Binna Burra Mountain Lodge
Advanced Ecotourism | Certified since 1997
EA: Twenty years is a long time. What is something you’ve learnt over the years that you wish you had known 20 years ago?
BBML: The popularity of eco tourism and the activities that can be undertaken in protected areas, can and does change over time. How people interact with nature, their level of experience or awareness also changes remarkably quickly. Our own personal appreciation of the forest with its diversity and beauty, has been the inspiration for Binna Burra's business activities, including accomodation, catering as well as interpretation, guiding and outdoor activities. However the markets domestically and internationally change quicker than we think, and while our business is based on conservation, we actually have to be constantly innovating to meet new demands. Being able to look ahead and understand, perhaps even influence, what people may want from an eco tourism experience is something we have come to understand.
EA: What piece of advice would you give to operators entering the ecotourism market today?
BBML: It is vitally important to understand how your business will actually improve the environment around you, not simply exist within the landscape and hope it will always be there for both your business and your guests. This means being responsible for initiatives that educate guests on how to respect and protect what they have come to enjoy. As well as working with partners and stakeholders, for example National Parks agencies and landcare groups, to care and enhance your piece of paradise.
EA: What importance do you place in your ECO Certification?
BBML: On 8 September 2019, most of the core heritage cabins and buildings at Binna Burra were destroyed in a major bushfire. Some, such as Groom's Cottage, survived as did most of our Skylodges and our Tea-House and campground. As we rebuild for the next 86 years of the Binna Burra experience, we will not only maintain, but strive to increase our commitment and practices under ECO Certification standards. They are significant guidelines to our process of recovery and reconstruction at Binna Burra Lodge.
[Photo: Historic Groom's Cottage survived the September 2019 bushfires]