Lux Nomade checks into Silky Oaks Lodge for a Daintree Reset

Tucked deep in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest—where the trees are ancient and the Wi-Fi is blissfully optional—Silky Oaks Lodge is less a hotel and more a lush, grown-up treehouse fantasy. Waking up to the sound of the Mossman River rather than your alarm clock? Yes, please. From open-air bathtubs to gourmet dinners served under a canopy of stars, this is where barefoot luxury meets wild serenity. Spoiler: includes river drift-hiking.

Did you know the Daintree is the oldest rainforest in the world (not just Oz, but the world)? Me neither. Interesting huh.

Nestled in its lush treetops along the winding banks of the Mossman River sits the luxurious Silky Oaks Lodge, the perfect place to lose yourself in the tropics.

My body relaxed the moment I drove through the gates. The host greeted us, whisked away our bags, and guided us to lunch waiting in the kitchen garden, where everything is built around celebrating local, fresh produce.

Sipping a freshly made lemonade, I tucked into Daintree Barramundi, freshly picked vegetables with impossibly crispy, rich potatoes (I forgot to ask what wizardry they used, but they were dangerous).

Treehouse-style rooms

Afterwards, I strolled through winding forest paths to my treehouse-style room, where my bags were neatly delivered, my jacket hung up, and a jug of fresh local water sat waiting. I sprawled on the hammock on my balcony overlooking the river, letting the soundtrack of the rainforest wash over me.

Silky Oaks Lodge offers 40 treehouse‑style suites—from cosy Rainforest Retreats to the opulent two‑bedroom Daintree Pavilion—with wide verandas and outdoor spa baths. Guests enjoy a lagoon‑style pool, Healing Waters Spa, loaner bikes, a kitchen garden, guided walks, and daily transfers to Port Douglas.

After a quick rest, I geared up for what turned out to be one of the most magical experiences of my life…River drift-hiking on the Mossman.

Daintree River Cruise

Outfitted in a sexy wetsuit and booties with our river sleds in hand (picture a giant red Li-lo) we hiked upstream through shallow waters while our guides shared fascinating stories about this ancient place. And don’t worry, there are no crocs in this section, even if the rainforest seems to have a few other sketchy plants you shouldn’t eat.

Once we pushed off, lying back on my river sled, I watched the canopy drift past above me. My hands dragged through the crisp, crystal-clear water, surrounded by the sounds of trickling streams and birds. With nothing but the hush of nature around me, I found a kind of meditative peace I didn’t know I needed. There were a few little rapids needing a gentle steer, but otherwise it was effortless, slow floating bliss.

Everyone in our group of eight stepped out of this nature bath feeling calm and almost mesmerised. Perfect timing to head back to our rooms for a hot bath overlooking the forest. I’m not usually a “big bath” guy, but soaking in natural salts and honey while listening to the river and the birds was next level.

Paddock-to-plate menu at the Treehouse Restaurant

Feeling zen and borderline spaced-out, I drifted down to the open-air Treehouse Restaurant for dinner. The night kicked off with a refreshing, dry-style Mt Uncle Ooray gin mixed with Yuzu and soda, tasting of mango leaf and Daintree vanilla with a gentle peppery finish. From there, I moved on to a neat local rum with a touch of sweetness that could’ve seen me knock-off half the bottle. Don’t worry, I held back and let the team guide me through some excellent local wines instead.

Dinner was a highlight: head chef Matthew Fury’s paddock-to-plate menu showcased local fish, tender pork, and native Australian ingredients, changing constantly with the seasons. The service was impeccable with a special note to our host who had everyone on a first-name basis with drink orders on hand. While the others went matcha-inspired for dessert, I hit up the cheese board, washing it down with a sweet, nutty Pedro Ximenez.

I’m a sucker for details, so arriving back to my room with a calming essential oil blend and candle already burning for turndown was the perfect finishing touch.

The next morning, slightly dusty after enjoying that wine list a bit too much, I took a sunrise forest walk to clear my head. Moving through the cool air as the sun peeked through the canopy was the best reset I could ask for.

Breakfast back at the Treetop Restaurant brought more top-notch coffee, fresh juices, and an eggs Benedict where, again, the potato rosti stole the show. Whoever’s in charge of their potatoes deserves a medal.

Before checking out, we dipped into the river for a refreshing swim. It was a shockingly cold moment, but absolutely worth it. They say these waters are healing, and I felt that in my bones once the feeling came back to me. After a nourishing breakfast, a river dip, and a strong coffee, I was on my A-game again.

Getting Here

Getting to Silky Oaks Lodge is half the adventure—especially if you opt for the scenic self-drive from Cairns. The 80-minute journey winds along the Captain Cook Highway, where the rainforest meets the reef, before veering inland past sugarcane fields and sleepy towns. The roads are sealed and well-marked, making it an easy, enjoyable drive, even for first-timers. Once you arrive, you’re greeted by a luxury eco-retreat nestled beside the Mossman River. If you’re the kind of traveller who likes to set your own pace (and stop for roadside coconuts), driving is hands down the best way to arrive in style. Lux Nomade had the opportunity to review the new Polestar P3, which was the perfect car for the Far North Queensland trip.

Sadly, we only had a short stay and didn’t get to explore everything; there’s the reef, helicopter flights, and spa treatments using local healing wisdom, but if you want a total reset combining nature and understated luxury, just 90 minutes along the coastline from Cairns airport past Port Douglas, this is it.

For more information and bookings, visit https://silkyoakslodge.com.au/