Lamington National Park, South Eastern Queensland
Lamington National Park Rainforest Adventure
- 5 Days
- From 3,345
- Queensland
- Moderate
Moderate: Designed for hikers with some experience, offering longer trails and varied terrain.
Highlights
- Explore World Heritage-Listed Lamington National Park: Discover ancient trees, vibrant wildlife, and serene beauty in this lush sanctuary.
- Bushwalking Haven: With 320 km of walking trails starting right from your accommodation, breathtaking waterfalls and lookouts are just steps away.
- Stay at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat: Unwind at an award-winning eco-lodge on the park's edge, where nature is just outside your doorstep.
- Canungra Stop & Alpaca Encounter: Enjoy a visit to Canungra Valley Vineyards and meet alpacas before your afternoon airport transfer.
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey as we explore the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, a lush sanctuary of ancient trees, vibrant wildlife, and serene beauty.
Your stay will be at the renowned O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, an award-winning eco-lodge perched at the edge of the park. Here, nature is quite literally on your doorstep—step outside and enter a world untouched by time.
Each day offers the opportunity to explore a different section of this extraordinary rainforest, home to over 500 waterfalls, diverse flora and fauna, and some of Queensland’s most remarkable natural wonders. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the incredible variety of birdlife, with over 160 subtropical species recorded in the park. For early risers, a guided birdwatching tour departs daily at 6:45 am, offering a peaceful glimpse into this avian paradise.
Lamington National Park is a premier destination for bushwalking, featuring over 320 kilometres of walking trails that wind through pristine wilderness, leading to breathtaking waterfalls and panoramic lookouts. The convenience of staying within the park means that our walks begin right from our accommodation, making this tour as relaxing as it is exhilarating.
Beyond the natural splendour, you’ll also gain insight into the fascinating history of the O’Reilly family, pioneers who began farming here in 1912 and later opened the lodge in 1926. This area became famous in 1937 when Bernard O’Reilly heroically rescued the survivors of the Stinson plane crash, a tale that continues to be a significant part of the region’s rich heritage.
Our adventure begins with a direct transfer from Gold Coast Airport to O’Reilly’s, with a stop in the charming rural town of Canungra, nestled in the foothills of the national park. On the return journey, we’ll visit O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards and the Mountview Alpaca Farm for a delightful lunch, before being dropped off at the Gold Coast Airport in the afternoon.
Hotels & Cuisine
Our journey brings us to the serene haven of O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, nestled in the heart of Lamington National Park. The Mountain View rooms provide unparalleled vistas, offering a front-row seat to the breathtaking McPherson mountain ranges. After a day of exploring the rainforest, nothing beats unwinding on the balcony, soaking in the tranquillity and expansive scenery.
Each morning, fuel up with a nourishing buffet breakfast, setting you up perfectly for the day’s adventures. On returning from our walks, there’s the delightful prospect of O’Reilly’s famous afternoon tea, featuring tea, coffee, and hot chocolate paired with freshly baked scones, muffins, or the classic Aussie lamingtons.
Evenings begin with a soothing pre-dinner drink at the rooftop rainforest bar, where we can chat about the day’s experiences and anticipate the next. The dining room offers an exquisite 3-course meal, expertly crafted and complemented by a superb selection of wines. Keep an eye out during dinner – you may be lucky enough to spot a curious brushtail possum or even a sugar glider, and in the morning, the beautiful regent and satin bower birds make a stunning appearance as they bathe in front of the bay windows.
After dinner, the retreat’s cosy library beckons. Gather by the open fire, where you can wind down and lose yourself in an impressive collection of books and memorabilia, carefully curated over more than 90 years of O’Reilly’s rich history. It’s the perfect way to end a magical day.
Transportation
Lamington National Park
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
begins
25 May 2025
01 June 2025
Gold Coast, QLD
ends
