O’Reilly’s Campground, Lamington National Park QLD
Perched high in the mountains amidst the ancient, World Heritage-listed rainforest of Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s Campground offers one of Australia’s most iconic camping experiences. Recently transformed, this is no longer a basic national park site; it’s a modern, comfortable, and beautifully designed campground that provides the perfect blend of rustic nature and creature comforts. The journey to the campground is an adventure in itself, a climb up a narrow, winding road that leaves the world behind and delivers you into a cool, misty paradise of towering trees, cascading waterfalls, and incredible biodiversity. The air is fresh, the scenery is breathtaking, and the sense of peace is immediate.
The campground, officially the Green Mountains camping area managed by O’Reilly’s, caters to a range of campers. There are defined, individual sites for tents, camper trailers, and small campervans, as well as luxurious permanent safari tents for a glamping experience. The facilities are a major highlight and a significant upgrade from traditional park camping. The stunning communal camp kitchen is a masterpiece of design, with cooking facilities, undercover seating, and a fireplace, creating a wonderful social hub. The amenity blocks are modern and clean, with hot showers to wash away the day’s hiking efforts. Designated fire pits add to the classic camping ambience, allowing for magical evenings under the rainforest canopy.
The true magic of O’Reilly’s, however, lies just beyond your campsite. You are literally steps away from over 160 kilometres of graded walking tracks, from the easy Centenary Track and the thrilling Treetop Walk to challenging full-day hikes deep into the wilderness. The wildlife is another star attraction; colourful king parrots and crimson rosellas are constant companions, and the area is famous for its unique birdlife, including the regent bowerbird. Staying at the campground also grants you easy access to the amenities of the neighbouring O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, including their cafe, restaurant, bar, and famous Birds of Prey show. It’s a complete mountain-top escape.
Site Information
- Location: High in the Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park, Gold Coast Hinterland.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Swags, and Campervans (maximum length 9.0m). Not suitable for caravans due to the narrow, winding access road.
- Road Access: Sealed but very narrow and winding road. Not recommended for inexperienced drivers. Drive slowly and with extreme caution.
- Site Surface: Defined, level pads for each site, typically gravel or compacted earth.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, booking is essential and must be made in advance.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check booking platform for current restrictions.
- Number of Powered Sites: Yes, a number of powered sites are available for campervans.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Yes, unpowered sites are available for tents and camper trailers.
Facilities
- Facilities: Excellent modern amenity blocks with flushing toilets and hot showers. A large, shared camp kitchen with cooking facilities, sinks, refrigerator, and a fireplace.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, in the camp kitchen and throughout the campground.
- Potable Water: Yes, drinking water is available.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited and unreliable. Some service may be found near the main retreat.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, for guests.
- Ullage: No dump point. The nearest is in Canungra. Strictly no disposal of portable toilet waste in the campground toilets.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated communal fire pits only. Firewood can be purchased on-site.
- Generator Use: Prohibited.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All food supplies, hiking boots, rain jacket (it’s a rainforest!), warm clothing for cold nights, camera, and binoculars.
- Pet Friendly: No. Domestic animals are strictly prohibited in the National Park.
- Fishing: Not a primary activity here.
- Short Walks: World-class short walks, including the Centenary Track, Python Rock Lookout, Morans Falls, and the famous Treetop Walk, all start from the campground.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat has a bar (on-site)
- Canungra Hotel (approx. 36 km down the mountain)
- The Beechmont Hotel (on the Binna Burra side, approx. 55 km drive)
- Places to Eat: O’Reilly’s Mountain Cafe and the main retreat restaurant are on-site. The nearest town for supplies is Canungra.
- Local Attractions:
- O’Reilly’s Treetop Walk
- Birds of Prey Show
- Glow Worm Tours
- Countless waterfalls and lookouts within the National Park
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Binna Burra Rainforest Campsite (approx. 55 km drive via the road)
- Canungra Showgrounds (approx. 36 km)
- Next Free Camps: Very limited. Hugh Muntz Park, Beenleigh, is the nearest major free camp (approx. 70 km).
- Nearest Dump Points: Canungra Showgrounds.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Canungra (approx. 36 km). Ensure you have a full tank before heading up the mountain.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite for guests.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm and wet. This is the wettest time of year, with high humidity and frequent rain, but the rainforest is at its most vibrant. Temperatures average 16°C to 26°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A beautiful season with clear days, less rain, and lush green scenery from the summer rains. Temperatures average 12°C to 23°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): The dry season. Days are crisp, clear, and sunny, but nights are cold. Perfect for hiking and campfires. Temperatures range from 5°C to 18°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A lovely time as temperatures warm and the forest bursts with new life. Bird activity is high. Temperatures average 10°C to 22°C.