O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat,
Qld, Australia
Why families love O’Reilly’s
Tucked away in the stunning World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat offers a unique hinterland escape for families wanting something a little different. With its fresh mountain air, breathtaking views and immersive wildlife experiences, it’s an unforgettable stay for all ages. In this O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat review, we cover the rooms and villas, activities, the kids’ program, dining and location.
- Set in World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park
- Iconic Tree Top Walk and daily bird shows
- Family villas and suites
- Eco Rangers kids club for ages 5-12
- Range of outdoor sports to enjoy
- Stunning rainforest hikes
First impressions
O’Reilly’s is a unique rainforest retreat that feels like an old mountain chalet tucked away in the wilderness, more than a little like a Swiss lodge, in fact. You arrive after a long journey up a winding road, but its wonder is apparent the moment you step out of the car. You are cut off from the world here, and life moves at a different pace.
At the same time, this is a busy, active kind of stay. There’s a lot to do, and much of it is free, so families can easily fill their days with walks, wildlife and time out on the mountain. Mornings start with birdsong, and evenings wind down beside a fire with a drink in hand.
Accommodation
O’Reilly’s offers a wide range of comfortable rainforest or mountain-view rooms, suites and self-contained villas, ideal for families of all sizes. The modern one-to-three-bedroom villas are the real winners, with full kitchens, fireplaces and private balconies with spa baths, perfect for soaking up the serenity after a day of forest fun.
If you want to get even closer to nature, there is also a newly opened campsite, which includes glamping tents, fully equipped canvas safari tents and a well-equipped camp kitchen.
A lovely touch is the daily welcome with wine and cookies with the hotel manager, who shares the fascinating history of the hotel. It is a warm, friendly start to your stay, and a great way to learn the story behind O’Reilly’s before you set out to explore.
Facilities & activities
There’s plenty to keep families busy at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, from the iconic Tree Top Walk and hand-feeding wild birds to daily bird shows at the wildlife centre. You can also visit the glow worm caves, join an e-bike tour, experience the exhilarating flying fox zipline or take part in a guided rainforest walk. The on-site discovery centre is a great place to get your bearings.
The surrounding Lamington National Park offers a network of stunning hiking trails, with over 500 waterfalls to discover, so pack your walking shoes.
For a slower pace, unwind by the scenic heated infinity pool, enjoy a picnic among the trees or indulge in a treatment at the day spa. The pool looks out over the mountain valley, and it is especially magical at sunset.
Kids club & childcare
O’Reilly’s offers a seasonal Eco Rangers Holiday Program for children aged 5 to 12 during Queensland school holidays. It is definitely not your average kids club. The program features nature-based, hands-on activities designed to educate and engage young adventurers, including bushwalking, chemistry experiments, campfires, stargazing, nocturnal scavenger hunts and arts and crafts inspired by the surrounding rainforest. It is a brilliant way for kids to get hands-on with the wilderness while making new friends.
Two sessions run daily during the holiday: the morning session, which includes morning tea, is priced at $25, while the afternoon session, running from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm and including dinner, costs $35. Younger kids under 5 can join with an adult.
The evening session is especially convenient for parents wanting to enjoy a relaxing date night in the resort’s cosy bar. While the kids are off on a nocturnal scavenger hunt, you can sit back with a drink and a proper conversation.
Dining options
Unless you’re self-catering, you’re very much a captive audience at O’Reilly’s, given its remote mountain location. Fortunately, you’re well catered for, with buffet breakfasts, afternoon tea and dinner packages, plus a café for lunch, coffee and snacks. Remember to bring any groceries you need up the mountain with you, since supplies are limited in the small mini market.
The cosy dining areas and bar are relaxed places to refuel after a day exploring the rainforest. In winter, the bar serves mulled wine, and the old-fashioned drawing room is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink beside the fire.
Location & nearby attractions
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is located at the end of Lamington National Park Road, near Canungra in Queensland’s Gold Coast hinterland. The drive takes around 90 minutes from the Gold Coast or two hours from Brisbane, with winding mountain roads and spectacular rainforest scenery along the way, so take your time and enjoy the journey.
At the foot of the mountain, O’Reilly’s Vineyard offers wine tasting and the chance to meet its adorable alpacas. Nearby Canungra is a great stop for lunch, with several welcoming cafés and a fantastic adventure playground for children. For a longer detour, head to Tamborine Mountain, where you’ll find charming shops, distilleries and restaurants. The Gold Coast’s beautiful beaches and famous theme parks are also along many routes to O’Reilly’s, making them an ideal stop for a change of scenery before or after your rainforest retreat.
Final thoughts
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is a great choice for active families who want to swap the beach for a serene mountain wilderness. With the free Tree Top Walk, wildlife on your doorstep, family-sized villas, a cosy bar, a fire to sit beside and a program for kids in the school holidays, it’s a fun, active base for exploring one of Queensland’s most beautiful national parks. Pack your walking shoes and a jumper, and prepare to be charmed.
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