O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat

Perched on the edge of Lamington National Park, O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat is a family-run mountain getaway that has been welcoming guests since 1926. It's the perfect base for exploring the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, with ancient trees, cascading waterfalls and a rich diversity of birdlife. The retreat offers a range of accommodation from guesthouse rooms to private villas, and the on-site restaurant serves hearty country fare with views across the valley.

Highlights & What to See

• Tree Top Walk: A 180-metre suspension bridge that takes you 16 metres above the forest floor, offering a bird's-eye view of the canopy and the chance to spot rare birds like the regent bowerbird.
• Birdwatching: The retreat is famous for its daily bird-feeding sessions where you can see crimson rosellas, king parrots and even the elusive Albert's lyrebird up close.
• Guided Night Walks: Join a ranger-led walk after dark to spot glow-worms, possums and perhaps a greater glider soaring between trees.
• Lamington National Park Walks: Choose from short trails like the Python Rock Lookout (1.6 km return) or full-day treks to Moran's Falls and Box Log Falls.
• Segway Tours: A fun way to explore the retreat's private roads and rainforest edges without breaking a sweat.

Suggested Time to Spend

O'Reilly's works best as a two-night stay, giving you a full day to tackle a long walk and another half-day for the Tree Top Walk and bird-feeding. If you're short on time, a day trip from Brisbane or the Gold Coast is possible, but you'll miss the magic of dusk and dawn when the forest comes alive. The retreat's self-contained accommodation makes it easy to self-cater or dine on-site.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Binna Burra: Just 30 minutes north via the scenic Lamington National Park road, Binna Burra offers more walking trails and a historic lodge.
• Springbrook National Park: An hour south, home to the Natural Bridge glow-worm cave and dramatic lookouts over the Gold Coast hinterland.
• Mount Tamborine: A 45-minute drive, with wineries, galleries and the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk.
• Gold Coast Beaches: An hour east, the coast offers surf, sand and theme parks – a stark but welcome contrast to the mountain chill.
• Brisbane: 1.5 hours north, the capital is a great start or end point for a self-drive loop through the Scenic Rim.

Please check official sources for current details.