CityLife | Atherton Tablelands | Take the sizzle out of summer | Malanda Lodge

CityLife Atherton Tablelands

Take the sizzle out of summer
Malanda Lodge

Words by Janie Barton

As we say goodbye to spring and temperatures start to soar, it’s great to know there’s a cool, country escape waiting for you just minutes from Cairns.

Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway for two or an extended family holiday, the Malanda Lodge is the perfect place to get away from the heat and explore some of the Tablelands’ famous attractions.

The lodge has everything you want in a cosy country retreat and more. Its 17 well-appointed, air-conditioned rooms overlook lush, tropical gardens and rolling green lawns which you can enjoy from your own patio or by exploring on foot.

A large resort-style pool complete with a spa and a waterfall, fully licensed restaurant and outdoor barbecues are set amongst 11 acres of landscaped gardens where you can spot peacocks, the occasional tree kangaroo and lots of native wildlife as they meander by.

The property features a crystal-clear creek with platypus viewing, favoured by both children and adults. It’s an ideal spot for guests to picnic in cool comfort.

Its Pickle & Smoke restaurant is loved by guests as well locals thanks to its melt-in-your-mouth smoked meats. These locally sourced meats are slowly cooked at temperatures over burning charcoal and smoking timbers such as hickory and pecan.

Seafood lovers, vegetarians and children are also catered for. You can dine privately on the grounds, in your room or take away for your own picnic. A complimentary continental breakfast is also provided daily for each guest.

The restaurant, which seats 80 people, has a large bar and a popular rustic fireplace. While it’s a gas fireplace, the atmosphere it creates enhances the cosy and calm ambience of the lodge.

Malanda Lodge is also well known and loved for being an idyllic location for weddings, private events and functions. The friendly staff go out of their way to ensure your special event is perfect by supplying delicious food, drinks and professional service staff.

Owners Eunice and Phil Sexton, who lived in Cairns over 10 years before purchasing the property 18 months ago, have updated the décor and upgraded the rooms.

“The time we had spent during weekends in the Tablelands and escaping the heat of Cairns reminded us of our love of our once-rural lifestyle and tight-knit communities,” Eunice said.

“After 30 years raising three boys, Phil’s career in aviation and mine in healthcare, we thought it was time for a new challenge and the opportunity to work together at the lodge came up. We absolutely love it here.”

You could spend weeks enjoying some
of the numerous attractions of the Tablelands
and still not see everything.

“There is so much to see and do on the Tablelands,” Eunice said. “We’re proud of the genuine hospitality of our wonderful team, who love encouraging visitors to see all the beautiful things the Atherton Tablelands has to offer.”

For more information visit www. malandalodge.com.au or phone 4096 5555.

The picturesque views at Malanda Lodge ooze tranquility

Pickle & Smoke Restaurant & Bar located at Malanda Lodge for guests to enjoy.