Hotel: Mount Mulligan Lodge
Inland from Far North Queensland’s well-known coastal towns you’ll find an exciting addition for luxury travellers in the region.
Picturesquely set in the shadows of the fabled Mt Mulligan, the property sits on 28,000 hectares, with history and significance dating back 37,000 years.
Opening recently in 2019, Mount Mulligan Lodge is a fabulous all-inclusive retreat where you can experience Queensland’s outback in style. The award-winning property is a member of Luxury Lodges of Australia, and deservedly so.
Only a short 2.5-3 hour 4WD journey from Port Douglas or Cairns (I drove from Port Douglas), the property is an easy combination with either for those looking for that Australian reef and bush experience. Northern Escape Collection, of which the property is part of, offers a number of packages combining their other properties being Orpheus Island Lodge and Daintree Ecolodge.
You can also helicopter in from Cairns in under 35 minutes…
The drive from Port Douglas takes you through some beautiful countryside. It goes without saying that Far North Queensland is a special part of the world – it is the only place where two World Heritage-listed sites actually meet – the Daintree Rainforest (the oldest in the world) and the Great Barrier Reef (the largest in the world).
You’ll drive through the lush rainforest, cute country towns, past gorgeous fields bursting with fruit and other delights, before the landscape around you starts to change and the earth becomes a patchwork of red and brown with a smattering of green.
If you’ve taken the self-drive option, you’ll arrive at Mount Mulligan probably a little rattled – it’s definitely a 4WD adventure to get to the property as you traverse your way through the working cattle station. Pulling into the gates of the lodge is rewarding though, and attentive staff immediately take over, welcoming you with a refreshing drink as you take in the stunning surrounds.
All the staff I interacted with, from the restaurant to guides, were excellent. The service here for a remote and small property was very good – quintessentially Australian, but friendly and at a level of professionalism that you would expect at this end of the market.
The main lodge is the hub for the property where there is plenty of space to relax and enjoy the open bar, or meals throughout the day. An imposing stone fireplace is the focus, whilst cladding and smart furnishings complete a sophisticated space.
The beautiful gabled structure is perfectly positioned to maximise creating a sense of place – you look out over the infinity pool, across the weir, and up to the majestic mountain. It’s a great place to sit and relax, especially as the light changes throughout the day.
Once you’re checked in, you’ll be taken to your accommodations at the property. They’re located only a short walk from the main lodge; however, you are provided with a golf buggy so you can explore around the sealed roads in the vicinity of the lodge.
There are only four pavilions (split into two rooms) on the property which accommodates a maximum of just 16 guests at any one time. The rooms here are close to perfect for this style of lodge – high ceilings, warm wooden tones, and exceptional bathroom (don’t miss a bath in the rainwater tank on the balcony), and stylishly furnished. The whole design and aesthetic are very respectful of the location you’re in.
We had the pleasure of enjoying an Outback Suite. These are set up with a bedroom and a separate living room. The space would definitely be nice to have on a multi-night stay, however, it was a bit excessive for our short trip – we didn’t actually end up using the lounge area at all!
So, what do you do in a place like this? There are daily experiences designed to really showcase the property and region for guests, and these change on a daily basis so that you can get a mix of activities.
On my short trip, I enjoyed the Mt Mulligan Old Township and Coal Mine Tour – which is sadly the site of Queensland’s worst mining disaster in 1921 where an explosion resulted in the loss of 75 workers lives. The town was abandoned in 1958, and it’s interesting to see how the literally just folded everything up and left the foundations. You’ll also stop off at the Mount Mulligan Cemetery where you’ll see a lot of the tombstones are dated 19 September 1921…
I also arranged to take one of their ATV vehicles out for a spin around some of the dirt roads close to the lodge. This is usually an optional experience which you can enjoy with a guide, but I just wanted a quick run around seeing as we wouldn’t have time to do so. I honestly challenge you to find something more fun than hooning around with an ATV, masked up like you’re an extra from the set Mad Max. Delightful.
I also enjoyed meeting other guests at the Sunset Bar where sundowners are served whilst you enjoy the views over the property.
There’s a whole host of other activities you can do at leisure – I spent a lot of time on the weir kayaking and paddle boarding. When the season is right, barramundi fishing is an option also (made attempts with no luck!). The wildlife around the weir is enjoyable to watch, especially as you glide silently along the water with minimal disturbance.
Further included as well as bespoke experiences are available for guests on longer stays than mine.
All food is included at the lodge – breakfast and lunch are more casual affairs; however, they do notch it up a little for dinner. The menu changes regularly albeit given the remote location, you may be presented with similar items on longer stays. Breakfast and lunch are served à la carte and you can have as substantial meal as you like – I really enjoyed the burger…
Dinner, whilst still relaxed, is a bit more indulgent. You’re treated to a multi-course menu which really showcases the unique culinary offerings available in this part of the world focussing on locally sourced, caught and freshly grown seasonal ingredients. There’s more than enough food (and drink!), and you’ll amble back to your turned-down pavilion completely satisfied.
This is a magnificent place to retreat to and I would really recommend a stay of around four nights. It’s tranquil and relaxing, off the grid, and a place where you can explore a little, and unwind a lot.
Sojourn Summary
Australia has a few luxury outback experiences and we do them very well. Mount Mulligan Lodge is no exception. From the sharply designed accommodations, warm and friendly service, high-standard food, through to the enjoyable activities, you’ll really enjoy doing something a little different and being a bit off the beaten track. I’d love to get back and experience a different season!
Sojourn Essentials
My sojourn rating: ★★★★★
Hotel’s own rating: ★★★★★
Hotel’s website: https://www.mountmulligan.com
Loyalty program: N/A
My room type: Outback Suite
My dates: 2 August to 3 August (one night)
How I reserved: Contact me to book your sojourn.