introducing Wongari's 'Bimbul'

Wongari Eco Retreat, an operator and associate member of the Lost World tourist co-operative, is pleased to be able to announce the opening of their latest cabin, Bimbul. Bimbul means Hoop Pine in the local indigenous language. So you can expect to see some Hoop Pines. A whole grove of them in fact. They are beautiful trees and not for nothing were they described by early settlers as 'the Emporers of the Forest' as a mature tree towers over its companions.


Bimbul was designed to 'fit into' the landscape. Sitting amongst the canopies of large trees and overlooking the beautiful Christmas Creek you can also see the towering presence of Buchanan's Fort. And all from a generous and private deck.


The cabin is open planned and boasts windows facing north that both frame the beautiful pine forest and allows nothern sun and light in. A much appreciated feature in winter and especially as the windows are floor to ceiling where a daybed invites and a shower beckons. As Wongari only offers self-contained cabins there is a well appointed kitchen and a indoor fireplace that doubles as a wood-fired oven.


You have to go down steps from the deck to yet another deck to access the unique outdoor fireplace built purposefully and artistically for Wongari by Chris Moran. If Chris wasn't such a good builder he would be an even better artist.


From the fire deck you can see the hydro-electric turbine that powers the whole eco-driven cabin. The water comes from the appropriately named Waterfall Creek which starts in the McPherson Ranges behind Wongari at the beautiful Lamington Falls. Its flows from the National Park through Wongari on its steep course down to Christmas Creek. The water diverted from Waterfall Creek to the hydro-electric turbine returns immediately to the creek it came from. No resources are consumed in the process of generating power that is 24/7. The turbine is 100% recyclable and 68% of it is already made from recycled materials. This is sustainable renewable energy at its best.


As an added feature the new creek created by spent water of the power turbine allows for a quick dip in a way that will make our hotter summers more bearable. How? By inserting a 'tub' into the spent flow. It's just another use of a free resource provided by Nature and at no cost to Nature.


Adding to the minimal environmental footprint that Wongari strives to achieve is the restoration of forest and creek on land that had been clear-felled three times, used for dairy up until the 1980's and then gradually over-run by weeds ever since. Fortunately, the forest is fighting back but it needs help, especially as habitat restoration occurs at the same pace, and, sad as it is to say, there is no time to lose.


Whether you just want a quality time in beautiful natural surrounds or you are keen to see country on its way back, Bimbul meets all those needs and more.  You can view more photos of Bimbul here.


As an addition to all the other celebrated accommodation places of the Lost World, Bimbul, adds to and accentuates the diversity of choice and activities on offer.

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