Travellers often have the same concerns and you can find answers to commonly-asked questions below. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in our FAQ, please view our policies or contact us.
FAQ
Inclusions
- What's included in the tariff?
A stay at the lodge is inclusive of accommodation, tropical breakfast, signature evening drinks and snacks, four-course dinner menu with matched wines, selected in-suite bar, exclusive access to the Figtree Rapid trails, morning yoga and one return set-schedule shuttle to Port Douglas per day.
Airfares are not included.
- What activities are included in the tariff?
Silky Oaks Lodge offers a range of complimentary lodge-based activities. Begin the day with a guided yoga class, step out for a self-guided walk or refresh with a swim in the Mossman River. Snorkels and fins, as well as river canoes and kayaks and electronic bikes are provided for guest use. The lodge also offers a daily set-schedule shuttle transfer to port Douglas. Note, some activities are shared with fellow guests and operate at scheduled times.
- Is there complimentary wifi?
Complimentary wifi access is available throughout the lodge.
- Is there an airport transfer service?
Private vehicle transfers between Silky Oaks Lodge and Cairns Airport or nearby Port Douglas may be arranged with a preferred operator. Scenic helicopter flights from Cairns Airport to Silky Oaks’ helipad offer an aerial perspective of the region and are a spectacular start of end to a stay in the Daintree. Additional costs apply for all private road and air transfers. Bookings are best made in advance; please enquire for rates and information.
Policies
- What time is check-in/check-out?
Check-in time is 2pm and check-out time is 10.30am. Where possible, flexibility with early check-in and late check-out will be provided, however, these are unable to be guaranteed. The facilities of the main lodge are available for enjoyment whilst at the property.
- What is the lodge's smoking policy?
The lodge has a no-smoking policy in all suites and shared common areas. To smoke, please step outside onto the balcony or terrace.
- What is the minimum age for check-in?
Silky Oaks Lodge welcomes children ten years and over.
- What is the payment policy?
A credit card is required to confirm a reservation along with CCV number and expiry date. All bookings require full prepayment one month prior to arrival. We accept Visa, Mastercard or American Express or direct deposit. Payments by Visa or MasterCard attract a 1.6% surcharge; payment by American Express attracts a 2.47% surcharge (surcharges subject to change).
- What is the cancellation policy?
Bookings may be cancelled or amended prior to one month from arrival without forfeiture. Cancellations and booking amendments received within one month of arrival forfeit all monies paid.
No refunds or credits can be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services, or unused nights due to travel and/or weather disruption. For peace of mind, we recommend you protect yourself with comprehensive travel insurance to cover any cancellation fees.
- What is the leisure group policy?
Location
- How do you get there?
Silky Oaks Lodge is 20 minutes’ drive from Port Douglas (22 km) and 80 minutes’ drive north of Cairns Airport (78 km). Cape Tribulation is 68 km north of the lodge. The lodge is easily accessed from Cairns Airport, with direct daily flights to and from main touring gateways including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru.
Self-drive is a popular option, the journey by road meanders through Queensland’s trademark cane fields and winds along the coast overlooking the sparkling Coral Sea.
- What is the weather like?
Part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area, the Daintree climate is characterised by two distinct seasons: the dry season and the green season. The dry season occurs from April to November which sees warm days and cool nights with low humidity ranging in temperature from 19-30°C. December to March is considered the green season as the days and nights are hotter with frequent restorative showers and temperatures between 22-32°C.
- What should I wear?
Reflecting the serene surrounds, dress is relaxed at Silky Oaks Lodge. Easy to wear, resort style clothing for daytime and smart casual attire for evening is recommended. Comfortable, solid footwear for rainforest walks is essential as is a hat and sunscreen.
- What is the currency?
The official currency of Australia is Australian Dollars (AUD).
- What is the time zone?
Located in Queensland, Silky Oaks Lodge follows Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) which is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +10). There are no daylight savings in Queensland.
- What is the language?
English is the official language of Australia. We acknowledge the Kuku Yalanji language of the region’s First Nations people, also known as Kuku Yalanji.
- What is the electricity connection?
Mains voltage in Australia is 230V 50Hz. The plugs in Australia have two flat metal pins shaped live a ‘V’ and some may contain a third flat pin in the centre.
- Is it safe to swim in the Mossman River?
It’s generally safe to swim in the freshwater Mossman River, taking into account swimming ability. The waterholes found near the lodge and at Mossman Gorge where the water is clear and fast-flowing water are free of estuarine (salt-water) crocodiles. However it’s important to avoid walking close to creeks and riverbanks where the water is dark and slow-moving as these areas are the crocodiles’ preferred habitat.
Dining
- Do you offer room service?
As the lodge thrives on a convivial atmosphere, in-suite dining isn’t offered.
- Do you cater for dietary requirements?
As the lodge is situated in a remote destination, it’s essential to advise any special dietary needs at the time of reservation. We will do our best to tailor menus accordingly whilst providing opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of premium regional produce. Should notice not be provided in advance, our chefs will endeavour to prepare suitable meals with the ingredients available. We regret we are unable to prepare meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.
- What hours are meals usually served?
The Treehouse Restaurant is open as follows:
Breakfast 7am – 10am
Lunch 12pm – 2.30pm
Dinner 6pm – 8.30pm - Does the lodge restaurant accept bookings by non-guests?
Silky Oaks Lodge welcomes bookings from non-resident guests for lunch in the Treehouse Restaurant. Reservations in advance are essential. To book a table, please call +61 7 4098 1666 during business operation hours.
Lodge
- Do you have a fitness centre/gym?
There is a small, well appointed gym onsite available for guest use.
- Is there a swimming pool?
A lagoon-style outdoor swimming pool is located adjacent to the main lodge.
- Are there walking or hiking tracks from the lodge?
A series of marked trails begin right on the lodge doorstep, perfect for self-guided hikes including exclusive access to the Figtree Rapids trail which leads to a natural swimming hole.
- Is parking available at the lodge?
Parking for private vehicles is available at the property.
- Are the lodge and included activities wheelchair friendly?
Accommodation at Silky Oaks Lodge includes the dedicated wheelchair/mobility-accessible Rainforest Retreat suite which is generously sized to allow ample space to move around the room. It’s located close to the main lodge and features level ramp access to reach the central guest areas.
During a stay at Silky Oaks Lodge, guests may join a daily guided walk around the lodge grounds and wheelchair access can be arranged with advance notice. A series of self-guided walking trails is also available, however, as bush paths the terrain is uneven, undulating and steeply inclined in some places. There are no built-in handrails. Private experiences can be arranged at an additional cost, subject to availability and accessibility.
For more information, please read our Mobility Fact Sheet
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