The Bunya Mountains are an isolated section of the Great Dividing Range which
rise abruptly from the surrounding countryside to an average elevation of
975m (1100m at Mounts Mowbullan and Kiangarow).
The views are
spectacular but the nights can be cool - even in summer
- so bring warm clothing. The area contains the
largest natural Bunya
pine forest in the world along with a number of unique features such
as natural grassland 'balds' (themselves composed of rare grass species)
and both wet and dry rainforests.
The Mountains are home to many species of Australian native birds
including brilliantly-coloured king parrots and crimson rosellas, along
with large numbers of rednecked wallabies, swamp wallabies
and pademelons. Mountain brushtail possums and the smaller Bunya Mountains
ringtail possum can also be seen at night. Many native animals also wander
freely around the Dandabah picnic areas - but tourists are asked
not to feed them (it's bad for wild animals to become dependent
on humans).
The National Park itself is covered by an extensive series of well-maintained
walking tracks covering approximately 40km with tree
identification. These are very popular with bushwalkers and naturalists.
The Park's three public camping areas offer inexpensive accommodation, while
chalets and cabins at Dandabah provide more comprehensive accommodation
facilities.
Because all access routes to the Mountains are very steep and all
roads within the National Park are narrow, caravans and trailers are not
encouraged. Visitors should also note that there is no petrol outlet
on the Bunya Mountains and they should refuel at either Maidenwell,
Kumbia or Bell.
