Northern Queensland Short Break

Lodges visited

2

ITINERARY

Northern Queensland Short Break

Suggested duration

6 nights. Suggest 2-3 nights at each property for a well-rounded short break. This itinerary works equally well in reverse.

Find out more

To enquire about cost or book, contact your trusted travel planner or agent. Or you can DIY by contacting each lodge direct using the link below.


Cairns is well-known and loved as a northern Queensland gateway. What is less known is how easy it is to combine the contrast between rainforest and outback in two astounding destinations both within 35mins (by air) or 2.5 hours by road from Cairns.

From cairns, 3hr 4wd self drive or hosted transfer to mt mulligan lodge or arrange to arrive via a 35min scenic flight.

1 Mt Mulligan Lodge Northern Outback, Queensland

Quintessentially Australian, Mt Mulligan Lodge offers modern laidback luxury in the untamed outback environment of Northern Outback Queensland. Set on a 28,000-hectre outback cattle station, the luxury lodge is situated on a secluded site, in the shadow of majestic Ngarrabullgan – Mount Mulligan. Discover a range of handcrafted experiences designed to showcase the best of the rugged and captivating landscape, steeped in gold and coal rush history. Through a combination of guided nature walks, 4WD safaris and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) adventures, the lodge’s passionate and knowledgeable hosts interpret one of Australia’s most spectacular – but relatively undiscovered – landscapes, including endemic plants (one of which is found exclusively on the property) and native fauna such as Agile wallabies. From a culinary perspective, the lodge is a strong proponent of sustainable agriculture and works with local suppliers in the Far North Queensland region to source organic, free range, fair trade, biodynamic and sustainably-farmed products.

What will I do there?

  • Take a 4WD safari to Tyrconnell Gold Mine where the thundering sound of Australia’s oldest operating gold crusher fills your senses with what it was like to work in one of the country’s most productive goldmines.
  • Get behind the wheel of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) exploring boulder-strewn creeks, navigating outback tracks before resting at the picturesque south end of Mount Mulligan to delight in a chef-prepared gourmet picnic.
  • Glide along the weir aboard a kayak and become part of the daily rhythm as little pied cormorants dry their wings after deep diving for food and other water birds go about their business.
  • Year-round cattle roam the property and cattle mustering is conducted on the property several times per year. Ask the reservations team for cattle mustering dates as guests can enjoy the full outback Australian experience by trying their hand at cattle mustering during these times.
  • Mt Mulligan Lodge provides stand-up paddle boards so guests can enjoy some light exercise whilst taking in the scenery on the weir. You might even be lucky enough to sight a platypus.
  • Head up to the Mt Mulligan Lodge Sunset Bar and enjoy a sun-downer as you watch the ever changing moods of the Mount Mulligan escarpment.

1 Mt Mulligan Lodge Northern Outback, Queensland

Quintessentially Australian, Mt Mulligan Lodge offers modern laidback luxury in the untamed outback environment of Northern Outback Queensland. Set on a 28,000-hectre outback cattle station, the luxury lodge is situated on a secluded site, in the shadow of majestic Ngarrabullgan – Mount Mulligan. Discover a range of handcrafted experiences designed to showcase the best of the rugged and captivating landscape, steeped in gold and coal rush history. Through a combination of guided nature walks, 4WD safaris and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) adventures, the lodge’s passionate and knowledgeable hosts interpret one of Australia’s most spectacular – but relatively undiscovered – landscapes, including endemic plants (one of which is found exclusively on the property) and native fauna such as Agile wallabies. From a culinary perspective, the lodge is a strong proponent of sustainable agriculture and works with local suppliers in the Far North Queensland region to source organic, free range, fair trade, biodynamic and sustainably-farmed products.

What will I do there?

  • Take a 4WD safari to Tyrconnell Gold Mine where the thundering sound of Australia’s oldest operating gold crusher fills your senses with what it was like to work in one of the country’s most productive goldmines.
  • Get behind the wheel of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) exploring boulder-strewn creeks, navigating outback tracks before resting at the picturesque south end of Mount Mulligan to delight in a chef-prepared gourmet picnic.
  • Glide along the weir aboard a kayak and become part of the daily rhythm as little pied cormorants dry their wings after deep diving for food and other water birds go about their business.
  • Year-round cattle roam the property and cattle mustering is conducted on the property several times per year. Ask the reservations team for cattle mustering dates as guests can enjoy the full outback Australian experience by trying their hand at cattle mustering during these times.
  • Mt Mulligan Lodge provides stand-up paddle boards so guests can enjoy some light exercise whilst taking in the scenery on the weir. You might even be lucky enough to sight a platypus.
  • Head up to the Mt Mulligan Lodge Sunset Bar and enjoy a sun-downer as you watch the ever changing moods of the Mount Mulligan escarpment.

3hr 4wd self drive to silky oaks lodge or arrange to arrive via scenic flight.

2 Silky Oaks Lodge The Daintree, Queensland

Silky Oaks Lodge is a stylish rainforest hideaway on the Mossman River, adjacent to the Daintree World Heritage Area – perfectly positioned to connect you with the region’s extraordinary wilderness areas, from the The Daintree to Cape Tribulation – as well as the world’s largest coral reef system, the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Set overlooking the pristine waters of the Mossman River and immersed in the tranquility of the surrounding rainforest, the luxury treehouses are styled with contemporary furnishings and local timbers.

Silky Oaks Lodge has nurtured an enriching connection with the Kuku Yalanji people, the First Nations people of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. There are extensive hiking trails leading from the Lodge into the Daintree National Park offering both adventure and education as well as diverse and beautiful locations to photograph or picnic. Swim and snorkel in the spring-fed Mossman River, or simply sway in a hammock on the afternoon breeze.

What will I do there?

  • Join a guide from Walkabout Cultural Adventures for a walk through  Mossman Gorge and discover the culture and traditions of the Kuku Yalanji, the First Nations people of the Daintree.
  • Begin the day with a guided yoga class, designed to suit all fitness and experience levels. Held in an open-air pavilion, cares slip away with the soothing sound of the Mossman River.
  • Take a dip in the spring-fed Mossman River and grab snorkel and fins to explore the underwater world, home to turtles, fish and the elusive platypus.
  • The pretty nearby town of Port Douglas is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy an array of activities from sailing aboard a luxury catamaran to diving among submarine cities of fish and coral.
  • Head off on a full-day safari with Australian Wildlife Journeys operator, FNQ Nature Tours. Visit the remote outpost of Cape Tribulation, spot birds and crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise, plus scenic walks and lunch on the way.
  • Set among lush rainforest gardens, the Healing Waters Spa is a tranquil sanctuary. Sink into a mineral rich bath, cocoon in a detoxifying marine wrap and emerge renewed from a green tea salt therapy under the Vichy shower.

2 Silky Oaks Lodge The Daintree, Queensland

Silky Oaks Lodge is a stylish rainforest hideaway on the Mossman River, adjacent to the Daintree World Heritage Area – perfectly positioned to connect you with the region’s extraordinary wilderness areas, from the The Daintree to Cape Tribulation – as well as the world’s largest coral reef system, the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Set overlooking the pristine waters of the Mossman River and immersed in the tranquility of the surrounding rainforest, the luxury treehouses are styled with contemporary furnishings and local timbers.

Silky Oaks Lodge has nurtured an enriching connection with the Kuku Yalanji people, the First Nations people of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. There are extensive hiking trails leading from the Lodge into the Daintree National Park offering both adventure and education as well as diverse and beautiful locations to photograph or picnic. Swim and snorkel in the spring-fed Mossman River, or simply sway in a hammock on the afternoon breeze.

What will I do there?

  • Join a guide from Walkabout Cultural Adventures for a walk through  Mossman Gorge and discover the culture and traditions of the Kuku Yalanji, the First Nations people of the Daintree.
  • Begin the day with a guided yoga class, designed to suit all fitness and experience levels. Held in an open-air pavilion, cares slip away with the soothing sound of the Mossman River.
  • Take a dip in the spring-fed Mossman River and grab snorkel and fins to explore the underwater world, home to turtles, fish and the elusive platypus.
  • The pretty nearby town of Port Douglas is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy an array of activities from sailing aboard a luxury catamaran to diving among submarine cities of fish and coral.
  • Head off on a full-day safari with Australian Wildlife Journeys operator, FNQ Nature Tours. Visit the remote outpost of Cape Tribulation, spot birds and crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise, plus scenic walks and lunch on the way.
  • Set among lush rainforest gardens, the Healing Waters Spa is a tranquil sanctuary. Sink into a mineral rich bath, cocoon in a detoxifying marine wrap and emerge renewed from a green tea salt therapy under the Vichy shower.

?id0=214&id1=558
lloa-signuppopup-2xlloa-signuppopup-2x

Want to be the first to know?

All the latest lodge news, offers and event information curated by Luxury Lodges of Australia and delivered straight to your inbox. We won't bombard you with emails - just one every 6 weeks or so.