Imagine staying in an ancient rainforest over 180 million years old where dinosaurs used to roam. I was SO excited to stay at Silky Oaks Lodge, one of the lodges under the Baillie group.
Getting there
We drove from Cairns which took about 3 hours to get there alongside the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest which was a bit longer than usual due to cyclone damage from Cyclone Jasper earlier in the year.
Season
We went during the green season which is December to March, with hot days and nights and frequent cool showers. As soon as we got there the first thing we realised was that we were constantly having to use the windscreen wiper because of the humidity. From what I know, there’s not much you can do about this because when we asked the staff at the lodge they said the only way you can stop the condensation forming is to keep the inside of the car the same temperature as the outside.
Welcome and check in
As soon as we parked, a staff member transported our bags to the room on a buggy, allowing us time to unwind and settle in. We were then guided to the main lodge area for check-in. During the process, we received a comprehensive overview of the lodge and its facilities, along with a confirmation of any activities we had booked for our stay. It was incredibly refreshing to be offered a cold towel in the hot, humid weather, and even better to choose a drink and snacks while we enjoyed the view of the Mossman River.
Room tour
A staff member will walk you to your room and show you the amenities. We found many additional items in the room that we hadn’t thought to bring like a backpack, torches and umbrellas, so it was fortunate the staff provided them. The room exudes casual luxury and is well-equipped with everything you might need in the rainforest. There’s a balcony with a hammock for relaxation, and the interior is air-conditioned for escaping the humidity. The bathroom has all the necessary amenities and plenty of towels. However, the shower and toilet being separated by a glass wall is a bit awkward. The highlight of the room is the outdoor bathtub, which sits on the deck below the trees.
Silky Oaks Grounds
Pool
The rock-lined pool, situated beneath the trees, is located on the way into reception, providing a refreshing stop amidst the lush surroundings.
Near the pool there is an area where the pathway widens and there are many white butterflies flying around which is no surprise because Daintree is home to one of the world’s largest butterfly colonies.
Laundry
Adjacent to the pool, you’ll find the laundry facilities. Whether you prefer to wash your clothes yourself or have the staff take care of it for $50, you won’t need to bring too much with you for your stay.
Treehouse restaurant
The main lodge area is an open space with tall ceilings that allow you to see the tops of the trees, offering a beautiful way to experience the rainforest. It also provides a grand view of the Mossman River. This is where you have complimentary dinner and breakfast each day. You can book dinner times when you have breakfast or during check-in. The staff here are excellent, getting to know you by name and learning your likes and dislikes during your stay.
Dinner
Dinner was in the Treehouse restaurant and staff always endeavoured to get us a spot right next to the river so we could watch it as night descended over us. They really did not skimp on anything. It was a full 4 course meal with bread to start and a starter before the Entrees. Some of these dishes were also just so yummy and although I’m not really a dessert person, I ate it all up.
Breakfast
In the mornings, breakfast is a buffet affair with lots of really fresh local fruits and an a la carte menu to choose from as well. Our favourite was the bacon and egg roll with extra avocado. It had a home made tomato chutney made by the head chef and was seriously one of the best bacon and egg rolls I’d ever had.
Jungle Perch bar
Besides the complimentary alcoholic beverages in your fridge, Silky Oaks has happy hour every night in the Jungle Perch Bar before dinner with free cocktails and wines. The fun part was that they had a different cocktail of the night each evening that heroed local ingredients.
Kubirri Lounge (also known as the library)
The air-conditioned area, shielded from the elements, is ideal for various activities. It’s a popular spot for business meetings and also perfect for taking photos.
Gym
The air-conditioned room comes equipped with everything you might need, including water and towels. Though it is a bit small, we didn’t end up using it much because our days were so packed with activities.
Gardens
Next to the gym and neatly organised, there’s a beautifully maintained garden where you can see the plants and herbs used in the lodge’s cooking. This garden offers a glimpse into the fresh, local ingredients that enhance the culinary experience.
Retail shop
The shop is located next to the reception area and offers a variety of local goods and items found in your room, as well as essentials like insect repellent and bug bite ointment.
Yoga pavilion
Located next to the bathrooms in the main lodge area, the yoga pavilion overlooks the Mossman Gorge. It offers a peaceful ambiance, allowing you to look out into the forest while practicing yoga.
River front
Wander down the steps next to the yoga pavilion, and you’ll find a serene area where you can use some of the tubes or relax on the deck chairs. Keep in mind that the river height may change depending on the season and weather events.
Spa
We enjoyed a massage and mud bath, which was incredibly relaxing and unique, as they used mud from the rainforest. The experience also included snacks and drinks, and we had the opportunity to use the rain shower after the bath.
Overall experience
We enjoyed our stay at Silky Oaks a lot, and it was so exciting to stay in the rainforest. It was a unique experience to see such ancient trees and we could imagine the ancient creatures that used to roam here.
Ange on a plane 
Leave a comment