Bookings are now open for the new Lodge at Binna Burra, seven years after devastating bushfires destroyed its historic mountain lodge in the Scenic Rim.
The destination is preparing to welcome overnight visitors to its new accommodation, marking another stage in its recovery.
Binna Burra is located in the Scenic Rim, within Lamington National Park. The destination describes itself as an hour from the Gold Coast and 90 minutes from Brisbane.
Steve Noakes, Chair of the Board of Directors at Binna Burra Lodge, welcomed the milestone.
“This marks a major milestone in Binna Burra’s remarkable journey of recovery, resilience and renewal,” Noakes said.
Why It Matters
Binna Burra’s recovery follows years of challenges that disrupted one of Queensland’s oldest nature-based tourism destinations.
The 2019 Black Summer bushfires destroyed the heritage-listed lodge and accommodation. Subsequent disasters affected the destination’s ability to restore its facilities.
Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell described the recovery as one of the state’s tourism 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.
Local Impact
The reopening adds new accommodation at Binna Burra for visitors travelling to the Scenic Rim.
Guests can also choose from the destination’s existing accommodation, including Sky Lodges, Tiny Wild Houses, safari tents, the Bushwalker’s Bunkhouse and campground.
The new lodge provides another option for visitors exploring the surrounding World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Lamington National Park.
By The Numbers
- 1933 was the year Binna Burra began as a nature-based tourism destination founded by conservationists Arthur Groom and Romeo Lahey.
- 2001 was the year Binna Burra became the first private company in Australasia to achieve Green Globe certification.
- 5 years was the setback to Binna Burra’s accommodation supply caused by Cyclone Alfred in early 2025.
Zoom In
Binna Burra has faced four major disruptions in recent years.
These included the 2019 Black Summer bushfires, COVID-19 shutdowns between 2020 and 2022, damage from the 2023 Gold Coast hinterland tornado, and Cyclone Alfred in early 2025.
According to Binna Burra, the cyclone caused substantial damage and required almost a year to restore pre-cyclone accommodation capacity.
Noakes said the new lodge represented more than rebuilding lost infrastructure.
“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.”
Zoom Out
Binna Burra began with a handful of tents and guided rainforest walks. Its founders wanted to connect visitors with nature, a vision that continues to shape the destination.
The new lodge and accommodation have received support through the Queensland Government’s Regional Tourism Recovery Program.
Minister Powell highlighted the importance of projects such as Binna Burra to the state’s tourism industry.
“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.”
What To Look For Next?
The new lodge is scheduled to welcome its first overnight guests on Friday, 13 November 2026.
Bookings for the new lodge and existing accommodation are available through the official Binna Burra Lodge booking website.
