Binna Burra Lodge has long been a place where nature, heritage, and community meet, and at the heart of this is the Shay Bell—a piece of history that has stood the test of time. The bell, built in 1910, was originally crafted for use on a Lahey family locomotive at their sawmill in Canungra, Queensland.
Despite the family’s involvement in timber logging, they also played a significant role in forest conservancy. Following Robert Martin Collins (1843 –1913) who was one of the founders of the National Park system in Queensland, Romeo Lahey MBE (1887 – 1968) was instrumental in establishing Lamington National Park in 1915, one of the first conservation efforts in Queensland. This park, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserves one of the most biodiverse areas of subtropical rainforest in the world.
In 1934, the bell was brought to Binna Burra Lodge, where it began its long-standing tradition as the dinner bell, calling guests to meals for over 80 years. More than just a practical tool, the bell became a symbol of hospitality and community at the lodge, ringing through decades of growth, challenges, and the many stories shared by visitors. The bell survived the catastrophic bushfires of 2019, which tragically destroyed much of the original lodge. It now holds scars from that event, which only add to its legacy.
After the fires, the Shay Bell was carefully restored by Barry Davies, a former Binna Burra employee and eco-guide. Barry’s restoration aimed not to erase the bell’s history but to preserve its battle scars while ensuring it could still ring loudly once more. His work highlights the importance of honouring the past while looking toward the future.
The bell has since taken on a larger role at Binna Burra’s major events, from media occasions to Annual General Meetings (AGMs). It’s become the unofficial ceremonial tool for marking these special moments.
Looking forward, the bell’s legacy will continue. With the rebuild of the lodge and accommodation set to be completed in 2026, the bell will be returned to a central and special location within the new lodge, much like it was before the fires. Once again, it will toll across the mountain, calling guests back to the warmth, beauty, and community spirit that Binna Burra Lodge represents.
The Shay Bell is more than a relic of the past—it is a symbol of survival, resilience, and the ongoing connection between people and place. As it continues to ring, it will welcome new generations of visitors to the mountains, echoing the same call that has resonated for nearly a century.
