KEY POINTS
- Opening in March 2026, the new spa is housed in an intimate tented structure designed to keep guests physically and visually connected to the surrounding 28,000-hectare wilderness.
- The wellness program features a custom-built, solar-heated mineral pool that offers therapeutic recovery from the outback’s environmental extremes.
- Partnering with Australian skincare house LaGaia, the lodge incorporates native botanicals into signature rituals that honor the site’s deep Indigenous and pioneering history.
A significant new chapter in high-end Australian wellness is set to begin as Mt. Mulligan Lodge prepares to debut its first purpose-built spa and private mineral bathing facility. Nestled in the shadow of the majestic 18-kilometer-long sandstone escarpment of Ngarrabullgan, the lodge is expanding its all-inclusive offering to include a deeply localized health experience. This addition marks a strategic move by the Luxury Lodges of Australia member to redefine what “outback luxury” means for the modern traveler seeking both adventure and restoration.
The design of the new facility emphasizes an “inside-out” philosophy, utilizing a sophisticated tented structure located on the banks of a eucalyptus-fringed weir. This architectural choice ensures that the vast, raw landscape remains the focal point of every session. Rather than being confined to a traditional clinical setting, guests remain immersed in the sights and sounds of the Northern Queensland bush. The project reflects a growing demand for “silent luxury”—experiences that feel exclusive and high-end while remaining grounded in nature and simplicity.
At the heart of the new wing is a private outdoor mineral bathing pool. This solar-heated feature is a technical marvel in a remote setting, with water temperatures adjustable between 2 and 38 degrees Celsius to provide relief regardless of the season. The mineral-rich waters are specifically curated to assist with muscle relaxation and improved circulation, providing a vital recovery tool for guests returning from a day of ATV adventures, hiking, or exploring the historic goldfields on the property.
The wellness menu has been developed in an exclusive partnership with LaGaia, a prominent Australian scientific skincare brand. The collaboration has resulted in a series of treatments that utilize seasonal native botanicals, many of which have thrived in this specific landscape for millennia. Signature foot rituals and mindful pauses are integrated into the beginning of every visit, intended to ground the guest in the “sense of place” that defines the lodge. These treatments are not merely cosmetic but are designed to support both spiritual and physical well-being.
The lodge’s expansion into specialized wellness is deeply influenced by the cultural and historical weight of its location. Sitting on a site with 37,000 years of Indigenous heritage and a more recent history tied to the gold and coal rush, the property has always prioritized authentic storytelling. The new spa continues this tradition by using local materials and ancient plant-based wisdom to create a contemporary sanctuary. This holistic approach ensures that the spa feels like a natural extension of the rugged environment rather than an artificial addition.
This development follows the lodge’s recent accolades, including being named one of the world’s greatest luxury hotels. By introducing high-level spa services to its existing portfolio of barramundi fishing, gourmet dining, and helicopter tours, Mt. Mulligan Lodge is positioning itself as a world-class destination for multi-generational families and milestone celebrations. The facility is expected to be fully operational for the start of the March 2026 season, offering a new reason for international and domestic travelers to journey deep into the Queensland interior.
