5 REASONS TO VISIT O’REILLY’S TREE TOP WALK

Timber walking track at Lamington National Park

LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK

If you're thinking of visiting the southern regions of Queensland for a holiday, be sure to put the Lamington National Park on your list of things to do! 

The National Park is home to the O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk - a great day out for all the family!

The Lamington National Park is located in the southern region of Queensland, about an hour's drive from Brisbane. 

The park is world-famous for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife, and it is a great place to spend a day or two exploring.

The O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk is one of the main attractions in the park, and it's well worth a visit. 

The walk takes you through the treetops, giving you stunning views of the surrounding area. 

It's a great way to get up close and personal with nature, and it's also a lot of fun for the kids.

If you're looking for somewhere to stay, O'Reilly's Retreat is located within the park boundaries. 

The retreat offers a range of accommodation options, as well as access to all of the park's amenities. 

It's the perfect place to base yourself if you want to explore Lamington National Park at your own pace.

 

A green mossy twisted vine at Lamington National Park

WHERE IS IT

O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk is located in the world heritage listed Lamington National Park in Queensland, Australia.

Address: 3579 Lamington National Park Rd, O’Reilly QLD 4275

BOOYONG WALK

A MUST-DO FOR ADVENTURERS IN LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK 

Big Pete O’Reilly had a dream to build a tree top walk and immerse himself in the canopy of the Lamington National Park rainforest and we are so glad he did! 

Nestled amongst picturesque rainforest canopy are 9 suspension bridges, 15 – 16 metres above the rainforest floor.  

If you think you’re not high enough there, you can climb the ladders that lead up to observation decks way up again in the rainforest canopy.

The Booyong Walk is a must-do for any adventurer visiting Lamington National Park. 

The views from the suspension bridges and observation decks are simply breathtaking, and the experience of being so close to the rainforest canopy is unlike anything else. 

The views are stunning, the experience is unique, and it's an adventure that will get your heart pumping (especially if you're afraid of heights).

And if you're worried about getting vertigo, don't be! 

The suspension bridges are very sturdy and well maintained. 

So go out and enjoy the Booyong Walk. You won't regret it!

A man smiling as he is walking across a suspension bridge at the O'Reilly Tree Top Walk.

THE LADDER CLIMB AND WALKING TRAILS 

One of the ladder climbs is attached to the side of a magnificent old Fig tree, 30 metres above the rainforest floor!  

I must admit this climb is not suited to anyone with a fear of heights. 

However, if you are brave enough to climb, don’t worry, the ladder is enclosed with a wire cage for safety and is very sturdy. 

It is well worth the shaky knees just for the breathtaking views and that insta worthy photo! 

Other walking trails:

  • Micks Tower – 1 km return
  • Centenary Track – 1.8 km return
  • Wishing Tree Track -2.4 km return
  • Python Rock – 3.4 km return
  • Moran Falls – 4.6 km return
  • Pat’s Bluff – 5.4 km return
  • Moonlight Crag – 7 km return
  • Elabana Falls – 7.6 km return
  • Yerralahla (Blue Pool) – 10 km return
  • Box Forest – 10.9 km return
  • Mount Bithongabel – 12.6 km return
  • Toolona Creek – 18 km return
  • Valley of Echo’s – 20.6 km return
  • Border Track – 21.4 km (one way only)

*Note all are in return distances except the Border Track walk.

A man climbing a ladder looking back down through his legs beneath him at Lamington National Park.

IT’S FREE – IF YOU WANT IT TO BE

If you are looking for something interesting to do on a budget, definitely consider the Tree Tops Walk in the Lamington National Park. 

This unique attraction allows you to get up close and personal with some of the tallest trees in the world. 

Best of all, it's completely free to walk the trails and the Tree Tops Walk (if you bring your own food of course). 

So take a packed lunch for the family, give the kids the camera and see what cool sights they can capture on your visit to the Tree Tops Walk can be completely FREE. 

Read on to learn more about this one-of-a-kind experience.

If you're looking for a little more adventure, there are several other activities available for an additional cost such as: 

  • Cafe
  • Gift shop
  • Guided Tours
  • Bird Feeding
  • Retreat
A young man climbing up the tree top ladder to the lookout smiling.

BIRD FEEDING EXPERIENCE

The bird feeding experience at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat is truly unique.

Visitors have the opportunity to hand-feed King Parrots and Rosellas, getting up close and personal with these beautiful Australian birds. 

The designated feeding area is located near the entrance and gift shop, making it easy to find. 

When you arrive you will need to go in and purchase some bird seed from the gift shop.

At the time we paid around $4 per cup.

Then, head up to the bird feeding area and it's time to wait for the birds to come to you! 

The King Parrots and Rosellas are attracted to the seed, so it won't be long before they start landing on you. 

Be sure to have your camera ready; these birds make for great photo opportunities!

A boy smiling and holding a plate of bird food out. He has a king parrot feeding from the plate at Lamington National Park.

BIRD FEEDING TIPS

There are a few things you can do to make sure you have a positive experience when feeding the birds at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat:

  • Wear long sleeves and a hat: The King Parrots have sharp claws, so it's important to protect yourself from getting scratched. Long sleeves and a hat will also help protect you from getting pooped on!

  • Be patient: The birds will come to you when they're ready. There's no need to rush or force them into landing on you. Just relax and enjoy the experience.

  • Don't forget to wash your hands: Before and After handling bird seed, it's important to wash your hands thoroughly. This will help prevent the spread of disease between humans and animals and vice versa. 
A man smiling with a King parrot on his arm at Lamington National Park.

O’REILLY’S RAINFOREST RETREAT

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

Nestled in the World Heritage listed National Park, the retreat offers stunning mountain views, comfortable accommodation and a range of activities to suit all ages.

During school holidays, the kids can enjoy the Eco-Rangers program which includes campfire cookouts, nocturnal scavenger hunts, arts and crafts and survival missions. 

With so many fun things to do, they’ll never be bored!

And if you need some time out, there are plenty of grown ups - only activities on offer too. 

Such as relaxing massages and pampering at the Lost World spa or guided bush walks or you can simply choose to just sit back and sip on a wine and enjoy the serenity! 

So whether you’re looking for a family-friendly getaway or a romantic escape, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat has something for everyone.

Two ladies hugging on a suspension bridge at the Oreillys tree top walk

SO MANY AMAZING THINGS TO DO

Here is a list of some more amazing things to do:

  • Wellness in Wilderness
  • Segway Safari
  • 1 on 1 Wildlife Encounter
  • 4WD Tours
  • Guided Walks
  • Sunset Experience
  • Vineyards
  • Billy Tea History Tour
  • Birds of Prey Show
  • Glow Worm Experience
  • Flying Fox Adventure
  • Lost World Spa
  • Infinity Pool
  • Steam Room

Of course, this will cost you, however, it’s totally 100% worth it.

You will never forget an experience here, it is just beautiful.

However, if camping out is more your style, there is the Green Mountains camping grounds, run by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service located close by. (O’Reilly’s Retreat is privately owned).

IMPORTANT TIPS BEFORE YOU GO

Lamington National Park certainly is a beautiful place to explore, but there are a few things you need to know before you go. 

With its high elevation, (900m + above sea level) the temperature is cooler than at lower elevations, and the weather is changeable and unpredictable.

So no matter what time of year you visit, pack a jumper and some wet weather gear in your North Storm® waterproof dry bag or waterproof backpack.

When the south-east wind blows, shower activity increases as you approach the crest of the McPherson Range and decreases to the north of O’Reilly’s.

The accompanying low cloud blocks out the view on top of the range making the border walks less attractive under these conditions.

The higher elevation here means lower temperatures, so take something warm to wear. 

Also don't forget the warm summer tropical rain brings leeches. 

It is wise to take a bag of salt with you and insect repellant.

Lamington National Park is attracting an increasing number of day visitors.

Be prepared for company on the trails, in the picnic areas and surroundings. 

At times during peak periods, such as weekends and public holidays, the car park may be very busy.

A North Storm waterproof back on a wooden wet bridge at Lamington National Park.

ESSENTIALS 

√ North Storm® waterproof dry bag or backpack

√ Wet weather jacket / gear

√ Warm jumper

√ Good comfortable walking shoes

√ Hat

√ Long sleeved shirt for bird feeding

√ Plenty of water to drink

√ Snacks / Packed Lunch (you can buy food there during the day) 

√ Good walking shoes

√ Bag of salt or repellent incase of leeches and bugs

√ Camera

Lamington National Park is nearly 1000 metres above sea level which means not only that the temperature is 5-8 degrees cooler than Brisbane or the Gold Coast, but that the weather is changeable.

So no matter what time of year you visit, pack a jumper and some wet weather gear.

When the south-east wind blows, shower activity increases as you approach the crest of the McPherson Range and decreases to the north of O’Reilly’s.

The accompanying low cloud blocks out the view on top of the range making the border walks less attractive under these conditions.

The higher elevation here means lower temperatures, so take something warm to wear.

Summer rains bring leeches.

It is wise to take some repellent or salt with you.

Lamington National Park is attracting an increasing number of people each year and the parks continued well being is dependent on the goodwill of the people who visit them.

Lamington National Park is made up of two sections: Green Mountains and Binna Burra.

Green Mountains section is located on the western side of the Lamington Plateau, and wraps around O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.

Visit the Queensland National Parks website for the latest information about the condition of walking tracks in Lamington National Park.

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