Peter O’Reilly: Family patriach better known as ‘Big Pete’ dead at age 93

The “beloved patriarch” of the famous O’Reilly family has died, leaving behind a “legacy which will stand as tall as the rainforest he loved”. READ THE TRIBUTE

Peter O'Reilly. 1933-2025

The “beloved patriarch” of the famous O’Reilly family has died, leaving behind a “legacy which will stand as tall as the rainforest he loved.”

Peter “Big Pete” O’Reilly died on Wednesday at age 91 and is being celebrated by his family as a “pioneering icon in the Australian ecotourism industry”.

He was the nephew of Bernard O’Reilly, the founder of O’Reilly’s Retreat Guesthouse and the man who became famous for his part in the disastrous crash of a Stinson plane in the Lamington National Park in February, 1937.

A statement released by the O’Reilly family paid tribute to the nephew of founder Bernard O’Reilly’s decades of service to the tourism sector.

Peter O'Reilly, also known as “Big Pete” has died. Picture: supplied

“Big Pete and his brother Vince became managers of O’Reilly’s Guesthouse in the early 1950’s,” it read.

“Together with their wives, Karma and Lona they ran the business for the next 40 years, carefully managing its growth and development.

Big Pete’s working life was committed to introducing visitors to the wonders of Lamington National Park and he never stopped looking for innovations that would enhance that visitor experience.

“This dedication was recognised with the awarding of his Medal of the Order of Australia in 2001.”

Mr O’Reilly was born in 1933 and grew up amid the fame of his uncle.

Peter O'Reilly, also known as “Big Pete”, pictured here in the 1980s Picture: supplied

The Stinson plane, City of Brisbane, disappeared during a flight from Brisbane to Sydney, in 1937, killing five of the eight people on board, including both pilots.

The surviving three passengers were rescued by Bernard O’Reilly.

Peter O’Reilly took over the guesthouse in the 1950s with his brother Vince and spent more than four decades running it.

He married twice - first to Karma and later, following her death, to Annette Walton whom he spent more than 27 years with.

Mr O’Reilly had six sons, a daughter and was a grandfather to 10.

The family said in a statement he left behind a strong legacy.

“One of Big Pete’s greatest gifts was his ability to connect with people,” it read.

Peter O'Reilly is being celebrated for his impact on the tourism sector. Picture: supplied

“His storytelling was legendary with guests gathering to hear tales of his family’s early struggles in the rainforest, the heroic Stinson rescue of 1937, and his own adventures exploring the rugged wilderness of Lamington.

“His knowledge of the land, its wildlife and its history made every encounter with him unforgettable.

“Big Pete’s contributions to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat are immense.

“He played a pivotal role in shaping the retreat into the renowned eco-destination it is today, always championing sustainable tourism and conservation efforts.

“His passion for the environment was evident in every aspect of the retreat’s operations, ensuring that it remains a haven for wildlife and nature lovers.”