Daintree Rainforest Festival of Music
Daintree Rainforest Festival of Music
6–11 JULY 2027 (6 DAYS) | EIGHT PERFORMANCES AS PART OF HAYLLAR MUSIC TOURS’ INAUGURAL DAINTREE RAINFOREST FESTIVAL OF MUSIC, DELICIOUS MEALS, LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATION & RETURN COACH TRAVEL FROM CAIRNS
Escape to the ancient beauty of the Daintree Rainforest for an extraordinary classical music festival at the exquisite Silky Oaks Lodge. Hosted exclusively by Hayllar Music Tours, this intimate experience brings together a group of acclaimed musicians, led by Artistic Director Andrew Haveron, for inspiring performances in one of Australia's most spectacular natural settings.
Between concerts, indulge in world-class cuisine, luxurious accommodation, and guided explorations of the rainforest. This inaugural festival promises to blend unforgettable performances with the backdrop of the surrounding nature, refined hospitality, and breathtaking scenery, creating a celebration of music in Tropical North Queensland like no other.
LOYALTY CLUB PRICE: AUD$10,440.50
Single supplement: AUD$1,495
Deposit payment 1: Deposit AUD$2,500 per person (due at time of booking)
Deposit payment 2: Deposit AUD$2,500 per person (due on 5 March 2027)
Final payment due: 3 May 2027
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Overview
Overview
Eight exclusive performances as part of Hayllar Music Tours’ Daintree Rainforest Festival of Music, curated by Festival Artistic Director Andrew Haveron.
Three insightful presentations on the music we will hear from our Festival Artistic Director Andrew Haveron.
Five nights’ accommodation at the luxurious and unforgettable 5-star Silky Oaks Lodge with breakfast. The standard tour package comes with a Rainforest Retreat room with the option to upgrade, details of which are listed below.
A private chartered crocodile and wildlife cruise on the Daintree River.
A Ngadiku Dreamtime Gorge Walk, led by an Indigenous guide through the World Heritage–listed Daintree Rainforest, beginning with a Welcome to Country smoking ceremony, and followed by tea and damper.
Seven gourmet meals throughout the week. The Festival musicians will join for all post-concert dinners at Silky Oaks Lodge throughout the week.
Pre-concert drinks receptions ahead of each evening concert, and canapé receptions ahead of the first and fourth evening concerts.
Return travel from central Cairns and Cairns Airport in a private air-conditioned coach.
Attend this exciting event and experience outstanding performances, enjoy insightful talks, stay in luxurious accommodation and dine on delicious food and fine wine.
Concertmaster of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra since 2013, Andrew Haveron has been described by The Sunday Times as ‘…a charismatic and brilliant soloist who needs fear no comparison.’
A laureate of some of the most prestigious international violin competitions, Andrew studied in London at the Purcell School and the Royal College of Music. Andrew is a highly respected soloist, chamber musician and concertmaster. As a soloist, Andrew has collaborated with conductors such as Jiří Bělohlávek, Sir Colin Davis, Sir Roger Norrington, David Robertson, Stanislaw Skrowachewski and John Wilson, performing a broad range of well-known and less familiar concertos with many of the UK’s finest orchestras.
His performance of William Walton’s Violin Concerto with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in 2015 was nominated for a Helpmann Award. Andrew’s playing has also been featured on many film and video-game soundtracks, including Disney’s Fantasia game, which includes his performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with the Academy of St. Martin-in-the Fields. Andrew has also appeared recently in recitals around Australia with pianists Anna Goldsworthy, Piers Lane and Simon Tedeschi.
In 1999 Andrew was appointed first violinist of the internationally acclaimed Brodsky Quartet. A busy schedule saw the quartet perform and broadcast in their unique style all over the world. Amassing a repertoire of almost 300 works, they enjoyed collaborations with outstanding artists and commissioned many new works from today’s composers, and were famed for their barrier-breaking cross-genre projects. Andrew recorded more than fifteen albums with the quartet, receiving numerous industry awards. Andrew has also appeared with other chamber groups such as the Nash and Hebrides ensembles, the Logos Chamber Group, Kathy Selby and Ensemble Q.
Andrew is also in great demand as a concertmaster and orchestra director, and has worked with all the major symphony orchestras in the UK and many further afield. In 2007 he became concertmaster of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, broadcasting frequently on BBC Radio and enjoying many appearances at the BBC Proms including the famous Last Night. Joining the Philharmonia Orchestra in 2012 Andrew also led the World Orchestra for Peace at the request of its conductor Valery Gergiev, and again in 2018 at the request of Donald Runnicles. In 2004 Andrew received an honorary Doctorate from the University of Kent for his services to music. He plays on a violin made in 1757 by GB Guadagnini; a generous loan to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra by Vicki Olsson for Andrew’s use.
Long regarded as Tropical North Queensland’s premier luxury retreat, Silky Oaks Lodge overlooks the gently flowing Mossman River and neighbours the World Heritage-listed wilderness of the Daintree National Park. The property offers guests a peaceful retreat set amongst the rainforest treetops and easy access to the region’s spectacular natural attractions. Guests can discover the rainforest’s ‘natural supermarket’ on tours led by First Nations Kuku Yalanji guides or relax to the flow of the river in the Healing Waters Spa.
The standard Festival package includes a Rainforest Retreat room (subject to availability).
Upgrade options are available as follows:
Overlooking tropical rainforest through floor-to-ceiling windows, the spacious Rainforest Retreat offers king or twin bedding and a king single daybed. Outside on the deck a double hammock invites idyll hours with a cool drink or a book. The ensuite bathroom with rain shower and deep spa bath is perfect for soaking in the views.
Approximately 42m².
This room is included in our standard tour cost (subject to availability).
The generous Treehouse Retreat offers an open plan king bedroom and lounge including a king single daybed, while an outdoor balcony features a range of seating options for reclining in the cool of the afternoon. The bathroom includes a double vanity and shower while glass doors open to a private deck with large bathtub and freestanding shower for a truly sensory bathing experience.
Approximately 50m².
Upgrade to a Treehouse Retreat for AUD$750 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
Set among the cool green of the rainforest, the Treehouse Premium suite offers open-plan sleeping and lounge areas with king bed and two king single daybeds – ideal for those seeking extra space in which to relax. Step outside onto the expansive balcony with daybed and hammock to relax among the treetops. The bathroom features a rain shower, double vanity and spacious bathtub, creating a day-spa vibe.
Approximately 72m².
Upgrade to a Treehouse Premium for AUD$1,250 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
Welcoming spectacular views of the Mossman River, the Riverhouse features an open-plan bedroom with king bed and king single daybed, while a hammock on the balcony invites a dreamy retreat. The bathroom features a freestanding shower and opens to a private deck with outdoor bathtub overlooking the waters cascading below.
Approximately 47m².
Upgrade to a Riverhouse for AUD$1,750 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
Generously spacious, the Billabong Suite offers a large lounge with integrated desk and adjoining king bedroom, both flowing outdoors to an extensive outdoor living area with custom-made curved lounge and hammock overlooking the Mossman River. The bathroom features a freestanding shower and opens to a private deck with open-air bathtub completing a premium rainforest bathing experience.
Approximately 92m².
Upgrade to a Billabong Suite for AUD$2,550 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
The Daintree Pavilion is designed as the ultimate tropical luxury retreat. Set beneath a dramatic skillion ceiling held aloft by glass walls, two sleeping areas each offer an ensuite bathroom opening to an outdoor atrium with bath under the treetops. Flowing from the shared central lounge with dining area and dedicated bar, extensive decks feature open air lounging options with fireplace and tiered infinity pool floating among the cool of the forest. Ideal for friends travelling to the festival together.
Approximately 323m² for the entire pavilion.
Upgrade to a Daintree Pavilion for AUD$3,150 (per room) for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
If upgrading to the Daintree Pavilion, please inform us of the other guests you wish to share this 2-bedroom villa with in the any other comments section when booking.
Select your upgrade option when booking below, or contact us on 02 9669 9181 to discuss your booking.
Single supplement: AUD$1,495
Itinerary
Itinerary
1ST OF 5 NIGHTS AT SILKY OAKS LODGE
CAIRNS CITY - REEF FLEET TERMINAL AND CAIRNS AIRPORT TO SILKY OAKS LODGE, CONCERT I (D):
Guests are collected by private air-conditioned coach. The coach will make one stop at Cairns City - Reef Fleet Terminal at 12:00pm and a second stop Cairns Airport at 12:30pm. We then travel north along the stunning Great Barrier Reef Drive to Silky Oaks Lodge.
We are welcomed at Silky Oaks Lodge with a refreshing drink and snack, and are then guided to our rooms. We then have time to rest, relax and unpack.
In the early evening, we gather at the Marrdja Pavilion, overlooking the sparkling waters of the Mossman River, for welcome drinks and canapés. Following our welcome reception, we make our way to the stylish Kubirri Lounge for the first of our evening performances as part of the Daintree Rainforest Festival of Music.
Please note: The Kubirri Lounge is a semi-open area of the hotel’s main Lodge. The sounds of nature, from evening birdsong to the flowing water of the Mossman River below, will accompany our concerts held at Silky Oaks Lodge throughout the week.
CONCERT 1 - KUBIRRI LOUNGE, SILKY OAKS LODGE, 6:00pm
At the conclusion of our first concert, we enjoy a delicious welcome dinner with our Festival musicians at the Treehouse Restaurant. Opening out onto the treetops, the tiered Treehouse Restaurant sets the scene for relaxed dining against the heady backdrop of the rainforest and the soundtrack of the river mixed with a chorus of birdsong. Following dinner, guests might like to retreat to the Jungle Perch for an evening drink, or return to their comfortable rooms.
Please note: hotel buggies are on hand for anyone who might need assistance returning to their rooms following the evening concerts and dinners.
2ND OF 5 NIGHTS AT SILKY OAKS LODGE
SILKY OAKS LODGE, CONCERTS II & III (B, D):
Following breakfast served in the Treehouse Restaurant, we enjoy the first of our morning concerts, once again at the Kubirri Lounge.
CONCERT 2 - KUBIRRI LOUNGE, SILKY OAKS LODGE, 11:00am
Following this morning’s comcert, time is allowed to rest or to explore the hotel’s beautiful grounds. There will be an optional Two World’s Walk, allowing guests to discover the deep connections between culture, nature and time, in a leisurely exploration of the grounds from the garden to the riverbank, gaining an insight into the scientific and Indigenous perspectives on the lush, living landscape at Silky Oaks Lodge.
In the early evening, we return to the Marrdja Pavilion for the first of our pre-concert talks with our Festival Artistic Director, Andrew Haveron. We then enjoy our pre-concert drinks reception, followed by our evening concert at the Kubirri Lounge.
CONCERT 3 - KUBIRRI LOUNGE, SILKY OAKS LODGE, 6:00pm
After the conclusion of the concert, we once again enjoy a delicious group dinner at the hotel’s Treehouse Restaurant, before retiring to our rooms.
3RD OF 5 NIGHTS AT SILKY OAKS LODGE
DAINTREE RIVER CRUISE, CONCERTS IV & V (B, L, D):
This morning, following breakfast overlooking the Mossman River once again, we journey further north to the Daintree River for an exclusive private chartered crocodile and wildlife cruise. Our cruise this morning aims to provide a chance to see much of the incredible wildlife that calls this area home, including birds, snakes and crocodiles, as well as providing an insight into the ecology of the Daintree River and region.
After returning from our cruise, we enjoy a light lunch on the banks of the Daintree River, before returning to our hotel for a restful afternoon.
In the early evening, we gather once again for the second of our musical talks from Andrew Haveron. Following the presentation, we enjoy our pre-concert drinks before the fourth of our evening performances.
CONCERT 4 - KUBIRRI LOUNGE, SILKY OAKS LODGE, 6:00pm
Following the concert, dinner is served at the hotel’s Treehouse Restaurant.
4TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT SILKY OAKS LODGE
TRIP TO PORT DOUGLAS, CONCERTS VI & VII (B, L, D):
This morning, after breakfast, we attend the next of our morning concerts.
CONCERT 5 - KUBIRRI LOUNGE, SILKY OAKS LODGE, 11:00am
Time is then allowed for further exploration of Silky Oaks Lodge’s impressive grounds, a dip in the pool or Mossman River, or some indulgent spa treatment.
This afternoon, a light lunch will be served in the Treehouse Restaurant, and later in the afternoon we travel to nearby Port Douglas for an evening of musical entertainment at the spectacular Sugar Wharf.
The Sugar Wharf is one of Port Douglas’ most recognisable landmarks, standing proudly on the edge of Dicksons Inlet with sweeping views across the Coral Sea and towards the Daintree Rainforest. Built in 1904, the heritage-listed timber wharf once played a vital role in exporting sugar from the nearby Mossman district, reflecting the region’s rich agricultural history. Today, its beautifully restored whitewashed building has been transformed into an elegant waterfront venue while retaining its historic charm.
On arrival, we enjoy a welcome drinks and canapés reception, overlooking the water as the sun sets, before heading inside for our evening concert.
CONCERT 6 - SUGAR WHARF, PORT DOUGLAS, 6:15pm
Following the concert, we make a short journey to one of Port Douglas’ top dining destinations for an unforgettable post-concert dinner under the stars, before returning to the hotel.
5TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT SILKY OAKS LODGE
SILKY OAKS LODGE, TRIP TO MOSSMAN GORGE, CONCERT VIII (B, D):
Our final, full day at Silky Oaks Lodge, begins with breakfast, followed by our last morning concert.
CONCERT 7 - KUBIRRI LOUNGE, SILKY OAKS LODGE, 11:00am
Following our morning concert, time is allowed to get our walking boots on, before we head to the nearby Mossman Gorge.
Nestled within the ancient Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge is a place of extraordinary natural beauty. Crystal-clear waters of the Mossman River tumble over smooth granite boulders beneath a lush rainforest canopy. Walking trails reveal remarkable biodiversity, offering visitors a peaceful immersion in one of Australia's most pristine and culturally significant landscapes.
Our Ngadiku Dreamtime Gorge Walk will be led by an Indigenous guide, who will tell us about local flora and fauna and share the traditional stories and traditions of the Kuku Yalanji people. The experience begins with a Welcome to Country smoking ceremony, followed by tea and damper at the conclusion of the walk. This walk is not strenuous and there are several stops along the way for story-telling. However, there are some uneven surfaces and a few stairs, so comfortable walking shoes are advised.
We then return to Silky Oaks Lodge, where time is allowed to rest, or explore the grounds one last time, ahead of this evening’s final Festival festivities.
The evening begins with our final pre-concert talk with Artistic Director Andrew Haveron, followed by a pre-concert drinks reception to celebrate the week of wonderful music we have experienced in this unique and unforgettable setting.
We then settle in for our final performance.
CONCERT 8 - KUBIRRI LOUNGE, SILKY OAKS LODGE, 6:00pm
Following the concert, we enjoy our farewell dinner together, where we will be joined by Andrew Haveron and our musicians once again.
SILKY OAKS LODGE TO CAIRNS AIRPORT AND CAIRNS CITY - REEF FLEET TERMINAL (B):
Following our last breakfast at Silky Oaks Lodge, overlooking the gently flowing Mossman River, we travel in our private coach back to Cairns. We will arrive at Cairns Airport at approximately 12:30pm and at Reef Fleet Terminal at approximately 1:00pm.
Inclusions
Inclusions
Single supplement: AUD$1,495
Deposit payment 1: Deposit AUD$2,500 per person (due at time of booking)
Deposit payment 2: Deposit AUD$2,500 per person (due on 5 March 2027)
Final payment due: 3 May 2027
Performances: Eight exclusive performances as part of our Daintree Rainforest Festival of Music.
Talks on the Music: Three presentations on the music we will hear from Artistic Director Andrew Haveron.
Tour Managers: Services of two experienced Tour Managers throughout.
Hotel: Five nights' accommodation at Silky Oaks Lodge. The standard Festival package includes a Rainforest Retreat room (subject to availability). Upgrade options are available as follows:
Upgrade to a Treehouse Retreat for AUD$750 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
Upgrade to a Treehouse Premium for AUD$1,250 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
Upgrade to a Riverhouse for AUD$1,750 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
Upgrade to a Billabong Suite for AUD$2,550 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
Upgrade to a Daintree Pavilion for AUD$3,150 (per room) for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
If upgrading to the Daintree Pavilion, please inform us of the other guests you wish to share this 2-bedroom villa with when booking so that we can match your booking upgrade.
Travel: One private air-conditioned coach transfer from/to Cairns City - Reef Fleet Terminal and Cairns Airport, to Silky Oaks Lodge. Land travel by private air-conditioned coach throughout the Festival.
Meals/Drinks: Breakfast each morning. Seven lunches/dinners with wine, water and tea/coffee. Pre-performance drinks before each of the evening concerts, drinks and canapés functions before the first and fourth evening concerts, tea and damper at Mossman Gorge.
Tips: Tips for drivers, local guides and meals included in your itinerary.
Information Pack: Comprehensive pre-tour information pack.
International/Domestic Travel: Hayllar Music Tours can provide you with a quote. Phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com
Airport Transfers: Transfers to/from your local airport at the beginning and end of the tour. These can be arranged at an additional cost. One private air-conditioned coach from/to Cairns Central Station and Cairns Airport is included in the tour price.
Travel Insurance: Please note that travel insurance is recommended for tours within Australia. Hayllar Music Tours can organise your travel insurance for you. Please contact them at phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com
Meals: Lunches and dinners not nominated in your itinerary.
Personal Expenses: Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and mini-bar.
Activities in Free Time: Costs associated with any activities suggested for you in your free time.
The Festival will operate with a minimum of 35 guests.
All members of the group must feel comfortable walking for around 1.5 hours (if joining the guided walking tour at Mossman Gorge), navigating the short to medium distances between hotel rooms and the hotel’s Lodge, which at times are along uneven and steep paths due to the nature and terrain of the property, and embarking/disembarking the boat for the Daintree River cruise and coaches for transfers. A limited number of hotel buggies are available for guest transfers throughout the stay should they be required.
Please note that booking terms and conditions apply. Click here for the booking terms and conditions.
Booking
Booking
This brand new Festival will go on sale at 9:00am AEST on Friday 10 July 2026. Please check back then to book.