RedBull Presentation – Wings For Life
2 May 2025
Spills, Thrills & Wheel Spins
18 August 2025Chasing Sunsets and Wildlife: My Winter Stay at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat
Located in the lush rainforest of Mount Tamborine and just over a 2-hour drive from Brisbane and neighbouring the expansive Lamington National Park.
This little getaway was initially planned as a late summer holiday in March 2022 but postponed due to unseasonal weather. However, August 2022 brought the winter chill, giving an entirely new experience to the mountain air, being at one with nature and taking in the breathtaking sunsets.
After an enjoyable scenic drive through the winding mountain roads, which were still affected by the flooding several months earlier – I arrived at O’Reilys The check-in process was quick and the friendly staff eager to help and share the going’s on in Mt Tambourine. They provided a map of the property, a schedule of feeding times for the animals and a list of daily activities. I had everything I needed.
The accommodation was just a two-minute drive from the main reception, though access posed a challenge. The cabins are positioned above the car parks, and while there are no lifts, there is a long ramp leading up to the rooms. My support worker quickly loaded some light bags onto the hoist to eliminate excess trips and after about 45 minutes the room was set up, ready for a comfortable stay.
O’Reilly’s offers two accessible twin rooms. There is a small bar fridge inside your room and a kettle for those quiet moments with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
The room offered plenty of accessible features: • Plenty of room to manoeuvre a mobile hoist under the bed • Roll-in accessible shower • A toilet with easy access • I required assistance at the sink due to distance • Ramp onto the veranda offering a peaceful spot to sit and take in the surrounding landscapes.
Queensland can get very cold in the southeast hinterland and the room offered plenty of heating.
During my stay, I enjoyed some very early mornings to watch the sunrise and participate in the introductory morning bird walk, where I got nice and close to the native feathered locals, with the assistance of my carer, I could help feed them as well.
There are several walks guests can take, throughout the retreat. There was only one I could complete easily, “tree top”, with a distance of 800m, which had a bird’s eye view of the valley below. I did try accessing parts of the Centenary Track, Wishing Tree and Mick’s Tower. But there was rough terrain and a bit steep for my chair.
A simple but charming buffet offers both a continental and full breakfast spread that’s both light and indulgent. With ranges of fresh juice, tea, coffee and champagne to complement—there’s something for every palate.
During the day, is it time for relaxation, and I went on some walks around the area, I checked out the history of the ‘Blue Stinson’ In 1937, a Stinson aircraft vanished less than an hour after leaving Brisbane with seven people on board. After ten days and the end of most search efforts, two survivors were miraculously found. The rescue was led by Lamington resident Bernard O’Reilly, who set out alone on a four-day trek with only bread, butter, tea, sugar, and a few onions—carrying no blankets, believing they would only slow him down.
You can take part in some of the activities, I participated in the wildlife encounter. Where I was able to hold a Carpet Python, feed a sugar glider and watch the Birds of Prey Show.
During winter, as the day turned to evening, the retreat transformed. The winter chill settled into the air, and guests gathered around a fire, watching as the sky began its nightly performance.
Afternoons were spent at the observation deck with a cheese board and drinks that my carer prepared for watching the sunsets! I stayed for an extra 20 minutes as you will find the lights offer a range of colours that paint the sky!
