Ironbark House is situated on the ridgeline of Ironbark Hill approximately 600 metres above sea level gazing out across the wilderness toward Mount Mulligan Station.
This unique, totally off-grid 1345 acre property which has its own solar power generation system, sewage treatment and harvests all its own water, is located on the outskirts of the Atherton Tablelands in the farming district of Dimbulah on route to Mt Mulligan and Chillagoe.
Just constructed, Ironbark House has two large bedrooms both with spacious ensuites, separated by a welcoming kitchen/dining/living area with a generous verandah over looking the most amazing vista for luxurious al-fresco dining and entertaining.
The raked ceilings add to the sense of light, freedom and spaciousness that this modern Australian bush retreat has in abundance.
This completely private 1345 acre working cattle property is a mix of wildlife habitat, with a healthy bird population of well over 100 different species found on the property, as well as it’s own colony of rock wallabies.
A network of trails cover the entire property accessible by a variety of means: self-guided walks; private guided 4X4/walking tours; horseback tours or mountain biking (byo).
There are 6 dams on the property, the two largest are a hive of activity with numerous water birds including the cotton pigmy goose. Or sit quietly and watch the cattle slake their thirst accompanied by a mix of native animals. If you’re feeling fit climb to the top of Ironbark Hill for stunning 360 degree views.
Ride The Outback: Boutique horse riding experience for a maximum of 3 guests per ride can be tailored to meet your wants and ability. Rides vary from 1 to 3 hours.
Private On Property Walks and Tours: These can be arranged with a guide of 20 years’ experience ranging from early morning birding, to night spot-lighting, rock wallaby haunts and mountain hikes or farm tours.
If, after exploring the property, watching wildlife or just lazing with a book you need more to do…. in the surrounding area you will find a wealth of activities, each one accessible as a day excursion…..
40klm to the north is historical Mt Mulligan who’s mine was the site of one of Australia’s worst mining disasters with 75 people loosing their lives in 1921. You can visit the mine site, cemetery and ruins of the town. The heritage listed Tyrconnel Mine and Battery (1876) nestled between Thornborough and Kingsborough is a couple of klm detour en-route to Mt Mulligan.
Head West for an hour and you will reach the mining town of Chillagoe famous for its Limestone Caves, Aboriginal artwork, historical smelter and Marble quarries. The Caves, estimated to be between 600 to 1000 in number, can be visited alone or to access the larger deeper caves are available through Ranger guided tours several times a day. This day trip will give you a real appreciation of outback life in Australia.
Drive South East for a change of scenery to visit the highland rainforest and farming area of the central Atherton Tablelands. Starting with Tolga and Lake Tinaroo wend your way around Yungaburra with the famous Curtain Fig tree, Atherton, Herberton with it’s quaint restored historical village. Sample a variety of cheese, chocolate, coffee and bio-dynamic dairy products from a variety of farms on your adventure.
If you didn’t have time to stop Mareeba on your way to Ironbark House it’s a 40 minute drive to stock up on goodies or explore Granite gorge, perhaps drop into Mt Uncle Distillery and sample some of their award winning handmade spirits or wine tasting at Golden Drop Winery and don’t forget a coffee at Skybury or the Coffee Works.
The local town of Dimbulah, 7klm from Ironbark House has amenities such as a local pool, pub, café, bakery, butcher, library, variety/hardware store, bank, post office and chemist. The café, Camp 64 is a tourist attraction in it’s own right with a fascinating display of artefacts from Australia’s pioneering past. The quaint little train station opens twice a week for the Savannahlander Train on it’s way to and from Forsayth.
Ironbark House is less than 2 hours from Cairns International Airport and Port Douglas and well worth the drive!
The Accommodation
Bedroom 1 has a King bed which can be spilt into two singles if required. The generous room has full sized wardrobe, seating area, direct access onto the verandah and spacious ensuite.
Bedroom 2 has a Queen bed and a day bed which can be converted into a King bed, so this bedroom can sleep 4 sharing two beds. Also has a large ensuite bathroom, amazing views, wardrobe and storage.
Please note that if you are a party of 3 people, but wish to use both bedrooms/ensuites (i.e. the entire house) you will have to book as for 4 guests and please advise me by email regarding the exact number of guests.
The Kitchen is well equipped bearing in mind that this house is totally dependent on solar power generation, so you won’t find power hungry monsters like dishwashers and coffee machines here, but has all the essentials for a comfortable stay. The oven and cooktop are gas, there is a generous fridge/freezer, tea, coffee and basic condiments are provided.
The combined Dining and Living area, which like every room in the house has amazing views is equipped with dining table for 6, VAST TV which offers plenty of channels, there is good mobile and internet reception (no WIFI).
There are two verandahs to make the most of the sun (or shade) during the day. The main one comes complete with BBQ, al-fresco dinning and seating area. Sit and watch the sun go down while being entertained by the local wildlife.
Here is what a few of guests have had to say:
Dear Rachael and Kevin
Thank you so much for having us to enjoy the beauty of your property.
When we arrived I was just overwhelmed.
I fell in love with all your animals, especially with Misfit. I couldn’t imagine any better last days of our stay in Australia.
You two are just lovely and so welcoming.
I bet you’re going to have plenty of happy guests in the future and maybe I’ll come back one day, would definitely love to.
We appreciate everything you set up for us a lot and we love the Ironbark House, it’s just amazing.
The furniture you chose is just perfect and I couldn’t think of a more cozy house in the middle of the bush. The kitchen is well equipped and we loved to cook and have dinner at the veranda overlooking the wilderness.
We even had a kangaroo saying hello once.
My highlight of the stay was definitely horseback riding in the early mornings.
We would recommend to stay here to everyone who wants to stay apart from touristy places and see a total different side of Australia after staying in the Cairns coastal area. Two different worlds, not to compare. Both absolutely stunning and for me the Ironbark House is one of my favorite places in Australia.
All the best,
Janina and Sylvia
Ironbark House was the perfect outback getaway - peaceful, rejuvenating and a great place to see an abundance of wildlife. The view over the property is mesmerizing, so we’re the wedge-tailed eagles that soared above at sunset. Stylish decor, comfortable beds and modern facilities made our stay so cosy and convenient. The private horse ride is well guided on lovely horses. We saw troupes of wallabies, woodland and rocky terrains and lots of cute new baby calves, one born the day of the ride! I’d recommend Ironbark House to anyone seeking either a peaceful break or an adventurous trip in the outback.
Jaimee
Brisbane
