High above the glittering Gold Coast strip, misty mountains watch over the modern world. Forming the border between NSW and QLD, locals know that herein lies some of South East Queenslands most treasured natural places. The Binna Burra section of Lamington National Park was our patch of choice last week for a 2 night get away to celebrate my Birthday.

Arriving after work on Thursday night, we crept into the clouds to meet the lodge in a misty embrace. Slowing to an almost stop at points along the road for hope to see the road before us. It was beautiful! Staying for our first time at Binna Burra lodge, we rented and Acacia cabin which is the most basic accommodation they have with a queen bed and a shared bathroom. Made in the early 1900’s, these wooden cabins capture the rustic originality of their making. The walls are made from giant slabs of wood cut from tree in the very forest they are set. With all the basics covered, we were free to enjoy the rest that the lodge had to offer.

The dining room is perched on the side of the mountain, offering sweeping views to O’Riley’s (another section of Lamington National Park) and to the valley below. We took our time over the buffet breakfast soaking up the views and beauty of the place.

We set out to follow the Daves Creek Circuit, planning to detour to the upper Ballanjui falls on the way. It took us 5 hours to complete the 18km with plenty of stopping along the way to recharge in the high humidity (and to pick off leeches).

The humidity was building and the storms were moving in so we made our way back to the lodge for afternoon tea (which is included in the nightly rate). Our timing could not have been more perfect, we made a cup of tea and sat by the window as we ate freshly baked biscuits and watched the storm roll in.

Once the storm past over the afternoon turned into a crisp and sunshine filled golden hour which we spent exploring the property including the brand new Sky Lodges. The Sky Lodges offer modern luxury accommodation canter levered over the mountain edge with sweeping views into the valley below all the way to the coast. Beautifully landscaped into the surrounding landscape, I look forward to coming back another time to stay in one of these!

Dinner at the lodge made for a memorable Birthday meal. A buffet with roast alongside others. We started early enough to catch the last of the days light fading in the horizon. It ended with a crescendo when the staff surprised me with a birthday cake and the whole lodge joined in singing happy Birthday.

After another delicious breakfast, we headed out early the next morning to enjoy another walk on our last day. This time we started along the Coomera Circuit to the Coomera falls. With all the rain, the falls were bound to be spectacular. The journey to the falls takes you past beautiful dense jungle alive with lizards and birds. We were event greeted (scared by) a Coomera crayfish who jumped out on to the track to warn us that her babies were near.

The falls did not disappoint! Continuing along the track for a further 500m revealed a series of falls and cascades. We would have loved to continue further to complete the whole Coomera circuit however our time in the mountains was running out and we needed to get back.

Mother nature saved her best surprise for last, when a 2m python made its way across the track in front of us.

With tired legs and full hearts, we descended back down the mountain towards the modern world. What a wonderful way to celebrate a Birthday, rejuvenate the soul for another great year ahead.