First look at revamp of beloved Binna Burra resort
These are the images showing how ecotourism hotspot Binna Burra Lodge will look after a rebuild.
Work will start in coming weeks after the heritage-listed site was destroyed by bushfires in 2019.
The rebuild includes accommodation facilities and provides services for about 300,000 visitors every year at Lamington National Park. The $18m project is expected to generate $11m a year in overnight visitor spend once fully operational, with tourist destinations in the picturesque Gold Coast hinterland.
Binna Burra Lodge chairman Steve Noakes said the new build would offer floor-to-ceiling glass to capture the stunning views of the region.
“You’ll get views east to the Pacific Ocean, north to the valley and to the west to the McPherson Range,” he said.
“On a clear night, you can see the lights of the Gold Coast, Brisbane to the north and Ipswich to the west, so we want to maximise that amazing piece of real estate, which is called Mt Roberts, which is within the Binna Burra landscape.”
The northern side of the lodge will have an alfresco dining area. The opposite side will be a porte-cochere for vehicle access when it’s raining that will open into a lounge area featuring the Binna Burra bell.
The 100-year-old bell was pulled from the ashes after the 2019 inferno, making it one of the only surviving items spanning the venue’s 90-year history.
The lodge will feature a dining area, bar, fireplace and lounge, as well as an external fireplace in the alfresco area.
It will encompass a large grass garden area for events, which looks out into the valley and the head of the Coomera River.
The new lodge is due for completion in the second half of next year.