We acknowledge and pay respect to the Kuku Yalanji people, the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which Silky Oaks Lodge stands. In sharing elements of their history, heritage and culture we acknowledge the Kuku Yalanji people of the Daintree and their connections to Country.
“There is no question of being impervious to the environment here. The lodge borders the Daintree National Park, home to 74 species of mammals, twice as many types of reptiles and amphibians, and 330 kinds of birds…/t’s a companionable destination of appropriate luxury and lots of creature comforts…”
Along the coastline north of the Daintree River, tropical rainforest grows right down to the edge of the sea. There are 18 Aboriginal clan groups in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. In the Daintree the Traditional Owners are the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people.
The rainforest area, named after geologist and photographer Richard Daintree, is loosely defined as the area between the Mossman Gorge and the Bloomfield River. It contains 30% of the frog, reptile and marsupial species in Australia, and 65% of Australia’s bat and butterfly species. 18% of bird species in the country can be found in this area. There are also more than 12,000 species of insects. All of this diversity is contained within an area that takes up 0.1% of the landmass of Australia.
Experience the tranquillity and cool, green spirit of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, the oldest refugial rainforest on the planet.
The diverse landscape of the Daintree region comprises a great variety of vegetation including complex mangroves, coastal heathlands, widespread eucalypt woodlands and the most luxuriant tropical rainforest in Australia.
The Daintree contains plant life representing some of the earliest land plants such as ancient cycads and conifers from the Jurassic period. It also contains primitive angiosperms which are the flowering plant families that are known as fossil plants representing among others original eucalypts, citrus, holly, heath and mistletoes to name a few.
The Daintree is home to a great variety of mammals and birds, many of which are not found anywhere else in Australia such as the southern cassowary and Bennett’s tree kangaroo.
November to April is generally the wet season in the Daintree with frequent tropical rain, high humidity and hotter days and nights. Unwind with early morning yoga classes, indulge in the Healing Waters Spa, take lazy swims in the billabong or soak up the stunning rainforest and river vistas while relaxing in a hammock.
The Daintree experiences a tropical climate, transitioning from the wet season to the dry season during autumn. Average daily temperatures hover around 30°C with overnight temperatures of 23°C . Explore extensive hiking trails along the Mossman River or take a helicopter tour to discover hidden waterfalls or the wonders of the nearby Great Barrier Reef.
Winter is remarkably warm and dry with low humidity. Temperatures rarely exceed 30°C and provide ideal exploring conditions. Take an Aboriginal Dreamtime walk at Mossman Gorge, tour the Daintree River marvelling at the diverse flora and birdlife or experience drift snorkelling along the Mossman River.
Spring brings warm days and nights with increasing gentle humidity. Temperatures remain comfortable under the rainforest canopy in the Daintree. Head out on an e-bike or guided walk or enjoy an indulgent spa treatment at Healing Waters Spa, followed by sundowners in the Jungle Perch.
The nearest international and domestic airport is Cairns Airport. Silky Oaks Lodge is a 70-minute drive north of Cairns Airport.
Helicopter transfers are available from Cairns Airport to the Silky Oaks helipad and take 20 minutes’.
The nearest international and domestic airport is Cairns Airport. Silky Oaks Lodge is a 70-minute drive north of Cairns Airport by limousine or private car transfer via a third party operator, and a 20-minute drive from Port Douglas via The Silky Oaks Lodge shuttle.
The Luxury Lodges of Australia brochure has become a treasured and widely recognisable ‘go to’ for Australian experiential luxury, enjoyed both online and in printed form at our lodges. The brochure is available to view or download in eight languages below.
