Protecting What Matters Most.
For more than 100 years, guests have journeyed to O’Reilly’s to experience the ancient beauty of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Lamington National Park.
Living and working alongside this remarkable landscape brings a responsibility we take seriously. Today, that care can be seen in our independently assessed ecotourism practices, conservation partnerships, environmental education, water and waste management, and solar-powered infrastructure at Pat’s Farm.
Explore the practical actions behind our approach—and discover the simple ways you can help care for this extraordinary place during your stay.
A Legacy of Stewardship.
For generations, the O’Reilly family has lived and worked within the Lamington Plateau, developing a deep connection to the rainforest and its preservation.
Long before ecotourism became widely recognised, the O’Reilly family guided visitors through the rainforest, sharing their knowledge of its wildlife, landscapes and natural history.
Today, that connection continues through environmental education, conservation partnerships, guided nature experiences, and practical approaches to managing water, waste and energy across O’Reilly’s operations.
Acknowledgement of Country.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which O’Reilly’s stands, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise the Yugambeh language region, and the Aboriginal family groups connected to this Country, including the Mununjali people of the Kerry Valley and Beaudesert region, and the Wangerriburra people of the Canungra and Coomera River region. We honour their enduring connection to this ancient landscape — known to many as Woonoongoora — and acknowledge the stories, knowledge and care that have shaped and protected this place for generations.
Our Sustainability Pillars.
“We believe tourism should actively contribute to protecting the places people come to experience.”
Honouring the past, protecting what comes next.
O’Reilly’s is deeply connected to our family heritage and the remarkable landscape we call home. For generations, our family has shared a close relationship with Lamington National Park, and with that comes a responsibility to care for its stories, character and sense of place.
We honour the Traditional Custodians of Country, preserve the history and traditions that have shaped O’Reilly’s, and share these stories with our guests so they can be understood, valued and carried forward for future generations.
Creating meaningful experiences, thoughtfully.
For us, responsible tourism and genuine hospitality go hand in hand. We aim to create memorable guest experiences while making practical choices around water use, recycling, housekeeping and regional purchasing.
From supporting local growers, producers and makers to encouraging mindful water use, recycling, reusable bottles and our Green Card housekeeping initiative. By making responsible choices simple and rewarding, we invite every visitor to play a part in caring for this special place.
Protecting the rainforest at the heart of everything we do.
Our location alongside Lamington National Park brings a responsibility to operate carefully within a sensitive natural environment. Our current practices include managing water, waste and energy use, supporting environmental education and encouraging responsible visitor behaviour.
Our Commitment in Practice
Caring for the rainforest is central to the way O’Reilly’s welcomes guests and operates within Lamington National Park. Our approach includes environmental education, conservation partnerships, responsible visitor practices, and the careful management of water, waste and energy across our operations.
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat holds Advanced Ecotourism certification through Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Certification program, as well as Respecting Our Culture certification. These programs independently assess specific areas of our operations, including environmental management, conservation, visitor education, cultural respect and community engagement.
Select the certification logos below to learn more about the programs, the standards assessed and our current certification status.
Guests at O’Reilly’s enjoy fresh mountain water sourced from the Lamington Plateau through a gravity-fed supply and treated on-site before use. Approximately 200,000 litres of storage supports the Retreat’s daily operations. Our water system has evolved over time—from water once pumped uphill from Moran’s Creek to today’s gravity-fed supply from Canungra Creek.
This mountain water is a precious natural resource. Fresh drinking water is available at refill stations throughout the Retreat, and we encourage guests to enjoy it thoughtfully by refilling reusable bottles and keeping showers mindful.
O’Reilly’s separates general waste, recyclable materials and eligible Containers for Change items across the Retreat. Clearly marked waste and recycling stations help guests place items in the appropriate stream.
You can help by choosing reusable options where possible and sorting waste carefully—helping keep eligible materials out of general waste.
As part of our commitment to reducing our environmental impact, guests can choose our Green Card for Service and skip daily room servicing and linen laundering.
Based on O’Reilly’s operational estimates, each skipped service can save up to 60 litres of water and 0.65 kWh of energy. This helps reduce water use, energy consumption and the emissions associated with cleaning and laundry. As a thank you, each guest receives a complimentary drink voucher. Cheers to a greener stay!
We purchase from regional growers, farmers, wineries and makers where practical. This supports regional businesses and allows us to feature selected seasonal ingredients and locally made products.
Pat’s Farm Chalets incorporate specific design and infrastructure choices intended to manage energy and water use while maintaining a comfortable guest experience.
The off-grid property operates with a 60 kVA solar PV system supported by battery storage. High-spec insulation and double glazing support temperature management, while 30,000 litres of rainwater storage supplement the property’s mountain water supply.
Every Pat’s Farm booking includes a $20 contribution to the Green Mountains Natural History Association, supporting environmental education and interpretation within Lamington National Park.
Stay Well. Travel Better.
Small choices. Deeper connection. A more thoughtful way to travel.
The places we remember most are often the ones that change how we see the natural world.
At O’Reilly’s, we invite you to experience the rainforest with curiosity, gratitude and care—and to make thoughtful choices that respect wildlife, value precious resources, honour Country and support the communities you visit.
Take that spirit with you when you leave the mountain. Travelling well isn’t about being perfect—it’s about noticing more, choosing thoughtfully and carrying a deeper respect for the places that stay with us.
Waterwise
Refill rather than replace, keep showers mindful, reuse towels and linen where practical, and switch off lights, heating and air-conditioning when they’re not needed. At O’Reilly’s we encourage you to re-fill your drink bottles from our fresh mountain water supply and limit your shower times where possible.
Waste Not
Choose reusable bottles and bags, and avoid unnecessary single-use plastics. Look for certified operators and experiences along your journey, and remember that every choice has the power to support positive change.
Keep it Wild
When visiting or sharing their home, observe wildlife quietly and from a distance. Never feed wildlife or interfere with their behaviour. Keep to designated trails and help protect sensitive vegetation, waterways and wildlife habitats.
Care for Country
Take time to learn about the Custodians of the places you visit, respect cultural protocols and heritage, and remember that every destination has a story that began long before your arrival.
Give Back
Consider leaving more than a passing memory. Donate, pledge your support, or lend your awareness to research programs and conservation initiatives that play an ongoing role in protecting our wilderness areas.
Love Local
When you travel, choosing locally made products, local artists, businesses and operators wherever possible helps support regional communities and keep local industries thriving. We thank you for supporting O’Reilly’s and the Scenic Rim.
Stay for Good
Every stay at O’Reilly’s is an opportunity to connect with something bigger.
Whether you join a guided walk, learn about the wildlife, refill your water bottle, support local producers or simply spend time beneath the ancient rainforest canopy, O’Reilly’s offers experiences and initiatives designed to deepen your appreciation and understanding of the natural world.
We believe that experiencing the rainforest firsthand encourages greater care for the wild places that matter. Fostering that sense of connection is at the heart of what it means to Stay for Good.
Thank you for choosing to Stay for Good at O’Reilly’s.
