Images of Binna Burra Lodge going up in flames shocked the nation when fire ripped through the ancient rainforest in which it stood last September.

On Friday, its CEO Jonathan Fisher received the good news that the tourism icon will receive half a million dollars to help it get back on its feet. 

Binna Burra was one of two places in the Scenic Rim selected for the second round of a federal and state fund to recover local economics devastated by last year’s disastrous bushfire season.

Along with the destination for visitors was a hub for locals on Tamborine Mountain. 

The Vonda Youngman Community Centre on Knoll Road will also land $600,000, under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Mr Fisher said recent rain and the money had suddenly “given Binna Burra hope” after a year in which it was pushed to the brink. 

He said the $500,000 would be spent on luring more day visitors and campers.

“What we lost in the terrible fires included some 42 units of cabin accommodation,” he said.

“Binna Burra started as a campsite, we are still popular as a camp site and we are keen to 

to replace some of that accommodation with camping.”

He said part of the money would go towards extra showers and toilets for existing campsites while part would fund up to 20 new “camping opportunities”, which might include more luxury “safari camps”. 

Mr Fisher said Binna Burra would also look to tap into the growing caravan and RV market by installing new powered sites. 

As well as more accommodation, he said the money would also go towards extending the back deck of the teahouse which offers views that sweep down the Numinbah Valley, over the Hinze Dam towards the Spit. 

Mr Fisher said a $36 million road to reopen Lamington National Park was cementing Binna Burra’s place in “one of Australia’s great driving experiences”.  

“During Covid restriction and with the continuing international border closures, we’re seeing more people coming up to see what’s in their own backyard,” Mr Fisher said.

“And we’ve seen a surge in day visitors interested in seeing what is left of Binna Burra after the fires.”

While, tragically, nothing remains of the lodge, Mr Fisher said the land had recovered its magic. 

“With all this rain, the forest will be at best in a few days time,” he said.

“The bush is green and lush and the waterfalls are roaring.”

And he said that plans were afoot to one day rebuild the lodge itself, once more money could be raised. 

“For now, the mountain is enjoying its freedom,” Mr Fisher said. “And it is one of Australia’s most spectacular picnicking spots.”