Lamington National Park, QLD. Camping and Accomadation. Green Mountains/ O'Reilly's Section: Revisit.

While we are waiting for the delivery of our new Kimberley Karavan we decided to go winter camping again in the Green Mountain section of Lamington National Park. Lamington National Park has beautiful rainforest walking trails with numerous waterfalls and is a top birding spot where it is common to see Albert's Lyrebirds, stunning black and gold Regent Bowerbirds, Satin Bowerbirds, Logrunners, King Parrots and Crimson Rosellas. Red-necked Pademelons graze on any available grass and the shyer Red-legged Pademelons can be seen foraging in the rainforest.

Albert's Lyrebird

Red-necked Pademelon

Camping
We camped in our tent at the Green Mountains campground. National Park fees apply and it is necessary to book online or by phone. We had good Telstra phone reception at the campground. Tent sites are numbered gravel platforms in a grassy area enclosed by bollards; with parking on the perimeter. There are a few sites designated for small motorhomes. There is also a walk-in section for those doing the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk. Unfortunately, there are no sites for caravans or camper trailers. Previously it was possible to put a trailer or large motorhome on Site 1 or 2 but there is currently work in progress to construct a walking path between O'Reilly's and the trail-head for Moran's Falls and Python Rock and this path is being constructed right through the top of Sites 1 and 2. Many people drive up the long, steep, narrow and windy road to the campground from Canungra only to discover that there is no site suitable for their rig. Sharp Park and the Canungra Showgrounds are popular alternatives.

Our tent at Green Mountain Campground

Glamping

The campsites are quite close together which gets a little cosy in peak times. There are several taps scattered through the campground and large industrial bins for rubbish. There are no BBQ's or camp kitchen and dogs and fires are not allowed. There are toilets and hot gas showers. The day use area, a short distance away, has toilets, BBQ's and picnic tables. The campground is centrally located for the various hiking trails. 

Satin Bowerbird nest in the Day Use Area

Wildlife frequent the grounds both day and night. Every afternoon we saw Topknot Pigeons flying overhead. Early in the morning we saw Wonga Pigeons wandering around. Satin Bowerbirds, Eastern Yellow Robins, Yellow-throated Scrubwrens and Bush Turkeys were common visitors. Other birds we saw in the campground were Crimson Rosellas, Grey Shrike-thrush, White-browed Scrubwrens,Variegated Fairy-wrens, Large-billed Scrubwrens, Lewins and Currawongs. Regent Bowerbirds are not sighted as often in the winter but we did see one juvenile.

Satin Bowerbird, male

Yellow-throated and White-browed Scrubwrens

Large-billed Scrubwren and Eastern Yellow Robin

Grey Shrike-thrush and Crimson Rosella

One afternoon we were walking back to the campground from O'Reilly's when we were treated to an interesting display by a male Logrunner who appeared to be preoccupied with impressing a lady friend. 

Logrunner (spine-tailed), male

One night we were sitting in front of our tent in the dark when something scurried right up to us. It was a Long-nosed Bandicoot which was so close that we barely managed to photograph it. Unfortunately we startled it because the flash went off (usually we have the flash turned off and use a red torch to view wildlife at night).

Long-nosed Bandicoot

O'Reilly's
It is a short walk from the campground to O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat which attracts people from all around the world. Luxury accommodation is also available at the Lost World Spa. The Tree Top walk and heritage garden are open to campers from the campground for free but a donation for upkeep is appreciated. Other activities at O'Reilly's include bird feeding, flying fox, glow worm tour, bird guides, various guided tours, Segway hire and a Birds of Prey Show. O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Winery is on the road from Canungra to O'Reilly's and offers wine tastings, Devonshire teas, dining and functions.

Stinson Memorial at O'Reilly's

Luke O'Reilly's Farm
Perhaps less well known is Luke O'Reilly's Farm which offers more rustic accommodation in the form of a house for 8 people, a house for 6 people and a hut for 2 people; all at modest prices. Guests get to enjoy extensive views, birdlife and private walking trails. A 4WD is recommended to access the 500m driveway. 

Luke O'Reilly's Farm

The farm adjoins Duck Creek Road which is a popular 4WD route through Kerry when conditions permit.

Duck Creek Road

We will cover the walking trails in the next blog. More details about Lamington National Park can be found on our previous blog :http://nationalparkodyssey.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/lamington-national-park-green-mountains.html