Starting from Lamington National Park Road, O’Reilly, this return walk takes you to a hollow tree of impressive height width, where people used to sit under and name their wishes. Located behind the O’Reilly Rainforest Retreat, this walk features a timber suspension bridge built by Peter O’Reilly and Peter Main(local engineer). The said bridge takes you through a gully of tree ferns in the dense rainforest. You'll have the option to take a detour and visit Mick's Tower along the way. Standing 18 metres above the ground, this metal tower has informative signposts about the flora at the top. Birdwatching can be fruitful from the tower and along the track, with the chance to different types of rosellas, whipbirds, catbirds and many more species. Don’t miss out on the land mullets(Australia's largest skink) and red-necked pademelons along the track as well. After you make it to the hollowed tree, turn left and head south to make it to the ‘Glowworm Gully’. This place is home to a magical light show at night as the glowworms light up the creekside area. Although, keep in mind that unguided access is not allowed after dusk. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start
At the intersection of Booyong Walk & Lamington National Park Road (-28.2307361,153.1362062)
Turn left onto Gilston Road and drive for another 1.7 km
At roundabout, take exit 3 onto McLaren Road and drive for another 670 m
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto McLaren Road and drive for another 530 m
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto McLaren Road and drive for another 820 m
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto McLaren Road and drive for another 185 m
Continue onto McLaren Road and drive for another 370 m
Keep right onto Beaudesert - Nerang Road, 90, 8 and drive for another 175 m
Continue onto Nerang - Murwillumbah Road, 97 and drive for another 1.2 km
Turn right onto Clagiraba Road and drive for another 5.7 km
Turn left onto Beaudesert - Nerang Road, 90, 8 and drive for another 10.7 km
Turn left onto Kidston Street and drive for another 36.1 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the end of Lamington National Park Road(near O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat), head towards the white fence next to the public telephone along the concrete path. Pass through the gap in the said fence and join the dirt track towards the buildings, moving directly away from the road. Follow the track and pass between the buildings to come to an open grass area to your left. Take a 90 degree left turn here and head into the woodland and follow the formed track to continue along The Wishing Tree Track.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Booyong Walk & Lamington National Park Road Start (a service road).
There is a toilet (about 85 m back from the start).
After another 225 m turn left.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This side trip takes you to Mick's Tower. Standing 18 metres above the ground, this metal structure has informative signposts about the flora at the top. Full ladder climb, 5 platforms. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 285 m continue straight.
After another 430 m come to "The Wishing Tree".
The Wishing Tree
The Wishing Tree
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Turn around here and retrace the main route for 860 m to get back to the start.
This side trip takes you to Mick's Tower. Standing 18 metres above the ground, this metal structure has informative signposts about the flora at the top. Full ladder climb, 5 platforms.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start heading along Mick's tower.
After another 110 m come to "Micks Tower".
Micks Tower
Micks Tower
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Continue another 0 m to find Mick's tower at the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 110 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
The Wishing Tree
Grading
Class 2/6
Easy track
Length
1.7 km
Time
40 min to 1 h 15 min
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (2/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)
Bushwalk
40 min to 1 h 15 min
Toilet: There is one -86 m back from the start.
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After another 430 m come to "The Wishing Tree".
