O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat
O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat is a resort within the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park where guests stay among ancient beech trees and misty escarpments. The property offers traditional guesthouses and modern villas with mountain views, surrounded by dense vegetation, hiking trails, and a suspended walkway high above the forest.
The property was founded in 1926 by the O'Reilly family and became a pioneer of eco-tourism in Australia, with three generations continuously welcoming visitors. The site gained prominence in 1937 when Bernard O'Reilly discovered an aircraft crash in the ranges and rescued two survivors after a long trek through the rainforest.
The O'Reilly name reflects a family that has welcomed visitors for over 90 years and shaped the place's identity. Guests encounter three generations of a family who share their deep connection to the rainforest and the story of Bernard's 1937 rescue effort.
The location is roughly 2 hours by car from Brisbane, with a scenic but winding drive where navigation apps may send you the wrong way. It helps to use landmarks like Kidston Street in Canungra and alert staff if you arrive late, since the road requires careful attention.
In 1937 Bernard O'Reilly discovered a crashed aircraft in the woods and rescued two survivors, an event that forever shaped the place's identity. Today, visitors can retrace Bernard's historic route on guided walks and experience the story directly within the landscape.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
