Destination Holiday: Bunya Mountains

Keen to get the kids outdoors and off their screens these Winter holidays? The Bunya Mountains is the ideal location to do so!

The Bunya Mountains are an isolated section of the Great Dividing Range. They rise suddenly from the surrounding plains to an average elevation of 975m; however, two of the mountains (Mount Kiangarow and Mount Mowbullan) tower above sea level at 1100 metres! They’re situated about 150km from the coast and lie almost centrally between Kingaroy and Dalby. Bunya Mountains National Park covers approximately 22,000 hectares of dense subtropical rainforest, eucalypt forests, woodlands and of course, the majestic Bunya pines. The air is so sparkling clean, you can actually taste the freshness, tinged with just a hint of wood smoke.

The location is steeped in rich history. For many thousands of years, Aboriginal people from across the region gathered roughly every three years on the mountains for the Bonye Bonye festival, a celebration of the bountiful harvest of the Bunya Pines. This was a time of feasting, ceremony, dispute settlement, marriage and trade.

With over one hundred holiday houses and cabins to choose from at Bunya Mountains, you are spoilt for choice. Most are situated on spacious blocks with freely roaming red-necked wallabies and abundant parrots, rosellas and kookaburras. The self-contained cabin accommodation is within walking distance to the National Park walking tracks and local amenities. You just need to decide on price, how many to sleep and which view you prefer, straight into the rainforest, over the top of the rainforest or panoramic views over the South Burnett region all the way to the coast!

This ethereal place is absolutely magical in Winter and there’s no shortage of things to do on the mountains. The Bunya Mountains Horse Drawn Tours are an absolute favourite! Feel the power of the Clydesdale draft horses as they pull the cart up the steep incline in the mountain village, while tour operator Allan, expounds on all of the local flora and fauna. He was running a little late, due to a costume problem, he explained (new horse shoes required). You can take part in the daily feeding of the Australian King Parrots and Crimson Rosellas. Remain calm, you may end up with a bird or two on your head!

Be sure to visit Cedarvale, the slab hut museum made from hand-sawn, century old cypress pine logs! Inside is a collection of memorabilia from the settler history of the Bunya Mountains area which was formerly a major timber-logging area. At the base of the mountain, on Dalby Road, lies Gertrude’s Grave. It’s located on private property. Royce doesn’t mind visitors to the grave site but don’t forget to shut the gate, he might get cranky if his cows get out! The plaque tells the story of how Gertrude and her children came to be buried in this pretty spot!
The forest walking trails are of course a must do, as well as some downtime curled up in front of your log fire.

What to bring:

– Pack plenty of warm clothing (beanies, scarves and gloves.) Temperatures are 7-10 degrees colder than the surrounding plains and snow falls approximately once every ten years!
– Fire starters and matches/lighter for your log fire. Cabins are stocked with firewood.
– Insect repellent. Use before heading out on bushwalks. Native wildlife do carry bush ticks.
– Make sure you fuel up, as there is no petrol on the mountain.
– Most accommodation requires you to bring linen, this includes towels, sheets and pillow cases.
– Bring some DVD’s for night time entertainment as the internet service is not great.
– Garbage bags for rubbish.
– First aid kit.

There is a general store (which also sells alcohol), two coffee shops, restaurants and bar. You can also hire linen, if required.
Winter is considered high season, especially the school holidays, so secure your accommodation today! To find out more, make an enquiry or booking, visit www.bunyamountains.com