O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat

The Box Circuit was a great hike, with ancient trees, pristine forest, and the option of a picnic and swim. We finished with a very good massage at Lost World Spa. We also had a lovely time with Stacey, who was kind and fun, and it was nice to see CEO Shane O’Reilly pitching in to help. We booked the indulgence summer package and were pleasantly surprised. We’re Brisbane locals and wanted a getaway without a huge trip. About two hours from Brisbane, it feels like an ancient world with some of the best hiking around. The lodge had charm, and our room was decent, clean, and comfortable. Breakfast and dinner buffets were great each evening, and the staff were lovely. It suits families and couples. It isn't the cheapest place, but once you're out of town, the price seemed reasonable. What a great QLD gem.

We like staying in the villas because they're quieter and more secluded, and having a kitchen is handy. The walks are incredible, the tracks are well maintained, and the grounds are stunning. Our visits have always been hassle-free, and the Lost World Spa was a real hit this time. We come to O’Reilly’s every year or two and it never disappoints for a mix of relaxation, nature walks, and peace and quiet. One disappointment this visit was finding that the Dining Room now only has a buffet for dinner. We preferred à la carte, and our group was too large to be accommodated in the upstairs bar.

If you love native birds, you'll love it here, and it's great for families. The history and being right in the gorgeous rainforest are fabulous. The facilities and surrounding areas could use some maintenance, though. It has a sort of Time Share meets Fawlty Towers feel.

The rainforest location is stunning, and we loved the peaceful feeling of being surrounded by nature. We still had a lovely time away, but the state of the accommodation took away from it. The room needs maintenance and a deeper clean, and these problems were there from day one, so it shouldn't have been in that condition when we arrived. There was general wear and tear and the room felt neglected. One room didn't seem to have a smoke alarm. When I opened a cupboard for an extra blanket, a cockroach ran out of it. There was mould around the fridge seal and in other spots, and several cooking items were too dirty to feel safe using. Animal droppings were on the outdoor spa, so I cleaned it myself on our first day, though some stains wouldn't come off. The bar near the spa was never set up or open during our stay. Also, be careful opening your car door at check-in. The curb and positioning put my door at just the right height to scrape.