Silky Oaks Lodge
People & Purpose
Guests travel to Silky Oaks Lodge for a first-hand experience of fragile, valuable ecosystems like the Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef. These ecosystems have been under the custodianship of the Kuku Yalanji for some 50,000 years. Their culture is built around a deep respect for nature and an intimate knowledge of its cycles, passed down through generations. View case study
Kuku Yalanji artists were commissioned to produce a nine-metre-long ceramic artwork, made up of 40 individual pieces, which adorns the Silky Oaks Lodge entrance.
Kuku Yalanji guides can take Silky Oaks Lodge guests on exploratory adventures in the rainforest, explaining traditional uses of plants and sharing both modern and Dreamtime stories of the region.
The Silky Oaks Lodge menus incorporate Indigenous flavours as well as lush tropical fruits and nuts, organic produce from the nearby Atherton Tablelands and seafood from the Coral Sea. The lodge’s culinary team works almost exclusively with local suppliers to champion the bounty of organic and sustainable produce harvested in Tropical North Queensland’s rich food bowl, minimise food miles, and to support the local community and economy.
An extensive kitchen garden on site further minimises food miles and carbon emissions. The thriving garden boasts more than 100 plant types, including Indigenous edible ingredients such as the Mt White finger lime, red dragon fruit, pandan and tamarind.
“One of the most valuable opportunities for tourism is the ability to give guests a first-hand experience of fragile, valuable ecosystems like the Daintree and Great Barrier Reef. Through education comes a greater understanding of the need for protection and conservation.”
Ben Brown, Silky Oaks Lodge General Manager
Silky Oaks Lodge is perfectly positioned to connect guests with the region’s extraordinary wilderness areas, from the Daintree Rainforest to Cape Tribulation as well as the world’s largest coral reef system, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.
From Silky Oaks Lodge there are extensive hiking trails leading into the rainforest, or guests can swim or snorkel – spotting freshwater turtles and jungle perch – in the clear waters of the Mossman River.
Now surrounded by lush rainforest, the 80-acre Silky Oaks Lodge property was heavily logged up until the early 1900s. But extensive replanting in the early 1990s – when around 200 endangered native rainforest species were gradually reintroduced – regenerated the rainforest.
Today, the forest surrounding the lodge boasts 74 species of mammals (including tree kangaroos and koalas); 150 species of reptiles; and 330 species of birds, including the giant cassowary. Self-guided walks enable guests to learn about the rainforest ecosystem and the importance of its conservation.
OUR LITTLE WHITE BOOK
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.