Binna Burra is a beautiful day trip from the Gold Coast or Brisbane. We think we are so lucky to live where we do on the Gold Coast. We have both the beaches and National Parks right on our doorstep. During the summer when it is hot and sticky on the coast we will often head out into the Gold Coast Hinterland. Located in the Lamington National Park Binna Burra is a great spot for a day trip.
Lamington National Park covers an area in excess of 20,000 hectares and Binna Burra is just one section of it. (The other section is Green Mountain, better known as O’Reilly’s)
The road up to Binna Burra is narrow and windy and the speed limit is 60 kilometres for most of it. The area is a popular route for motorcycle riders and care should always be taken when travelling on this road. The road travels through the small villages of Beechmont and Lower Beechmont and these are always a good spots to stop if you need a coffee.
WALKING TRACKS
Once at Binna Burra there are numerous walking trails to choose from ranging from short 20 minute walks to 3-4 day treks. These longer treks require a high level of fitness and navigational skills.
We chose to walk the Caves Walk which is a Class 4 track over a distance of 5 kilometres. Walking Tracks are graded by the Department of National Parks from 1 to 5, with 1 being the easiest and 5 being the hardest.
We all have moderate fitness levels and found the walk fairly easy despite the muddy and slippery conditions. The hardest part was the 1.5klm walk back to the car park! But it was worth it as the views are spectacular. The caves are more like deep cutouts but would have provided shelter to the Aboriginal Yugambeh people who inhabited the area.
SAFETY
Always think about your safety when you go bushwalking. You should always carry water when attempting any bushwalk even a short one. It can be a good idea to carry a rain jacket as weather conditions can change quickly in the Hinterland. Sturdy walking shoes are also a must. Thongs are not suitable footwear for bushwalking. Always let someone know where you are going and what time you are intending on returning. Do not rely on your mobile phone as service in these areas is very limited.
GOOD HIKING BOOTS
These Merrill Moab Hiking boots are comfortable and give excellent ankle support.
STAY THE NIGHT
There are a number of accommodation options at Binna Burra including Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, Binna Burra Sky Lodges or the Rainforest Campsite.
The Lamington Tea House which is just next to the Rainforest Campsite offers spectacular views and a cosy fireplace if you happen to be there in winter. They also make a decent coffee.
There are also several picnic tables and electric BBQs located near the Tea House. Visitors must take their rubbish with them as no bins are provided. As usual, when we go on a Day Trip we take a picnic-style lunch. This means we can basically stop anywhere to eat without needing to find a shop. Although this time the kids did treat themselves to ice cream and I had a coffee!
Listen in to their podcast episode https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/travelling-and-working-around-australia/
We did the walk between O’Reilly’s and Binna Burra, about 23km, and stayed at both. Would love to go back and do some of the shorter walks, to take in more of that gorgeous scenery!
I have done quite a few walks but never stayed. It’s on our list!
We are so lucky on the GC to have so many options available to us. I love hiking but with 2 little ones it has been a while since we have done any. Cannot wait for them to be a bit older so we can get back into it. Thanks for joining in my #wednesdaywanderlust link party xx
We should so meet up for a picnic one weekend and a little walk. My big girl would love to help with your little ones!
The bush walk looks very pretty.
It was lovely….there is some spectacular scenery in our Gold Coast Hinterland.
This place has just gone on to my ever increasing must visit list I think!
All of the Gold Coast Hinterland is just beautiful…we are so lucky to have it right on our back doorstep.