Outback luxury awaits at Mt Mulligan Lodge

Mount Mulligan might just be the most magnificent place in Australia you’d never heard of.

Explorer James Venture Mulligan described Mt Mulligan as “a mountain once seen, never to be forgotten" when he chanced upon the escarpment on a gold-prospecting expedition to Tropical North Queensland in the late 1800s.

A quick flick through the guestbook at the eponymously named Mt Mulligan Lodge suggests the magnificent conglomerate and sandstone tabletop mountain still has the power to inspire awe. The property is one of three key Luxury Lodges of Australia in Tropical North Queensland. What surprises a lot of visitors to Ngarrabullgan (Mt Mulligan) is the fact it almost 10 times the size of Uluru. And while visitors are forbidden from climbing the mountain, guests at the lodge can seek refuge here to do as little or as much as they like. Yes, the location is remote, but that’s part of the appeal. Get amongst it.

Exquisite Mount Mulligan views from the weir. (Image: Wilson Archer)

Location

The lodge sits in the shadow of the vast monolith, known as Ngarrabullgan, in the heart of Djungan country in the Tropical North Queensland outback. As well as being a place of great significance to the Traditional Owners, Mt Mulligan is the site of Queensland’s worst mining disaster, a tragic event that blew the heart out of the local community in 1921. The former mining town is about 160 kilometres north-west of Cairns in the Shire of Mareeba.

Mount Mulligan Lodge with the Mount Mulligan backdrop. — Mount Mulligan Lodge blends into the mountain backdrop. (Image: Jason Lerace)

Style and character

Building design and interior architecture firm dubois: has brought a look and feel that will wear and weather as beautifully as nature’s palette. Built around an existing weir on a 28,000-hectare working cattle station, the expansive property is rugged and rural and brings visitors in touch with the elements.

Mt Mulligan Lodge design — The design exudes an elevated ranch-style aesthetic. (Image: The Rambler Co.)

Facilities

The lodge features four different types of accommodation: two Outback Retreats, six Outback Rooms, two Outback Suites, and four Outback Tents.

In addition, there’s a beautifully designed main Pavilion with a dramatic exposed stone feature wall, an infinity pool and Sunset Bar designed in the Australian vernacular – all timber and tin – which dates back to our pioneering past.

Each guest is assigned an electric buggy so you can zip to and from the Main Pavilion or Sunset Bar. The all-inclusive lodge sleeps just 28 guests, including children of all ages. The low-set building surrounded by gums is exceptionally chic and a top spot to join fellow guests for a chat around the open bar of beer, wine and spirits.

Mount Mulligan Lodge sitting area — Unwind and get cosy by the fire. (Image: Courtney Atkinson)

Rooms

Wood, wool, leather, linen, timber stone. It makes sense for Mt Mulligan Lodge to feature natural materials, fibres and recycled timbers that bind us to our past. Forget the chintzy excesses of a city hotel. The rooms are resplendent with considered artworks and floor-to-ceiling doors that open to the greenery of a tropical garden reflected in the mirrored surface of the weir.

Mount Mulligan Lodge room — The eight guest rooms have a dark and earthy colour palette. (Image: Lee Besser)

Each room allows glimpses of Mt Mulligan beyond. Bunker down in the corrugated outdoor tub on the vast deck in order to admire the generous folds of the monolith as it changes in the light. All the rooms are dotted along a grassy shoulder of land overlooking the weir.

The rooms are fitted out with iPod docks, Bose Bluetooth speakers, LaGaia bath products, a desk, air con, minibar, free bottled water, tea- and coffee-making facilities and a working fireplace (in the Outback Retreats and Outback Suites only). Want to elope? There’s a package designed for your private outback wedding.

Modern bathroom at Mount Mulligan Lodge — The modern bathrooms open out onto decks. (Image: Elise Hassey)

What is the food and drink offering at Mt Mulligan Lodge?

Take a seat on custom-designed canvas folding camp chairs around a solid timber table to enjoy a superb set menu on the verandah of the Main Pavilion while overlooking the infinity pool and surrounding landscape.

Mt Mulligan Lodge dining — Relax and diner by the outdoor swimming pool. (Image: Mt Mulligan Lodge)

Request a bespoke Dining under the Stars experience or enjoy the daily-changing menu, which pays respect to the diverse producers of the Atherton Tablelands and rich Indigenous history of using native ingredients.

Listen to the chorus of cicadas over linguine carbonara with barramundi pancetta followed by a dessert of wattleseed, coffee and banana. Dining is all-inclusive and there’s the option to pair lunches and dinners with Australian wines.

Flamed red claw at Mount Mulligan Lodge — Food is served with a nose-to-tail philosophy. (Image: Elise Hassey)

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.