Mt Mulligan Lodge offers modern laid-back luxury in the untamed and rugged outback environment of North Queensland. The generous proportions of the tranquil lodge are mirrored in the surrounding landscape, in the immense 18-kilometre long sandstone escarpment of Mount Mulligan, the vast outback sky and the eucalyptus woodlands stretching to the horizon.

The secluded 28,000-hectare property is a working cattle station. The main pavilion is a generous, luxurious take on pastoral living, with its shimmering roof, high ceilings, recycled timber beams and lavish camp-style chairs. Here guests enjoy exceptional locally sourced, caught and foraged seasonal dishes accented with native and bush foods, and complemented with boutique Australian wines.

Four pavilions accommodate a maximum of 16 guests. The bespoke features complement the landscape, from the chestnut-toned timber and earthy hues in the alluring sleeping areas, to lustrous stone bathrooms and generous verandahs with deep rustic bathtubs. Each suite is private; yet offers captivating views of the sparkling weir and the imposing ridges of Mount Mulligan, a site of indigenous significance dating back 37,000 years.

Guests are immersed in the region’s rich gold and coal rush history through daily excursions. Experiences include a 4WD safari to one of the country’s most productive historical goldmines, demonstration of Australia’s oldest operating gold crusher, exploration of the historic Mount Mulligan coal mine and abandoned township, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) adventures and guided nature walks.

ACCOMMODATION

Inspired by the humble and honest pastoral structures of outback Australia, four striking pavilions on the water’s edge of a eucalyptus-fringed weir are perfectly sited to capture the majestic beauty and moods of the 18-kilometer long sandstone escarpment of Mount Mulligan.

The spacious pavilions are contemporary and luxurious; yet retain a raw external charm with their spotted gum timber cladding, pitched roofs and deep verandahs. Inside, the earthy-tones of the plush linen, sisal rugs and lavish leather furniture give a rich sense of place, mirroring the hues found in the landscape outside. With its dark grey stone tiles and bronze fittings, the ensuite bathroom is both luxurious and calming. Slide open the glass and timber doors onto the private deck to run a deep outdoor bath, offering uninterrupted views of the Northern Queensland outback.

The spacious pavilions are made for flexibility: the Outback Room is perfect for those travelling individually or as a duo, while the Outback Suite, with its adjoining lounge room, is ideal for those looking for additional space to unwind. The lounge is spacious, with a cosy wood-burning fire and private deck. The Outback Pavilion is the ultimate getaway for families and groups, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a communal lounge. One of the pavilions is wheelchair accessible and guests are assigned their own electric buggy to explore the sprawling property with ease.

Additional features in all retreats include; complimentary room mini-bar, daily housekeeping, optional climate control, complimentary laundry service, wi-fi, binoculars, yoga mats, music system (with MP3 input) and a safe.

FOOD & WINE

From the pristine waters of the Coral Sea and the verdant Atherton Tablelands to the abundant micro-producers and growers scattered across Northern Queensland, this region is blessed with some of Australia’s best produce. Dining at Mt Mulligan Lodge instantly evokes a strong sense of the outback; with the menu showcasing an abundance of foraged, locally sourced, caught and freshly grown seasonal produce.

The ‘from scratch’ ethos is evident in the homemade pickles, jams, chutneys and krauts, all of which compliment sophisticated dishes that put a modern twist on outback living. Menus are tailored to individual tastes, and like a true outback-pastoral cattle station, the cuisine is hearty, nourishing and plentiful, but the beautifully presented dishes are also refined and indulgent. The main lodge is a welcoming and cosy setting for meals, but guests wanting to dine al fresco, can do so with a gourmet picnic hamper in the bush, by dining under a canopy of twinkling stars over an intimate five course degustation dinner, or on the wide deck overlooking the weir.

EXPERIENCES

Mount Mulligan is known as Ngarrabullgan in an Aboriginal culture which is a sacred ‘Dreaming’ place and features in the mythological legends and beliefs of Aboriginal groups for hundreds of kilometers in the surrounding area. Aboriginal people first started to camp on the mountain about 37,000 years ago, but have rarely done so for the last 600 years. Eekoo, a malevolent wandering spirit lives at the top and Traditional Owners continue to approach the mountain with great caution. A range of signature daily experiences led by passionate and knowledgeable guides allow guests to encounter the rich coal and gold rush history of the area as well as experience the present-day pastoral workings of the 28,000-hectare cattle station.

Take a 4WD safari to Tyrconnell Gold Mine where the thundering sound of Australia’s oldest operating gold crusher fills your senses with what it was like to work in one of the country’s most productive goldmines. Delve deeper into the moving stories and fascinating history behind the abandoned township of Mount Mulligan, the site of Queensland’s worst mine disaster.

For those who love adventure, nothing beats getting behind the wheel of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) exploring boulder-strewn creeks, navigating outback tracks and meeting the bovine locals before resting at the picturesque south end of Mount Mulligan to delight in a chef-prepared gourmet picnic hamper and graze on freshly made goodies.

If a slower pace is calling, throw a line into the eucalyptus-fringed weir and lure a wild barramundi onto your hook for dinner, take a meditative guided nature walk, unfurl your yoga mat and salute the sun by the infinity pool, take out a paddleboard or kayak on the glistening weir, run a deep warm bath on your private verandah or settle down by the crackling fire pit to watch as thousands of stars brighten the night sky.

GETTING THERE

Mt Mulligan Lodge is situated in the Queensland outback, 160km north-west of Cairns. There are a few transport options to and from Mount Mulligan for both domestic and international travelers.

By helicopter: Mt Mulligan Lodge is a 35-minute scenic helicopter journey from Cairns. Due to weight restrictions on the helicopter, passengers are requested to bring a small, soft duffle bag up to a maximum weight of 15kg in total. If required, there are duffle bags on-site at the helicopter hangar for you to re-pack your luggage. Excess luggage can be stored safely while you are at the lodge. The bodyweight of each individual guest must also be provided in kilograms at the time of booking.

By road: Mt Mulligan Lodge is a 2.5 – 3 hour 4WD journey from Cairns. It is a challenging drive, so unless guests are confident and experienced with driving 4WD vehicles on unsealed roads, booking a private 4WD vehicle, bus, or limousine transfer is suggested via the Northern Escape Collection Reservations. During the wet season (January to March), it is recommended to book a helicopter charter as road closures may occur.

By private jet: A landing strip is located nearby at the township of Mareeba. The Northern Escape Collection jet can seat up to 10 guests and departs from all major cities in Australia.