Nestled far away from the hustle-and-bustle of the city life about 2 hours away from the famed beaches of Gold Coast, O’ Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is a longstanding family-owned nature haven that provides the much needed escape into nature for city dwellers.
Do not let the distance (and the seemingly endless bends) deter you, it is worth it. Note that there are no street-lights on the way up so do head up before the sun sets.
ACCOMODATION
There are 2 types of accommodation at O’ Reilly’s, the traditional and homey O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat rooms ($199 onwards) or the luxurious, self-contained, eco-villas ($375 onwards). Designed to complement the surrounding rainforest, you will get an amazing view no matter which room you pick.
We highly recommend staying a couple of nights at O’ Reilly’s which is located in the World Heritage listed Lamington National Park. This will allow you more time to explore the vast rainforest consisting of over 160km of walking tracks and 500 waterfalls.
EARLY RISERS
Early Morning Bird Walk (Free, 6.45am)
Start your morning right by joining a free guided tour to catch some of our feathered friends in their natural habitat. The Lamington National Park is home to over 200 recorded bird species, for all you avid bird lovers, it will definitely feel like paradise!
Breakfast at The Dining Room (7.30am – 9.30am)
Have a delicious and hearty buffet breakfast at O’ Reilly’s main dining hall.
Rainforest Treetop Walk (Free, All day)
Feel like Indiana Jones as you take a mini hike through the lush rainforest and wiggle your way across suspension bridges. Take on the 30m ladder to catch birds flying past at eye level!
Wildlife Encounters (10am)
Adult $15 Child $8 Family of 2 Adults & 2 Children $40
Spare some time to gain more knowledge on the native animals, their habitats and conservation efforts done to preserve them.
Segway Safari (9am & 2pm, $119 per pax for 2hours)
Tired feet already??? Here’s a good activity for you! Glide through the ancient rainforest on a Segway to reach the breathtaking Moran’s Falls.
MID-DAY MUST DOs
Birds of Prey Show (1pm)
Adult $17.50 Child $10 Family of 2 adults & 2 kids $48
Be amazed by the spectacular aerial displays and free flight of some of the most magnificent birds of prey.
And for the no cost alternative…
There is a little feeding area where our friendly feathered friends hang around waiting to perch on the next victim person to feed them. It is a lot of fun but word of advice: WEAR LONG SLEEVES.
Flying Fox (2pm, Adult $35 Child $22)
Feel the adrenaline rush as you zip your way through the forest canopy 25m above the ground. Toddlers welcomed!
Lunch at the Mountain Café (11am – 2.30pm)
Munch on some delicious western fare at the balcony overlooking the rainforest. Do not be surprised if you get some unannounced company during mealtime!
BASK IN THE DUSK
Sunset Watch (5-6pm)
My most memorable highlight of my stay at O’ Reilly’s was sitting by the infinity pool basking in the warmth of the golden hour, watching the sun set behind the rainforest giving way to the blanket of stars shining brightly above. The only thing I wanted to do was to appreciate that moment, a moment which I hardly get to experience living in the city. Dear Mother Nature, you are truly spectacular.
Dinner at The Dining Room/Rainforest Bar
(Happy Hour 5 – 6.30pm for Rainforest Bar)
For parents who would like to sneak a little drink during Happy Hour, there is a Eco Rangers program for kids priced at $25 per child in the evening. They will be well-taken care of, fed and entertained while you have your own fun.
Of course if you prefer to save some money and cook in your lovely villa, there is a mini mart selling limited groceries. But to play safe, do stock-up before hitting the road up to O’ Reilly’s.
Lost World Spa (Timings and prices vary)
http://www.oreillys.com.au/lost-world-spa
Unwind and rejuvenate for the day’s activities here in the ultimate spa haven overlooking the rainforest. “Be nurtured among nature”.
Glow-worm Tour (7.45pm, Adult $30 Child $15)
If you think that those glow-in-the-dark stickers you have on your ceiling are amazing, you really should witness this. Marvel at one of the most ancient creatures on earth softly glow in the dark, and do not attempt to bring any home to stick on your ceiling.
Tip: Bring your own torch!
Overall, yes it may be little pricey but it is definitely value for money. What you experience there is far more than what you will pay for. I would do the drive up again in a heartbeat.
*DISCLAIMER: Do note that activity timings may change weekly. For more updated information, please check their website.
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