Set against the majestic backdrop of Ngarrabullgan (Mount Mulligan) which juts out against the far north Queensland landscape, Mt Mulligan Lodge offers a haven of laid-back luxury in the rugged Outback, 160 km (100 miles) northwest of Cairns. Located on a 28,000-hectare working cattle station that bears the marks of the historic gold and coal rush, Mt Mulligan Lodge invites guests to experience the spirit of the Outback through a captivating landscape that’s both tranquil and exhilarating.
The lodge accommodates 20 guests in modern guest pavilions that complement the landscape and offer a luxurious and charming take on pastoral living. Each pavilion is a spacious sanctuary overlooking a eucalyptus-fringed weir and views of the ever-changing moods of Ngarrabullgan — Mount Mulligan.
A range of experiences have been designed to make the most of this Outback location and its fascinating history, including guided tours of the goldfields with a demonstration of Australia's oldest operating gold crusher, exploration of the historic Mount Mulligan coal mine and abandoned township, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) adventures, chef-prepared picnic hampers, barramundi fishing, scenic helicopter flights, guided nature walks and the chance to experience the operations of a working cattle station (over muster dates). After a day of exploration and adventure, head to the Sunset Bar to watch the changing colours of the Outback sky or relax with a book in the main pavilion or pool deck. A daily changing menu offers authentic Australian cuisine.
Off the beaten track, Mt Mulligan Lodge is a quintessential Australian Outback experience that’s as exhilarating or tranquil as you’d like it to be.
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Photos of Mt Mulligan Lodge
Rooms
Inspired by the perfectly simple pastoral structures of Outback Australia, the striking pavilions on the water鈥檚 edge of a eucalyptus-fringed weir are ideally situated to capture the majestic beauty and moods of the 18-kilometre long sandstone escarpment of Ngarrabullgan 鈥� Mount Mulligan.
Located on the edge of the picturesque weir, The Outback Retreat is an ideal location to capture the majestic beauty of the sandstone escarpment of Mount Mulligan, especially from the private veranda. The warm tones of its contemporary interior reflect the Australian Outback and a wood-burning fireplace is a welcome feature on those cooler evenings.
The Outback Room is perfect for those travelling individually or as a duo and has the additional feature of a deep outdoor bathtub repurposed from a corrugated iron water tank on the private veranda, orientated to capture uninterrupted views of the Australian Outback and maximum relaxation.
The Outback Suite, with its adjoining lounge room, is ideal for those looking for additional space to unwind. The lounge is spacious, with its own private deck and cosy wood-burning fire. The Outback Pavilion is the ideal getaway for families and groups to come together, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a communal lounge. One of the pavilions is wheelchair accessible. All guest quarters are assigned their own electric buggy for impromptu exploration.
Complimentary additions to your stay include room minibar, daily housekeeping, optional climate control, complimentary laundry service, Wi-Fi, binoculars, yoga mats, music system (with MP3 input) and a safe. There are no TVs in any of the room types, allowing guests to stay present in the moment.
Location
Mount Mulligan, known as Ngarrabullgan to the locals, is a site of Indigenous significance for the Djungan people, the Traditional Owners of the area and is surrounded by a vast 28,000 hectare working cattle station. The region’s rich and tragic gold and coal rush history is revealed on excursions to the abandoned township of Mount Mulligan and nearby historic goldmine, and guests can gain a first-hand experience of life on an Outback pastoral property. The ethos at Mt Mulligan Lodge as custodians of this special place is to tread lightly on the landscape and let nature and history reveal themselves. By sharing their connection and respect for their environment and cultural heritage, Mt Mulligan Lodge’s hosts aim to inspire their guests with an enthusiasm for conservation.
Mt Mulligan Lodge can be accessed via a 35-minute helicopter journey from Cairns, providing sweeping aerial views of the 180 million year old Daintree Rainforest, the lush Atherton Tablelands and the rugged terrain that surrounds the majestic Mount Mulligan itself. Alternatively, for an adventurous self-drive, take a 2.5 to 3 hour 4x4 adventure 160 km (100 miles) northwest of Cairns. Due to the challenging nature of the road to Mount Mulligan, which is unsealed past Dimbulah, guests will require a 4x4 vehicle. Or private road transfer can be arranged using a local transfer company.
Food and drink
The menu at Mt Mulligan Lodge showcases an abundance of foraged, locally sourced, caught and freshly grown seasonal produce and evokes a strong sense of being in the Outback. The ‘from scratch’ ethos is evident in the homemade pickles, jams, chutneys and krauts, elevating sophisticated dishes and flavours of the bush.
The breakfast at Mount Mulligan is a classic à la carte menu offering all the staples. Starting at 8am, guests can make their way at leisure to the main pavilion and fuel up for the day’s adventure.
Lunch is an à la carte celebration of locally sourced, seasonal produce, tailored to suit individual food preferences and accompanied by the Mount Mulligan beverage selection. If a day of exploration is on the cards, you can request a gourmet picnic hamper and enjoy lunch in the bush.
Each evening dinner will be a relaxed yet indulgent affair with produce showcasing the incredible offering of the Atherton Tablelands and the menu putting a twist on Outback-living.
The main lodge is a welcoming and cosy setting for meals, but guests wanting to dine alfresco can do so with a gourmet picnic hamper in the bush, by dining under a canopy of twinkling stars over an intimate seven-course degustation dinner, or on the wide deck overlooking the weir.
An excellent range of iconic and boutique wines from some of Australia’s best wine regions has been hand selected to comprise the beverage menu, which ensures harmony between cuisine, climate and environment.
Rates include gourmet meals, quality Australian wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks.
Families
Mt Mulligan Lodge welcomes children of all ages and offer a range of signature daily experiences led by passionate and knowledgeable guides to engage multi generational gatherings. Families are best accommodated for in the Outback Pavilion which features two bedrooms, one lounge and two bathrooms.
Families are able to experience a 4x4 safari to one of the country’s most productive historical goldmines, be immersed in an interactive demonstration of Australia’s oldest operating gold crusher, explore the historic Mount Mulligan coal mine and abandoned township.
Facilities and activities
Swimming pool, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) adventures, hiking, fishing, kayaking, wildlife spotting and guided nature walks.
Accessibility
The closest Outback Pavilion to the Main Lodge is wheelchair accessible.