Mornings at Silky Oaks Lodge begin with tropical Daintree fruits, freshly pressed juices and premium local tea and coffee. House-made breads are served with pandan jam or topped with avocado, free-range eggs and bacon, while pancakes with whipped coconut and local citrus offer a sweeter start.
Lunch at the Treehouse Restaurant unfolds at an unhurried pace, whether shared with a loved one or enjoyed among friends. Choose two or three courses celebrating seasonal produce, with an Australian wine list to match as you relax within the rainforest canopy.
Tropical North Queensland offers a rich and varied dining scene, from relaxed cafés and distilleries to vibrant restaurants and bars. Whether it’s a long lunch, something casual between adventures or an evening out, discover the team’s top picks in our Restaurant Guide.
Set along the superyacht marina, Hemingway’s Brewery captures the spirit of the tropics in its acclaimed range of craft beers. Brewed with Mossman Gorge water, premium hops and locally sourced malts, the collection pairs effortlessly with a relaxed, alfresco menu – best enjoyed overlooking the passing boats.
Framed by rolling cane fields and the silhouette of Devil’s Thumb, this small-batch distillery captures the essence of north Queensland in every pour. Settle in at the rustic cellar door for botanical-led gins, cocktails or a local brew, paired with simple grazing plates.
A local favourite, Grant Street Kitchen draws a morning crowd to its umbrella-shaded tables. Buttery, Parisian-style croissants and flaky pies celebrating regional produce sit alongside lighter options, though it’s the ever-changing display of baked sweets that’s hardest to resist.
One of Port Douglas’s oldest pubs, The Court House Hotel pairs heritage Queenslander charm with a modern bistro menu. Settle into the wide verandahs for fish tacos, classic pub fare or something lighter, best enjoyed with a cold beer or a frozen cocktail.
A Port Douglas favourite for over 25 years, Salsa overlooks the Coral Sea from its Wharf Street perch. The menu is broad yet considered, spanning fresh line-caught fish and globally inspired dishes, best paired with a tropical cocktail.
A family-run favorite, Beechwoods serves reliably good coffee alongside a simple, satisfying all-day menu. From breakfast staples to fresh sandwiches, classic burgers and homemade cakes, it’s a natural pairing with a Saturday wander through the Mossman Markets.
As the rainforest settles into evening, the gentle rush of the Mossman River becomes a soothing backdrop to dining at the softly lit Treehouse Restaurant. Generous yet balanced dishes suit the tropical climate, leaving space for a refreshing dessert, before a nightcap at the glowing Silky Bar invites you to linger a little longer.
A thriving kitchen garden supplies the Treehouse Restaurant with vibrant, just-picked ingredients, while inviting guests to wander among its abundant greenery. More than 100 varieties grow here, from finger lime and passionfruit to pandan and betel leaf – many harvested just moments before they appear on the plate.
In the balmy tropics, refreshment comes naturally. At Silky Oaks Lodge, sunset drinks and thoughtfully matched wines with dinner are part of the experience.
Set among the rainforest canopy, the open-air Jungle Perch offers elevated views across the Mossman River. An inviting place for a quiet drink, it’s a space to pause, settle in, and watch the gentle flow of the water below.
A considered list of premium Australian wines is complemented by local beers, including Hemingway’s tropical ale. Gin and tonics take on a local character, with a selection of small-batch spirits crafted in the region.
As day slips into evening, guests ease into dinner with sunset drinks and light bites, served in the lounge or at the Jungle Perch overlooking the Mossman River. The day’s signature cocktail or a chilled tropical ale sets the tone.
Mathew Fury leads the culinary team as Executive Chef, bringing with him a career that blends fine-dining finesse with a heartfelt commitment to community. A protégé of acclaimed chef David Pugh at Brisbane’s two-hatted Restaurant Two, Mathew mastered the fundamentals of exceptional cookery and a deep respect for seasonal produce. His journey has included leading kitchens at community-focused venues such as Hummingbird House children’s hospice and The Common Good Café at Prince Charles Hospital, where he combined the art of cooking with the purpose of giving back.
Drawn north by what he calls “the age and energy of the rainforest,” Mathew works closely with local farmers and producers to source the region’s best. Guests at the Treehouse Restaurant can expect exotic fruits grown nearby, oyster mushrooms from the Tablelands, passionfruit and pandan, lemongrass and ginger from the kitchen garden, and Davidson plums harvested on the property. From breakfasts of seasonal tropical fruits to dinners infused with Asian-inspired flavors and rare rainforest finds, Mathew’s approach offers an ever-changing expression of the Daintree.
The rainforest is our grocery store, pharmacy and hardware – everything is here, you just need to know where to go shopping.Cameron Buchanan First Nations guide, Mossman Gorge
I flip-flop to breakfast in The Treehouse Restaurant, a venue of such buoyancy it feels tethered, cantilevered towards the rainforest, as if about to float into the heart of country and the very beginnings of time.Susan Kurosawa The Australian
As I sit in the dining room, watching the emerald trees fade to black, I'm not hearing traffic anymore. Just the breeze dancing in the rainforest and the Daintree singing to me.Kirsten Galliot Qantas Travel Insider
Set beside the jade waters of Mossman River, Silky Oaks Lodge has reopened to the world with Head Chef Mark Godbeer’s unique twist on native flavours in the spotlight.Anna Bowles Travel + Leisure
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.
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A stay at Silky Oaks Lodge includes a range of signature experiences, while guests can tailor-design an itinerary including special interest tours to discover the mysteries of the ancient rainforest and richly diverse tropical landscape.
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A stay with Beckons is about the connection with the landscape, its culture and wildlife, a celebration of superb regional cuisine and luxurious lodgings to sink into at the end of the day.
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