O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat

Perched on the edge of Lamington National Park’s ancient Gondwana rainforest, O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat is a legendary family-run escape that blends pioneering spirit with eco-luxury. Since 1926, the O'Reilly clan has welcomed guests into their mountain world of towering brush box trees, cascading waterfalls, and birdlife so abundant you'll hear the whip-crack call of the Eastern whipbird before breakfast. This is the place to disconnect from the highway and reconnect with the wild — think treehouse-style accommodation, guided night walks, and a canopy boardwalk that puts you eye-to-eye with the forest giants.

Highlights & What to See

• Tree Top Walk — A 180-metre suspension bridge that sways gently 16 metres above the forest floor, offering dizzying views of the canopy and, if you're lucky, a glimpse of the rare Albert's lyrebird scratching for insects below.
• Lamington National Park walks — From the easy 2-km Python Rock Lookout trail to the full-day 21-km Border Track, the national park is your backyard. Don't miss the plunge into swimming holes beneath Moran's Falls.
• Birdwatching at the verandah — Grab a pair of binoculars and a coffee from the Mountain Café; the retreat's bird feeders attract crimson rosellas, king parrots, and the occasional satin bowerbird. Guided bird walks run daily.
• Segway through the rainforest — A surprisingly serene way to cover ground on the retreat's private trails, with guides pointing out stinging trees and strangler figs along the way.
• O'Reilly's Vineyard — A short drive down the mountain, this boutique cellar door offers tastings of cool-climate wines with sweeping views back towards the scarp.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two nights is the sweet spot — arrive early on day one to settle in and take the Tree Top Walk before the crowds; spend the full second day exploring a longer national park trail and booking a guided night walk to spot glowing fungi and possums; depart after a leisurely morning birdwatching on day three. If you're short on time, a day trip from Brisbane or the Gold Coast is doable but rushed — the 90-minute drive each way means you'll only have time for one walk and a quick lunch.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Mount Warning — The dawn climb to the summit of this ancient volcanic plug is a rite of passage, offering the first sunrise in mainland Australia. Combine with a night at O'Reilly's for a two-centre adventure.
• Springbrook National Park — Half an hour south, with the dramatic Natural Bridge waterfall and glow-worm cave, plus the Best of All Lookout over the caldera.
• Tamborine Mountain — A detour through Gallery Walk's artisanal shops, wineries, and the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk makes a perfect stop on the way to or from O'Reilly's.
• Gold Coast Hinterland — The winding roads through Canungra and Beechmont are dotted with farm gates selling macadamias and avocados; stop at the St Bernard's Hotel for a counter meal with a view.
• Byron Bay — A 90-minute drive east delivers you to the coast for surf, sand, and a completely different energy — a great way to end a hinterland trip.

Please check official sources for current details.