Jemby Rinjah Lodge was designed to coexist with and take advantage of the natural environment and has won several major awards both for the innovative design and its successful operation as a tourism business, including NSW Tourism Awards for environmental tourism and tourist development projects and the Banksia Environmental Foundation Award for the Built Environment.
Jemby Rinjah Lodge is owned and operated by Bill and Noreen Urqhuart. The Lodge holds Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation under the National Ecotourism Accreditation Program and was one of the first working examples of large scale sustainable tourism to exist in Australia.
Jemby Rinjah Lodge was built on an existing degraded sites within the block which had been cleared for logging to supply a 'dolly peg' factory in nearby Blackheath township. Cabin sites were specifically selected to utilise these cleared sites and existing fire trails were also used for access and to bring in materials. All remaining trees and native vegetation were retained and since completion of the Lodge there has been significant regeneration.
All buildings are constructed on the 'Pole platform' or 'Pole frame' principle using treated, plantation pine product as the structural base. All external cladding is weatherproof, grooved plywood sheeting and all internal cladding is a rustic finish pine plywood, sourced from local plantation suppliers. All structures are a lightweight super insulated timber construction to give quick thermal response for their intermittent use.
Verandahs and raised plank walkways are used for increased observation and minimal impact on flora and fauna. Access for the disabled is provided for in the barrier free design. All stages of the facility are connected by paths and ramps for wheelchair accessibility.
The buildings are oriented for solar benefits and are well insulated using fibreglass and reflective foil to prevent condensation in the cold climate as well as the use of strawboard ceilings in 45 mm sheets which provides excellent thermal properties and acoustic insulation. Corrugated colour bonded roofing was used and roof trusses were made on site to utilise small timber sections and galvanised connectors.
Boardwalks house all essential services beneath them to minimise soil disturbance and all original building materials were carried in using the boardwalks. All waste is recycled on site.
Cabins
The cabins are self contained with a lounge/dining area and one or two bedrooms. Every cabin features a slow combustion wood heater in the lounge area and your comfort is assured with luxurious feather doonas on each bed. Linen and towels are provided. Each cabin is very private and surrounded by native bushland. Guests can choose to either cater for themselves or join us in the restaurant for their meals.
For a special occasion we have a romantic retreat cabin which is a spacious one bedroom cabin with a rainwater filled Japanese hot tub, slow combustion wood stove, television, video and stereo.
Eco-Lodges
Jemby Rinjah offers three Eco-Lodges as accommodation for groups of up to 16 people in each lodge (a minimum of eight per group are required to book). Each features four bedrooms with comfortable beds and feather doonas. Linen and towels are included in the tariff. There are two bathrooms, a large lounge area, bar fridge, tea and coffee facilities, central gas heating with individually warmed rooms and north facing deck area overlooking the natural Blue Mountains bush scape, alive with native birdlife.
The Eco-Lodges are accessed by wooden walkways placed above the ground to protect the flora and fauna for the future. As well, low energy heating and lighting and total onsite waste management are utilised throughout the complex.
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