Step into history with the Stinson Walk.
Recount Australian history and celebrate the life of Bernard O’Reilly, who heroically saved the lives of two plane crash survivors over 88 years ago in World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park. Walk through stunning landscape surrounded by the incredibly diverse and wonderful flora and fauna of Lamington National Park.
Starting from O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, we hike along the same route that Bernard followed in his search for the Stinson Wreck in 1937.
The first section of the walk begins on the Border Track, and as the sun rises we walk out along part of the Albert River Circuit before we branch off and make our way off the graded trails and into rough terrain and dense misty rainforest. By mid morning, we summit beautiful Mount Throakban from where Bernard first spotted the tree where the Stinson crashed. Pushing on, we will eventually reach Point Lookout and make our way to the Stinson clearing.
After lunch and a commemoration of the Stinson Crash, we visit the site of the crash to see the graves and the remaining plane wreckage, before hiking down the very steep slope to Christmas Creek. Then you’ll have the opportunity to see Westray’s final resting place before we walk the last few kilometres out along the creek.
Upon reaching the carpark, we’ll have celebratory drinks and snacks before boarding the waiting buses and returning to the retreat.
When
14 – 16 August, 2026
Cost
From $520*
* This price excludes accommodation, but this Stinson Walk package can be added to any accommodation booking.
Inclusions
- Dinner and Breakfast for two days
- Guided Stinson Walk including transfers and packed lunch
- Training guidance from an O’Reilly’s guide leading up to the walk
- Celebratory drinks at the end of the walk at Christmas Creek
Fitness and preparation – What to expect on the trail.
The Stinson Walk is a highly demanding Grade 5 experience designed for fit and experienced hikers. Traversing steep climbs, rough off-track terrain, dense rainforest and technical descents, this is one of Lamington National Park’s most challenging guided adventures.
Believe us when we say, preparation is essential. Walkers should be comfortable hiking long distances over difficult terrain and capable of maintaining a steady pace throughout the day. In the lead-up to the walk, guests will receive detailed fitness guidance and preparation information to help ensure they are ready for the physical demands of the experience.
The reward is an unforgettable day of adventure, history and achievement in one of Australia’s most spectacular wilderness landscapes.
The story behind the Stinson Walk.
The Stinson Walk is more than a hike. This is a journey into one of Australia’s most remarkable rescue stories. In 1937, local mountain cattleman Bernard O’Reilly ventured deep into the rugged rainforest in search of the missing Stinson aircraft, eventually locating two survivors against all odds after ten days lost in the wilderness.
Following sections of Bernard’s original route, this experience brings the story vividly to life through the very landscapes where it unfolded. Along the way, our guides share the history, heroism and human stories behind the rescue, before arriving at the remote crash site where remnants of the aircraft still remain hidden within the rainforest.
