With an urge to let go of the stresses of the daily grind, we check out the camping and accommodation options at Binna Burra Lodge in the Gold Coast Hinterlands.
According to the New York Times, studies have been conducted and “nature deficit disorder” is a real thing. But although we may joke about chucking a Friday sickie because a long weekend of camping or caravanning is calling, do we really need to conduct studies on the well-being of spending more time outdoors to justify it? I mean, isn’t it just obvious that camping in nature is a cathartic experience? And that our mental and physical health will suffer if we remain in concrete jungles and don’t let go of the stresses of the daily grind?
So, in the spirit of keeping sane, we ventured up the mountains. Where? Well, I’m glad you asked. We ventured out to Binna Burra Camping Ground in the Gold Coast Hinterlands for a spot of R&R.
Binna Burra Lodge – a bit of background
Find Binna Burra Camping Grounds nestled amongst the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, 800 metres above sea level in the Lamington National Park. You probably already know that the quiet Hinterlands are the best thing about the Gold Coast, so camping at Binna Burra is basically the best of the best.
Founded in 1933 by Arthur Groom and Romeo Lahey (who alongside others formed the National Parks Association of Queensland in 1930), the pair shared a vision of creating a place where people could stay and experience the beauty of the Lamington National Park rainforest. Purchasing the last freehold titled on the boundary of the national park, they formed a public company to fund what was to become Binna Burra Mountain Lodge.
Sadly, on the 8th of September 2019, Binna Burra fell to the Black Summer bushfires. Many of the core heritage-listed buildings were destroyed or damaged. After closing for 12 months, fortunately Binna Burra Lodge proudly reopened with newly refurbished camping grounds and safari tents. Not to mention brand new facilities and accommodation.
Rainforest Camping Ground at Binna Burra
Find the camping grounds at Binna Burra Lodge right on the doorstep of the Lamington National park. The campground is also conveniently located near the entrance to many of the walking tracks. Suitable for smaller RVs and those camping in tents, I don’t recommend bringing a massive rig up here. It wouldn’t be much fun hauling it up the winding mountain road only to discover your huge luxury home on wheels won’t fit in the campground. Although the road is sealed and in good condition, it’s still a winding mountain road with not much give.
There are three types of campsites to choose from at Binna Burra Camping Ground/Lodge:
Regardless of which campsite you book, visitors will enjoy hot showers, flushing toilets, a coin-operated laundry, shared fire pits, cooking shelters, BBQ hot plates and a centrally located shelter with a microwave and fridge. You will need to bring your own utensils, cutlery and crockery though.
There is also a nearby cafe, restaurant and bar as well as free parking.
Small caravan/vehicle camping at Binna Burra Lodge – $43 per night
There are a limited number of powered drive-on sites for smaller rigs less than 6.5 metres in length. All are level. RVs enjoying Binna Burra Lodge camping while we visited included small to medium-sized motorhomes, a rooftop tent, smaller caravans and a camper trailer. The sites are well defined so it’s unlikely another camper will encroach on your space.
15amp power is available for these sites, but you can’t drive-through so you need to be comfortable reversing your caravan. There’s even a Tesla EV charging station in the campgrounds.
Swag campsites and tent camping at Binna Burra Lodge – $25 to $35 per night
These Binna Burra camping sites are on level ground or on raised platforms set within the beautiful forest. There is no vehicle access to the sites so be prepared to carry your tent/swag and gear in. Don’t worry, it’s only a short distance from the loading bay to your pre-allocated spot. The sites are well-defined and nicely spread out.
No power is available for swag and tent camping sites.
Other accommodation at Binna Burra
Of course, if you want to cure your nature deficit disorder at Binna Burra but don’t want the hassle of camping, you’re going to love the Safari Tents. The tents are BYO pillows, sheets and blankets and are set terrace style with amazing views back towards the Gold Coast skyline. Safari Tents feature comfortable bunks, a light, USB charging points for your devices and a verandah. Some have their own private fire pit. The facilities are shared with the campgrounds.
If you really want to level it up, check out the Sky Lodges and Tiny Wild Houses.
What to do on your nature-filled camping trip to Binna Burra
Hiking
Camping at Binna Burra is all about relaxing in the campground between short hikes through ancient Antarctic Beech forest, heath-land and along exposed escarpments. Wildlife spotting is almost guaranteed. Walks range from the short 500-metre Rainforest Circuit to the seven-kilometre Caves Track through to a 21.4-kilometre trek between O’Reilly’s and Binna Burra.
Guided night walk
Don’t miss the guided After Dark Walk where a guide from Binna Burra points out marsupials like the local pademelons, gliders and possums as well as owls and spiders. This one is great for the whole family.
Ditch the cooking and washing up
Ditch the cooking and washing up for a two or three-course dinner at the Tea House Restaurant, just a short walk from the Binna Burra camping sites. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Make sure to book in advance though, otherwise you will miss out.
A more casual option is the Grooms Cottage Bushwalker’s Bar which offers up snacks, light meals, local wine and tap beer.
Getting to Binna Burra Camping Ground and Lodge
Reach the camping grounds at Binna Burra Lodge by making your way to Beechmont and taking Binna Burra Road all the way through to the end from there. It’s around 45 kilometres (one hour drive) from the Gold Coast and 110 kilometres (100 minute drive) from Brisbane City.
The official address is Binna Burra Lodge, 1040 Binna Burra Road, Beechmont, Queensland.
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