Located on a 28,000 hectare outback property, Mount Mulligan is located just 100km north-west of Cairns. Mt Mulligan accommodates only 16 guests, offering an exclusive Outback experience and is a child-friendly property. Located on the property are a historic gold and coal mine, historic township, working cattle station, many hiking trails - all dominated by Mt Mulligan Range.
With only four standalone pavilions, the lodge is a very exclusive experience. Each room is totally private with a view of the weir and Mount Mulligan. The Lodge offers a fully inclusive stay with a daily changing menu using locally sourced produce and selected beverages.
Most activities are included in the stay, from guided tours of the goldfields, historic Mount Mulligan coal mine and abandoned township, ATV adventures, wildlife spotting, hikes around the southern face of Mount Mulligan, barramundi fishing in the weir, paddle boarding, kayaks, see the day-to-day operations of a working cattle station, are just to name a few.
Natalie was lucky enough to stay two amazing nights at the newly opened Mount Mulligan Lodge. Departing Cairns by helicopter, a 35-minute journey took her over the city of Cairns, the tropical mountain ranges, Barron River and the savannah landscape. Mount Mulligan Lodge is not far away when you see the spectacular Mt Mulligan 18km ridge, which is ten times larger than Uluru.
Alternatively, a 4WD transfer is possible in 2 ½ hours. 1 hour is on gravel road. The trip goes by very quickly and it I s great to see the change in scenery on the way.
The main lodge is separated into two areas by a stone feature wall with built-in fireplaces. All stones were sourced from the property itself. The main dining room has a complimentary bar with selection of beverages and snacks. There are floor to ceiling bi-folding doors that open onto patio areas overlooking the pool and weir.
Each Suite has its own exclusive use of a buggy which can be used to explore around the property on your own. The Outback room is 54 square meters finished off with beautiful timber floors and totally opens up to its own private balcony overlooking Mt Mulligan and the Weir.
The Balcony has its own day bed and rustic bathtub.
The Outback room can be converted into the Outback Retreat with a connecting door allowing its own separate private lounge with a fireplace.
Natalie had the pleasure to meet head chef Simone, who explained each dish and where the produce was sourced. Her passion for using locally sourced ingredients shows in the high standard of food offered. Lunch was banquet style with a local cheese platter, home-made sweet potato tarts, savoury muffins and fresh tropical fruit.
Dinner this evening was a shared set course meal, again chef Simone explained each dish and where it was sourced, starting with freshly baked bread and home-made butter. The highlight dish for was the desert made with candied green ants. Something pretty unusual but very tasty!
In the morning, Natalie got up early just before sunrise and wasn’t disappointed: The colours on Mt Mulligan were just breathtaking.
Breakfast this morning was a A La Carte with a selection of dishes, using the finest local ingredients. The kitchen caters for all dietary needs. Natalie asked by chance if they had coconut milk instead of cow’s milk and was not disappointed, it was available.
Natalie joined a guided ATV tour. The staff chose the most adventurous track, through rugged bush lands, crossing a number of creeks to arrive at the footsteps of the mountain where a picnic spot with snacks and drinks were prepared. From the picnic area is a hiking track leading to the range.
On another tour it was time to visit the Tyrconnell Gold Mine, 30 minute drive from the Lodge. Much of the infrastructure remains untouched and after 100 years the mine is still in working condition. Guide Gavin was very experienced and knowledgeable.
On the way back to the Lodge they drove past the former hospital, old township to the base of the old Coal Mine. Now a ghost town, the only remains are a cemetery, a chimney stack, and the electricity generator.
*Photos were taken by Natalie Gayler
