DJE

We are in the process of planning our 3rd trip to Australia and would appreciate any comments about the Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree area and Thala resort by the Great Barrier Reef. This is the one region of Australia that we have not visited and we are looking for suggestions on the more upscale and interesting places to stay where we can explore the surrounding areas. Thanks.

Angler973

We stayed at Silky Oaks Lodge a couple of years ago for three nights and loved it. Accomodations are very comfortable, the grounds and pool are lovely and the food at the restaurant is excellent. The concierge there hooked us up with an great birding guide,and we saw over 60 different species in one day! They also set us up with a visit to David Armbrust's private rain forest reserve, which was outstanding. Armbrust is a little like an Australian version of Doctor Doolittle, and knows each and every individual animal on his reserve. Definitely do Silky Oaks!

DJE

Angler973,

Thank you for your comments. We are also thinking of 3 nights which gives us 2 full days to explore the area. Were these guided tours you did private or with a group. We will be traveling with another couple and prefer either private or a very small group tour. Also could we do much exploration on our own and if so, would a 4x4 vehicle be best? Also would you recommend a riverview bungalow or one with a rainforest view?

pat_woolford

Sorry if I'm highjacking this, but for what its worth, The Australian newspaper (Australia's national newspaper) today published its 2006 accommodation finalists - in Far North Queensland in Resort Lodge Accommodation only two were mentioned, Thala Beach resort and Daintree Eco-Lodge and Spa. The latter has built a reputation with environmental tourism and does a wonderful job helping local indigenous people finding a future in tourism. Both resorts are very familiar with local tours of course and can book any local trips for you - David Armbrust takes only a maximum of 4 people per trip - www.anhs.com.au and for a serious birdwatching trip around area see Del Richards. www.finefeathertours.com.au

Unless you're thinking of going north of Cape Tribulation to Cooktown on Bloomfield Track, you won't need a 4WD. Road is sealed to Cape Trib.

wlzmatilida

Hi,

I've stayed at Silky twice and it's wonderful (they also have a wonderful spa, if you decide to stay here, make reservations early as they get all booked up quickly); Thala is beautiful as well, and then Pat mentions Daintree which is in a class all by itself (great news about those awards, Pat)!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist

DJE

Thank you all for your great comments and advice. It will be put to good use. DJE

DJE

Forgot to ask if late Sept. is a good month to visit this region. We are hoping for drier weather.

moneygirl

We stayed at Thala in Spring 2003 and it was incredible, the nicest place we stayed during our 18 day trip in Australia! They greet you at the front door with a special drink on the patio with exotic fruits and you have a chance to just take in the beaty of the place while they deliver your bags to your room and park your car.

Our room had a beautiful ocean view and while the rooms were not luxurious persay, they were comfortable. The private beach is incredible, we had it to ourselves more than once duinr our stay.

Another thing that makes the property neat is that they have many of their plants outside on the property labeled, so you can actually tell what you're looking at.

The food there ( we had a few dinners and breakfasts) was not inexpensive but it was the very best we had in Australia and I'll never forget the night that a snake curled itself around a tree near our dinner table and provided a show for all of the diners that night! Very memorable. I'd love to go back someday. Enjoy your trip. And if you stay at Thala, plan some time to just enjoy the property... don't plan up your entire stay to be off property.