Friends of ninney rise

Friends of Ninney Rise acknowledges the Djiru people as the traditional custodians of the land Ninney Rise is situated.
We recognise their connection to this cultural landscape and honour the indigenous people who have lived and worked on and cared for this land historically and presently.

Ninney Rise - our heritage

Ninney Rise is a historic beachfront home in rainforest parkland at Bingil Bay.

Ninney Rise is special

Ninney Rise is the base from which John Büsst organised the 'Save the Reef' and rainforest campaigns in the 1960s and early 1970s. Set in rainforest by the Coral Sea, it was a meeting place for the campaigners and scientists including Prime Minister Harold Holt, poet Judith Wright, and scientists Webb & Tracey.

When John Büsst saved nearby Ellison Reef from limestone mining in the Innisfail court in 1967, it set the legal precedent for protecting the whole Great Barrier Reef, including from oil drilling. The campaigns led to the declaration of the world’s largest marine park, the formation of GBRMPA, and the eventual declaration of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

After John Büsst died in 1971, Kate Tode bought Ninney Rise. Kate gifted it to National Parks when she died in 1990, trusting it would become a base for scientists to stay to explore the reef and rainforest and continue Büsst’s work. In 2010, the place was entered on the Queensland Heritage Register. In 2014 the Queensland Government leased Ninney Rise to the Friends of Ninney Rise for five years.

future world class trail

COMMUNITY asset

Ninney Rise provides a unique and authentic story; a reason for visitors to come here from all over the world and stay longer. It’s one of our key long term assets. It’s important to maintain our assets and develop them into experiences. It's good for business and reef and rainforest conservation.

About friends of ninney rise

Friends of Ninney Rise Aims

to assist the conservation of the cultural heritage significance of Ninney Rise;

to promote ecotourism at Mission Beach and ongoing reef and rainforest conservation through interpreting Ninney Rise’s leading role in saving the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics rainforests;
to assist retain Ninney Rise in public ownership with opportunities for appropriate public access particularly for tourism and conservation purposes;
to assist the economically viable use of Ninney Rise;
to facilitate tourism, conservation, community and government partnerships

Interpretive sign for John Busst Memorial Plaque

Check for latest activities and events here

Ninney Rise is for hire for limited functions and open to the public for visits by appointment.

All enquires please email [email protected]

FoNR is run by volunteers and we endeavour to answer your enquiry as promptly as possible.

Thank you for your understanding and patience.