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This Northern Escape Collection is a curated portfolio of sustainable boutique lodges and experiences that celebrate Queensland’s diverse natural beauty in one bespoke journey. Inspiring authentic experiences and lasting memories, discover a secluded island paradise on the Great Barrier Reef (Orpheus Island Lodge), a soul-enriching retreat in the Daintree Rainforest (Daintree Ecolodge), and invoke the spirit of adventure in the outback (Mt Mulligan Lodge). A private helicopter charter service provides unrivalled access to the three boutique lodges
Duration: 9 days
Starts: Cairns
Finishes: Cairns
Access to Orpheus is via a 90min helicopter journey from Cairns over the picturesque coral-studded sea.
Arrive on Orpheus Island in style by helicopter after a 90-minute flight from Cairns.
Located just 80km | 49mi north of Townsville, amidst the magical waters of the Great Barrier Reef, the island stretches across 11km | 6.8mi of immaculate turquoise coastline and comprises of a pristine national park and surrounding World Heritage-listed marine park. The newly renovated lodge accommodates just 28 indulged guests at any one time, ensuring absolute seclusion and serenity!
Your Stay Includes: 3 nights of tropical isle accommodation • All gourmet meals • A selection of quality wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks • A daily curated Orpheus experience – local snorkel, sunset cruise, guided hike, cocktail class, low tide walk, wine tasting, and whale watching (when in season) • Unlimited use of motorised dinghies, paddle boards, kayaks, catamaran, snorkelling equipment and light fishing gear
3 Nights Staying at Orpheus Island Lodge
Relax, you are on holiday. At Orpheus everything has been taken care of.
With its unique location set amongst the pristine Great Barrier Reef, there are boundless opportunities to explore the island and surroundings and experience many once-in-a-lifetime moments. In addition to all the diving and snorkelling your heart desires, you can take a private charter out on the reef and try your hand at fishing. Or how about a helicopter drop-off on secluded Havannah Island with a gourmet hamper for a romantic picnic?
At Orpheus, there is an adventure for everyone.
Try Something New…
DINGHY ADVENTURE
Motorised dinghies are available for guests to explore the many neighbouring beaches, go snorkelling or try your luck at fishing. Take a chef-prepared picnic and find the perfect sheltered bay for an intimate private lunch.
PADDLEBOARDING
Try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding and enjoy a bit of light exercise while taking in the scenery. You might even be lucky enough to see a green turtle.
SAILING
Take out one of the island’s catamarans and venture out into the surrounding waters of the sheltered bay of Orpheus Island. The conditions around Orpheus are perfect for sailing.
KAYAKING
Guests can take a kayak and explore the mangroves just off the shore, within the sheltered bay.
SNORKELLING
Explore the clear azure blue water surrounding Orpheus, and see the many species of reef corals and fish in an incredible array of colours. Enjoy unlimited use of snorkelling equipment during your stay. Venture to the many nearby snorkelling spots on the Great Barrier Reef including the protected Giant Clam Garden just in the bay. Guided snorkelling tours to the local fringing reefs are one of the daily signature experiences on the island.
Fly to Cairns and Transfer to Daintree National Park Rainforest
Daintree Ecolodge is located in the middle of the Daintree National Park Rainforest. This boutique lodge has a day spa and an on-site restaurant, which overlooks the freshwater lagoon. Each of the 15 villas/bayans has a fully screened balcony with stunning views of the surrounding rainforest. The Rainforest Villa features a freestanding bathtub on the balcony. The day spa at Daintree Ecolodge offers a range of treatments from massages to facials. The Julaymba restaurant offers contemporary Australian cuisine, served in the lodges.
Your Stay Includes: 2 nights rainforest accommodation • Daily a la carte breakfast at the Julaymba Restaurant • 1 x lunch picnic hamper or 1 course a la carte lunch in the Julaymba Restaurant • 3-course dinner at the Julaymba Restaurant, two evenings • A selection of quality wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks • ‘A Walk Through Time’ rainforest walk, one morning.
1 Night Staying at Daintree Ecolodge
Take in the Majesty of the Ancient Tropical Wilderness
Wake up to the sound of the birds in the canopy above, take in the majesty of the ancient tropical wilderness and discover the Ecolodge’s private and pristine waterfall on a leisurely walk through the enchanting rainforest.
Unique activities on offer include river drift snorkelling down Mossman River, cultural adventures, gourmet lunch hampers for a romantic picnic, helicopter flights, sunset sailing, guided rainforest walks, or perhaps just enjoying ultimate relaxation at the Daintree Wellness Spa.
Mt Mulligan Lodge is a 35min helicopter journey from Cairns
Access to Mt Mulligan Lodge is via a 35min 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.
Mount Mulligan Lodge
Designed to showcase the best of the outback, Mt. Mulligan Lodge is situated on a private 28,000-hectare heritage site in Queensland, offering boutique accommodation at the foot of majestic Ngarrabullgan (Mount Mulligan). Accommodating just 20 guests at any one time, this award-winning retreat is part of the Northern Escape Collection (along with Orpheus Island Lodge), a curated portfolio of intimate and sustainable lodges that celebrate the state’s diverse natural beauty.
Your Stay Includes: 3 nights outback accommodation • All rustic but refined meals • A selection of quality wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks • A swag of outback experiences – ATV adventure, sunset drinks, tour of historic Mount Mulligan township and coal mine, stargazing or 4WD safari to Tyrconnell Gold Mine • Unlimited use of paddle boards, kayaks, electric buggy and light fishing gear.
3 Nights Staying at Mt Mulligan Lodge
Relax, you are on holiday. At Mount Mulligan everything has been taken care of.
Every guestroom gets its own electric buggy for whizzing about the property, perhaps to the weir for a try at barramundi fishing, or over to the Sunset Bar to grab a drink and watch Mount Mulligan blushing in every shade of pink.
Relax and unwind in the outdoor bath with only the sweet sounds of nature all around.
At Mount Mulligan, there is an adventure for everyone.
A range of experiences have been designed to make the surrounding landscape and its fascinating history come to life. These include exploration of the historic Mount Mulligan coal mine and abandoned township, guided tours of Tyrconnell Gold Mine, 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.
“This Northern Escape Collection of lodges is the highlight of Tropical North Queensland. But even better these lodges are located in arguably the best and most diverse regions of Queensland.”
Ready to find out more? Talk to one of our friendly travel designers about his tour. We guarantee you it will be the experience of a lifetime!
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Overlooking Hazard Bay, this all-inclusive luxury resort is sheltered within the Orpheus Island National Park. Just a 30-minute helicopter flight from Townsville, the resort boasts luxe rooms and suites featuring blonde timber and modern furnishings. Offering a complimentary minibar, all rooms have private patios with garden or sea views. Gourmet meals, boating and fishing equipment are included, as are activities such as snorkelling, cruises and island tours. The resort features an infinity pool, a spa, and a restaurant that serves sustainable seafood and produce from its own garden.
Daintree Ecolodge is located in the middle of Daintree National Park rainforest. This boutique lodge has a day spa and an on site restaurant, which overlooks the freshwater lagoon. Each of the 15 villas/bayans has a fully screened balcony with stunning views of the rainforest surroundings. The Rainforest Villa features a freestanding bathtub on the balcony. The day spa at Daintree Ecolodge offers a range of treatments from massages to facials. The Julaymba restaurant offers contemporary Australian cuisine, served in the lodges.
With the backdrop of its majestic 18-km | 11.2mi long sandstone namesake, Mt Mulligan Lodge offers laid-back luxury in the rugged outback environment of Queensland and is a member of the Luxury Lodges of Australia. Located on a 28,000-hectare working cattle station, Mt Mulligan Lodge invites just 16 guests to experience the spirit of the outback through a captivating landscape that’s steeped in indigenous significance dating back 37,000 years.
The expansive property bears the marks of the historic gold and coal rush and in its current operation, the pastoral history of Australia.
Orpheus Island, situated off the coast of Queensland, Australia, offers signature experiences that epitomize its natural beauty and pristine surroundings. Guests can partake in world-class snorkeling and diving adventures, exploring the mesmerizing Great Barrier Reef teeming with vibrant marine life. The island’s exclusivity ensures tranquil beachfront relaxation and private picnics on secluded shores. Nature enthusiasts can embark on guided bushwalks through lush rainforests, encountering diverse wildlife and rare flora. Orpheus indulges in gourmet dining, with personalized menus showcasing local ingredients and fresh seafood. Sunset cruises, stargazing, and rejuvenating spa treatments complete this idyllic island escape, promising an unforgettable tropical paradise experience.
Orpheus Island beckons as an unrivaled jewel in the crown of tropical getaways, nestled amidst the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. This secluded paradise offers an exclusive haven for those seeking a quintessential island escape where the wonders of nature harmonize with luxury and relaxation.
Accommodation: Orpheus Island presents a choice of lavish accommodation options. The Orpheus Island Lodge stands as the pinnacle of luxury, with opulent suites that provide breathtaking views of the Coral Sea. Alternatively, guests can opt for the Beachfront Rooms, which offer direct access to the beach and private terraces. Each room combines contemporary elegance with natural charm, ensuring a serene and comfortable stay.
Activities:
Cairns is situated in the Northern end of Tropical Queensland. The city is framed by the spectacular twin backdrops of rainforest mountain ranges and the sparkling Coral Sea. The World Heritage-listed Wet Tropical Rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback are all within easy reach. Cairns is both an adventure and a nature lover’s paradise. From white-water rafting to bungee jumping and skydiving, you’ll find the perfect activity to suit your penchant for thrills and with hundreds of tours visiting the Great Barrier Reef each year, you’re sure to find one, or a couple, to try out.
Townsville, Australia’s largest tropical city, is the focal point of this region which is bounded by Mission Beach to the north, Charters Towers to the west, and Bowen to the south. The five resort islands – Dunk, Magnetic, Orpheus, Hinchinbrook and Bedarra – are all different in character and all offer a unique experience for the holidaymaker.
Townsville’s many attractions include the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium, a wildlife sanctuary, a casino, beaches, museums, theatres, galleries and restaurants. Beautiful Magnetic Island is just 20 minutes from the city centre by fast cat ferry. Day cruises and diving expeditions to the Great Barrier Reef and white water rafting excursions also depart regularly from the city.
Orpheus Island is the ultimate secluded, unspoilt tropical island paradise, and stretches across 11 km | 6.8 mi of immaculate turquoise coastline. The island itself, comprising more than 1,000 hectares of national park, is surrounded by a pristine fringing reef you can access simply by stepping out from your accommodation.
The Daintree Rainforest is a region located on the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia, north of Mossman and Cairns. At around 1,200 square kilometres, the Daintree is a part of the largest continuous area of tropical rainforest on the Australian continent.
The World Heritage-listed is so beautiful that its ancient ferns, emerald green vines, and lush canopy provided inspiration for the movie Avatar. Here, you can trek through the jungle and discover plants and animals found nowhere else on the planet.