There’s something for all ages to see and do at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, just 90 minutes from the Gold Coast and 2 hours from Brisbane. We’ve collected the must-do tours and activities for you here – so start planning your adventures in World-Heritage listed Lamington National Park!
Discovery Program Activities
Birds of Prey Show
Meet some of Australia’s amazing birds of prey in this breathtaking and intimate free flight show. Witness various species displaying natural behaviours in front of a spectacular mountain backdrop. Rated as the best bird show in Australia!
Wildlife Encounter
Get up close and personal with some of Australia’s unique fauna in this family friendly wildlife experience. You may get to touch one of our friendly Carpet Pythons, offer our Squirrel Gliders some morning tea, say G’day to our cheeky Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and more. An experience not to be missed!
Flying Fox Adventure
Ready. Set. Go! Launch yourself from the canopy platform perched 25 metres above the rainforest floor. Did we mention that you’re strapped into a safety harness as you soar across a 180 metre zipline with epic views of Morans Creek below?
Glow Worm Experience
Board the four-wheel-drive bus for a guided ancient rainforest tour to the mystical Glow Worm grotto. Perch yourself beside the secluded gully, home to millions of ancient Glow Worms, illuminating the cliff face in a blanket of twinkling stars. The best time to view Glow Worms is after sunset.
Segway Safari
Why walk when you can Segway? Test your agility and skills on board an eco friendly four-wheel-drive Segway Safari. Kick start the guided tour with a safety training session before hitting the off road adventure – exploring ancient rainforest and taking in views into the Lost World Valley and across to the Great Dividing Range.
E-Bike Tours – Morning Session
Starting from O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, this guided E-BIKE Tour covers approximately 20km of rainforest and eucalypt forested areas. Along the way there is a chance of spotting a Koala and alot of other iconic species found in Lamington National Park. You’ll also learn a bit of local history and see the route where the O’Reilly’s originally came up to reside on the mountain. Get ready for a very exciting and challenging technical ride you’ll remember for ages!
E-Bike Tours – Afternoon Session
Starting from O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, this guided E-BIKE Tour covers under 10km of rainforest and eucalypt forested areas. Go on a 2 hour scenic rim to some of the best lookouts in the area – includes Moonlight Crag, Hunters Lookout, Balancing Rock and the famous Morans Falls. Join us on a short but fast paced adventure whilst learning about O’Reilly’s History and the natural history of the area.
Telescope, Stargazing and Light Painting Tour
Embark on a captivating space journey in the timeless beauty of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest. Join us for a fun, interactive and insightful sky watching nocturnal tour, stargazing & telescope experience, fascinating storytelling & artistic playfulness. This tour is the perfect night out for all ages, date nights, families, groups and locals, this unforgettable tour features Australia’s spectacular night sky away from the city lights.
Nocturnal Wildlife Spotting
Search for the creatures of the rainforest at night including koalas. snakes, possums, dingos, frogs, gliders and other wildlife.
This guided tour is held in various locations after dark in the World Heritage Lamington National Park.
“Best of O’Reilly’s” 4WD Tour – 9am Session
What better way to see the wonders surrounding this plateau? Take a bus tour through rainforest and various eco-systems to incredible places located within World Heritage listed Lamington National Park. You get to visit a lookout to take in the views, or even a waterfall, being inspired and educated along the way.
“Best of O’Reilly’s” 4WD Tour – 2pm Session
What better way to see the wonders surrounding this plateau? Take a bus tour through rainforest and various eco-systems to incredible places located within World Heritage listed Lamington National Park. You get to visit a lookout to take in the views, or even a waterfall, being inspired and educated along the way.
Eco Rangers
Jam-packed with animals and activities – we can guarantee the kids have never had a holiday quite like this before. Let our friendly staff keep your kids entertained – we’ll tire them out while you sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet. Perhaps enjoy a massage at our iconic Lost World Spa?
Billy Tea History Tour
Join our legendary guides for a relaxing 4WD tour to a breathtaking lookout point where they’ll prepare Billy Tea and Damper over the fire, sharing their enthusiasm and stories from the early years on the mountain. This unique adventure is fun for the whole family and is simply one not to be missed!
Guided Walks
2 to 3 hours – depending on destination, guide and conditions. Walking shoes, water and enthusiasm is all that’s needed. O’Reilly’s runs a variety of Guided Walks throughout the week so please ask for a Discovery Guide from our reception or reservations team for a full schedule.
Sunset Experience
Take prime position at a surprise venue for simply stunning sunset views. $30 per person – includes one alcoholic drink or soft drink per person (No BYO). Additional drinks available to purchase onsite. Check our Discovery Program posted on Facebook every Monday for a weekly schedule.
FREE Activities
Tree Top Walk
The first of its kind in Australia, provides a bird’s eye view of the rainforest canopy as you walk along a series of suspension bridges 16 metres above the ground. For the more adventurous, climb a ladder heading up a Strangler Fig! Be sure and watch the video to view the story behind the construction of this iconic landmark of O’Reilly’s.
Visit the Stinson Plane
Visit the replica plane and learn about the film it was built for and the story of the Stinson plane crash in 1937, as well as the rescue of its survivors by experienced bushman Bernard O’Reilly and other locals.
Explore Walking Tracks
Lamington National Park is a jewel in the crown of rainforest bushwalking destinations in Queensland. It contains over 320 kms of walking tracks that lead to spectacular lookouts, waterfalls and some of Queensland’s most significant wilderness areas. Check out our Walking Tracks page for a complete overview.
Explore Waterfalls
Lamington National Park is a jewel in the crown of rainforest bushwalking destinations in Queensland with over 500 waterfalls! Check out the map from the National Parks Information Centre for a guide. Moran’s Falls is the closest to the retreat and Elabana Falls is an O’Reilly family favourite.
Early Morning Birdwalk
FREE for in-house Guests – Meet the feathered locals on this introductory morning bird walk around the Retreat by one of O’Reilly’s experienced guides. Free for O’Reilly’s in-house guests – other guests are more than welcome to join for only $10 adult/$5 child.
Daily Bird Feeding
Feed the wild birds of the rainforest including Crimson Rosella’s and King Parrots.
Bird seed can be purchased at the Gift Shop between 10am – 330pm everyday.
Plunge and Infinity Pool
In-house Guests Only – Make a splash in our plunge pools or spa or venture to our stunning Infinity Pool overlooking the Lost World Valley. Available for O’Reilly’s in-house guests only.
Managers Welcome
In-house Guests Only – Let us welcome you with a complimentary glass of sparkling O’Reilly’s wine to commence your O’Reilly’s stay! Our Manager will join you in the afternoon to chat about the O’Reilly’s history, where things are and what’s on at the Retreat in order for you to get the most out of your stay. Manager’s Welcome is held in the Log Fire Room, at the end of the Dining Room from 4-420pm.
Daily Documentary Film
In-house Guests Only – Historical and educational movies shown in the Theatrette, near the Discovery Centre. Programs are on Reception desk, in the Discovery Centre and on the Theatrette door. Available for O’Reilly’s in-house guests only.
Contact us on 07 5502 4911 or enquire online. Note: Activities and tours are subject to availability.