From the ashes to the clouds: Binna Burra’s next chapter begins
Binna Burra is ready to welcome a new generation of guests
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 November 2026.
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.
Read the latest edition of AccomNews HERE
“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).
More AccomNews: Global tourism development conditions improving, report finds
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.”
