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Weekend Away Hiking O’Reillys

March 23, 2015 By EatWellTravelOften Leave a Comment

A microadventure at O’Reillys Rainforest retreat – that’s right – a microadventure! (Love that new word – thank you Alastair Humphreys).

Leaving work early on a Friday meant I didn’t have to drive up the mountain in the dark, (VERY hairy road, but stunningly beautiful). The drive takes about 2 hours from Brisbane, well, a tad longer after I threw in a stop at the quaint little town of Canungra at the base of the mountain.

In Canungra I found a gem called Earthy Delights Café (vegan, organic and raw food, mostly made on premises) and munched my way through a slice of dense but comforting homemade apple cake.

On arrival I checked in at O’Reillys, having booked 2 nights in one of their Bithongabel rooms, cheap and cheerful at $100 a night and great for the solo traveller (single bed, tea & coffee making facilities, small bar fridge, private bathroom and small balcony).

bithongabelroom
Image courtesy O’Reillys

A glass of red to celebrate the end of a long week, and the beginning of my microadventure, then to bed for a good night’s sleep.

Next morning I pulled on my hiking gear (skins, quick-dry shirt and boots) and met a couple of friends for a few hours hiking in Lamington National Park. There are loads of hiking trails (some closed due to recent heavy rain), most of which are easy to moderate – except maybe this one!

hiking

During our 3 hour hike we got to drink in the view from Pat’s Bluff…..

Pat's Bluff

We gazed at Moran Falls….

Moran Falls

And I stood inside the magical Wishing Tree…

Wishing Tree

The critters were pretty neat too!

Big ol' land mullet
Big ol’ land mullet

After lunch at the café we finished our adventures with a 30m climb up and along the Tree Top walk.

Tree Top Walk

Soup and a cheese platter for dinner that night, and a well earned glass of vino.

When Sunday afternoon came round I felt soooo relaxed – completely de-stressed! A great reminder of why it’s so good to get away, into nature.

Filed Under: All, Travel Adventures Tagged With: Alastair Humphreys, Canungra, Earthy Delights Cafe, hiking, Lamington National Park, microadventure, mini break, Moran Falls, O'Reillys, Pat's Bluff, time out, weekend away, Wishing Tree

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I'm Shannon, a not-so-flightless Kiwi, living in Australia. I'm busy makin memories... and doing my bit for regional food tourism. Last year I converted a Toyota Estima for a taste of vanlife (I call her Geisha). I share my adventures and the special moments I capture with my camera. And I host most excellent gatherings for fabulous ladies who like to wine and dine. Make yourself comfortable and have a read... Eat Well Travel Often my friend Read more

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