O'Reilly's - Lamington National Park

25 - 28 February 2015

After a short lunch stop and some grocery shopping in Dalby we programmed the GPS (otherwise known as "the  Crazy Woman") and headed towards Toowoomba. The closer we came to the city, the more traffic we encountered. We passed through Toowoomba, and then found ourselves on  the motorway towards Brisbane. So far so good.  We left one Motorway and joined another headed for the Gold Coast. We seemed  to be on the right track. Leaving the motorway we drove through what we supposed was "hinterland" finally arriving at the small village of Canungra.

The view from our room was often enhanced by colourful parrots on the handrail.

A quick check at the  visitor centre that we were on the right road - the Crazy Woman didn't know where O'Reilly's  was - and then on for the last 30 km up the range. What a drive it was!  There was a bit of everything on this road - unfenced so cattle roaming, single lane, hairpin bends, blind corners and steep climbs -  it was quite  beautiful  scenery I but not a drive I would want to do too often, and definitely not suitable if you are towing a caravan or camper trailer. I am a very cautious driver so it was a very slow trip.

Once we arrived we were greeted warmly and given all the information we needed for our three night stay. Our package included breakfast, morning and afternoon tea, as well as early morning bird walks. After our long journey we opted for a casual meal in the upstairs bar - sharing a pizza - and an early night.

Birds will even visit you in your room.

We rose early on Thursday morning and joined the group for the 6.45am bird walk. Our guide Glen was very knowledgeable as well as entertaining. He introduced us to many of the local residents. Most of those in the group were carrying good cameras, so Mick was in good company. The walk took over an hour so we were all ready for breakfast when we returned. Breakfast was available in the dining room and it was fantastic - hot and cold buffet (with eggs cooked to order), pancakes, pastries, fruit and a variety of breads for toasting. Definitely worth lingering over.

Red-browed Finch.

Male Regent Bowerbird, the logo of O'Reilly's.

Male Satin Bowerbird

Wonga Pigeon

After breakfast we headed out for a short walk along the path we had traveled on earlier. We spent a little while exploring and the headed in for morning tea of coffee and cake. Out again and we checked out the nearby National Park camping ground. We made sandwiches for lunch even though we didn't really need any more food and then went out again on the walk to "Mick's Lookout" and part way to the Wishing Tree. These two walks are only available to house guests of O'Reilly's.

The wishing tree. There was nothing to wish for, I was already there.

Australian Logrunner

The morning dawned overcast and misty- typical rainforest weather. We decided to join the bird walk again, and there was a  different guide this time. The walk and highlights were the same, but the commentary slightly different. Once again, very informative and entertaining. After another hearty breakfast we headed back to the Booyong walk, along the canopy walk and then looped back. along the border walk. This is a very pleasant and easy walk-but beware the slippery boards  after rain.

The canopy walk. Where I spotted the Rose Robin.

Crimson Rosellas are common but that doesn't make an encounter any less special.

The, normally shy, Eastern Whipbirds are are given small treats by the guides at O'Reilly's.

Eastern Yellow Robin.

So that's where all the pens get to! Satin Bowerbird at his bower. This bower was once filmed by David Attenborough.

White-browed Scrubwren

Yellow-throated Scrubwren

After morning tea (yes, they feed you very well here) we set off for the 'Wishing Tree' and beyond. This track proceeds steadily downhill  until you eventually reach the creek. We decided to keep going and come back via the loop - but that may not have been the best idea. The walking track was well marked and very picturesque but the walk back along the road was very long and steep. It had us huffing and puffing and making lots of stops along the way.

Land Mullet. These skinks can grow to 60cm long. This one was close to that.

Red-necked Pademelon.

Bassian Thrush. Both the above were taken close to the door of our room.

On our final morning. Mick joined the bird walk again while I did some packing up. Again there was a different guide, and so a slightly different experience. It really is a good idea to go out each morning. Another lovely breakfast and we were off again - heading for Girraween National Park.