There’s something rare about a holiday where the kids forget their screens entirely — and at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, that’s exactly the point.
Tucked high in the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s has been welcoming families into the rainforest for 100 years. Just 90 minutes from the Gold Coast and two hours from Brisbane, it’s close enough for a weekend escape, yet feels like a different world altogether — all mist-covered peaks, birdsong and ancient trees.
For kids, it’s a natural adventure playground. They can walk among the treetops on the free Tree Top Walk, hand-feed wild parrots, watch eagles and owls swoop overhead at the Birds of Prey Show, or fly 180 metres through the canopy on the Flying Fox. As the sun sets, torchlit walks reveal nocturnal wildlife, and a short trek to a hidden grotto rewards visitors with a ceiling of glowing glow-worms.
This spring, O’Reilly’s much-loved Eco Rangers program returns during the school holidays, giving children aged 5 to 12 the chance to become junior rainforest explorers. Guided by experienced rangers, sessions blend wildlife encounters, bushcraft skills, nature walks, eco-craft activities, games and campfire storytelling — the kind of hands-on learning that sneaks education in through pure fun.
While the kids are off exploring, parents can find their own version of slow travel — a walk through the rainforest, a swim, or a treatment at the Lost World Spa.
Accommodation ranges from cosy Retreat rooms to self-contained villas, powered campsites and ready-made safari tents, so families can choose their own style of stay. Beyond the organised activities, more than 160 kilometres of trails, waterfalls and lookout points are ready to be discovered at your own pace.
Making the most of it this spring is easy, too. The School Holiday Fun Package runs from Saturday 19 September to Monday 5 October 2026 and starts from $1,120 for two adults and two children. It includes two nights’ accommodation, full breakfast, afternoon tea and buffet dinner daily, an early morning bird walk and complimentary twice-daily Eco Rangers sessions for two children.
After a century of family memories in the making, O’Reilly’s proves that some of the best holidays are the ones where curiosity leads the way. This spring, make it your family’s turn to explore.
07 5502 4911
3582 Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra QLD 4275
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