The Bunya Mountains
Ancient bunya pines, wallabies on the grass balds and fireplace air at 1,100 metres — the South Burnett’s cool green crown and one of Queensland’s oldest national parks.
A Thousand Metres of Bunya Pines, Wallabies and Mountain Air
The Bunya Mountains are the South Burnett’s cool green crown — a range rising to around 1,100 metres and cloaked in one of the largest stands of ancient bunya pines left on Earth. Gazetted in 1908, it is one of Queensland’s oldest national parks, and the drive up from the plains is a genuine change of world: farmland gives way to rainforest, the temperature drops about ten degrees, and the air turns sharp and clean.
The bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii) is a living link to the age of the dinosaurs, and its enormous cones once drew Aboriginal groups from across south-east Queensland to great bunya nut gatherings — ceremonial events among the largest ever held on the continent. The mountains remain profoundly significant to Traditional Owners, and a visit here is best made with that history in mind.
What to Do in the Bunya Mountains
Walks, wildlife and the coolest air in the region.
The Track Network
Marked tracks leave from Dandabah and Westcott — short rainforest circuits, the longer Scenic Circuit, and walks to Festoon, Tim Shea and Big Falls. Grades suit ordinary fitness; the shade is a gift.
Wallabies & Birds
Red-necked wallabies graze the grass balds at dawn and dusk, with king parrots, bowerbirds and crimson rosellas through the canopy. Watch, don’t feed.
The Bunya Pines
Stand beneath conifers that predate almost everything — some centuries old, their symmetry unmistakable. The forest is the reason the range is protected.
Chalets & Fireplaces
Timber chalets and lodges at Dandabah put fireplaces, verandahs and track-heads at the door. Small stock — book well ahead, especially winter weekends.
The Grass Balds
Mysterious open grasslands break the forest along the ridgetops, offering long views over the Downs and the Burnett — and the best wallaby-watching lawns.
Dandabah Village
The main hub has a cafe, picnic grounds and the park information centre — the natural base for a day or a mountain weekend.
Making the Most of the Mountain
- Allow a full day minimum — a night on the mountain is better, for the dusk and dawn wildlife
- Pack a warm layer in every season; 1,100 m runs about ten degrees cooler than the plains
- Wear proper walking shoes — rainforest tracks can be cool, damp and rooty
- Fuel and full supplies before you climb: mountain services are limited by design
- Book chalets well ahead for winter weekends — the mountain’s small stock sells out first
- Visit respectfully: this is a place of deep significance to Traditional Owners
Prefer to leave the driving to someone else? Our Bunya Mountains day tour runs from the South Burnett with a local guide, and our Queensland itineraries pair the mountain with wine country and the towns.
The Bunyas With the Rest of the Region
Forty minutes from the vines, an easy day from the lakes.
Cellar Doors
Moffatdale and Murgon’s cellar doors sit a scenic 40 minutes away — the classic wine-and-mountain weekend.
The cellar doors → 🌰 CultureThe Bunya Gathering
The ancient gatherings and the extraordinary tree at the heart of the mountains.
Read the story → 🛏 StayWhere to Stay
Chalets on the mountain, cottages in the vines, cabins by the lakes.
Where to stay →Bunya Mountains — Quick Answers
Where are the Bunya Mountains?
The Bunya Mountains rise on the southern shoulder of the South Burnett, about 3 hours north-west of Brisbane and roughly an hour south of Kingaroy. The mountain village of Dandabah is the main hub. See our getting there guide.
What is special about the bunya pines?
The bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii) is an ancient conifer whose lineage stretches back to the age of the dinosaurs. Its huge cones drew Aboriginal groups from across south-east Queensland to great bunya gatherings. See our bunya gathering story.
Are there walks in the Bunya Mountains?
Yes — a well-marked network of tracks leaves from Dandabah and Westcott, from short rainforest circuits to longer walks past waterfalls and grass balds. The Scenic Circuit and the walks to Festoon and Tim Shea Falls are favourites.
Can you see wallabies in the Bunya Mountains?
Reliably — red-necked wallabies graze the open grass balds around Dandabah at dawn and dusk, with abundant birdlife. Keep a respectful distance and never feed the wildlife.
Is it cold in the Bunya Mountains?
Cooler than the plains, always — at around 1,100 metres the mountains run roughly ten degrees below Kingaroy. Pack a warm layer whatever the season.
Queensland’s Quiet Wine Country, Sorted in One Call
Vineyard cottages, mountain chalets, the towns between and the tastings threaded through — planned from Brisbane by the family that’s toured Queensland since 1974.
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