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Aussie Outback Experience in Queensland Australia
When you think of Queensland Australia, typically the first thing to come to mind is the beach, Great Barrier Reef or even the Daintree Rainforest. However, did you know that you can get an authentic Aussie outback experience here too?
Nestled in the shadow of Ngarrabullgan, an impressive tabletop mountain ten times the size of Uluru, Mount Mulligan Lodge is a luxury outback retreat surrounded by red dirt and eucalypt woodlands, 150km northwest of Cairns.
The 2.5 hour 4WD drive from Cairns that took us into and beyond the rainforest, past small country towns in the tablelands and onwards into the North Queensland back-country.
Nearing the end of the journey, as we drove up a small hill and pulled off the road, the breathtaking view of Mount Mulligan was revealed in all its glory, its 18km sandstone escarpment rising from the bushland. The mountain has held a strong indigenous significance for the local Djungan people for thousands of years, well before early settlers arrived to name it Mount Mulligan.
With champagne in hand, we are guided from the main pavilion to our suite where an itinerary of unique experiences awaits. Situated on 28,000 hectares, Mount Mulligan has an array of signature and bespoke experiences that showcase the captivating landscape, seclusion, and rich history of the heritage property. Still operating as a working cattle station, mobs of cattle are often spotted around the lodge and amongst the historical sites dotted around the property. Guided exploration of the abandoned Mount Mulligan township is encouraged, with the old cemetery, coal mine, hospital, and chimney stacks to be discovered.
In the evenings, the fire pit with a view of Ngarrabullgan puts a luxurious spin on a traditional outback campfire. And for our 1st evening, we drove our private golf buggy up to the sunset pavilion to enjoy a pre dinner snack with views of the sunset.
Meals are served in the main lodge overlooking the still water of the weir, where you watch water birds skip across lily pads, while cockatoos rest in the paperbarks. Or a background of singing cicadas and a gentle rustle of eucalypt leaves as the end of the day approaches.
It truly showcases so much of the Aussie bushland beauty and I can’t wait to return. If you want to know more please reach out to me on 312 951 8517 and I would love to chat to you!
Experience the Best of Summer in Melbourne: Activities You Won’t Want to Miss
Summertime in Melbourne is an incredible season, with exciting and memorable experiences to be had. If you want to get to know the locals and join their summer experiences, then Melbourne is the perfect place to be. From art exhibitions to golf courses and cultural festivals to fresh seafood, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Visit local art exhibitions. There is amazing street art to see around the city, with talented artists like Rone known for their unique ability to capture women’s faces. I highly recommend checking out Rone’s exhibit at the abandoned Flinders Street Station, which is an impressive display of his work. Getting around Melbourne is easy, thanks to the 24-hour public transportation and extensive tram network. This means you can easily navigate to any of the city’s burrows and explore all the amazing art.
Play a round of golf. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, there are plenty of golf courses in Melbourne’s surrounding sandbelt region to suit every skill level. From courses constantly featured towards the top of the Top 100 lists like Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath to leisurely pace courses where kangaroos are a common sight, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We have exclusive access to many of the top-rated golf courses in the area.
Attend a local cultural festival. One of my top picks is the Antipodes Festival, which showcases the city’s multiculturalism through food, dance, and drinks. Held in the heart of Melbourne City, the Antipodes Festival is a vibrant display of different cultures coming together. With 500 performers and 85 food stalls, there is plenty to see and eat, and the atmosphere is always electric.
If you’re a foodie, then Melbourne’s fresh seafood will not disappoint. Garlic Prawns the size of your head and calamari cones: seafood is incredible and in abundance. You can take a tram down to St Kilda, which is only 3.7 miles from Melbourne’s city center, and find a little local clay pot restaurant or visit the St Kilda Esplanade Markets for unique souvenir items and a taste of freshly cooked calamari takeaway. After enjoying your seafood, you can head to the beach for an incredible sunset over the water before stopping in at ‘The Espy’ for a glass of bubbles.
The Australian Open tennis tournament. This world-famous tennis tournament is held annually in January and is a great opportunity to see some of the world’s best players compete. The festival grounds include live music, games, fantastic restaurants, an amazing play area for the kiddos, and so much more. Even if you’re not a tennis fan, we recommend getting a grounds pass to check out the uniquely Aussie festivities! Register your interest now for 2024; packages will be released soon.
Melbourne, in the summer, is an incredible destination that offers a wide range of activities and experiences. Whether you’re interested in art, golf, food, culture, or sports, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So why not plan a summer trip to Melbourne and immerse yourself in the city’s unique culture and lifestyle?
French Polynesia – A Diver’s Paradise
Hello everyone; this is Shannon. As a scuba diver, I am always looking for places to add to my list for diving. While I have been to French Polynesia twice, I have yet actually to get underwater there! So as you can imagine, I am really hoping to go back to dive in both the Society Islands but also the Tuamotus.
Our friends at Paul Gauguin have put together some of the best dive sites in French Polynesia. Cruising with Paul Gauguin is one of the best ways to see all of the islands in the Society Islands, and you can certainly add diving to your cruise!
Check out their post here.
Want to learn more? Give me a call or email me at sbradley@downunderendeavours.com.
