This was published 7 years ago
O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, Gold Coast, review: A perfect nature boost
By Catherine Best
Perched high above the rainforest, you will forget there are others staying nearby.
THE LOCATION
Rainforest stays don't get much better than O'Reilly's. The retreat is positioned on an isolated plateau on Green Mountains in the thick of world heritage-listed Lamington National Park. Getting here is an experience in itself. The drive east from Surfers Paradise takes about 90 minutes. The last half of the journey, from Canungra, climbs into the mountains via a narrow road of steep hairpin bends. Eventually it turns to gravel and the forest closes in on both sides, turning dusk into night if you attempt the drive late in the day. Just when you think greenery will swallow the gravel altogether, you arrive at the retreat, 1000 metres above sea level and quite literally at the end of the road.
THE SPACE
The villa kitchens are well equipped for self-catering, but don't forget to bring the food.
A historic property that has been in the one family for more than a century, O'Reilly's is very much divided into old and new. The original retreat comprises five one- and two-bedroom Canopy Suites with views across the McPherson Ranges, and 62 simple, motel-style Mountain View, Garden View and single rooms that are a little tired. These rooms are near the main facilities. There is also a small pool nearby. About 700 metres away, the 48 two- and three-bedroom villas – opened in 2008 – make up a sprawling mini-suburb discreetly tucked in the forest. The villas (where I stayed) are surrounded by lush vegetation, have superb views across the valley and are surprisingly private. Nearby you will find the Lost World Conference Centre and Spa, with an enviable horizon pool.
THE KIT
My two-bedroom villa is the kind of place tree-changers dream about. It's light and airy and is oriented to make the most of those stunning views. The very high stilts (families with young children beware) give the impression of being perched out over the rainforest and you have no hint there are dozens of other villas nearby. Wooden floorboards and vaulted ceilings create a sleek and spacious open-plan living space, with glass bi-fold doors opening out onto a large deck, equipped with a small barbecue and spa bath. The furnishings inside are simple but modern, with few creative flourishes – the space is all about letting that lovely wilderness in. A European laundry hides a washer and drier, while the kitchen is stocked with all the basics, including a large full-size fridge and Miele appliances. The bedrooms are spacious with king-size or single-bed configurations and each has its own bathroom, featuring a large shower and organic Eco-Boutique products. The lounge has a cosy gas fireplace, modern TV with Foxtel and a DVD player, and free wi-fi. There's no sound system, so you'll just have to contend with birdsong.
All the bathrooms have organic Eco-Boutique products.
COMFORT
When I arrived at dusk in winter the villa was freezing (it was 6C outside) and the batteries in the remote for the two reverse-cycle air-conditioners in the living area were flat. A maintenance team quickly responded and the room was soon toasty, but a pre-warmed villa in a mountain setting would have been a nice touch. The bed was comfortable and the many windows allowed the outdoors to filter through in the morning. Top points for the deck and spa bath, which was divine at sunset, although some robes would have been handy for making the dash back inside. On the first night I contemplated taking the "short path" to the retreat dining room for dinner but instead drove, thankfully, as the walk – I discovered at breakfast the next day – is a mini hike zigzagging uphill through the forest. As it was, the day visitor car park, which is a little distance from the restaurant, was pitch-black and required a torch.
FOOD
The villas at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat have a direct connection to the outdoors.
The villas are well equipped for self catering and if you arrive prepared (there are few groceries available on site) this is a good option as they are some distance from the main retreat. That said, who wants to cook on a weekend away? There are many meal and activities packages available and they are a good value option. The dining room is rustic and cosy with exposed beams and is reminiscent of a European ski chalet. The dinner menu isn't extensive and was a little hit and miss for the price, but you can sample local wine (O'Reilly's has its own vineyard) and there is complimentary morning and afternoon tea. The upstairs bar is a good spot for a pre-dinner drink and does great pizzas and cheaper fare. I had a prepared picnic lunch one day, which was delicious and very generous, while the breakfast buffet with eggs-to-order was excellent.
STEPPING OUT
As I was told during a welcome afternoon tea, "don't come to O'Reilly's to relax". There's simply too much to see and do. There are numerous guided walks and nature experiences on offer, including waterfall Segway trips, organised wildlife encounters, bird feeding and a fascinating Birds of Prey show. I enjoyed a 4.6 kilometre return walk to Moran's Falls and an early-morning guided bird walk, while the Tree Top Walk and Botanical Gardens, and the glow worms tour are not to be missed. I also indulged in a Sodashi Signature Massage and foot soak, which was exquisite. The day spa lounge, with valley views, day beds and a gas fire enjoyed in a robe with a cup of herbal tea, was worth the visit alone.
Spacious bedrooms are the norm at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat.
THE VERDICT
O'Reilly's is a winner when it comes to nature-based stays. The location – amid all that fresh mountain air with the national park at your doorstep – is unbeatable, and the villas are peaceful and inviting, with killer views.
HIGHLIGHT
The idyllic rainforest setting.
LOWLIGHT
Isolation from the main facilities.
ESSENTIALS
Two-bedroom rainforest view villas cost from $360 per night, based on a two-night minimum stay. A range of meal and activities packages are also available. See oreillys.com.au.
Catherine Best was a guest of the retreat.
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