Nature is our entertainer as we are surrounded by some very intricate and diverse EcoSystems. At Mungumby Lodge during the day guests can take advantage of the numerous walking trails, and explore the adjoining World Heritage Listed rainforest and historic mining sites, secret waterfalls and jungle pools of one of the Mungumby estate’s numerous creeks. There is a wide range of self-guided options & facilities at Mungumby Lodge, which guests can undertake. Spectacular waterfalls and inland lakes offer bird-watching and trekking clients numerous opportunities.
Must do things at Mungumby Lodge
- Hidden Falls – a lovely creek 950m hike directly from the homestead
- Night Walks – self-guided night walk along the creek in front of the lodge (bring your own torch)
- Swimming pool – relax around the pool and enjoy the scenery.
- Mungumby Creek Walk – a short stroll along the creek edge directly from the BBQ Pavilion.
- Mungumby Road jog – jogging or walking 4km along Mungumby Road, is great exercise.
- Aussie Fire Pit – enjoy star gazing around the fire, we have dry wood ready for you.
- Mt Biking – we have some good ride suggestions that start right at the lodge.
- Hike to Helenvale Falls – a good 3 hour return hike to the old Lions Den Tin mine.
Drive times from Mungumby Lodge
Destination | Km | Time | Sealed |
Cooktown | 28 | 25 mins | YES |
Rossville | 22 | 17 mins | YES |
Lakeland | 47 | 35 mins | YES |
Laura | 118 | 75 mins | YES |
Eilm Beach (Coloured Sands) | 103 | 63 mins | YES |
Mossman (Douglas Shire) inland | 258 | 2.5 hrs | YES |
Cairns Airport | 305 | 3.5 hrs | YES |
The elusive Bennett’s Tree Kangaroo lives in the area and on the Mungumby estate. Bird watching is a favourite among many and something Mungumby Lodge is well-known for as this can be done directly at the lodge or from your cabin. Also available, which include deep-sea ocean fishing to the pristine Ribbon Reefs. Light tackle estuary fishing is awesome, especially by fly and can be done from the banks of the nearby rivers. Fishing is promising from nearby Archer Point, Bloomfield River, and the mighty Annan River or from the village of Cooktown on the wharf or waterfront park sea wall.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Mungumby Lodge is a photographer’s paradise. Directly from the lodge or throughout the garden. Birds, plants, flowers, history, culture landscape or macro, it’s all here or within a short drive from the lodge. We are seriously into our photography as well, that’s why we live here!
HIKING SHIPTONS FLAT OR COOKTOWN
We have three easy-to-serious private hiking trails on the property into the national park as well as nearby. At the lodge, we have a brochure that includes all the local walks from Cedar Bay to Mt Cook.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
On the Mungumby estate as well as along Mungumby Road, down Shiptons Flat road and the surrounding region offers an abundance of Mt Biking opportunities. Try the Twin Bridges ride out along Shiptons Flat Road. A ride to Rossville and south to the Cedar Bay National Park Gap Creek climbing through the rainforest on a sealed quiet road and return. In Cooktown there is the very rocky bore fields ride behind Keating’s Lagoon. Another top ride is out to the North Shore from Endeavour River Escape or the airport.
ABORIGINAL ROCK ART
The Quinkan Rock Art is Queensland’s most renowned rock art. Genuine in its current form and as it has been for thousands of years. Split Rock can be accessed from the Panisular Development road just before Laura. The car park is signposted and open to the public, from the car park there is a short walk to the 3 main galleries with an entry fee required. Please note there that there are no toilet facilities. The road is sealed all the way to Laura and suitable for a conventional vehicle. Culture Connect and Aboriginal tour operator operating out of Cooktown offers half-day and full-day rock art experiences.
FISHING
SE Cape York is world-renowned for its fishing. Coastal, river and shore fishing is some of the best. However, the key is knowing the right spots and staying away from the rest of the pack. Fishing operators offer guided fishing charters and wildlife tours from Bloomfield, Cape York, Australia. Fish with lures, or live bait for Barramundi, Coral Trout, Tuna, Mackerel, Jacks, Trevally and Queenies. With many years of experience fishing locally Tom prides himself on his personalised, professional and consistent fishing charters.
The Lure shop in Cooktown has numerous guided options from reef fishing to estuary. They are knowledgeable, fun to be around and know their stuff. Departing from Cooktown we know from experience it is best to pre-plan and book a trip fishing whether to the reef, estuary, or up the river.
KITE SURFING | GREAT BARRIER REEF COAST
Kite surfing around the local region guarantees strong winds and ideal conditions from May till October. Here you are assured exclusive locations south and north, from Wujal Wujal to Cape Melville. Strong, constant trade winds off Archer Point, Cedar Bay, Weary Bay, Walkers Bay, Cape Bedford, Indian Head and Cape Flattery mean these areas are ideal for experienced kite surfers. This region surrounding us both south and north offers golden sands with clear flat lagoons known at these special kite surfing locations. We request total respect for the wishes of traditional owners, which means not driving on the beaches at low tide, using small boats where you need to, or walking in and when required always obtaining a permit for access. In our region, you can expect lots of wind, lots of adventure, natural golden sands, warm water and the ocean to yourself.
Here at Mungumby Lodge on the northern edge of the world’s oldest rainforest, you may just wish to spend your time relaxing near the pool, in the garden or in the main lounge area. Or you may wish to discover the region on your own, on one of the many hiking trails. NB: Due to the Dec 2023 FNQ Flooding event post TC Jasper some of our walks are being redesigned as time allows. You may be looking for an experience that’s not been listed here. We do offer other activities and tours and can tailor-make a stay to suit your wishes. Please contact us with your requirements. Whichever way you choose to go, Mungumby Lodge will have something for you.