Back

FROM THE ASHES TO THE CLOUDS: BINNA BURRA'S NEXT CHAPTER BEGINS

Binna Burra in the Scenic Rim

Seven years after devastating bushfires destroyed its historic mountain lodge, Binna Burra, one of Australia's most treasured tourism destinations is ready to welcome a new generation of guests

 

Bookings are now open for the new Lodge at Binna Burra, reconnecting guests with a much-loved place in the heart of Lamington National Park in the Scenic Rim, just an hour from the Gold Coast and 90 minutes from Brisbane. The first overnight guests will arrive on Friday 13^th November 2026. Images here

 

Seven years after the devastating 2019 Black Summer bushfires destroyed the heritage-listed lodge and accommodation at Binna Burra, a new chapter in the story of this much-loved destination is about to begin.

 

“This marks a major milestone in Binna Burra’s remarkable journey of recovery, resilience and renewal,” said Steve Noakes, Chair of the Board of Directors at Binna Burra Lodge, a pioneering Queensland nature-based tourism social business that commenced in 1933. 

 

In recent years, Binna Burra has weathered four separate disasters in rapid succession: the 2019 Black Summer bushfires that destroyed the heritage-listed lodge and accommodation; the COVID-19 shutdowns of 2020 to 2022; damage from the 2023 Gold Coast hinterland tornado; and substantial damage from Cyclone Alfred in early 2025 that set the accommodation supply back five years and required almost one year to get back to pre-cyclone accommodation capacity. No comparable run of external disruption appears anywhere else in the company's history.

 

The new lodge and accommodation at Binna Burra have been supported by the Queensland Government’s Regional Tourism Recovery Program (RTRP).  

 

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said Binna Burra's recovery was one of Queensland tourism's great comeback stories.

 

"Few places tell a story of resilience quite like Binna Burra, and it's fantastic to see this iconic destination welcoming visitors once again after years of challenges," Minister Powell said. "Queensland is the home of the holiday, and destinations like Binna Burra are what keep visitors coming back to experience our incredible natural assets. Projects like this are key to delivering Destination 2045 and our 45 by 45 vision, showcasing the best of Queensland's environment while supporting jobs, communities and regional economies."

 

Steve Noakes said that while the original lodge will always hold a special place in Binna Burra’s history, its successor represents a renewed commitment to welcoming visitors to experience the extraordinary natural beauty, heritage and sense of place that have defined Binna Burra for generations.

 

“The opening of bookings is more than a milestone in rebuilding infrastructure. It is an invitation to return, reconnect with nature and become part of the next chapter in Binna Burra’s story.”

 

Bookings for the new lodge accommodation as well as the other existing accommodation (Sky Lodges, Tiny Wild Houses, Safari tents, Bushwalker’s Bunkhouse and camp ground can be made at:  www.binnaburralodge.com.au/book-online/

Binna Burra Lodge, 1040 Binna Burra Rd, Beechmont, Queensland 4211

Tel: 07 55 333 622    Email: [email protected]

 

ABOUT BINNA BURRA

For more than 90 years, Binna Burra in the Scenic Rim has held a special place in the hearts of generations of Australians. Perched high in the spectacular Scenic Rim, surrounded by the ancient, World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Lamington National Park, this extraordinary mountain retreat is one of Australia's oldest nature-based tourism destinations. Founded in 1933 by pioneering conservationists Arthur Groom and Romeo Lahey, Binna Burra began with a handful of tents, guided rainforest walks and a bold vision to connect people with nature. Ninety-three years later, that vision lives on, with Binna Burra internationally recognised for its commitment to sustainable tourism, including becoming the first private company in Australasia to achieve Green Globe certification in 2001.

 

Binna Burra's story is also one of extraordinary resilience. In September 2019, devastating bushfires destroyed its beloved heritage lodge and cabins, leaving a heartbreaking void in one of Queensland's most treasured tourism destinations. What followed was a remarkable journey of recovery, determination and community spirit. Now, seven years later, a new chapter in Binna Burra's extraordinary history is beginning, as the iconic mountain destination prepares to welcome guests to its rebuilt lodge — a powerful symbol of renewal, and a celebration of the conservation vision that started it all in 1933.

 

Binna Burra Lodge Ltd acknowledges the substantial funding support of the Queensland Government in rebuilding a replacement lodge and accommodation within the Binna Burra Cultural Landscape. We also acknowledge the generous support of many people and organisations, including Carolyn Vincent’s Ubuntu Foundation, the Thyne Reid Foundation, Binna Burra shareholders, and the Binna Burra Foundation (including the Friends of Binna Burra - FoBBs), as well as dedicated staff and project teams.

 

Contact details:

Kath Rose - 0416 291 493

[email protected]