Binna Burra: Backyard Tourist visits Lower Bellbird Circuit on the Gold Coast

As the heat of summer kicks in and the beach crowds becomes too much, hiding away under the greenery at one of the Gold Coast’s beautiful hinterland spots for the day becomes a must.

Binna Burra

SOMETIMES all you want to do is get away from the hustle and bustle by escaping to the bush.

As the heat of summer kicks in and the beach crowds become too much, hiding away under the greenery at Binna Burra for a day of exploring the rainforest is the perfect option.

The 12km Lower Bellbird Circuit is about a four-hour trek through subtropical rainforest, depending on how fast you walk.

Binna Burra Lodge.

You’ll find parts of the circuit are not for the faint-hearted. It it has a lot of narrow ledges, staircases, steep sections to tackle and rocky cliffs.

But the trail has a number of interesting points to it that make an early morning start — and a few heart-stopping moments — worth it.

Enjoying a morning tea at Binna Burra Lodge in the Hinterland. Photo: @binnaburralodge

The area is home to huge eucalyptus trees and palms, and there are many to spot.

One of the best things about this walk though is the outlook attached to the trail, called Yangahla Lookout. Expect sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and green canopies, so don't forget your camera.

If you’re keen to check out a natural cave and have an extra couple of hours, you can add on the Caves Circuit to return to the start of the trail.

This 5km side-adventure loops past Kweebani Cave and provides stunning views into Coomera Valley.

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DISCOVER

A red necked pademelon Picture: John McCann

THERE’S some interesting wildlife to keep an eye out for during your bush trek.

If your eyes are keen and you have the patience to look hard, there is the potential to spot koalas.

You will see white-throated treecreepers, a type of songbird, pecking away at the bark of the tall trees around you, seeking insects to eat.

Rosellas, king parrots, regent bowerbirds and eastern whipbirds are also out and about, while in the cooler months you might be fortunate enough to spot an Albert’s lyrebird.

If you like reptiles, you’re in luck. You can spot carpet pythons and land mullets, which look like big black skinks.

And in the mornings and late afternoon, you could be lucky enough to run into some red-necked pademelons, which are small forest wallabies.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO

Abseiling at Binna Burra. Picture: Karl Condon

IF you’re a fast hiker, you might want to think about making it a full day up in the mountains by taking part in some activities.

You can try abseiling, flying through the treetops on a flying fox or even have a shot at the medieval sport of archery.

If something a little more relaxing is your style, you can attend the Woonoongoora Nature Journal Group, which meets once a month at Binna Burra. Sessions are for people interested in observing nature and recording the experience through drawing and writing.

The next event runs from 9-11.30am on Saturday, January 12.

Grab your pen or pencil and a sketchbook and become immersed in nature through art.

EAT AND DRINK

A selection from The Lamington Teahouse at Binna Burra Lodge.

BINNA Burra has its own little Lamington Teahouse, which is a great spot to have a quick bite to eat once you’ve returned from your walk.

With views over the Numinbah Valley, it is a cute option for couples.

The breakfast menu, which includes items like bacon and egg rolls or mountain hot cakes, closes at 11.30am.

The lunch menu finishes at 3pm. They have ham and cheese subs, homemade pies, crumbed calamari, a veggies stack burger and bruschetta, and there is a kids’ menu.

If you fall in love with Binna Burra and stay the night, Binna Burra Lodge has its Clifftop Dining Room, which opens for breakfast and dinner to serve hearty country-style buffet meals.