Rainforest treehouse lodge
Open-sided timber pavilions hover above the Mossman River, enveloped by ancient banyans and the dense green canopy of the Daintree.
“Its 40 treehouse-style rooms are built mostly from timber, with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to private decks.”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Stilted Queenslander-style architecture brings skillion roofs, quartzite accents, and timber verandas.
Remarkable
First Nations Kuku Yalanji guides lead walking trails through the ancient Daintree Rainforest.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Australasia & South Pacific
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in The 50 Discovery, AFAR and Tatler.
Timber-clad suites stretch into the trees, with hammocks and stone tubs angled toward the green. A few even come with open-air fireplaces
“Silky Oaks seamlessly merges adventure and luxury. The North Queensland ecolodge sits at the intersection of the 180 million-year-old Daintree Rainforest and the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.”
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Marked wilderness trails start directly outside the lodge, positioned along the Mossman River twenty minutes north of Port Douglas.
The rooms
Stilted treehouses open to wide verandas with double hammocks, custom wood furnishings, and outdoor soaking tubs framed by ancient jungle greenery.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
River boulders line the freeform lagoon pool, where a rock waterfall flows beneath the tropical canopy.
The baths
Sunken stone soaking tubs and Vichy showers open through sliding doors to the surrounding rainforest greenery.
The spa
Healing Waters Spa uses Australian clay and Sodashi botanicals in treatment pavilions looking out onto the trees.
Treehouse Restaurant
Open-sided timber decks hover over the Mossman River rapids, serving regional dishes grown from the lodge garden.
each of the 40 rooms across six categories have been designed to smoothly blend into the landscape with smooth timber and floor-to-ceiling windows…
At the table
Low-lit green tiles line the bar, where evening cocktails and house gin flow above the river.
How it began
Founded in 1985, this riverfront hideaway was completely reimagined in 2021 by Baillie Lodges with architecture inspired by classic Queenslander homesteads.
“The lodge sits along the banks of the Mossman River on 100 acres of land that neighbor the UNESCO-designated Daintree Rainforest.”
Good to know
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Silky Oaks Lodge
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.