Lamington National Park - O'Reillys

-UPDATE ON 9/05/2025 O'REILLY'S HAS ONLY 4 SAFARI TENTS LEFT-

Weekend Dates:  Fri 20th June to Sun 22nd June (optional Monday 23rd June)

Leader:  Monica den Hertog 

Leader Details:  0402 205 897 or email monicadenhertog@gmail.com

Meeting Point:  O'Reilly's Campground

Travel Distance & Time:  205km, 3 hours drive (without stops)

Walks: Itinerary to follow

-PLEASE NOTE: THE CHANGE FROM BINNA BURRA TO O’REILLY’S AND THE DATE CHANGE-

Lamington National Park and the Green Mountains are a stunning part of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Gondwana Rainforests located in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Even if you don't plan on hiking, the campground offers a stunning setting for relaxing, where you can enjoy watching the abundant wildlife and birds. There's also an on-site cafe with breathtaking views.

Binna Burra was hit hard by Cyclone Alfred, many tracks are closed and the Safari Tents are under repair, so let's leave Binna Burra for another year. Some walks at O'Reilly's are also closed due to damage from Cyclone Alfred.

Booking:  

Please note: the road is not suitable for caravans! Why not stay in a Safari Tent instead?

Please book your own Campsite or Safari Tent, or they have a range of luxurious accommodation options further up the hill in the Guest House/Cafe area. 

They have plenty of availability but book straight away as it’s a popular area. 

Link to book: https://oreillys.com.au/book-online/

I’m going to make a long weekend out of it. I’ll be travelling on Friday morning and returning home at Monday lunchtime. You have the option of leaving Sunday or Monday.

Campsites

Campsites range from $40 - $60 per night. 

You can view the map here (scroll down to the bottom): https://oreillys.com.au/oreillys-campground/ or, see link for map below in PDF format. 

The map legend shows CS for campsites and CV for campervan sites. 

The CS campsites are crusher dust and your car will be parked in the allocated parking area, not next to your site. 

They have a few Powered Sites up the top (CV10 - CV16). 

If you have a large camper trailer, I'd recommend phoning O'Reilly's to discuss the size of site you need on 07 5502 4911, or the web booking does allow you to enter your dimensions. 

Safari Tents:

The Safari Tents are $140 per night. Please contact me if you're travelling on your own, and you’d like to share a Safari Tent with another club member, and I'll do my best to arrange this.

Safari Tents are basic but have proper beds, electricity and a veranda with a stunning view. They sleep five, but I’d suggest two adults per tent as they are small. Bring your own bedding or you can hire a set online. A good sleeping bag is recommended as it could be very cold. There are NO kitchen facilities in Safari Tents. You need to use the Camp Kitchen or, as they have electricity, you could consider bringing an air fryer.

I don’t think you can park directly outside Safari Tents, you may need to do a gear drop off and re-park. It will be worth it! Be organised and pack light.

Camp Kitchen & Fire Pit:

Since O’Reilly’s have revamped their campsite, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better camp kitchen anywhere. It’s a big complex, fully enclosed with glass walls and incredible views. It’s likely we’ll spend a fair bit of time here as the Safari Tents have no kitchens and the fire pit is located here. It’s a steep walk uphill to the Camp Kitchen from the Safari Tents and most campsites, so come prepared. And don’t forget your spoon! Trust me, it’s a long walk down and back up again.

BYO Firewood or you can buy it there.

Walks Itinerary:  To follow. 

I don't think I'll have time for any pre-walks, but I know the area from a 2023 trip.

I’m looking for a Co-Leader! There is a fantastic range of walks. Depending on numbers, and who’s coming, if I have a Co-Leader that can lead more challenging walks, we could do both an easy walk and a challenging walk on Saturday, and possibly Sunday. When I say ‘easy’ it is a hilly, mountainous area so nothing is flat. There is also the option of a bus transfer to O’Reillys to do the 21 km Border Track if anyone is interested.

What to bring walking: 

Wear boots. Gators are recommended. Snacks and fluids. Salt - as this area is prone to leeches in the rain. Walking poles. Insect repellent - for the body and the boots. First aid kit. Personal medication. Snake bandage (club policy). 

Directions:

The road to O’Reilly’s can be a bit hairy, although there have been improvements in recent years. I personally feel safer driving it in daylight, although that may not be an issue for others. Please post in the group chat if you’d like to carpool or drive convoy.

O’Reilly’s is 3 hours drive and 205 km from Toowoomba. I’d recommend following your GPS along the route from Ipswich via ‘Greenbank and Jimboomba’ to get to Canungra. From Canungra, take the Lamington National Park Road, and we’re heading to the end of the road. You should see the O’Reilly’s Campground signed on the right before you get to the large carpark.

Don't forget to come prepared for the cold. With clear skies, temperatures are likely to get down to freezing overnight.

This is an incredible area. I’m sure it’s going to be a great weekend!

Register on Member Jungle, or get in touch with Monica to register. You must register to attend. Thanks!