With so much to see in southeast Queensland, it can be difficult to choose that one special place to stay that ticks all the boxes and more for the perfect weekend getaway from Brisbane.
We have many favourites and O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is one of them.
This mountain retreat is located in the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park. With a range of accommodation options available for guests, there is something for everyone overlooking the stunning vista of stunning mountains and the Gondwana rainforests.
We have visited the resort two times and have not been disappointed at all with all the resort has to offer. While we are not hikers we do enjoy a stroll around to get a feel for the walks available and the facilities on offer at the resort.
This review will give an overview of the types of accommodation available, the on-site shopping options and restaurant and cafe choices you can make during your stay.
History of O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
The O’Reilly family’s involvement with the Lamington National Park dates back to 1926 as a rather basic guest house retreat for nature lovers that took 2 days to reach.
Many years later, it is a little easier to reach and the quality of the stay visitors can expect is exceptional and very much value for money based on the family’s strong philosophies and core values.
Visitors can still read all about the O’Reilly family and how the Stinson aeroplane was discovered by Bernard O’Reilly in a dedicated library room in the main building near the reception.
Location
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is situated on the Lamington National Park Road in Canungra, Queensland, Australia.
This gorgeous retreat is located 90 minutes drive from the Gold Coast (around 75 km) and is approximately 2 hours drive south of Brisbane (113km) in the lovely Scenic Rim area.
Accommodation types
Whether seeking a stay for one person, or more, up to 7 people, there is suitable accommodation to suit your needs with one, two and three bedroom options available.
A minimum of two nights stay is required with check-in at 3 pm and check-out by 11 am.
There are various room and villa options, including valley view villas, canopy suites, mountain view rooms, and a campground stay available with powered safari tents and more.
Note:
Each room/villa type has slightly different room features, such as BBQs, TV, spa-bath, etc., so it is best to be clear about the room type that best suits your budget and needs. For example, we wanted somewhere to be able to cook our own food if we wished and also had a spa bath option.
O’Reilly’s Review
- We have experienced the Valley View Villa on both occasions of our stay, and both times, we had a fantastic experience relaxing in the spa bath with great views and watching the sunset.
- With a fully equipped kitchen, we took more of our own food on the second visit than the first, after not realising how far the nearest fully equipped shops are from the retreat. The shop/mini mart has a good selection available but we found it did sell out of some essentials.
- Free parking is available, with a large car park for day visitors. Guests staying at the Villas and Retreats will have designated parking available.
- The Valley View Villas we stayed in has steep road access to and from the villa, and not being huge fans of walking far, we, on occasion, drove to the day visitor car park and walked a more leisurely slope to the main building to go to the restaurants, shop or cafe.
Activities
Whether you’re into bird watching, hiking, or simply relaxing, there’s something for everyone.
Highlights include bird feeding, the Birds of Prey Show, a glow-worm experience, and yoga at the Lost World Spa.
Lost World Spa
After a day of exploring, indulge in a treatment at the Lost World Spa. Options include massages, facials, and therapeutic wraps. Bookings can be made by phone or online where you will find a spa menu and online shop.
Eating options
There are several on-site dining options. The Dining Room offers breakfast and dinner, while the Mountain Cafe serves a variety of meals throughout the day. The Rainforest Bar is perfect for unwinding in the evening.
The Dining Room – This is open for breakfast and dinner, with breakfast starting at 0700, and dinner at 17:30 (5:30 pm). Look out for wildlife in the evening and at breakfast time. Bookings for the dining experience are made via reception.
O’Reilly’s Mountain Cafe and Gift Shop – This area appeared to be the centre of all things during our stays, with day visitors and guests alike mingling around the gift shop and the cafe.
The cafe is fully licensed and has a great selection of hot and cold food available from simple snacks to a larger meal size. Or even just for tea and cake of your choice. A full a-la-carte menu is available each day between 11 am and 2:30 pm. Light meals are available all day, weekends and public holidays.
Mini Mart – Available for drinks, snacks and also a good range of basic food items for the self-catering accommodation guests including breakfast options 8 am to 11 am Saturday to Sunday.
The Rainforest Bar – A great place to unwind, including a log fire for those colder months, after a busy day. Entrees are available and house baked pizzas and also a great drinks bar. Visitors can also enjoy the great sunsets from the balcony seating area. The bar opens at 4 pm.
In-Room Dining – All are delivered as takeaway-type meals. Delivery is available to all retreats, villas and to the campground at a charge for a minimal order cost. Takeaways collected from reception have no delivery cost. Be prepared to wait during busy periods.
Tip: Bring enough food and drink for your stay, as the mini-mart has limited hours and options. The dining options are excellent, but a mix of eating out and self-catering can be convenient.
Book your stay at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
We loved every minute of our stay at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and can’t wait to return. If you’re looking for a fantastic weekend destination from Brisbane this shouldn’t be missed!
READ NEXT – AUSTRALIAN TRAVEL GUIDE