O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat - Lamington National Park

 16 - 19 September 2025

We have been to O'Reilly's a few times before and are always keen to return so it seemed like a good idea to book a stay while we were on our way south. The drive from Canungra is only 35km but the road is narrow and windy, so takes around an hour. Even though there is a campground, I would never want to tow the camper trailer up that road. Besides, it's so nice staying at the retreat.

We arrived in time for morning tea in the cafe, before getting ready for a walk. We knew we would not be able to check in until later so had plenty of time to fill in. We were stopped by a fellow birder who was on her own and keen for a chat, and also some company so she tagged along with us on the Border Track. We eventually parted ways and found a nice spot for our picnic lunch.

By the time we had packed everything up it was almost check-in time so, while Mick walked some more in one of his favourite birding spots, I went to check in. All the rooms have great views and this one was no exception. The bonus with this one was that parking was right outside our door. On our last couple of visits we have had to park quite a way from our room and cart all our gear up a flight of stairs.

Every room has a view

Our package this time included the usual generous buffet breakfast, early morning bird walks, afternoon tea and manager's welcome (complete with a glass of sparkling wine) as well as a  morning 4WD Tour. Last time the nocturnal tour had been included but it was not available this time.

We did some more walking and lots of photographing of birds and decided to have our evening meal in the bar. They do a fairly good pizza which we shared by the fire, with a couple of drinks. Dinner is also available in the restaurant, but the new buffet prices were beyond our budget. The bar is cosy and relaxed, so suits us.

Breakfast is the best buffet you will find anywhere (in our opinion anyway) and the service is friendly and efficient. We always take our time over a big breakfast, usually after Mick has been out on the early morning bird walk. 

On our first morning we had to be ready for the 4WD tour at 9:00am. This tour takes you to many spots that are not otherwise accessible and includes lots of information about the history of the O'Reilly family and how the Retreat came to be. It was an interesting tour despite the lack of birding opportunities.

We spent the rest of our time walking along the many easy tracks, Mick photographing birds, me just enjoying being in the bush in this beautiful section of the ancient Gondwana rainforest. It truly is a special place. We sometimes wish we lived closer so we could visit more often.

There's always something interesting 
to see in the rainforest

After our usual big breakfast, we packed up and went for one last walk along the Border Track, past the Mountain Gardens and Tree Top Walk, before setting off back down the mountain. Once we had collected the trailer, we started making our way back towards the coast and on into New South Wales.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

17 – 20 October 2024

We’ve stayed at O’Reilly's a couple of times before and really like this little piece of paradise. The birding is fabulous, the accommodation is excellent and the breakfasts are amazing. Add the proximity to the Lamington National Park and all its walks and you have an almost ideal spot to spend a few days – we think so anyway. We managed to book a three night package which included accommodation, breakfast and afternoon tea daily, early morning bird walk every day, and a nocturnal tour.

We set off from Warwick and stopped to look for the bellbirds near Cunningham’s Gap again, before a picnic lunch at Canungra. From there it was up the windy road to O’Reillys. We arrived in time to settle in and join the afternoon welcome talk, which included a glass of sparkling wine. What a lovely way to start our break from camping.

We had already booked the nocturnal tour for the following night and booked the bird walks when we arrived. I nominated for the first morning, but Mick put his name down for all three mornings because the birding was the reason we had come here.

We had packed some picnic type food to be able to have some meals in our room but we decided to have dinner on our first night at the bar. After watching the sun setting over the ranges we wandered over and found a spot near to the open fire. Even though it was October in Queensland, the nights up on the mountain were quite cool. We shared a pizza and had a couple of drinks. There is a restaurant as well for evening meals as well as a café for lunches and snacks.

The view from our room at sunset

We rose early to join the bird walk on our first morning and set off with quite a large group. There was a new guide who was just “learning the ropes” as well as an experienced guide. Most people who come to O’Reillys have at least some interest in birds, and many are complete novices so it is fun to see the excitement when they are introduced to various species they know little or nothing about.

Following the bird walk we headed for the dining room and the best buffet breakfast you could imagine. It seems like all dietary needs and preferences are catered for and there is a huge variety of fresh, baked and cooked items from which to choose, including porridge which was very popular on a cool morning. Eggs can be cooked to your liking and the toast machine is in constant use with a variety of breads on offer.

We spent our time at O’Reillys walking the tracks close to the guesthouse – sometimes together and sometimes Mick went out on his own. He went on the bird walks on the flowing two mornings and wandered off away from the group to get better photos, as many of the more serious birders do. Each morning he spent a bit longer out with the birds while I slept in and waited to join him for breakfast.

Although we had been on the bird walks on previous visits we had never been on the nocturnal tour so this would be a new experience. We waited at the meeting spot and set off with the group for a walk along one of the main easy tracks nearby. We were both a bit disappointed that the guide spotted some creatures but didn’t really ensure all members of the group were able to get a look. He also talked a lot to those closest to him, forgetting there were others there.

After the walk we jumped onto the bus, and things started to look up. We drove down the Duck Creek Road, which is closed to through traffic these days, and made a number of stops along the way. Mick was particularly keen to see a Marbled Frogmouth and he was very excited when our guide indicated one very close by. We had brought our best torch with us and Mick was able to get some excellent photos of it in the spotlight. That made up for our earlier feeling of disappointment. We also stopped to look at frogs and snakes (which were hidden between the rocks).

After a final hearty breakfast and another walk on the nearby tracks we finished packing up and started the journey back down the windy road towards Canungra and then on to Warwick to collect the camper trailer.

Townsville to Sydney

Cape Hillsborough

7 - 8 October 2015

After several months at home meeting commitments to help organise a conference, we are finally back on the road, bound for Tasmania. This time we are heading down the coast (as we had intended to do in February before Cyclone Marcia thwarted our plans.)

We are picking up a new camper trailer in Sydney so have decided not to camp on the way. We will stay in cabins, pubs and motels along the way. Tonight’s stop is an old favourite, Cape Hillsborough.  We have a beachfront hut - right on the beach as you would expect. Our journey from home in Townsville was very familiar – op shops and fuel in Ayr (where diesel is 11cents a litre cheaper than in Townsville) then lunch at the Metropole Hotel in Proserpine.

On to Cape Hillsborough and a pleasant night on the beach - except for the incessant wind. We ventured out for a walk but the wind made it decidedly unpleasant – glad we weren’t camping.
 

This place is famous for its beach-going roos.

Volcanic rock looking like a site-specific wave sculpture.

A fairly early departure and a stop to walk along the Diversity Boardwalk. There weren’t many birds about, but it was a beautiful walk. There’s lots of interpretive signage to help visitors understand the significance of the land on which they walk.

A lace monitor was sunning itself on the track and was reluctant to move as we approached.

Blue Tiger. These were fluttering all through the bush as we walked.

Rockhampton

8 - 9  October 2015

After the lovely walk on the Diversity Boardwalk at Cape Hillsborough we headed back to the highway at Yakapari (yes it’s a real place), on through Mackay and then a stop in Sarina. The visitor information centre provides free, do it yourself, coffee and tea – and a lovely verandah to allow you to sit a while.

On the road again and lunch at Clairview – another beautiful beachfront, but the wind persisted so we didn’t linger long. The little park at the community centre is perfect for a lunch stop, and as a bonus the centre was open and selling the best ever jam drops. Wish we’d bought more!

On to Rockhampton and overnight at a caravan park just out of town. Nice enough but very noisy with the trains and trucks going right past all through the night.

Up very early to venture out along the Port Alma Road in search of the yellow chat. A local birder had provided Mick with very clear direction about where they could be found, but they weren’t there. Mick thinks they were sheltering from the wind. Looks like we’ll have to come this way again some time.

Nanango

9 - 10 October 2015

Morning tea at Bororen and a picnic lunch at Gin Gin, both with great parking for those towing. We turned off the Bruce Highway at Booyal and travelled the back road to the Isis Highway, then on to Biggenden and Ban Ban Springs, where we turned on to the Burnett Highway bound for Goomeri. We stopped at the visitor information centre and decided to keep going on to Nanango. Another stop at the visitor information centre and we found a quiet motel for the night.

Gilston / Nerang

10 - 11 October 2015

Saturday is market day! We left Nanango and made our way along the D’Aguilar Highway to Yarraman where we stumbled upon our first market for the day. From there it was on to Moore and a community op shop, then along the Brisbane Valley Highway to Toogoolawah and more markets, and finally lunch time in Esk – where there were more markets. From Esk we made our way towards the big city and turned off to the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Because this was a short day’s drive we drove up to Tamborine Mountain and went for a short walk at Witches Falls. We didn’t see any witches, but it was a beautiful walk, but with lots of steps.

From there we made our way down the mountain towards Nerang and our stop at a B&B for the night.

Common Bronzewing

The hosts have bird feeders out on the deck where breakfast is served. Crepes (the host is a French chef) and home-made jams, with the birds for company was a lovely way to start the day.

Galah.

Little Corella

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

A Laughing Kookaburra catching some sun.

O'Reilly's ( Lamington National Park)

11 - 13 October 2015

Again, a short drive so we went back up to Tamborine – and made our first stop the markets. We headed over to another walk – but had to do battle with some serious traffic on the way. Seems everyone was out for a Sunday drive up the mountain.

Showground markets at Tamborine

Tamborine National Park – MacDonald Section provided us with a very pleasant and easy 1.5 km walk, away from the crowds. From there we found a nice park for a picnic lunch on the way back down the mountain to Canungra.

From Canungra it’s only 35 km to O’Reilly’s, but what a drive. It took nearly an hour – hairpin bends, one way sections, blind corners, give ways and steep climbs. You really do need to concentrate, but it is so worth the effort when you arrive at this most beautiful spot.

We checked into our room - with great views over the valley. Afternoon tea is served in the dining room, so of course we had to partake. We also ventured out onto the Booyang Walk and the Treetop walk. This takes you up into the canopy along an elevated suspended boardwalk - a bit scary when people walk quickly along making it swing.

The view from our balcony.

Eastern Whipbird

Male Regent Bowerbird

Satin Bowerbird at his bower.

Female or young male satin bowerbird.

Our package included breakfast, morning tea and afternoon tea. We opted for a casual dinner in the Rainforest Bar, where I was able to sample to local wine - a very nice Semillon Sauvignon Blanc from the O'Reilly's Vineyard.

Up early for the bird walk - but with a very large group this time. The mainly American tour group were absolutely fascinated by the Aussie birds, but it made for a very different walk. We peeled off after inspecting the brush turkey's mound, and went in for the best breakfast buffet ever. It's hard not to eat too much.

During the day we walked, ate lunch at the cafe, took lots of photos and generally enjoyed a beautiful day. Later in the afternoon we noticed storm clouds brewing in the distance and saw lightning and heard thunder. A check of the BoM (Bureau of Meteorology) weather radar revealed one of SE Qld's severe thunderstorms was headed our way. It was quite beautiful to see the lightning lighting up the sky. The worst occurred while we were up at the Rainforest Bar having another casual dinner. Most visitors sat glued to the spectacle. Fortunately the storm bypassed us and we only received a little rain up on the mountain.

We didn't get up for the early morning bird walk on Tuesday morning, opting instead to head down for breakfast early. We were rewarded with one of the window seats. During breakfast bird feeders are topped up and the local inhabitants gather round for a free feed. Quite a sight while having breakfast.

We fitted in another walk through the treetops before venturing back down the mountain and towards New South Wales.

Rose robin seen on the treetops walk.

Lennox Head

13 - 14 October 2015

We drove into New South Wales through the beautiful Numimbah Valley and via Murwillumbah. For us, this is much better than going through the Gold Coast - although we know many would disagree. We headed into Lennox Head and found a cabin in the caravan park across the road from the beach and adjacent to the lake - quite a nice spot. Our purpose for visiting was to catch up with a birdwatching friend we met on an earlier trip.

We arranged to visit Jo for morning tea and took the short drive out to Flat Rock at her suggestion. Mick was rewarded with a mixture of seabirds and waders. Despite the almost high tide he was able to get close enough for some photos.

Brahminy Kite with a fish stolen from a tern.

Red-necked stints land again after being spooked by the raiding kite.

It's exhausting migrating from the Siberian tundra and then being chased around by kites.

Lesser crested Terns

A Sanderling roosting with Red necked Stints.

Common Tern non breeding plumage

Little Terns

Ruddy Turnstone

Surfer at Flat Rock

This was a great little birding stop and a place I'd love to visit again for a longer stay. Thanks Jo for pointing it out! In my short photo sessions at Flat Rock I was able to see three new birds. They were not too flighty so I was able to get nice and close to some. Mick.

After morning tea with Jo we headed back to Flat Rock for some more photos, then on down the road for lunch at a park by the river in Ballina.

Golden Plovers and a Curlew Sandpiper at Lake Chickiba near Ballina.

Iluka

14 - 16 October 2015

We drove on to Iluka, once a small fishing village and still a fairly quiet place - at this time of year at least. Just before reaching the town we detoured to the Bundjalung National Park at Iluka Bluff for a look at the beach. We discovered there is a rainforest walk so we added that to the list of things to do.

We found a cabin in a caravan park by the river and settled in for two nights. In the morning we drove to the town end of the rainforest walk. It's only 2.5km and an estimated 1.5 hours each way, if you don't stop to take heaps of photos! We walked about 1.5km before turning around so we would be back in time for lunch.

Fruiting trees were full of figbirds, olive-backed orioles, Lewin's honeyeaters and fruit doves feeding noisily as we walked beneath them. Small yellow fruits plopped on the forest floor around us, dislodged by the foraging birds. Despite their number, any views of the birds were fleeting as the thick, dark foliage and glare conspired to hide them from us. A Rose-crowned Fruit dove flew briefly onto a branch in the open and I was able to get a shot.

Lower down, through the undergrowth and tangled vines, golden whistlers, wonga pigeons, eastern whip birds and brown gerygones could be heard. A rufous fantail hopped around not far from the track and I noticed it had been banded. Mick.

Rose-crowned Fruit dove

We went down to the small harbour and bought the freshest fish and chips we've had in a long time. The Fisherman's Co-op sells a range of seafood and the crumbed flathead was just delicious.

The perfect place to have fish & chips!

A walk out onto a break wall revealed that the banks of the Clarence River are guarded by an army of dragons. Every four or five metres, an Eastern Water-dragon eyed us cautiously from its rocky battlement as we passed. There were some fish and birds to look at also. Mick.

Eastern Water-dragon

Eastern Water-dragon

A Striated heron

Welcome swallows not long out of the nest.

 After lunch we walked for a short way along the river near the caravan park, then drove out to the surf beach for a quick look. We then went back to the harbour and walked along the foreshore walk from the pub to the playground.

On our return, hot and thirsty, we stopped for a refreshing and well-earned beer, with a lovely view. Up early for the long drive to Sydney, although we weren't sure we would get all the way - it's estimated as an 8 hour drive.


Pacific Palms (near Foster)

16 - 17 October 2015

We set off early, headed for Sydney. We hoped to be able to drive all the way, but were realistic enough to know that it probably wouldn't be possible. It was a very foggy morning, but was clear in Iluka by the time we left. A drove through the Clarence river valley, the fog reappeared. We stopped by the river at Ulmarra for photos.

Black duck in the fog.

Clarence River

We stopped for fuel in Grafton then drove on to Nambucca Heads for coffee. We detoured into Port Macquarie for lunch by the beach, then back to the highway to Taree. Just past Taree we left the highway to travel the Lakes Way, having made the decision to stay in the area for the night. We stopped in Forster where accommodation (that suited us) was scarce so we moved on, stopping at each caravan park along the way, only to find most also fully booked. We eventually found our way to Pacific Palms - a sleepy little corner nestled between Wallis Lake and the Pacific Ocean at Elizabeth Beach. A nice spot to spend the last night before hitting the "big smoke".

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.