There’s something uniquely Australian about travelling from red-earthed outback to palm-fringed islands in a single journey, and experiencing just how wildly diverse, intimate and beautiful this country really is. There’s something even more unique about experiencing it with your family.
For the Tan family, their multi-lodge itinerary with Morris Escapes was exactly that: a seamless progression through two landscapes, each offering a sense of space, connection to nature – and a long exhale. From arriving on the helicopter in the outback of Tropical North Queensland to sandy toes on the beach of Pelorus Island, this 6-night itinerary blended rest, meaningful time together and a deep sense of relaxation – the kind that stays with you long after you return home.
Pelorus Private Island. Photo credit: Eugene Tan
What were your first impressions as a family when you arrived at Mt Mulligan Lodge, Orpheus Island Lodge and Pelorus Private Island?
“We arrived at Mt Mulligan Lodge and Orpheus Island Lodge with Nautilus Aviation, which is show stopping and breathtaking all at once. The vastness of Mt Mulligan is beautiful as is Orpheus. The immediate feeling is one of intimacy and seclusion in nature and once greeted by the Managers the warm Aussie hospitality that is unlike any other in the world. We arrived at Pelorus via boat and it was a beautiful calm still day on the water – again it was a feeling of complete seclusion and privacy as we approached the private beach and Pelorus home.”
Tan family at the Sunset Bar at Mt Mulligan Lodge
Each property offers such different landscapes — from the outback to island life – what was your take on going from the outback to island?
“We loved experiencing Mulligan first, being very different to the coastal destinations we usually visit. The vastness and green shadowed by the dramatic Mt Mulligan, the ever-changing light was a quintessential taste of our diverse Aussie bush. Going from this to Orpheus Island – a secluded beach and Manta rays lapping the shoreline and palm trees dotted with hammocks was a perfect combination of what Australia as a travel destination has to offer and all achievable to travel between within a morning. Coupled with incredible hospitality and food and beverage – makes the combo of these two properties a perfect way to discover the best of far North Queensland.”
Was there a particular moment — at Mt Mulligan Lodge’s outback terrain, during a reef snorkel at Orpheus Island Lodge, or while exploring Pelorus Private Island — that made you stop and think “This was worth the trip”?
“A sunrise hike up to Mt Mulligan and swim in a secluded gorge, a day on the reef snorkelling for hours listening to the coral crackle and followed by a fishing session on the way back to the island both we’re moments we will treasure forever. A morning swimming and using the sea bobs on the private beach at Pelorus followed by lunch cooked by your own chef – including the fish our boys caught on the way back from the Great Barrier Reef is bucket list kind of stuff.”
We loved the outdoor games on the grass at Mt Mulligan and cruising down the lake in the kayaks. We loved sitting as a family and enjoying the amazing food over breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Orpheus especially after a swim off the beach or fish in the little boats off the clam garden.
– Debbie Tan, Aquabumps
If you were to sum up your Morris Escapes multi-lodge experience in three words (one for each location), what would they be, and why?
“At Mt Mulligan Lodge: Adventure, spiritual and magical – a special slice of the Australian bush. We loved the history, the dreamtime stories and the adventure that Mulligan offered – both unique and quite spiritual. A beautiful ode to our first nations culture and history.
At Orpheus Island Lodge: Tranquil, private and relaxing. You still have the option of adventure at Orpheus but the location means it’s a real reset for your nervous system. Surrounded by nature – like a long exhale.”
About Morris Escapes
Morris Escapes is a curated portfolio of boutique sustainable lodges and experiences that celebrate Queensland’s diverse natural beauty. Designed to inspire authentic experiences and lasting memories, guests can discover luxury island hideaways on the Great Barrier Reef at Orpheus Island Lodge and Pelorus Private Island, invoke the spirit of adventure in the outback at Mt Mulligan Lodge, and succumb to country elegance in the Scenic Rim at Beechmont Estate.
Morris Escapes was crafted by Australian family business, Morris Group, with the goal of allowing travellers to experience Northern Australia in its purest form and to contribute to sustainable economies in the region.