Summary
When entering the Daintree Rainforest, of Queensland Australia, one instantly feels transported to another world of luxury, especially when staying at Silky Oaks Lodge.
One minute you are sipping an icy cold beer in the developed yet mellow beach town of Port Douglas, and the next you have entered the oldest surviving rainforest on earth.
Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest is 180 million years old, covering an area of 1200 km.
Walking through the ancient forest with our Indigenous guide from the Kuku Yalanji Tribe gives a sense of being in an exotic unexplored land.
Dreamtime Walk Through Daintree Rainforest
We met Harold (Aka Mooka) at the Mossman Gorge Visitors Centre, where we caught a bus to the entrance of the gorge.
While others proceeded to the regular paths open to visitors, we were part of a group doing the guided Dreamtime Gorge Walk.
This land is sacred, and unless you are with a member of the Kuku Yalanji, you are not permitted to enter.
Smoking Ceremony
Before beginning our walk, we participated in a smoking ceremony led by Mooka, circling around a smoldering fire to keep spirits and spells away.
There are spirits within this forest, and Mooka must ask permission to bring us along.
What to See in the Daintree Rainforest
During our 1.5-hour walk, we learned about plant life, medicinal healing, and an ancient way of life passed down through generations.
Mooka grew up with his grandparents in this forest and was chosen among his siblings to learn the ways of his elders. He shared that numerous people have come to him for healing, having cured many ailments even when all hope seemed lost.
Everything necessary for survival exists in the rainforest. He knows specific plants that can cure a fever or provide energy. However, as much as the forest has healing properties, it can also be quite deadly.
Dangers of the Rainforest
During our walk, we encountered a very spiky bush. When Dave reached out to touch it, Mooka warned, “Don’t touch that; if you are pricked by that plant, you will be paralyzed.”
He continued to educate us about which plants sting, which can relieve mosquito bites, which are suitable for making a boomerang and didgeridoo, and how to find drinking water from trees and plants.
Mooka emphasized, “The rainforest is like a pharmacy, Woolworth, and a university all wrapped into one.”
Having been a medicine man for 38 years, Mooka was living his destiny, fulfilling a vision passed down from his grandfather. This connection offers valuable insight into a way of life that many find hard to understand.
Silky Oaks Lodge
We were staying just 10 minutes from Mossman Gorge at the tranquil and luxurious Silky Oaks Lodge.
This setting was ideal for exploring the rainforest, as it is built within a rainforest itself!
The property winds through jungle paths leading to contemporary treehouses situated on the Mossman River.
The river is freshwater, sourced from the mountains, allowing for worry-free swimming, free from crocodiles. Upon entering Silky Oaks, a sense of relaxation immediately envelops you.
The open-sided Treehouse Restaurant overlooks the winding river and jungle, allowing guests to hear the natural life around them while enjoying a freshly squeezed welcome juice while lounging in comfortable chairs.
Here, you can spend your days unwinding by the jungle-themed pool designed for complete immersion in nature.
Moreover, plenty of activities are offered, including yoga, snorkeling, and kayaking at no additional cost.
Alternatively, you can explore jungle paths or cherish an outdoor picnic on a sandy beach by the billabong.
Treehouse Lodge
Our deluxe treehouse lodge suite was beautifully arranged for our arrival, complete with welcome champagne and the soothing sounds of the rainforest playing on the CD.
We had the option of sleeping indoors or outdoors on a four-poster king-size bed and enjoyed reading on our two comfy day beds while savoring an assortment of teas and coffees provided for our pleasure.
The room’s elegance and inviting nature made it hard for us to leave.
Silky Oaks Lodge Spa
However, Silky Oaks doesn’t earn its name as a spa for nothing, so we reluctantly pried ourselves away from napping and relaxing to indulge further at The Healing Waters Spa.
Dave has grown accustomed to spa experiences over the years. While five or six years ago, it was a struggle to get him to try a spa session, he now seeks them out wherever we go—and I enjoy them too!
I opted for a facial as winter exposure in Canada left my skin needing some TLC.
After 60 minutes of cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing, my face felt revitalized and calm.
Dave chose the Soul to Soul treatment, where his scalp, arms, and shoulders received a relaxing aromatherapy massage to relieve tension. This treatment is dubbed “Soul to Soul” because, upon completing the upper body work, his feet and legs were massaged to boost circulation and reduce swelling.
Post-treatment, we both felt like gooey messes, but that was perfectly acceptable given our surroundings.
The Daintree Rainforest – Ultimate Luxury Escape
At Silky Oaks, everything required is at your fingertips. With fine dining in the main lodge, the chef utilizes local produce to create modern Australian cuisine infused with Asian and Mediterranean flavors.
Water is sourced fresh from the Mossman River, treated on-site, and the entire lodge is eco-friendly, ensuring minimal impact on its lush jungle setting.
It is undeniably the perfect base for exploring everything the Daintree Rainforest in Tropical North Queensland has to offer.
Silky Oaks Lodge is located adjacent to the Daintree Forest, approximately 25 minutes from Port Douglas and 10 minutes from the Mossman Gorge where Dreamtime Walks are available starting at $50 per person.
Travel Planning Resources
Are you planning your next adventure? Try utilizing these reliable resources that have served us well.
Your Flights: Beginning your trip by exploring the best flight deals on Skyscanner has proven effective for us.
Your Hotel: Ensure you find the best prices through two reputable providers: for Europe, use Booking.com, and elsewhere use TripAdvisor.
Apartment Rentals: Secure the best rental deals using VRBO.
Travel Insurance: Always essential; here’s our top recommendation:
- Safety Wing – Ideal for occasional travelers.
- Medjet – For global air medical transport and travel security.
Your Activities: For walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more, we highly recommend Get Your Guide.
If you need additional help planning, visit our Resources Page, where we feature the trustworthy companies we use when traveling.
