Crystalbrook Lodge

Crystalbrook Lodge is truly in the wilderness, surrounded by some 85,000 acres of the Crystalbrook Station. Freshwater crocs and a rich variety of birdlife are among the creatures who live here, and the hotel’s expert guides will help you spot them on guided walks.

Crystalbrook Lodge is an intimate hotel, hosting a maximum of ten guests across its five suites. Each suite is appointed in a simple, contemporary style, and has a private, walled courtyard area where you can while away the hours on your day bed. The rooms all feature king-size beds and luxurious bathrooms with dual shower heads.

Dining at Crystalbrook is all about appreciating and making the most of the rich natural bounty of the region, with freshly-caught wild barramundi and grass-fed beef tenderloin served up alongside seasonal fruit and vegetables from the Atherton Tablelands, including mango, papaya, and sweet potato. Fish comes from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the north, while fruits from the local rainforest are turned into delicious chutneys and jams. Dairy products are sourced from local producers. The hotel has also has a bar fully stocked with beers, wines and spirits.

Magna is the lodge’s beautiful wet-edge infinity pool. The water is high in magnesium to help encourage muscle relaxation, and it melts away into the lake. This is a beautiful place to sit and while away an hour or two. The hotel also has a theatre room, where you can watch something from their wide range of movies and documentaries. The lodge’s remote location means it has no mobile phone coverage – which only adds to the feeling of wilderness immersion.

Crystalbrook Lodge is uniquely placed and equipped to take advantage of its naturally beautiful surroundings. Experienced guides will lead you on trails like the Lakeside Loop, where you’ll spot rich local birdlife such as sea eagles, bee-eaters, koel, jabiru and blue-faced honeyeaters; you can also spot the birds from the hotel’s viewing platform. The clear night skies in this area make it a great spot for stargazing, and there’s a telescope in the hotel’s theatre room. There’s diverse geology on offer at nearby Chillagoe, and expert guides will show you round the limestone rock formations and Aboriginal rock art.