- Binna Burra Lodge has reopened, restoring a Queensland ecotourism icon following the 2019 bushfires.
- The rebuild is expected to attract an extra 50,000 visitors annually and generate almost $11 million in overnight visitor spending.
- The reopening will support local jobs, boost Gold Coast Hinterland tourism and strengthen Queensland’s reputation as a world-class nature-based destination.
Queensland tourism icon Binna Burra Lodge is welcoming guests once again, marking a major milestone in the recovery of one of the State’s most treasured ecotourism destinations following the devastating 2019 bushfires.
The rebuilt Lodge welcomed its first guests today, restoring a cornerstone of the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park visitor experience.
Supported by an $18 million Crisafulli Government investment, the new lodge has been designed to honour the spirit of the original Binna Burra while delivering contemporary, sustainable accommodation and enhanced resilience in a bushfire-prone environment.
The reopening is expected to generate almost $11 million in overnight visitor expenditure each year and attract an additional 50,000 visitors annually to the Gold Coast Hinterland, providing a significant boost for local tourism operators and businesses.
The reopening highlights the important role ecotourism plays in supporting Queensland jobs, regional communities and visitor growth as the Crisafulli Government works to establish Queensland as a global ecotourism leader through its 45 by 45 vision.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the reopening represented an important milestone for Queensland’s tourism industry.
“The return of Binna Burra Lodge is a powerful symbol of recovery, resilience and the enduring appeal of Queensland’s world-class natural attractions,” Minister Powell said.
“This reopening is a testament to the determination of the Binna Burra team and everyone who played a role in rebuilding this iconic destination after the devastating 2019 bushfires.
“Binna Burra is an important part of Queensland’s tourism story, and its return will support local jobs, businesses and communities while giving more visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of Lamington National Park.
“The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of growing Queensland’s ecotourism industry and backing the destinations that will help cement Queensland’s reputation as a world-leading ecotourism destination.”
Member for Scenic Rim Jon Krause said the reopening was a proud moment for the local community and everyone who had worked to bring Binna Burra back to life.
“Binna Burra is part of the identity of the Scenic Rim and the Gold Coast Hinterland, and generations of Queenslanders have a connection to this special place,” Mr Krause said.
“After the heartbreak of the 2019 bushfires, seeing guests return is a powerful reminder of the resilience of this community and the determination behind Binna Burra’s recovery.
“The reopening will support local jobs, attract more visitors to our region and provide a welcome boost for businesses across the hinterland.”
Chair of Binna Burra’s Board of Directors, Steve Noakes, said the reopening of Binna Burra Lodge was a collective triumph for the community.
“Welcoming back our first guests brings a collective relief combined with a profound sense of closure and renewal after a serious of severe weather impacts on Binna Burra over the past seven years,” Mr Noakes said.
“The transition marks a psychological shift from survival and constant response and recovery modes to a sense of organisational stability.
“The Queensland government has recognised this place as worth protecting on the public’s behalf – a meaningful site whose recoveries serve a broader public interest, not just a private one.”
