Mt Mulligan Lodge — Hotel in Thornborough

One of the best travel experiences I have had. From the moment we arrived with every staff member we passed smiling and waving, to the champagne and cold towels the moment we stepped out of the car the experience was faultless. Staff knew our preferred drinks and names before we met them, we continued to be astounded on day 3 when staff who had been off knew that we preferred sparkling water and asked how the specific activities we had day were. The food was outstanding, even with some picky preferences. Note - don’t eat too much before arriving, there is a lovely charcuterie platter and champagne waiting in your room for you. We would highly recommend dining under the stars -all courses were delicious and the wine matches, great. The highlight was the friendly turtles that came and dined with us. We were a little unsure how we were going to fill our days but need not have worried. The activities manager ensured there was plenty going on, a group activity every morning (sometimes 2 depending on numbers and who was departing that day), then 30-60min relaxing before lunch, the afternoon for a bespoke activity (we hiked up to a waterfall with Tim, one of the guides and it was fantastic, he knew so much about the history of the area as well as the flora and fauna). Or you could do a hike on your own, you were given a radio before heading off and assured that if couldn’t be bothered completing it, they’d jump on an ATV and come and pick you up, no problem), kayak, paddle board or fish on the weir (they stock it with Barra) or relax in the oversized bathtub on your deck. In the evenings there was either drinks and canapés at Sunset bar or complimentary cocktails in the pavilion for pre dinner entertainment so you really didn’t have much downtime (if that’s what you wanted). Overall the guides/activities team were phenomenal (as were all of the staff). All staff genuinely seemed to love working at MML and knew so much about the area and were passionate about it and happy to talk to you and tell you a story. The rooms themselves were stunning, beautifully finished, all very private, spacious with oversized bathrooms and a good wardrobe space for bags. The mini bar was stocked twice daily (not that you needed any more food!) The bathtub on the deck was very relaxing as was the double daybed. Overall, I couldn’t recommend this experience more. For couples or families. There were a few families when we stayed as it was holidays and the kids were having a ball. They did special tours for them and due to the sheer amount of space and size of the lodge, coupled with the small number of guests, having children staying did not impact the experience in any way for couples. If you’re trying to decide between MML and Orpheus, my recommendation would be MML. This experience is so unique and the staff are so passionate you...

We had previously stayed at Orpheus Island Resort which is owned by the same company so a high bar had been set. This resort was a similarly amazing experience although in a completely different landscape.|We experienced the same attention to detail , luxe accomodation and fabulous public areas including gardens , as well as top level food. The staff were universally wonderful and went out of their way to make the experience memorable .|When we arrived they had already prepared a daily draft itinerary for us based on what we had told them we were interested in via email before arriving.|They have an “ experience manager” who spoke to us on arrival to confirm what expeditions / activities we would like to do and the various staff who take the tours are friendly and knowledgeable.|The sous chef also spoke to us about any dietary requirements /preferences.We actually eat pretty much anything and if you are game you should try the green ants.|We loved all the experiences including dining under the stars ( the stars are , you guessed it , amazing), the sunrise tour , meeting the cattle and the gold mine and coal mine tours.Also the various walks including a sunrise hike and guided weir walk.|We stayed in an outback room which was lovely and had a large deck good for bird watching and relaxing.|We spoke to other guests who were in other types of accommodation including the “ tents” and they were very happy too.|We took the helicopter ride there and back which added to the whole experience.|Getting back to the staff , it would be unfair to single any one out as they were all so amazing but I would simply say the managers must be doing something right to attract such a high calibre of people .|We stayed 5 nights and the time went quickly so if you can I would suggest at least 4 nights would be ideal to fit in all the...

Went out to the Lodge under our own steam from Cairns, lobbing in at about 2pm and greeted with a smile and champagne on arrival... This set the tone of our 3 night stay! Told we were upgraded to a luxury room and went off to look in and it was as the pic shows: 5 star luxury. For the next few days and nights we were served food and drink and taken on informative and historic tours of the gold mine, old coal mining town and witnessed a muster in action. The service - there is a self-serve bar of beer, wine and spirits, get at any time you want, plus the room mini bar is always fully stocked and refreshed with some favourites. Each mealtime is a four or five course belly filling delight (check pics) and we couldn't wait to see what was served up next. The staff are awesome and Dan, (we reckon he is Hugh Grant's son), Kiah, Phoebe, James, Yannick, Gianni, Tim, Neve (or Niamh), and many more made it the friendliest place, even putting up with Gareth's Lodge goss. On our last night, there were only 3 other couples at dinnertime and we all sat together and had drinks and dinner, a fun night as if with friends back home. The relaxation you get from all the little things the staff do (e.g. the notes behind the bar about likes and requirements), the set menu and provided drinks, and the isolation of the Lodge is a tonic for the weary and stressed. We have noted there other Lodge stays similar and will definitely be exploring...