After pioneering ecotourism in Australia over 80 years ago, O’Reilly’s has been recognised for their achievement by being named in the Top 50 Ecolodges of the World by US National Geographic magazine.

The world-renowned publication featured a comprehensive survey representing diverse landscapes and locales, becoming a ‘green guide’ to the world’s best ecolodges.

O’Reilly’s were one of only three Australian properties to make it into the Top 50, in a survey that featured outstanding properties from around the globe.

Managing Director, Shane O’Reilly, says the award was a wonderful privilege.

“Our mission is to share our love for nature with our guests, and hope they leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the environment,” said Mr O’Reilly.

“To be recognised internationally for our commitment to the environment is an amazing honour and a testament to our product,” said Mr O’Reilly.

The O’Reilly family first moved to the McPherson Ranges, in the Gold Coast Hinterland, in 1911 to start a dairy farm, but instead developed a guesthouse that has become a model of sustainable practices.

O’Reilly’s new eco-friendly development, the luxury self-contained ‘Mountain Villas’ which opened in October 2007, will ensure guests continue to enjoy the beauty of the environment, while treading lightly on the earth.

O’Reilly’s enjoys Advanced Eco-Accreditation and achieved benchmarking by the international Green Globe organisation for its environmental management practices.

“Our land is only used for conservation and tourism purposes, and we are committed to ecological sustainability, through energy efficiency, construction, water efficiency and wastewater treatment,” Shane O’Reilly said.

‘Importantly we are furthering conservation through our education, culture and activity programs and through environmental research.”

O’Reilly’s daily ‘Discovery Programs’ feature guided interpretive walks, four wheel drive bus excursions, flying fox rides, wildlife spotlighting, glow worm walks, audio-visual presentations and nature documentaries, plus a fun and educational ‘Scrub-Club’ for the kids.

“We are famous for the quality of our interpretative discovery program, with 90 years of rainforest and mountain experience woven into the content,” Mr O’Reilly said.

Surrounded by World Heritage listed Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Mountain Villas and Lost World Spa in 2 hours drive south of Brisbane or 1 ½ hours drive west of the Gold Coast.

ENDS.

Further information on O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat
Further information on O'Reilly's Mountain Villas
Further information on O'Reilly's Lost World Spa

MEDIA:
For further information on this press release, please contact:
Amanda Tidmarsh
Phone: 07 5502 4900
Fax: 07 5502 0988
E-mail: communications@oreillys.com.au