Awards and Accreditation
- 'Distinguished Achiever' Award- 2011
- Winner of the QORF Environmental Award- 2010
- Finalist in Ecotourism at Queensland Tourism Awards- 2010
- Winner of the QORF Environmental Award - 2008
- Finalist in Ecotourism at Queensland Tourism Awards - 2008
- Finalist in Ecotourism at Queensland Tourism Awards - 2007
- Winner of the QORF Environmental Award - 2007
- Winner of UNIQUE ACCOMMODATION CATEGORY in the Beaudesert Tourism Awards - 2001
New Beginnings...
Mt Barney Lodge began in the late 1980s when John and Jenny Larkin purchased the original Hardgrave farmhouse(Moringararah), which was built in the 1900s.
Over a 10 year period the rest of the Lodge was established to include a camping ground with modern amenities, a second homestead, and two rustic cabins. John & Jenny owned the property for nearly 15 years, and developed and revegetated it from a run-down abandoned farm to a widely recognised getaway destination.
In December 2003, Innes and Tracey Larkin commenced managing the property and in June 2006 they purchased it from John and Jenny. Since then, they have added 2 new deluxe camper trailers to the accommodation options, and expanded their services to include adventure activities, environmental education, and provide country style hospitality to groups and conference attendees. The function room under Boolamoola is used frequently through Wilderness First Aid Courses, craft weekends, corporate meetings, weddings and special functions.
"Our market is as varied as our accommodation. We appeal to a wide range of people, from young agile bushwalkers; the nature seeker; school groups; and senior citizens sharing a rock-pool with their toddler grandchild. We are unique in that we can accommodate and provide meals for groups of up to 46 people, or you can self-cater in the fully self-contained facilities."
"Families from a radius of Brisbane, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Lismore, through to the Gold Coast make up the bulk of our guests, and some are returning for their tenth time! We assure you that we'll be doing all we can to ensure your stay is memorable."
"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin" - W.Shakespeare
Our aim at Mt Barney Lodge is to provide a country retreat set in amongst nature, for people to rest, recreate, and recharge their batteries.
Our philosophy is based on living in harmony with people and nature, and we aim to project this philosophy towards our guests so that they leave feeling more at ease with themselves and with the world.
Being located at the base of Queensland’s 4th highest mountain (1359m), we are an ideal point of departure for those fit and adventurous enough to climb Mt Barney and its associated peaks. Mt Barney Lodge is secluded from any main roads, surrounded by nature and offers spectacular views to the mountains that categorize this area as the 3rd most significant biological hotspot in Australia. Without a doubt, we live in an extremely special place, and we look forward to sharing it with you.
We follow the ideals of ecotourism, and achieved NEAP accreditation in March, 2002. We promote minimal impact bushwalking, and ask you to be thoughtful as you walk in the bush. For this reason our Lodge is not an appropriate place to bring your pets.
We strive to create an atmosphere for our guests that is hospitable, helpful, and stimulating. We hope you enjoy your look around, and we look forward to hearing from you...
Kind regards,
Innes and Tracey