Bunya Mountains
Rising more than 1,100 metres above the Western Downs, the Bunya Mountains feel like a world of their own — where cool rainforest air, sweeping lookouts, and ancient bunya pines set the scene for an unforgettable escape. Whether you’re chasing tranquillity, adventure, or a close encounter with curious wildlife, the Bunyas deliver the perfect mountain getaway.
Home to Queensland’s second‑oldest national park, the region shelters the world’s largest stand of bunya pines, along with lush rainforests, eucalypt forests, grasslands, and more than 120 bird species.
Walk among ancient forests
Enjoy weaving in and out of diverse grasslands, eucalypt forest, rainforest and vine scrubs along the 35km of walking tracks. From 500 metres short strolls to the all day (20km) Dandabah to Mt Kiangarow hike, the Bunya Mountains National Park is a walker’s paradise.
Each track has been numbered and graded so that you are able to select a walk to match your walking experience and fitness. The classification system follows the Australian Walking Track Standards, and while each track is graded according to its most difficult section, other sections may be of an easier level.
Mountain Biking with a view
Adventure seekers will love the newly constructed mountain bike trails — the first of their kind in the region. Designed for beginners through to experienced riders, the network features dedicated loops, dual‑direction link trails, and a scenic 1.7km connection to Fisher’s Lookout. Approximately 18km of trails wind through Russell Park, creating exciting opportunities to explore the landscape on two wheels..
A haven for wildlife lovers
The park is home to about 120 species of birds and many species of mammals, frogs and reptiles. Several rare and threatened animals live here including sooty owls, powerful owls, the black-breasted button quail(external link), a skink species and a number of mammals. Birdlife is abundant, with brightly-coloured parrots being popular visitors to picnic areas.
Long revered by generations of Aboriginal people, the Bunya Mountains are for all a worthy destination. Picnic and camping areas and more than 35km of walking tracks make it a wonderful place at which to escape the heat, or the hustle and bustle of modern life.
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Bunya Bush University
Explore the Bunya Bush University and celebrate one of the region’s most culturally significant creative spaces, where art, nature, and First Nations knowledge come together in a powerful on‑Country experience. A powerful setting for cultural reflection, recognised as a place of healing, connection, and rejuvenation through its unique natural environment and cultural significance
- Dhakkin Sculptural Meeting Ground, a stunning 120‑metre rock and concrete rainbow serpent designed for cultural gatherings, performance, and storytelling—featuring separate spaces for women’s and men’s business, and a central performance area.
- Genestreams Songlines Sculpture, created in the shape of a lotus lily, celebrating artistic interpretation of cultural pathways and deep connections to Country.
Perfect for picnics, camping and escaping the heat
Cool breezes, shady picnic spots, and open grassy areas make the Bunya Mountains ideal for slowing down and reconnecting with nature. Picnic grounds and camp areas are available throughout the park, offering some of the coolest summer temperatures in the region and a peaceful break from everyday life.
National Park camping fees apply: Queensland National Parks
Getting there
The park can be reached via several steep, narrow and winding routes; follow the signed Great Bunya Drive. The Department of Transport and Main Roads advises that all access roads are unsuitable for travel by long and/or heavy vehicles. Discretion is urged with respect to caravans, large motorhomes and large buses. No fuel is available on the mountain.
For more information, click here.
