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.

This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.

White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.

pool at The Sundays Hamilton Island — Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.

Laid-back luxury

The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.

This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.

Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.

Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.

balcony view from room at The Sundays — Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views

Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.

Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.

Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.

inside a room at The Sundays — Stylish rooms feature natural, soothing tones. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Excellent activities and amenities

Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.

Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.

Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.

Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.

aerial shot of The Sundays pool and catseye beach — Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Delectable dining

What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club .

Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.

“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.

table spread including a lobster dish from Catseye Pool Club, The Sundays — Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.

A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.

view from catseye pool club at The Sundays hamilton island — Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Exploring the island

While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.

Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin .

Looking for more tasty treats? Visit one of the island’s restaurants – there are more than 20 to choose from.

Hikers on passage peak hike on hamilton island — Take on the beautiful hikes of Hamilton Island. (Image: Nick Leary)

Book your stay at The Sundays through hamiltonisland.com.au.

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