An Authentic Rainforest Retreat in Australia
If you’re visiting the Great Barrier Reef during your next trip to Australia, then I highly recommend adding Silky Oaks Lodge to your stay. It’s just 30 minutes from Port Douglas, where you can access the reef, yet it offers a completely different and amazing experience!
Cocooned in the Daintree Rainforest downstream from Mossman Gorge, Silky Oaks features luxe treehouses and suites set around an amazing open-air lodge, day spa, and lagoon pool. I was lucky enough to stay here during my most recent trip to Australia, and it was one of the most authentic and unique Australian experiences I have had to date.
Silky Oaks Lodge seen from the river. Image: Luxury Lodges of Australia
Surrounded by trees and vegetation, the treehouse-style rooms are romantic and cozy. The rooms are built on stilts and nestled into the trees, with a tropical-luxe style that blends perfectly into the environment. Instead of numbers, the rooms bear a name inspired by the wildlife in the area (I had the Wallaby room). Each one comes with a balcony and hammock, and when you splurge for the riverside suites, you’ll have the tranquil sounds of the water echoing through your room, adding to the serene tropical forest feel.
Room with a hammock. Image: Luxury Lodges of Australia
The forest immersion extends to the common areas, as well. Suspended above the Mossman River, the open-sided, split-level Treehouse restaurant offers engaging views of the forest. The menu is modern Australian cuisine, with everything made from scratch, from bread and jams to ice creams and cakes. The freshly made coconut yogurt was a great addition to my morning fruit salad! You’ll also find local delicacies such as barramundi, crocodile, passion fruit, and Tasmanian oysters on the menu. While in-house guests get seated first, they will take bookings for people not staying at the lodge if space allows. So even if you’re staying elsewhere in the area, I recommend making a reservation!
View from Treehouse Restaurant
One of the highlights of my stay was the chance to swim in the freshwater river at two billabong locations. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to spend the day being active outdoors, there’s plenty to do here: Canoes, kayaks, snorkels, and bikes are available for complimentary use, and there are two signposted hiking trails, plus a guided group walk at dusk. Onsite, there’s also a tennis court, gym, complimentary yoga by the river, and a lagoon-style swimming pool.
Exploring the Mossman River
Beautiful Mossman River scenery
If the spa is more your style, you’ll love soaking up the tranquility of this unique environment in the Healing Waters Spa, which has seven treatment rooms and offers therapies using Australian Sodashi beauty products.
Whether you’re an adventurer, foodie, or relaxation seeker, Silky Oaks is the perfect rainforest retreat and a great way to add unique Australian flavor to your trip. Give me a call if you’d like to learn more!
Ready to plan your trip to Australia? Use our trip planner to search for vacation packages, or send me a message at vmassey@downunderendeavours.com to start building your trip of a lifetime!