Silky Oaks Lodge provides a hub for the many wonderful adventures and discoveries on offer in Tropical North Queensland. Within easy reach are Mossman Gorge, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef – Port Douglas – and the magnificent wilderness of Cape Tribulation. To the west lies the Atherton Tablelands, the last frontier that divides the coast from the vast Queensland outback.
The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area has so much to offer and guests can tailor-design an itinerary including special interest tours to discover the mysteries of the ancient rainforest and richly diverse tropical landscape. While the riverside setting at Silky Oaks Lodge invites leisurely pursuits on-site including yoga, self-guided walks and river explorations.
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Guided morning yoga classes take a gentle pace and suit all fitness and experience levels. Held in an open-air pavilion, cares slip away with the gentle sounds of the Mossman River.
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Cruise the Daintree River in search of the mighty estuarine crocodiles. At Mossman Gorge, wander along rainforest trails and take dip in a crystal-clear swimming hole, considered a Daintree must-do.
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Daintree River wildlife expert David White is well-accustomed to the nuances of the waterway and his ability to spot the ‘locals’ is impressive, aided by his whisper-quiet zero emmission vessel.
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Sail into the sunset onboard a luxury catamaran and cool drink in-hand, watch as the sky turns pink, the sea ripples with gold and the mountains beyond transform to striking silhouettes.
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Snorkel and dive the premiere locations on the Great Barrier Reef, Agincourt and Opal Reefs, guided by PADI Dive Masters, for an unforgettable day spent exploring beneath the waves.
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Ramble through the rainforest to Cape Tribulation for a day of guided walks, river cruising, wildlife watching, waterhole swims, tea-house dining and icecream eating – this fun and immersive trip has it all.
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Join Walkabout Cultural Adventures to discover the Kuku Yalanji people’s deep connection with Country at Mossman Gorge, learn about bush foods and medicines and try traditional Aboriginal hunting techniques.
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Exploring the natural oasis of the Mossman River is as easy as sinking into the billabong for a refreshing dip, or taking a snorkel for a closer look down below.
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Soar over the Daintree National Park with its jungle-cloaked peaks, fly out to hover above the stunning Great Barrier Reef, or combine both World Heritage-listed wonders in an unforgettable round-trip.
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Silky Oaks Lodge offers guests a daily courtesy shuttle service to and from Port Douglas. It’s an easy option to explore the pretty resort town with its strip of restaurants and shops.
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Guests at Silky Oaks have the chance to learn about the Indigenous culture of the local Kuku Yalanji people who have lived in the Daintree continuously and have a deep connection with the country. Guests gain a first-person understanding of the stories and meanings of the region on guided Ngadiku Dreamtime walks and through traditional activities like the Welcome to Country smoking ceremony.
Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1988, the Daintree Rainforest is home to some 3,000 plant species, while rare and diverse wildlife thrives in the region. Guests spot green possums and sly crocodiles submerged in the river. It’s a thrill to see the shy Boyd’s Forest Dragon or the striking Southern Cassowary. The region is home to a quarter of Australia’s frog population and more than a third of the nation’s freshwater fish. The Daintree also has one of the world’s largest butterfly colonies, making for exceedingly pretty walks through the forest.
The Daintree region, extending from the Great Barrier Reef off the east coast to the Atherton Tablelands in the west, offers a surprisingly diverse harvest of tropical fruits, locally grown coffee and chocolate, fresh-caught seafood and prime beef, vegetables and organic grains. The Silky Oaks kitchen team takes this premium produce and incorporates local bush ingredients used in traditional Indigenous cooking to create sophisticated menus that deliver a real taste of the Daintree. Read about our Dining Philosophy.
Part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area, the Daintree climate is characterised by two distinct seasons: the dry season and the green season. Part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area, the Daintree climate is characterised by two distinct seasons: the dry season and the green season.
(APRIL – NOVEMBER)
The dry season runs from April to November. Warm days and cool nights offer lower humidity and pleasant temperatures. The ocean is free of marine stingers during this time, so it's an ideal time to cool off with a swim or explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Boating adventures are a chance to spot majestic whales – including Humpbacks and Minkes – as they migrate from the south to chill-out in Queensland’s warm, clear waters.
Temperatures range from 19–30°C.
(DECEMBER – MARCH)
December to March is known as the green season, as the days and nights are hot with frequent cooling showers. Clouds hang low over the mountains and the forest landscape is refreshingly green. There are plenty of sunny, beach-going days during these summer months. Add epic waterfalls, active wildlife and the fact that it's mango and lychee season and there are plenty of reasons to give the go ahead on a green season stay.
Temperatures range from 22–32°C.
Silky Oaks Lodge is centrally located to several of the Daintree’s main attractions, at just 20 minutes’ drive from Port Douglas (22 km) and 80 minutes’ drive north of Cairns Airport (78 km). The magnificent wilderness of Cape Tribulation is 68 km north – or around an hour’s drive – of the lodge.
Silky Oaks Lodge is set on 32 hectares (80 acres) of pristine rainforest above the gently flowing Mossman River, approximately 80 minutes’ drive from Cairns and 20 minutes from Port Douglas, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Step inside
The open-air restaurant and bar welcome in the peaceful sights and sounds of the rainforest, creating an extraordinary backdrop for relaxed fine dining. Menus are contemporary Australian in style with Asian influences, designed to be refreshing and light.
Whet your appetite
Inspired by ancient beliefs that celebrate water in the Mossman River as a renewing and life-giving force, the multi award-winning Healing Waters Spa offers six treatment rooms with rainforest or river views, including a couples room and Vichy showers.
Heaven awaits