O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat

O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat is the perfect place for the entire family to escape the rat race, experience nature together and explore the 160 kms of walking tracks, abundant wildlife, and over 500 waterfalls in the area. 

Located within the Green Mountains section of World Heritage Listed Lamington National Park makes the resort an ideal base for all kinds of outdoor adventures, and it's pretty hard to beat sleeping on the edge of a mountain plateau surrounded by 20 000 hectares of subtropical rainforest. 

The highlight for most visitors to O'Reilly's is feeding the resident King Parrots, Crimson Rosellas and the famous Regent Bowerbirds, which sometimes even land on people's heads. The sixteen metre high Tree Top Walk is another unique way to explore the rainforest canopy, involving nine suspension bridges and an optional steep ladder climb with unrivalled views over Lost World Valley from the top. 

Throughout the day there are many outdoor activities to choose from, beginning with a guided Early Morning Bird Walk, e-bikes tours (morning & afternoon), an afternoon zipping along the Flying Fox and an evening tour to Glow Worm Grotto.

For those wishing to stay overnight at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, there are 66 retreat style rooms and 48 self contained eco-villas to choose from, all of which have impeccable views across to McPherson Range in the distance. 

The classic alpine dining room is the hub of the family run resort and a great space to catch up on the day's activities. Sitting by the log fire in The Rainforest Bar is a highly recommended way to end the day, watching the sun sink away to the west with a glass of O'Reilly's wine in hand.

Many short and long walking tracks surround O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat including Booyong Walk (800 metres return), Moran's Falls Track (4.6 kms return) and the stunning Elabana Falls Track (7.6 kms return). The Border Track (21.4 kmsone way) is another excellent overnight walk connecting Binna Burra with O'Reilly's. Don't forget, after a long day on the trails there is always the option for a little pampering at The Lost World Spa.

Note for parents: Every school holidays, O'Reilly's run a popular Eco Rangers program which is filled with nature based activities for children aged 5 - 12 years. They can meet new friends while making their own bush tucker pizzas around the campfire, feed Daisy the Quoll, or learn traditional bark painting. 

Nice to know: At around 1000 metres above sea level, Lamington National Park is typically five degrees cooler than Brisbane, so be sure to pack some warmer outdoor gear and a torch for evening activities.

Need to know: The road up to O'Reilly's has some narrow hair pin turns, and it is recommended for those prone to motion sickness to take some sweets for the journey.