(lamingtonnationalpark.net.au is under new management, this article previously appeared on the old website and was not written by the new site owners.)
One of the main influences behind the declaration of Lamington National Park was a person by the name of Robert Collins. Robert Collins visited Yellowstone National Park in 1878 and was inspired by the concept of a National Park; when he returned to Australia he began a campaign to have the Mc Pherson Ranges protected in a similar way to Yellowstone National Park. Whilst you can drive to Lamington National Park, when there is a big group of you it can make more financial sense to travel in 1 big group on a coach or bus. We traveled with Brisbane Bus Company who were very compeitively priced and provided us with a door to door service. Brisbane Bus Company service the whole of greater Brisbane and are the number 1 choice for Brisbane Bus Hire. All of the vehicles were air-conditioned and we travelled in great comfort in our group of 58 people.
Since National parks were considered to be for the enjoyment of the people, Robert Collins arranged for a track to be constructed along the Lamington Plateau, to Point Lookout, so that people could enjoy the view.
This track was then later extended to Mt. Bithongabel and then North along the ridge past where O’Reilly’s now stands.
Robert Collins entered parliament in 1896 and in 1906 managed to pass an Act for the “preservation of State Forests and National Parks.” This Act also stimulated the general public to take up the cause for conservation. Unfortunately, Robert Collins died in 1913, before his dream of a National Park was achieved.
The cause, however, was taken up by a local identity by the name of Romeo Lahey. Romeo was involved in the timber and farming industry, and wanted to see the Beautiful McPherson Ranges protected. So, in 1915, due to the campaigning or Robert Collins and later, Romeo Lahey, Lamington National Park was proclaimed.
The first National Park Ranger in Queensland was responsible for Lamington National Park and was Mick O’Reilly, appointed at the beginning of 1919.