O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat offers heartfelt family hospitality within Lamington National Park, marrying timeless charm with immersive nature, guided walks, and serene rainforest escape.
Location: Tucked into the heart of Australia's World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park in the Gold Coast hinterland, O’Reilly’s sits around 930 metres above sea level and delivers sweeping views across the McPherson and Great Dividing Ranges. It’s a nature lover’s dream just 90 minutes from the Gold Coast or a 2-hour drive from Brisbane. Friendly, tucked-away and effortlessly majestic.
Rooms: Guests can choose from cosy serviced retreat rooms or architect-designed eco-villas; around 66 rooms plus 48 self-contained villas set into the hillside. There’s also a charming on-site campground with safari tents and powered sites for those who want to sleep under the stars.
Amenities: Comfort meets nature here. You’ll enjoy two outdoor pools (including an infinity edge with valley views), a full day spa, a sauna, and inviting lounges. Dining ranges from casual café meals and sunset pizzas to a refined a la carte option - both with authentic, local flavours.
Activities: Expect a rich nature programme: from free early bird-watching, bird-feeding and wildlife encounters, to the famed Tree Top Walk, zip-lining canopy glides, e-bike tours, glow-worm visits, 4WD eco-tours and guided walks to waterfalls and the historic Stinson plane-crash site.
Sustainability: This retreat was born of deep respect for the land with over ninety years of family stewardship. It balances rustic charm with genuine care for the rainforest and its wildlife, encouraging guests to connect consciously with nature throughout their stay.
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Gold Coast Trip Inspiration
When to visit Australia
Find out the best time to visit Australia with our month by month guide.
- Best
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- Mixed
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- Nov
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January
A month of extremely hot weather. Celebrate summer on Sydney’s beaches, explore the Great Barrier Reef, or enjoy the Australian Open in Melbourne. Tasmania is also perfect for hiking in mild weather.
February
Very hot, but lively in the southern parts of the country. Head to South Australia for the Adelaide Fringe Festival or Western Australia for the Perth Fringe Festival. Visit Kangaroo Island for wildlife and dramatic coastlines, or dive Ningaloo Reef for manta rays. Northern end is humid and wet.
March
Things start to cool down in the Southeast: enjoy Melbourne’s food and wine scene, hike the Blue Mountains. Alternatively, head north to spot wildlife in Kakadu as the Wet Season eases.
April
Visit Uluru for clear desert skies, explore Margaret River’s wineries, or catch whale sharks at Ningaloo. Tasmania’s wilderness is beautiful in autumn colours.
May
Ideal for the Red Centre and Top End: cooler and drier. Explore Kakadu and Litchfield. Southern states are great for city breaks in Sydney or Melbourne.
June
Ski season starts in the Snowy Mountains. Queensland offers sunny escapes, from the Whitsundays to the Daintree. Western Australia’s Kimberley region is at its best.
July
Perfect time for whale watching along the east coast. Explore Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, or cruise the Kimberley’s remote gorges and waterfalls.
August
Northern Australia is dry and sunny: visit Darwin’s Mindil Markets, Kakadu, and Arnhem Land. Enjoy stargazing at Uluru or explore the Great Barrier Reef islands.
September
Spring blooms in Western Australia’s wildflower regions. Visit Perth, Rottnest Island, or Margaret River. Sydney warms up, perfect for harbour cruises and coastal walks
October
Great time for Sydney’s Sculpture by the Sea and whale watching. Visit Tasmania’s wilderness, or explore Melbourne and the nearby Yarra Valley wineries.
November
Early summer brings perfect conditions for the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. Explore the Great Ocean Road or enjoy wine regions like Barossa Valley.
December
Celebrate Christmas on the beach in Sydney, Perth, or Adelaide. Watch the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Catch the Ashes cricket tournament in either Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, or Sydney. Tasmania offers hiking, while tropical Queensland is lush and vibrant.
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