Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

THE GOLD COAST HINTERLAND: BACK TO NATURE 359
day except Saturday at 9:30am, arriving at O’Reilly’s at 12:30pm. It costs
A$44 (US$29) adults round-trip.
The Binnaburra resort runs a shuttle from the Gold Coast that costs A$22
(US$14) per adult and half price for kids 5 to 14, each way. It runs on demand,
and should be booked when making accommodations bookings.
DAY TRIPS Companies running day tours from both Brisbane and the Gold
Coast include Australian Day Tours (& 07/3236 4155). The Gold Coast
Tourism Bureau can get you in touch with other operators; see “Visitor Information”
in the “Gold Coast” section above.
VISITOR INFORMATION The best sources of hiking information are
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Guesthouse and Binnaburra Mountain Lodge (see “Where to
Stay & Dine” below for both); ask them to send you copies of their walking maps.
There is a national parks information office at both properties. For detailed information
on hiking and camping in the park, contact the ranger at Lamington
National Park, Green Mountains section (which is at O’Reilly’s), via Canungra,
QLD 4211 (& 07/5544 0634).
WHERE TO STAY & DINE: WORTH A SPLURGE
Both these mountain top retreats have long and interesting histories. Both offer
walking trails of a similar type and distance; guided walks, including nighttime
wildlife-spotting trips; hearty food; and a restful, enjoyable experience. Look
into the special-interest workshops both properties run throughout the year,
which can be anything from gourmet weekends to mountain-jogging programs.
Binna Burra Mountain Lodge Kids Binna Burra is a postcard-perfect
mountain lodge. The original cabins, built in 1935, are still in use today; they’ve
been outfitted with modern comforts, but not 20th-century “inconveniences,”
such as telephones, televisions, radios, or clocks. All the accommodations have
pine-paneled walls, floral bedcovers, heaters, and electric blankets. The most
attractive and spacious are the mud-brick and weatherboard Acacia cabins,
which have private bathrooms and the best views over the Numinbah Valley.
There are two kinds of less-expensive Casuarina cabins—the nicest are the small
and very cozy huts with a pitched ceiling, a washbasin, and a nice view into the
forest and over the valley. Less atmospheric are the bunkroom-style rooms that
sleep four to six people—good for families and groups of friends. Guests in
Casuarina cabins share bathroom facilities, which include a Jacuzzi. Meals are
served in the lovely stone-and-timber dining room. Seating is communal, so you
get to meet other travelers. Free tea and coffee is on the boil all day. There is also
a crafts shop, a natural history library, and conference rooms.
Of the 21 trails leading from the lodge, nine are short walks of less than 6km
(3.75 miles). The 12 longer trails range from a 9km (5.5-mile) walk through
“dry” rainforest to the 23km (14-mile) Border Trail to O’Reilly’s. On Tuesday
the resort buses hikers to O’Reilly’s so they can spend the day walking back to
Binna Burra. The lodge also conducts abseiling (rappelling) for anyone from
beginners to advanced adventurers. Evening diversions might consist of parlor
games, a weekly bush dance, or slide presentations on local natural history. Kids
can entertain themselves in the excellent playground.
Beechmont via Canungra, QLD 4211. & 1800/074 260 in Australia, or 07/5533 3622. Fax 07/5533 3747.
www.BinnaBurralodge.com.au. 41 cabins, 22 with bathroom (shower only). A$230–A$292 (US$150–US$190)
double for bed and breakfast only;A$334–A$396 (US$217–US$257) for all-inclusive meals and activities. Single
supplement A$11 (US$7.15) per night; A$32 (US$21) B&B or A$58 (US$38) all-inclusive for children 5–16.
Ask about packages. Minimum 2-night stay weekends, 3-night stay public holiday weekends, 4 nights Easter,