Greet the locals with these 5 Gondwana wildlife experiences

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, tucked into Lamington National Park, may have a reputation as a hive of activity thanks to its treasure trove of family-focused adventures on offer, but you’ll find that the regional escape is just as well-versed in animals, particularly when it comes to birds.

Among the wildlife experiences in Gondwana you’ll find plenty to choose from in O’Reilly’s sanctuary alone - including a chance to lunch in the adjoining Canungra Valley Vineyards alongside a pack of friendly alpacas. But it’s the Bird of Prey Show that really demands your attention - get better acquainted with the pack of owls and eagles that call themselves locals, including the Wedge Tail Eagle, a Barn Owl and Barking Owl, as they perform in front of a mountain-heavy backdrop. If you (or your kids) are feeling game enough, you can even slip your hand into the eagle glove and give bird wrangling a go.

Sneak a peek at pademelon at Binna Burra Lodge

While you’ll find birds in abundance at Lamington National Park, so too are the species of floor-dwelling wallabies and pademelon. Fellow Lamington resident Binna Burra Lodge in the Binna Burra section will help introduce you to the local population - the venue sitting 800 metres above sea level amidst subtropical rainforest leads a series of half and full-day walks through the surrounding bushland, where animal sightings are near-guaranteed.

Among the furry friends you should expect to find around here include the red-legged and red-necked pademelons, not to mention the red-necked wallaby, whiptail wallaby, swamp wallaby and brush-tailed rock wallaby.

Get better acquainted with the glow worms of Springbrook National Park

Kids in tow? There’s arguably nowhere better to entertain the tykes than in Springbrook National Park, which boasts the reputation of being one of the best glow-worm viewing sites in the country.

Once the sun sets, make your way to the Natural Bridge nestled within the park, a landmark formed by a waterfall eroding rock over time. It’s here you’ll find Australia’s biggest population of glow worms covering the cave walls from top to toe - not worms but rather the larvae of small flies which produce a bioluminescent light glowing blue to attract prey. But before you embark on this wildlife experience in Gondwana, keep in mind that the larvae are fragile - try to avoid insect repellent and keep noise to a minimum, and most importantly forgo flash if you take a photo.

Peer at platypus in Lamington National Park

Platypus are familiar faces in the waterways that weave through Lamington National Park and its surrounds, making them a top wildlife experience in the Gondwana rainforests. But these unusual creatures are notoriously shy, and spotting them can be rather difficult - your best chance of catching a glimpse is via deeper pools of water.

One of the most popular locations to try your luck is among a cluster of swimming holes dubbed Platypus Pools and Stairway Falls which form a part of a popular 14.1 kilometre (or seven hour) hike through the wilderness.

Ogle Mt Barney Lodge’s fireflies

In neighbouring Mount Barney resides the eco-accredited Mt Barney Lodge. It’s here you can base yourself to catch a glimpse of the fireflies that are scattered among the ancient rainforest canopy and emerge after dark - among Australia’s 25 species of firefly there are two which are native to these parts. Actually beetles, fireflies favour the damp undergrowth and leaf litter of the forest, and gather in large numbers, using their lights to communicate and inadvertently put on a show for spectators.