December 2001: Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Waters Spa was voted �Best Incentive Venue 2001, Australia� in the 2001 Quorum Awards sponsored by The Quorum magazine.

A record number of entries were received this year for the awards that are voted for by the magazine�s readers. Editor David Latta says that entrants are judged on presentation and the calibre of facilities they offer MICE professionals to keep them �coming back time after time.�

Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Waters Spa, located in the World Heritage-Listed Daintree National Park north of Cairns, has recently undergone a $2.2 million refurbishment. As well as upgrading all public areas, reducing the number of Treehouses to 50 and introducing a new category of accommodation, Riverhouses, the refurbishment added a brand new facility, the Healing Waters Spa, a custom-built Treehouse pavilion set within the vibrant tropical gardens.

�We are delighted with this Award as it proves that a small, boutique-style property such as ours has something really valuable to offer the MICE industry,� said P&O Australian Resorts General Manager � Marketing & Sales, Suzie Drinkwater.

�The location is exotic. Silky Oaks Lodge has a lot to offer people seeking that special experience that combines quality accommodation, superb food, friendly, professional service and easy access to a variety of interesting, eco-friendly adventures.�

The Pavilion, Silky�s main function room, is an open sided, purpose-built venue next to the main Lodge overlooking the Mossman River. Its unique Queensland-style architecture means the sides are open and there is always a breeze. The room can be easily adapted to themed events, and being so close to the river and tropical rainforest, enables MICE organisers to incorporate some terrific adventures into their event. These can range from bird-watching cruises, 4WD rainforest safaris, excursions to the Great Barrier Reef at nearby Port Douglas and tours led by Aboriginal guides.

As well as its beautiful location, another attraction is the superb cuisine available to guests. Silky�s Executive Chef has established a network of quality providores to supply him with the freshest and best tropical produce in the area.

Coupled with the magical setting of the Treehouse Restaurant, dining, whether an elegantly formal affair or casually relaxed, is always a memorable affair. For incentive groups, meals can be taken at the river�s edge, in a silk-lined marquee surrounded by the lush rainforest or at the Jungle Perch, a spectacularly positioned venue high above the Mossman River.

Another bonus for meeting organisers choosing Silky Oaks Lodge is being able to utilise the fabulous facilities of the new Healing Waters Spa.

Inside these soothing rooms, high achieving incentive winners can surrender to the delights of a refreshing, rejuvenating treatment by a qualified therapist using a range of products based on indigenous plants and herbs. They are aptly described as �Gayba� � �making the body feel good.�

Conference organisers seeking more information about Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Waters Spa, should contact P&O Australian Resorts Sales Manager � Conference & Incentives � Penny Long, (02) 9364 8860 or 1800 737 678 (toll free within Australia).

P&O Australian Resorts offer premium nature-based holiday experiences in some of Australia�s most spectacular locations. Each property within the Australia�s Natural Treasures portfolio is a unique window to one of Australia�s World Heritage Listed areas. As well as Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Waters Spa, P&O Australian Resorts properties include: Brampton Island; Bedarra Island; Cradle Mountain Lodge; Dunk Island; Heron Island; Lizard Island.

Media Contacts: (not for publication)

Julia Gauci Marketing Communications Manager P&O Australian Resorts GPO Box 478 Sydney NSW 2001 Australia Phone: (02) 9364 8350 Email: julia.gauci@poresorts.com