Surrounded by the sub-tropical rainforest of Lamington National Park in the Gold Coast Hinterland, an eco-friendly and sustainable getaway awaits at Binna Burra Lodge.

Binna Burra Lodge was founded in 1933 by Arthur Groom and Romeo Lahey, who shared a vision that was way ahead of their time. The pioneering conservationists wanted create a place where people would experience the natural beauty of the rainforest in way that would motivate them to preserve it for future generations.

The Lodge has had a sustainable approach to tourism well before the term ‘sustainable tourism’ was coined and was the first Australian property to attain the internationally-recognised Green Globe Certification. Binna Burra pioneered many practices which are now part of international sustainable tourism guidelines and it has also been listed as one of the top 10 Eco-Lodges in the world.

Escape to the country

The journey to Binna Burra Lodge is an experience in itself. You’ll wind through ancient Antarctic Beech forest with magnificent lookouts along the way and, if you’re in the passenger seat, keep your eyes peeled for the birds and unique wildlife that inhabit this diverse ecosystem.

In 2019, bushfires sadly destroyed many of Binna Burra’s heritage-listed buildings, but the property was able to recover and reopened in September 2020. Guests can currently enjoy the remaining rainforest campsite, Tea House cafe at the entrance to Lamington National Park, Groom’s Cottage, the Pottery shed, and Sky Lodges.

The location of Binna Burra Lodge, nestled within Lamington National Park provides an idyllic escape away from the stresses of everyday life, and there are accommodation options for those wanting a luxe escape or a more back to basics experience.

For a touch of luxury, the property’s sky Lodges are spacious one, two and three-bedroom eco-friendly apartments and studios with dreamy views across the Coomera and Numinbah Valleys. After a day out hiking, you can take a long soak in a spa bay, relax with a glass of wine on the balcony and then curl up in front of the cosy fireplace.

For a more rustic experience, The Rainforest Campsite has safari tents that can accommodate 2 to 6 people. Located high on a ridge surrounded by rainforest and bordering Lamington National Park they provide the perfect base for the many trails and bush walks the area has to offer.

At the heart of the rainforest resort is The Grooms Cottage which was the original home of Arthur Groom, one of the Binna Burra’s founders. It is now the ‘Bushwalkers Bar’, a place to grab a coffee, a takeaway BBQ pack for the guest barbeques, and there’s also a wide range of locally-sourced produce so that you can put together the perfect scenic picnic.

Adventure awaits

If you’re looking for adventure, Binna Burra has a partnership with Park Tours who run guided activities for all ages, seven days a week. Park Tours is a family-owned company operated by Lisa Groom, Arthur Groom’s granddaughter. They offer archery, yoga, Qi Gong, kids activities as well as guided park tours, full-day hikes and spotlighting night walks.

The tours are run by local guides who take pleasure in sharing the hidden gems of their backyard with visitors. On the fun-day hikes you’ll have the chance to explore this diverse ecosystem and if you keep your eyes on the trees, you might see a koala sitting sleepily in the branches.

Where?

Website: www. binnaburralodge.com.au

Address: 1069 Binna Burra Rd, Beechmont QLD 4211