Wake up to the sounds of the rainforest, begin your day with sunrise yoga and finish with a sunset sail over the Coral Sea.
The past few years have changed the way many of us think about wellness. Travellers crave more from their experiences, seeking getaways that allow them to properly pause from the demands of daily life. This is the essence of Silky Oaks Lodge’s new Silky Sanctuary three-night wellness retreat taking place within a 180-million-year-old ancient rainforest.
Enjoy the physical and mental benefits of yoga. (Tourism & Events Queensland)
This October, Silky Oaks Lodge – part of the Baillie Lodges luxury portfolio – is hosting a fresh wellness itinerary alongside holistic health coach and yoga teacher Emily Spurling of Karma Being at their Daintree Rainforest property. Guests will experience daily yoga, meditation, breathwork, rainforest bathing (Shinrin-yoku), a guided walk in Mossman Gorge and a sunset cruise with Sailaway on the Coral Sea in a program curated to restore, reconnect and rejuvenate.
Nourishing meals are included and made using fresh greens and local native ingredients that are freshly picked from the onsite kitchen garden. These are to be enjoyed in the Treehouse Restaurant, which boasts lush views of the rainforest.
Take a refreshing dip in the lodge’s onsite lagoon-style pool. (Tourism & Events Queensland)
Between sessions, guests are free to explore the Daintree at their own pace. The Daintree is the oldest continuously living rainforest in the world, filled with rich biodiversity, cascading waterfalls, swimming holes and unique Australian fauna. In other words, it’s an idyllic spot to unwind and reconnect with nature and oneself. Swim in the nearby Mossman River, embark on one of many picturesque forest walks or hop on a complimentary e-bike, marvelling at the pristine surrounds.
At the end of the day, retreat to one of 14 luxurious, treehouse-style suites with private balconies and open-air baths that look out to the landscape.
Luxury awaits in one of the treetop rooms. (Tourism & Events Queensland)
Whether you’re looking to reconnect on a couple’s getaway or for your next couple’s to, or embark on a solo journey of self-discovery, this new itinerary is sure to leave you feeling revitalised.
The retreat will take place from October 9 to Sunday, October 12. Rates from AU$ 6,090 for two guests.
Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?
Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and Hotel Addict. She's responsible for the foundational content on AustralianTraveller.com, helping to manage and grow the brand’s destination guides. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love and Bed Threads. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
Ancient rainforest, coral reefs, laid-back luxury and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Port Douglas offers a side of Australia unlike anywhere else.
Mornings in Port Douglas start with a beautiful symphony. As day breaks, the lyrical calls of Rainbow Lorikeets, cries of the sulphur-crested cockatoos and rhythmic Coral Sea waves create a colourful soundtrack for Tropical North Queensland’s sunrise. If there’s one place in Australia that captures the sweet spot between luxury and laid-back living, it’s here. This small, seaside village has just enough glamour to feel indulgent and just enough barefoot charm to make you feel like you’ve escaped the chaos of everyday life.
Whether you’re diving into the warm waters on Four Mile Beach or enjoying an ice-cold drink and a Barramundi burger overlooking the marina, Port Douglas offers more than just a seaside holiday.
Local gourmet goodies
Nab an open-air table beneath a canopy of palms at Nautilus. (Image: Toby Stanley)
The tropical food scene in Port Douglas is influenced by the rich agricultural regions surrounding it, with fresh produce arriving daily from nearby farms and tropical growers across the region. At Nautilus – a hidden, palm-fringed restaurant just off Macrossan Street – the menu showcases regional flavours. Its Signature Nautilus Mango Soufflé is a long-time favourite.
Nearby, Hi-Tide by the Beach offers a relaxed way beachfront dining experience overlooking the Coral Sea. From crocodile and lemon myrtle spring rolls to wild barramundi and a volcanic hot stone steak, taste the diverse flavours of Tropical North Queensland.
Visitors can also explore the region’s local markets. Port Douglas Markets offers artisan products and tropical treats each Sunday, while the Saturday morning Mossman Markets is the place for fresh local produce from the surrounding farming community.
Just outside of Port Douglas, Ospreys at Thala Beach Nature Reserve has one of the region’s most memorable dining outlooks. Perched on a small headland between rainforest and sea, take in views across the coastline and mountains while you dine. The seasonal menu highlights local seafood, tropical fruits and native ingredients sourced from across the region
Travelling with young humans
Catch a spectacle at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. (Credit: TTNQ)
Port Douglas caters for all types of visitors, but families especially love the walkable streets, wide beaches and range of activities nearby. An attraction that never fails to delight all ages is Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – a wildlife sanctuary and ecotourism park with some of the region’s largest crocodiles. Here, you’ll also find koalas, cassowaries, turtles and other Australian wildlife.
For something slower paced, sit back and enjoy a tranquil visit aboard the historic Lady Douglas River Cruise. Glide along the calm waters of Dickson Inlet, keeping an eye out for birdlife and estuarine crocodiles along the mangroves. Children can take part in activity sheets onboard and even have the opportunity to help steer the boat.
This region is also deeply connected to Indigenous culture, and a Dreamtime Walk is one way to learn about it. Discover the stories, traditions and connection to Country of the local Kuku Yalanji people from local Indigenous guides, while exploring the rainforest and waters of Mossman Gorge.
Exploring local waterways
Walk along the peaceful Cooya Beach. (Credit: TTNQ)
Join a guided tour with Walkabout Cultural Adventures to explore the peaceful Cooya Beach. Led by deeply knowledgeable local Aboriginal guides, try seasonal local bush tucker, take in the beautiful landscape and gain insight into the history, culture and traditions of this land.
Surrounded by dense canopy and ancient species, nearby Hartley’s Creek Falls are at their finest after rain. These beautiful falls are reached via a lush rainforest walk that winds through creek crossings, towering greenery and moss-covered boulders.
To swim where the locals swim, head out past local farms and into the foothills of the Mossman River to Shannonvale – a low-key freshwater swimming hole surrounded by sun-warmed rocks and deep pockets of clear water. It’s a quiet area to spend a few hours retreating from the world.
Adrenaline adventures
Take to the ocean with Sailaway Port Douglas. (Credit: TTNQ)
One of the most high-octane ways to enjoy the nature of Tropical North Queensland is white-water rafting down the impressive Barron River. With Grade two and Grade three rapids, expect plenty of splashing, some teamwork, and a few moments where everyone in the raft screams and laughs at the same time.
Join Back Country Bliss for the most unique floating experience you’ll ever encounter. Head into the rainforest and float along the serene Mossman River on your individual board, taking in the sights and sounds of the ancient landscape around you.
If you prefer ocean swimming, Sailaway Port Douglas explores the idyllic Low Isles and the outer reef on their snorkelling tours. Enjoy the Great Barrier Reef from above or below and look out for coral gardens, giant clams, colourful reef fish and, if you’re lucky, sea turtles.
For land-lovers, the Devil’s Thumb is a challenging but rewarding hike with incredible views over the coast and endless cane fields. This 10km return hike will take around six to eight hours, so leave a whole day and pack snacks!
Experiences that give back
See the rainforest from above on The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. (Credit: TTNQ)
With two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland rainforest region – it’s not surprising Tropical North Queensland is a hub for eco-tourism. The stunning Daintree Ecolodge was founded on the principles of minimising environmental impact, supporting the local community and teaching guests about the local Indigenous culture. Their elevated rainforest-style ‘bayans’ are tucked among the trees, bringing nature into every part of a guest’s stay.
Further down the coast, the luxury bungalows and treetop hideaways of Thala Beach Nature Reserve are dotted across 45 acres of protected headland, forest and beach. The property’s design intentionally preserves large areas of native vegetation and beachfront ecosystem, while conserving the surrounding habitat. The private beach and various swimming pools offer a cool retreat from the heat of the day, while the main lodge offers the perfect place to read and relax.
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a 7.5-kilometre cableway between Cairns and nearby Kuranda, has won multiple tourism and environmental awards. It’s also the first tourism attraction in the world to achieve Platinum EarthCheck Accreditation, for its long-term environmental management and sustainability initiatives.
