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Wild Nature Lodge in Mareeba offers eco-luxury cabins and camping in the serenity of the bush.
As the festive season approaches, there’s a sweet spot on the calendar that travellers often overlook – the shoulder season. In the Mareeba Shire, those spring months before Christmas bring warm, golden days, cool evenings, and fewer crowds. It’s the perfect time to slow down, explore, and discover the places locals love most before the end-of-year rush begins.
Whether you’re chasing peace, nature, or a bit of adventure, here’s where to stay and what to do when you linger a little longer in the heart of Tropical North Queensland.
Between October and December, the region begins to shift from the dry to the green season. Waterfalls trickle back to life, the air feels fresh and earthy, and the roads are quieter. You can enjoy the best of both worlds – warm, sunny days ideal for exploring and those first bursts of rain that make the savannah glow.
The shoulder season also means better availability and relaxed travel, so you can take your time discovering the Shire’s diverse landscapes – from lush rainforest edges in Kuranda to wide-open outback plains around Chillagoe.
A tranquil retreat set among tropical gardens, Birds Heaven is perfect for birdwatchers, nature photographers, and anyone craving serenity. Wake up to the calls of rainbow lorikeets and fall asleep under star-filled skies.
Cobra Rd, Mareeba QLD 4880
Phone: +61 429 782 603
birdsheavenmareeba.com
Birds Heaven Mareeba offers stylish, luxe accommodation surrounded by peaceful native bushland.
Just minutes from town, this locally loved camping and glamping spot combines comfort with the rugged beauty of the bush. Think fire pits, big skies, and that true outback feel — all within easy reach of cafés and attractions.
110 Paglietta Rd, Chewko QLD 4880
Phone: +61 400 978 311
mareebabushstays.com.au
For those seeking a more exclusive escape, Wild Nature Lodge offers luxury tented accommodation inside the renowned Mareeba Wetlands. With over 240 bird species and sunset reflections across the lakes, it’s an experience that feels worlds away from the everyday.
560 Pickford Rd, Biboohra QLD 4880
wnescapes.com
Wild Nature lodge offers off-grid comfort, wildlife, and tranquil bushland.
Set among peaceful rural surrounds, Kydobi Country Park is perfect for campers and caravanners looking for wide spaces, friendly hosts, and quiet nights under the stars. The on-site facilities and community feel make it an easy, comfortable stay.
Perched on a private ridge overlooking the Hodgkinson Valley, Ironbark House is all about big views and bigger skies. It’s an architect-designed escape that blends luxury with the raw beauty of the outback — ideal for couples or families who love remote comfort.
Ironbark House Dimbulah offers luxe, eco‑secluded outback accommodation with modern amenities and expansive savannah views.
Travelling by road? Dimbulah Caravan Park offers clean, comfortable stays with friendly outback hospitality. It’s a great base to explore the Wheelbarrow Way and Chillagoe’s dramatic limestone caves.
Burke Developmental Rd, Dimbulah QLD 4872
facebook.com/DimbulahCaravanPark/
Tucked in the historic outback town of Chillagoe, Chillagoe Cabins provide the perfect rest stop for adventurers exploring the caves, old smelter ruins, or nearby Aboriginal rock art. Expect country charm, modern comforts, and easy access to the region’s most fascinating landscapes.
Chillagoe Cabins offers award-winning, self-contained stays in Chillagoe.
As the year winds down, Mareeba Shire comes alive with community spirit – festive markets, balmy nights, and that unmistakable country hospitality. It’s the kind of place where you can finish your year feeling grounded, refreshed, and inspired by the simple joy of slowing down.
So before the Christmas rush begins, stay a while. Find your favourite hidden gem, light a campfire, and let the heart of the Mareeba Shire remind you why this corner of Tropical North Queensland is made for unhurried adventures.
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