Tim Roxborogh checks in to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, a Gold Coast Hinterland hideaway - and one that’s very much geared towards families as well as anyone who loves nature. Location: O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is found deep within the 206 sq km Unesco World Heritage-listed tangle of rainforest that is Lamington National Park in southern Queensland. It is 930 metres above sea level and about 90 minutes by car from Surfers Paradise.
Style: A range of styles reflective of the almost century of O’Reilly’s being the premier launchpad to one of Australia’s greatest national parks. The vibe encompasses the modern eco-chic of the resort’s architecturally designed villas on stilts, as well as the more traditional wooden alpine lodge feel for some of the older buildings. READ MORE: Best things to do in Queensland on a family holiday Perfect for: Anyone who loves nature and bush walks, including parents who want to expose their children to just how precious these ancient rainforests are.
Also perfect if you’re looking to escape the Queensland heat with the elevation high enough to drop things a few degrees. And temperature difference or not, O’Reilly’s is a world away from the skyscrapers and glitz of Surfers Paradise..
