The indulgence of setting is obvious here, a luxury matched by the finely textured Mod Oz cuisine. With a smattering of tropical lushness, the menu offers sumptuous dining.

For all that, my partner and I started our evening in remarkably simple style. The tomato and pesto soup of the day was instantly warming, charming us with its familiar tastes and textures. It is great pleasure these days to find a kitchen that can turn out welcoming home style flavours as well as more finessed fare. 

And the Silky Oaks kitchen certainly does finesse, as evidenced by the almost impossible softness of the twice baked avocado and smoked crocodile soufflé. This is an aristocratic entrée, gorgeously light and, well, silky.

Asian influences announce themselves with the crispy fried tempura prawns, where the red chilli Nahm Jim sets off the top notes delightfully. This is a very simple starter but one delivered with skilled detail.

This ethos extends to the mains, with well travelled ideas artfully moulded into new delights. The oven roasted chicken breast on a blue swimmer coriander sweet corn cake with pepper nata and a sensuous tarragon cream delivered deliciously surprising combinations. Likewise, the rosemary garlic lamb loin, (grilled and meltingly tender on a garlic mash, and finished with a ribbon of shiraz jus), was a carefully balanced creation of earthy low and giddy high notes.

FNQ tropicality bursts through in the desserts, with both the mango parfait and the black sapote chocolate fondant oozing a kind of exotic yet simple sweetness. Here again, the ‘feel’ of the food is the thing.

Silky Oaks has a well deserved reputation as a truly beautiful resort and the Treehouse Restaurant is surely one of the most rewardingly exotic, romantic places you could ever wish to dine … or drink wine.

Having placed our orders, my partner and I were recommended a perfectly tuned six year old NZ pinot. (Divine!) The point here again is attention to detail and extra care; so climb into the treehouse with someone you care that little bit extra for and indulge.

Silky Oaks Lodge - Port Douglas Australia