QUEENSLAND
MT MULLIGAN LODGE FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND
There’s a distinct urge to mutter “Toto, we’re not in Cairns anymore” as you make the 160km journey to Mt Mulligan Lodge. Arriving by helicopter (a 35-minute trip that encompasses views of the Daintree Rainforest) or four-wheel-drive (a near three-hour road trip), the all-inclusive retreat is situated on a working cattle station and sleeps just 16 guests. The property – part of the family-run Morris Group’s Northern Escape Collection, which also includes Orpheus Island Lodge on the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Ecolodge – is named for the 18km sandstone conglomerate tabletop mountain that looms over the area, and is as luxe as they come, with an infinity pool, Sunset Bar and uninterrupted outback views.
The lodge is also extremely eco-friendly. It runs on solar power and recycled water, there’s a focus on local and seasonal ingredients in the kitchen and guests get electric buggies to zip around in. For something (literally) more down to earth, go on a bushwalk, taking a supplied picnic hamper with you. mountmulligan.com
OVOLO NISHI CANBERRA
Ovolo Nishi is the coolest place to stay in our actually-very-cool capital, and a weekend visit will leave you wondering why you didn’t get there sooner (no, school excursions don’t count). Formerly Hotel Hotel, there are plenty of corners you’ll want to hang out in, including the impressively stocked library, the lobby and the seasonal Monster Kitchen & Bar.
But you’ve come to Canberra for the culture cred, so while the National Gallery Of Australia is the city’s drawcard, don’t miss smaller spaces such as Beaver Galleries and Nishi’s own space, which has hosted artists Bec Parsons, Bart Celestino and Luke Chiswell. Then, make use of a car subscription (such as Carly or Carbar) to get out of the city and head for smaller towns such as Bungendore, Gundaroo and Braidwood. ovolohotels.com/ovolo/nishi