O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk

Found in the Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk, or more formally known as The Booyong Walk, is a short rainforest walk with plenty to see and hear.

From Nerang, follow the signs to Canungra where you will turn left into Kidston Street just past the Canungra Motel.  The views on the drive up are breathtaking.  If you need to stretch your legs, there is an Alpaca Farm and Gift Shop about three quarters of the way up.

Once you arrive at O’Reilly’s, you can enjoy café style food or coffee and cake in the restaurant or out on the back deck while you take in the views.  Seating is also available out the front if it’s too crowded in the other areas.  There is also a gift shop and mini mart if you need to pick up any essentials.  Mobile phone coverage may not be accessible so they have provided a pay phone at the entrance .  A very large carpark should accommodate all vehicles, even on the busiest of days.

If you prefer to take your own lunch or have a bbq, there is one bbq and a couple of covered picnic tables across the road from the gift shop.  There is also a Tourist Information Office to answer any questions you may have.

Every day there is a “Bird of Prey” show at the top of the ramp near the entrance.   There is a cost and bookings are essential and can be made at the Gift Shop.  There is also an old plane for the kids to look at.

The entrance to The Tree Tops Walk is clearly signed opposite the guesthouse.  It is an 800 metre return journey along a very well-built timber boardwalk which is accessible by pram and wheelchair.  Information posts are dotted along the path giving walkers some interesting facts about the wildlife that call this rainforest home.  There is also bench seating, one with a roof, along this track if you feel the need for a rest.

The nine suspension bridges are very narrow so you may not be able to go further than the walkway if your pram or wheelchair is wide.  The bridges start off low to the ground but do get to 16 metres high so you would need to determine if your kids are to do the walk as it is “one way”.  After the first suspension bridge, you have the opportunity to climb an enclosed ladder to the top of a tree, taking you to a platform 30 metres off the ground.

At the end of the suspension bridges, you can either return along the boardwalk which will take you back to the start or continue on the Border Track walk or you can visit the Botanical Gardens.

There are other tracks that may be accessible by pram or wheelchair.

If you are a camping family, the Green Mountain Camp Grounds is for you.  There is also guest accommodation at O’Reilly’s Guesthouse.  Prices and level of accommodation can be found on their website.

There is also a Discovery Centre located off the main reception of the guesthouse where they have organised activities or you can choose your own adventure.  They also have school holiday programs for children to enjoy.  Costs do apply.

We have only commented on The Tree Tops walk as we feel this one is the most family friendly.

O’Reilly’s can be enjoyed as a half day or full day trip with your family.  You can either bring your own food for a picnic or eat in the café.  It does get quite cool, so even if it is hot on the Gold Coast, still take a jacket, take plenty of drinking water and use good, comfortable walking shoes.

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