RISING FROM THE ASHES, AN ECOTOURISM ICON REBORN
Almost a year after the devastating 2019 bushfires, Binna Burra Mountain Lodge reopened to the public on September 1, 2020. This reopening marks a monumental milestone for the property, as well as the community and the local tourism industry.
It has taken a collective of passionate employees, shareholders, the Friends of Binna Burra volunteers, community members and regular guests to reimagine Binna Burra and rebuild its legacy.
Recognised as an Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame member and ECO certified Advanced Ecotourism operator, Binna Burra has been rebuilding to preserve the original vision and rich history of the mountain-top venture over the past 12 months.
Jonathan Fisher, CEO Binna Burra Lodge and Rod Hillman, CEO Ecotourism Australia [Photo: Rod Hillman]
Photo: Binna Burra Lodge / Facebook
In the effort to rebuild, hundreds of workers erected new luxury safari tents, constructed a new tea house, restored the fire-damaged Sky Lodges and converted the Groom’s Cottage into a pub-style bar. The surviving old barn is being reimagined as an exhibition space to tell the story of the bushfire. An Australian-first rock face climb, the Via Ferrata, is also under construction.
Photo: Binna Burra Lodge's new Safari Tents / Facebook
Photo: Binna Burra Lodge, Sky Lodge / Facebook
Despite its scars, as guests are welcomed back to Binna Burra Lodge this spring, they will be entering a forest full of new life, diversity, innovation and community spirit, joining legions of those before them to marvel in the World Heritage-listed landscape and rainforest reserve.