Enjoy one of Australia’s Great Drives from the Gold Coast to Binna Burra! There’s a new $35m road to the Gold Coast’s peak destination with amazing views across the Numinbah Valley to the ocean. The best time to visit is undoubtedly midweek to enjoy Binna Burra’s Teahouse and a selection of guided walks and activities.
Our Gold Coast hearts all collectively sank in September 2019 when bushfires engulfed the historic Binna Burra Lodge and its 42 cabins. But now, the new Binna Burra has risen from the ashes, and is open for business. You should see what they have done with the place! You are going to love it! The news images were heart-breaking. Despite incredibly heroic efforts by firefighters who battled the flames on the ground, alongside helicopters who bombed water down onto the site, the iconic getaway destination could not be saved by roaring flames that consumed a large part of the site. People around the world who had their fondest holiday memories from here all clutched at their hearts in shock. Nature can be a cruel and savage mistress.
But, nature is also endlessly beautiful, inspiring, and life-giving. Of course, Binna Burra would be rebuilt, because this secluded rainforest escape would not go down in history just because it lost a fight with a fire.
Now, we bring the happy news that the buildings that were damaged have been rebuilt, and they have thrown their doors open once again for the public. So, we urge our readers to go and take a look at the new Binna Burra, and support this special place. But also, we want you to go because you will have a totally awesome time.
About Binna Burra
Binna Burra is famous for where it is in the world. It is special in the true sense of the word, and sits at 800 metres above sea level amidst the sub‑tropical rainforest of Lamington National Park in the Gold Coast Hinterland. It is surrounded by ancient Antarctic Beech forest, along exposed escarpments and into heathland. There are fascinating birds and unique wildlife surrounding it, in a complex and diverse ecosystem. This is the stuff of life.
Lamington National Park’s earliest human inhabitants were the Yugambeh. The mountain that Binna Burra sits upon was known as ‘Woonoongoora.’ These peaks are sacred and spiritual, places to be nurtured and respected. And Binna Burra are doing a fine job of this. The Lodge at Binna Burra was the first Australian property to attain the internationally recognised Green Globe Certification for its best practice environmental performance. It was also listed in the top 10 Eco-Lodges and Green Hotels in the World. These are just two of many green awards it holds, and this is exactly why it is the escape you need… You can lose yourself in the achingly beautiful nature here for days. It is the real deal.
The drive to Binna Burra is better than it has ever been, thanks to road repairs after the bushfire. The reconstruction works of over $30 million were jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. And there is nothing like a new road to make the journey great!
ACCOMMODATION
Binna Burra is open for day guests and visitors. But sometimes, you just need a bit more time in such a beautiful place. There are two ways to stay at Binna Burra. The first is in the crazy-amazing Skylodges. Here, you have your choice of spacious one, two and three-bedroom ecofriendly apartments and studios. All of them feature captivating views across the Coomera and Numinbah Valleys. You can enjoy a bath with those crazy mountain vistas, or curl up in front of the cosy fireplace. Or, simply sit back and sink into the breathtaking panorama. The balconies have seating outside, so you don’t have to leave those vistas. You can just sit there all day, treating your eyes and your soul.
The other way to stay at Binna Burra is at the Rainforest Campsite. It is the perfect base for exploring the many bush walks of Lamington National Park. Campsite accommodation options include 2-man and 4-man man tent sites, unpowered and powered driveon sites and 2-, 4- and 6- bed permanent safari tents.
Safari tents accommodate from 2 to 6 people and are a comfortable way of camping without the hassle of putting up a tent. Here you are totally submersed in nature with all its soul-filling vibes and amazing sounds. There’s USB charging ports because you would die if you didn’t spend the whole day taking photos of these surroundings. There is a private verandah with rainforest or Numinbah Valley views, and the windows have screens. There’s also access to communal fire pits. You just have to BYO linen, blankets and pillows (or you can hire linen from reception if you don’t feel like washing when you get home!).
ACTIVITIES
Binna Burra have partnered with locally operated adventure company ParkTours, who are specialists in outdoor activities. You can try to do all of the activities, or none of them. But they all look pretty cool, it would be hard to resist. The guides run activities seven days per week. But hop on to the website and book your place to be sure, as some activities can fill up quickly.
Guided Walks
If you feel you would enjoy a guided walk more than just winging it alone, then this is a great way to learn a lot of crazy-interesting things about Lamington National Park. Some of these walks are rated as the best in Australia by Australian Geographic and offer a range of different distances and attractions. Experience the wonders of the complex geology from volcanic activity, or the cool temperate rainforest pockets full of Antarctic Beech. Remember to keep your eyes skywards as you might just see a koala sitting sleepily in the branches. You will also hear the chatter of bowerbirds and catbirds as you walk.
For those that prefer the night, there is a guided nocturnal walk on offer, for when the forest comes alive. You may encounter marsupials like local pademelons, possums and gliders, alongside micro‑bats, owls and maybe even a spider or two.
There’s also a walk that shows you different bush foods and medicines of the forest. The guide will tell you how to find bush tucker of Yugambeh country. And they will fill you in on the medicinal properties of various plants and how you might grow some bush tucker at home.
You can even do a walk around Binna Burra and get the scoop on the history of the location. It ends in the newly-opened Binna Burra Gallery.
Self-Guided Bushwalking And Hiking
This is what Binna Burra is globally famous for. These walks sit at 800m-1100m above sea level, and send you to rainforest-covered mountains, breathtaking lookouts, tumbling waterfalls, caves and fern gullies. Lamington National Park has around 160km of Australia’s most diverse walking trails. Choose from a wide range of walks from easy strolls to challenging full-day hikes.
Archery
Everyone loves to shoot arrows. In fact, archery has been around for almost 15,000 years and was once critical to human survival. The guides will explain how to hold the bow and aim for the target. All you have to do is hit the bullseye!
Wellness
Say goodbye to stress and worry and opt for some wellness activities. Re-align your body, mind and spirit while connecting to the peaceful surrounds of Binna Burra. You can do activities like yoga, or mindful practices in nature on the mindful morning sessions. Be sure to check the website for availability!
Hinterland By Horseback
Horse riding is back at Binna Burra! Experience the wow in this part of the world. The Gorge Ride captures breathtaking views out to Mount Tamborine, Brisbane and beyond. Remember to book online before you set out!
DINING
There are two excellent options for feasting at Binna Burra. The Grooms Cottage ‘Bushwalkers Bar’ was always the heart of Binna Burra Lodge, being the original home of Arthur Groom who established Binna Burra Lodge (along with Romeo Lahey). It is now one of the last Heritage buildings left at Binna Burra. It has been opened up for the public to enjoy. This beautiful old heritage building has excellent sunset views which you can enjoy on the grass lawn. With delicious locally sourced tap beers and share boards for daytime grazing, you’ll love it. The communal campfire at Grooms Cottage is lit each afternoon for the ultimate sundowner experience that guests of Binna Burra have been enjoying for 86 years.
The newly renovated Binna Burra Tea House is now open for breakfast, lunch and early dinner. It is just a short walk from the Sky Lodges. This place is famous for its food and wild landscape spectacles. The breathtaking views down the Numinbah Valley from the Tea House will have you amazed. You can enjoy mountain breezes while you get serenaded by cicadas. There is also a well-equipped shop with a small range of groceries, basic supplies, gift items and more.
Binna Burra loves to support local suppliers, and the menu here is no exception. Key ingredients come from sustainable businesses throughout the Scenic Rim. Menus and opening hours can be found on can be found on binnaburralodge.com.au.
Binna Burra are on all the usual social media platforms, so check it out before you book. But beware. Once you look at their pictures, you will get lost there for hours! Be strong, and carry on!
Want to know more about exercise? Well, you’re in luck! Just click here to read some more about being active and healthy!
Editor for Silver Magazine Gold Coast
