This Northern Escape Collection, is a curated portfolio of boutique sustainable 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.
From Cairns, arrive in style by helicopter this will be a 90-minute helicopter flight to Orpheus Island.
Located just 80km north of Townsville, amidst the magical waters of the Great Barrier Reef, the island stretches across 11km 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 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 surrounds and many once-in-a-lifetime moments. In addition to all the diving and snorkelling the heart desires, guests can take a private charter out on the reef and try their hand at fishing, or a helicopter drop-off to secluded Havannah Island with a gourmet picnic hamper.
At Orpheus there is an adventure for everyone.
Try Something New…
DINGHY ADVENTURE
Motorised dinghies are available for our 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 water surrounding Orpheus, 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 run as 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 rainforest surroundings. The Rainforest Villa features a freestanding bath tub 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 h la carte breakfast at the Julaymbe Restaurant • 1 x lunch hamper or; 1 course Ala carte lunch in the ]ulaymba Restaurant • 3 course dinner at the Julayrnba 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 the Mossman River, cultural adventures, gourmet lunch hampers for a picnic adventure, helicopter flights, sunset sailing, guided rainforest walks, or perhaps just enjoy the ultimate in 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 experience, 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 electic buggy for whizzing about the property, perhaps to the weir for a spot of barramundi fishing, or over to the Sunset Bar to grab a drink and watch Mount Mulligan blushing 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. 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.
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!
ENQUIRELike what you see? Contact us today to find out more about our exclusive itineraries. Each Absolute tour is tailored to who you are and what you want to do.
Exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest and the wonders of the Outback
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START PLANNINGOverlooking Hazard Bay, this all-inclusive luxury resort sheltered within the Orpheus Island National Park. Just a 30 minute helicopter flight from Townsville, the resort boasts luxe rooms and suites featuring blonde timbers and modern furnishings. Offering complimentary minibars, all 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 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 rainforest surroundings. The Rainforest Villa features a freestanding bath tub 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-kilometre long sandstone namesake, Mt Mulligan Lodge offers laid-back luxury in the rugged outback environment of Queensland and is the newest 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.
Tahiti is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, and one of the most enchanting experiences it offers is the opportunity to observe dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. These magnificent creatures are a highlight of any trip to the island paradise and are a must-see for nature lovers.
The waters around Tahiti are home to a variety of whale and dolphin species, including humpback whales, pilot whales, spinner dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins. With so many species to see, you are guaranteed a unique and unforgettable experience.
Dolphin and whale watching tours in Tahiti are conducted by experienced and knowledgeable guides who provide fascinating insights into the lives of these incredible creatures. They will take you to the best spots for sightings, where you can watch in awe as these majestic animals frolic in the clear blue waters of the Pacific.
One of the best things about these tours is the opportunity to witness the natural behaviors of these creatures. You may see a mother humpback whale nursing her calf, or a pod of dolphins playfully chasing each other through the waves. It’s a humbling and awe-inspiring experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the wonders of nature.
Not only are these tours an amazing experience, but they also promote conservation efforts to protect these incredible animals and their habitats. By supporting responsible tourism, you are helping to ensure that future generations can enjoy the same incredible experiences.
A dolphin and whale watching experience in Tahiti is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should not be missed. The combination of breathtaking natural beauty, unique wildlife sightings, and responsible tourism practices makes it an experience that is both memorable and meaningful. So, if you’re planning a trip to Tahiti, be sure to add this incredible experience to your itinerary.
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, Great Barrier Reef and the Outback are all within easy reach. Cairns is both an adventure and a nature lovers paradise. From white-water rafting to bungee jumping and skydiving, you’ll find the perfect activity to suit your penchant and with hundreds of tours visiting the Great Barrier Reef each year, you’re sure to find one, or a couple, to try.
Townsville, Australia’s largest tropical city, is the focal point to this region which is bounded by Mission Beach to the north, Charters Towers to the west, and Bowen in 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, 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 in secluded, unspoilt tropical paradise, and stretches across 11km of immaculate turquoise coastline. The island itself, comprising more than 1,000 hectares of national park, is surrounded by 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.