Binna Burra reopens after a year of repairs and ‘no revenue’

Almost one year after fires razed the Binna Burra Lodge, the picturesque Gold Coast hinterland site is reopening. But with fires burning again, nearby, there’s a mix of emotions. SEE BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS

Hope. Shock. Nostalgia. Driving along a newly reopened road towards a reshaped Binna Burra Lodge, Steve Noakes is confronted by a mix of emotions.

The Binna Burra Lodge Chairman has supervised the recovery of the heritage-listed mountain retreat after it was decimated by bushfires last year.

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Mr Noakes recalls the fire as he drives along Binna Burra Road to his left “at Springbrook there’s a spot fire”.

“You think oh geez not again … and you just hope we’ll be okay this year.”

Binna Burra Lodge's Steve Noakes was left devastated by the destruction of the picturesque lodge which was reduced to ruins. Picture: Nigel Hallett

On Tuesday, parts of the Sky Lodge and Groom’s Cabin – the lodge’s “heritage heart” – reopen to guests as the nature retreat begins its rise from the ashes.

“It will be just lovely, fantastic to have people back,” Mr Noakes said.

“It’s been a year with no revenue” – and also fraught with the costs of repairing the 87 year-old mountain lodge.

“We’re really looking forward to reopening” – and the “chance to see Binna Burra continue for another hundred years,” Mr Noakes said.

But there’s no forgetting the past.

In “remembrance and reflection”, the reshaped Binna Burra Lodge will feature a bushfire gallery – housed in “The Barn” a building saved from the catastrophe by two volunteer firefighters.

Binna Burra Lodge chairman Steven Noakes in the Grooms Cottage. Picture Glenn Hampson

The collection will contain images, remains and information from last year’s fire season and the heroes who fought the flames.

The reopening of Binna Burra Lodge comes almost one year after fires razed the resort and surrounding park lands.

The repair of the road alone required expert personnel “trained in rope access construction” and specialist equipment to abseil down the cliff face.

It’s reopening was “cause for optimism” according to Natural Disasters Minister David Littleproud.

“(It) will play an important part in rebooting the local economy as it recovers from the double hit of bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.