent on the season, of course).

Cool off in the calm waters of Tallebudgera Creek before chowing down on the famously buttery Moreton Bay bug rolls at Rick Shores . Travelling with the kids? Then you can’t miss Australia’s theme park capital, with Dreamworld ’s big rides and Warner Bros. Movie World ’s Hollywood treatment at hand to keep the family entertained.

aerial view of Tallebudgera Creek — Dive into Tallebudgera Creek. (Image: TEQ)

4. Sunshine Coast to Tweed Heads

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (200km)

Dare to cross enemy lines? Then welcome to New South Wales. Tweed Heads blends the laid-back attitude of the Northern Rivers with high-quality dining, experimental art, and farm-fresh indulgence – a combo worth the drive.

Start strong with a long, lazy brunch at Tweed River House , then swing by Tropical Fruit World for exotic finds like red dragon fruit, handfuls of lychees and black sapote. Next, hit M|Arts Precinct – an art deco hub of micro galleries, artist workshops and one-off boutiques.

Round off the day with sunset drinks at Husk Distillers among the glowing cane fields, and order one with their famous Ink Gin. You’ll thank us later.

exterior of Husk Distillers — Taste the famous Ink Gin at Husk Distillers. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Drive time: 1 hour (70km)

Strap on those hiking boots and make tracks inland, where volcanic peaks, misty rainforest and hinterland townships beckon. Ease in with the Glass House Mountains Lookout Walk, or, if you have energy to burn, tackle the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk for a 360-degree sight of the surrounding summits.

Next: Montville. This township delivers European-style architecture and old-world appeal. Nearby, settle in at Flame Hill Vineyard, where a large pour of estate-grown wine comes with encompassing views of the countryside.

Not ready to leave the hinterland villages just yet? Of course not. Meander past art galleries and indie shops at Maleny. Nab some fudge from Sweets on Maple for a sweet fix. Or go salty at Maleny Dairies with a farm tour and a chunky wedge of their deliciously creamy cheese.

End the day among the eucalypts and rainforests of Kondalilla National Park. Here, the Kondalilla Falls Circuit winds down through trees humming with life to a rock pool beneath a waterfall – as if designed for soaking tired feet before heading back to the coast.

view of Mount Ngungun on the scenic rim queensland — Take on the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your Sunshine home base at all.com.

A luxe treetop stay at Silky Oaks Lodge is drenched in serenity