Silky Oaks Lodge

We had a 3 course on the verandah surrounded by majestic trees and engulfed in the sounds of the birds and burbling river. The food was beyond amazing. Everything was delicious and the staff (especially Reece) were friendly and attentive. Overall the experience was incredible and we would highly recommend it.

Brilliant location, food, service and accommodation. We spent our 35th wedding anniversary at Silky Oaks and were thoroughly spoilt. Sleeping in beautiful rooms surrounded by the sounds of the rain forest was amazing. Meals were outstanding, so delicious and the paired wines made it even more special. Staff were very friendly and nothing was too much trouble. Highly recommended for a special occasion, it won't disappoint.

Demand to get a seat at this exquisite venue provides a challenge unless you book well in advance. We were extremely lucky, as we had tried to book for over a month beforehand (and in low season) without any success but on the day we arrived in Cairns, they advised they had some cancellations to opened a very welcome door for us. Admittedly, our expectations were extremely high and we were not disappointed! Once again, it rained all the way from Cairns providing a very gloomy view of the Barrier Reef and surrounding beaches. But I seriously believe, the view from the open veranda at Silky Oaks, into that drenched Daintree forest was only enhanced by the downpour. The smells from the forest, the increased water levels in the passing brook, all provided a memorable visit to an inspiring venue. The staff were incredible, very casual for such a formal restaurant. We opted for the 4 course menu and several cocktails to enhance the flavours :-) The food was impeccable, perfectly prepared, with exquisite tastes to tease the buds and as we sat there listening to the forest sounds, it was without question, the closest taste of paradise one could wish for. Parting brings such sweet sorrow, but I promise, we will be back to spend a longer vacation there soon!!!

Idyllic location and beautiful resort no doubt. But for the price, it really was a disappointment for us. Nothing felt special or luxurious. Very over-bearing service and attitude. We’ve never heard so many “no’s” at this price point. At that rate shouldn’t I at least have the luxury to eat dinner whenever I feel like it as in an Aman or Six Senses? The welcome was not very warm from the outset, beginning with the buzz in at the gate and wait and then a lengthy, patronizing lecture of what is available and what isn’t that takes way too long when exhausted from traveling in and simply wanting to unwind in room. Food was 3 stars at best but that alone would not dictate if I returned there. Some servers were good but flexibility is not in the resort’s DNA.

When you pay over $1,000 a night for a resort you have pretty high expectations, but Silky Oaks still exceeded them. The drive up here is gorgeous, through the cane fields into the gorge, and then from the moment you arrive the service is sensational. People appear to welcome you, whisk your bags off, sign you in with a drink and then show you the room. Even the cheapest rooms are glorious (don't waste money on the fancier ones) and well stocked with tea, coffee, beer, soft drinks, wine and snacks, all as part of your rate. The biggest surprise for us was the food. It was superb, much better than we expected, and well matched with the wine course, or, just request a whole bottle. But come early and enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the lovely bar, again, it's included in the price. Breakfast didn't have a huge range of options, and they didn't change in the 4 days we were there, but there was fruit, cereal, toast, pastries and cooked meals, which were good (pastries were a little stale, and the coffee was not great). The grounds are spectacular, and the setting overlooking the river running through the property is stunning. The river is safe to swim in, or, borrow a canoe or kayak. You can also borrow an e-bike for a longer run into town. Again, all part of the cost. The only thing you will pay extra for here is lunch, the spa, and outside activities. Quibbles? A quick barista course would improve the coffee, and the walking trails are in need of a lot of maintenance as they were in pretty poor shape as soon as you stepped off the maintained grounds. But the resort grounds, food, rooms, staff, everything here was sensational.