Mt Mulligan Lodge
(Queensland)
Why we love it
Located 160kms northwest of Cairns, Mt Mulligan Lodge offers modern laid-back luxury in the untamed and rugged outback environment of North Queensland. The secluded 28,000 hectare property is a working cattle station where guests can experience the spirit of the Australian outback through a captivating landscape steeped in indigenous significance dating back 37,000 years. The expansive property bears the marks of the historic gold and coal rush era and in its current operation, the pastoral history of Australia.
Food
Dining at Mt Mulligan Lodge instantly evokes a strong sense of the outback; with the menu showcasing an abundance of foraged, locally sourced and freshly grown seasonal produce. The menu puts a flavoursome twist on outback living, featuring hearty dishes such as grass-fed Bushy Creek beef, charred peppers, manzanilla olive, lemon myrtle, smoked chimichurri. Guests wishing to dine al fresco can do so with a gourmet picnic hamper in the bush, or under a canopy of twinkling stars over an intimate five course degustation dinner alongside the weir.
Destination
The majestic Mount Mulligan, an 18km-long conglomerate and sandstone escarpment that towers over the surrounding eucalyptus woodlands and a shimmering weir, is the hero of this region. Mt Mulligan Lodge lies beneath this undiscovered landmark, known as Ngarrabullgan to the local Djungan people, perfectly situated to capture the ever-changing moods of Mount Mulligan at sunrise and sunset.
Experiences
A range of experiences have been designed to make the most of the rugged outback territory. Mt Mulligan Lodge offers guided tours of the goldfields including a demonstration of Australia’s oldest operating gold crusher at Tyrconnell, exploration of the historic Mount Mulligan coal mine and abandoned township, ATV adventures discovering the history and beauty of the region, chef-prepared gourmet picnic hampers, wildlife spotting, sunset drinks overlooking the escarpment, stargazing, hikes around the southern face of Mount Mulligan, barramundi fishing in the weir, scenic helicopter flights and the chance to experience the day-to- day operations of a working cattle station.
Getting there
Access to Mt Mulligan Lodge is via a 35min helicopter journey from Cairns, providing sweeping aerial views of the 150 million year old Daintree Rainforest, the lush Atherton Tablelands and the rugged terrain that surrounds the dominating Mount Mulligan itself.
Mt Mulligan Lodge can also be accessed by road; a 2.5 - 3 hour 4WD adventure from Cairns. There can be road closures to the property during the peak of the green season from January to March. We recommend that guests book helicopter transfers during this period to avoid any road closures. Due to the challenging nature of the road to Mount Mulligan, past Dimbulah, we recommend booking a private land transfer unless you are confident and experienced with driving 4WD vehicles on unsealed roads.
Accommodation
The lodge accommodates just 16 guests in charming guest retreats that complement the natural rustic landscape and offer a luxurious take on pastoral living. The accommodation is 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 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 friends, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a communal lounge. On each verandah, a corrugated iron water tank has been re-purposed as a deep outdoor bath.
