Howard Salkow

Senior Journalist

COVID-19 has impacted the reported $10 million re-design of the luxury Silky Oaks Lodge and it’s been revealed that it won’t re-open until 1 October this year. The property falls under the Baillie Lodges umbrella.

Baillie Lodges founder James Baillie said the team at Silky Oaks Lodge was excited to reveal a new era of luxury experiential lodging for Tropical North Queensland.

“There’s so much for our Baillie Lodges friends to discover in Queensland, and as a former General Manager of Silky Oaks Lodge, the re-launch of this iconic property is a very special occasion,” said Baillie.

“We’re looking forward to offering new itineraries and experiences of the Daintree for our friends from here and overseas.

“We can’t wait to throw open the doors and welcome our guests to this incredible part of Australia,” he said in a statement.

Baillie Lodges assumed ownership of the property in April last year, following a joint venture agreement with US-based KSL Capital Partners.

The new-look lodge is set to launch with a schedule of rates reflecting more daily inclusions at the property: gourmet breakfast, evening sunset drinks and a four-course daily changing dinner menu with premium wines to match.

Port Douglas-based architect Gary Hunt was engaged for the Silky Oaks Lodge redesign while Amanda Pike of Pike Withers has been charged with the interiors.

Guests will enjoy the calm rainforest vibe now with more stylish finishes, while Indigenous artworks and custom furnishings by North Queensland designers evoke a real sense of the tropical north.

Set adjacent to the World Heritage-listed wilderness of the Daintree National Park and along the banks of the gently flowing Mossman River, Silky Oaks Lodge offers guests a stylish rainforest escape, with experiences spanning river-snorkelling, driving safaris, indigenous guided walks, the lodge’s own Healing Waters Spa and access to Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef. It is 3.2km from Mossman.