Binna Burra

Description:

Mutter the words Binna Burra and you are instantly transformed into the Dreamtime among the ancient Aborigines who gave this destination the name of "where the beech tree grows". A little like Alice in Wonderland, you are now down your own rabbit hole, in a World Heritage site, among the Gondwana Rainforest of Australia. You'll find the old Antarctic Beech in these parts among a myriad of plant and animal life which makes Lamington National Park so delicious. Local Aborigines once used caves here for shelter and cooking and these are just one of the special secrets you'll discover as you explore this area. It may only be an hour from the Gold Coast but once you enter this hinterland haven you'll feel like you are a lifetime away among the thundering waterfalls shrouded in mist and the crisp rainforest air. Explore rock pools, home to blue and white spiny Lamington Crayfish, meet a koala or two perched in the trees and stumble across pademelon kangaroos, goannas and more than 600 species of birds. There's plenty of accommodation options here including National Park camping as well as Binna Burra's Mountain Lodge, built in 1933 and one of the world's top 10 eco-lodges and green hotels. Even the Mad Hatter would approve.