Woonoongoora

Lamington National Park

Woonoongoora – Lamington National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, the most extensive subtropical rainforest in the world.

The area is renowned for its beautiful waterfalls and more than 160 kilometres of walking trails, including the 21.4 kilometre Border track built in the late 1930s and the Binna Burra Caves circuit which has views out over the Coomera Valley waterfalls.

Binna Burra Lodge is conveniently situated right on the doorstep of this bushwalking mecca.

Stay. Play. Explore

Sky Lodge View
Accommodation
Activities
Walking Tracks

Binna Burra and Woonoongoora – Lamington National Park

Binna Burra Lodge has long been a gateway to the natural wonders of Lamington National Park. Founded in 1933 by Arthur Groom and Romeo Lahey, two pioneering conservationists, the lodge was established to help visitors connect with the beauty and heritage of the national park. They believed that through interpretive walks and educational programs, more people would be inspired to protect this unique wilderness for future generations.

In September 2019, during the catastrophic ‘Black Summer’ bushfires, Binna Burra Lodge suffered devastating losses, including its central heritage lodge, pioneer cabins, and other key infrastructure. Despite this setback, the site reopened in September 2020 with its stunning Sky Lodge apartments, the rainforest campsite and safari tents, the function and event buildings, the Tea House café and restaurant, and Groom’s Cottage Bushwalker’s Bar—all part of the remaining assets that continue to welcome guests.

Adding to this offering, Binna Burra now features the Tiny Wild Houses, a brand-new accommodation type designed to provide a unique and immersive experience in nature. Meanwhile, in the background, work is underway to rebuild a new lodge and accommodation on the site of the original heritage lodge and cabins, promising an all-new experience that honours the past while embracing the future.

Today, the Binna Burra section of Lamington National Park remains a must-visit destination, with its proximity to spectacular waterfall trails and diverse walking tracks. With a mission “to be a meaningful connection between nature and heritage,” Binna Burra Lodge continues to thrive as a symbol of resilience, conservation, and history. Come and discover Lamington’s breathtaking beauty and Binna Burra’s inspiring story for yourself.

National Parks Association of Queensland

(NPAQ)

Back in 1930, the pioneering founders of Binna Burra, Romeo Lahey and Arthur Groom were also instrumental in the founding of the NPAQ.

It was out of the NPAQ and its increasingly popular camp-outs that the idea of establishing low-cost but comfortable accommodation which would allow a greater number of people to gain access to the peace, freedom and beauty of Queensland’s national parks emerged, and Binna Burra was established in 1933. The association continues to promote the preservation, expansion and good management of national parks and other forms of protected areas in Queensland.

‘During the early years of Binna Burra, (Romeo) Lahey also marked out and began construction of walking tracks within Lamington National Park, laying the foundation of the extensive network of tracks in the park today.’ (Stubbs & Specht, 2005)

NPAQ is an independent, not-for-profit, membership-based organization, and is the first conservation organisation in Queensland, and the longest running National Park Association in Australia.

Nowadays, Binna Burra still shares the objectives of NPAQ:

  1. To preserve the National Parks and other protected areas of Queensland in their natural condition, to the greatest possible extent, and to endeavour to ensure the reservation and preservation of other areas considered to be suitable for protection;
  2. To foster member and public interest in, enjoyment of, and respect for National Parks and nature conservation;
  3. To promote the appropriate management of National Parks and other protected areas, and appropriate management of environmental factors which may affect existing and potential National Parks;
  4. To promote effective legal and environmental protections in respect of National Parks and other protected areas, and to ensure the enforcement of provisions for their protection;
  5. To promote appropriate and balanced measures for visitors to experience National Parks while conserving and protecting the natural environment.

Lamington Natural History Association

(LNHA)

In 1975 the Lamington Natural History Association (LNHA) wasformed, in association with Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Guesthouse and the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service.

LNHA was based on a concept which was common in the USA in the early 1970s, but was the first of its type in Australia. One of the Association’s early major projects was the establishment of an environmental study centre and headquarters on the Binna Burra property by renovating the timber cabin which Arthur Groom had built for himself and his wife in 1935. Opened in 1976, the centre contained an office, class-room, and dormitory accommodation for children taking part in educational camps (Stubbs & Specht, 2005).

The aim of LNHA is, to encourage an understanding and appreciation of the environment and national park values and provide interpretative information for visitors to Lamington National Park.

It does this by:

  • Accredited members assisting the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) by volunteering in the Binna Burra Information Centre on weekends and school holidays
  • The LNHA provides interpretive information to visitors to Lamington National Park through, Books Track Guides and Brochures
  • Activities for Members and guests on four weekends per year
  • Guest speakers provide specialist talks on topics relating to Natural History, the environment and Lamington National Park

Acknowledging the earliest inhabitants at Binna Burra

Known as ‘Woonoongoora’ in the Yugambeh language, the mountains of Lamington National Park are sacred and spiritual, places to be nurtured and respected. The land upon which Binna Burra stands has been home to the Yugambeh people for thousands of years. They carefully managed and used the area’s rich natural resources, sharing language, ceremonies, and cultural traditions across the region.

Following the devastating 2019 bushfires, Binna Burra embarked on a new chapter, starting with a traditional smoking and healing ceremony conducted by representatives of the Yugambeh language group. This moment signified healing and reaffirmed our commitment to reconciliation. As part of this journey, we developed a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to guide our efforts in respecting, learning from, and collaborating with the Traditional Custodians.

At Binna Burra, we are committed to listening, understanding, and sharing the cultural knowledge and histories of the Yugambeh people. Our mission to be “a meaningful connection between nature and heritage” is intrinsically tied to the recognition of the deep and ongoing connection that First Nations peoples have with this land. Together, we honour the past, embrace the present, and work towards a future that celebrates this shared heritage.