Our History: The O’Reilly Family Legacy
The O’Reilly family began welcoming visitors to Lamington National Park in 1915, long before tourism had found its name. By 1926, they were officially hosting guests in simple slab huts that required a two-day journey by car, train, and horseback. What started as a remote guesthouse soon became a cornerstone of Australian ecotourism.
Over the decades, generations of the O’Reilly family have greeted guests with warmth, curiosity, and care. This hands-on hospitality remains central to who we are today. Meeting a member of the family during a stay is part of the O’Reilly’s charm — a living connection to a century of history.
The family’s story is also tied to the surrounding landscape. Bernard O’Reilly became a national hero after discovering the survivors of the Stinson plane crash in 1937, and Mick O’Reilly served as Queensland’s first paid park ranger. These moments helped shape a deep respect for nature that still defines the O’Reilly philosophy: escape, experience, and connect.
A Tradition of Conservation and Community
O’Reilly’s commitment to the environment runs through everything we do. Our operations support the history, heritage, and education of Lamington National Park, which celebrated its centenary in 2015. The family continues to work closely with the Green Mountains Natural History Association and local groups in the Canungra region. Helping preserve both the park’s ecology and the community’s wellbeing.
The Birth of O’Reilly’s Vineyard
In 1999, the family extended their hospitality to the Scenic Rim with the creation of O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards. Surrounded by the tranquil Canungra Creek and rolling hills, the vineyard quickly became a favourite destination for wine lovers and nature seekers alike. Just four years later, O’Reilly’s wines earned their first international gold medal in 2003. A proud moment that confirmed the family’s passion could flourish beyond the rainforest.
Today, the vineyard continues to produce award-winning wines that capture the character of the region. Guests come to relax under the jacarandas, picnic by the creek, and share in the same values that built the O’Reilly’s name. Genuine hospitality, connection with nature, and the celebration of life’s simple pleasures.
Since 1926, the O’Reilly family has welcomed guests from around the world with genuine warmth and care. These family values continue to shape the heart of O’Reilly’s hospitality today. They guide every interaction and inspire our mission to make each guest feel special.
At the vineyard, we carry this same spirit forward — creating a place to relax, connect, and celebrate the simple pleasures of life.
Located in the lush Canungra Valley - just 40 minutes from the Gold Coast and 90 minutes from Brisbane.
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A timeline of our vineyard history
1999
O’Reilly’s Vineyard is established
Carrying on the O’Reilly’s pioneering spirit, Shane saw the historic ‘Killowen’ homestead in the Canungra Valley and envisioned it surrounded with a boutique vineyard. After the purchase and refurbishment of the Homestead, vines were planted and the Shane’s vision was realized. After a lot of work and love from the surrounding community, O’Reilly’s opened the Vineyard.
2003
O’Reilly’s wins Gold at the San Francisco Wine Awards
On a sunny weekend in June, wine experts from around the U.S gathered in San Francisco to evaluate more than 3000 wines from around the world. Among them was O’Reilly’s signature Shiraz. Our Shiraz impressed the judges with its palate and richness, and came home with a Gold Medal from the prestigious international wine awards.
2012
Heavy Rain and Flooding damages the Vineyard
Early January 2012 saw heavy rainfall lash South-East Queensland. The heavy rainfall caused flash flooding and caused extensive damage to the vineyard with much of the Shiraz needing to be replanted. Thanks to plenty of support from both the local community and our valued members, O’Reilly’s managed to re-build the damaged vineyard.
2017
Mountview Alpaca Farm finds a new home at our Vineyard
After more flooding due to the arrival of Cyclone Debbie on Australia’s East Coast, Mountview Alpaca Farm found itself without a home after the road was closed to the top of the mountain along Lamington National Park Road. The Alpacas visited our Vineyard and remained a happy feature ever since with plenty of families enjoying a Creekside stroll with a furry friend.
2018
O’Reilly’s Vineyard wins Gold at the Queensland Tourism Awards
Returning to the Queensland Tourism Awards, O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards took home another Gold Medal after a triumphant 2017. The win capped off another year of hard work from the team to recover from cyclone Debbie.
2021
O’Reilly’s Vineyard builds a Deck for more outdoor seating.
A new deck featuring a ramp for easy access to our Cellar Door is added to the back of our Homestead to provide additional seating for all guests. Visitors are able to enjoy a cafe meal and relax outside in the fresh air.
2024
Christmas Storms damages our Homestead, forcing renovations
After extensive damage to our Vineyard and Homestead, O’Reilly’s invested in the business to reinvigorate and refresh our offerings. Guests will soon be able to enjoy new bathrooms, kitchen offerings, and a deck bar, along with a brand new roof on our homestead.
