This was published 10 years ago
Weekend away: Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, Beechmont
By Hannah Tall
THE SETTING
Perched 800 metres above sea level and nestled among the dense rainforest of Lamington National Park, Binna Burra Mountain Lodge is a pit stop for day-hikers and longer-stay visitors wanting to get back to nature. There are a range of accommodation options, starting at basic campsites through to luxury Skylodge Apartments.
Private residential Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, Beechmont.Credit: DM2 Architects
THE SPACE
The first thing to notice arriving at Binna Burra is the smell of the Australian bush. The second is the world of opportunity at your doorstep. Binna Burra Mountain Lodge was founded in 1933 by two conservationists who wanted to share the beauty of Lamington National Park with guests. Fast forward 81 years and the resort is doing the same thing, making sure the natural environment is highly accessible. Whether you want to take a guided walk, share a bush breakfast or ramp up the adventure with high ropes, abseiling and a flying fox, there are plenty of ways to interact with the environment.
Private residential Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, Beechmont.Credit: DM2 Architects
THE KIT
Aptly named the Skylodge Apartments, there’s not much between you and the clouds. Built in 2012, there are four Skylodge structures, each with apartments spread across three levels. The upper level of Coomera has spectacular views over the valley, Hinze Dam and out to Surfers Paradise. The two bedroom, two bathroom apartment is spacious and would easily accommodate 4-7 people. Although part of an apartment complex, you don’t ever feel on top of your neighbours.
COMFORT FACTOR
The Skylodge Apartments are stylish with all the modern conveniences that you come to expect in high-end accommodation. There are two walk-in showers, a spa bath, king sized bed and two single beds to rest weary hiking legs. The interior design draws inspiration from the outdoors, with timber and slate finishes to accent the natural colours found outside the floor to ceiling windows. Screens on all the windows and louvers really let you breathe fresh mountain air.
Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, Beechmont.
FOOD
The Skylodge Apartments are fully self-contained with a gas cook top, barbecue, large fridge and dishwasher, so dining in becomes a real option. The large private deck ensures guests have the best seats in the house come sunset. If you don’t feel like self-catering, there’s a dining hall at the main lodge, which serves a buffet dinner for $40/adult every evening. The food is home-style and generous in proportion but the trade off is communal seating. A buffet breakfast is served daily in the dining room for $25/adult, but the Lamington Teahouse is open for a bite before setting off for a morning walk.
WORTH STEPPING OUT FOR
Lace up your boots, dust off that camel pack and get outdoors because Lamington National Park has a range of walking tracks that start from a few hundred metres through to 20km hikes. Binna Burra Mountain Lodge marks the start of any number of tracks and dense rainforest surrounded by mossy rocks and waterfalls is within a matter of minutes. Free activities like archery, guided walks and bush dancing make every day a bit different.
THE VERDICT
If you ask a Brisbane or Gold Coast local, most people have tried and tested the old Binna Burra Mountain Lodge. The Skylodge Apartments are very different to the other accommodation offered at Binna Burra. They are fresh, modern and glamorous in their surroundings and indicate a new chapter in the Binna Burra Mountain Lodge’s 81-year history.
HOW TO GET THERE
Allow 90 minutes to drive from Brisbane Airport or 60 minutes from Coolangatta Airport to get to Binna Burra. Both Lamington National Park and Binna Burra Mountain Lodge are well signed from the highway. Some windy and one-way mountain driving is required to find the place.
ESSENTIALS
Skylodge Apartments at Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, Binna Burra Road, Beechmont. A two-bedroom Skylodge Apartment will set you back $495/night and a one bed $345/night. These prices are fixed all year around but there are often specials online. Phone 07 5533 3622, see www.binnaburralodge.com.au