September 24, 2013
If you’d like to get away from everything during the South Burnett-Cherbourg On Show long weekend, why not take a trip to the Bunya Mountains?
Not only can you reconnect with nature in Queensland’s second-oldest, breathtakingly beautiful National Park – you can also enjoy a free afternoon concert into the bargain.
On Sunday, October 6, the Cider Gum Cafe and Restaurant at Dandabah in the heart of the Mountains will be holding their first-ever “Music On The Mountains” concert between 2:00pm and 5:00pm.
Talented South Burnett musicians will be performing inside the restaurant after lunch.
And if it’s a sunny day and all the Cider Gum’s tables are full, you’ll also be able to take in the concert on the surrounding lawns.
The Cider Gum Restaurant and Bunya Mountains General Store recently changed hands and are now owned by Eleanor Kratzmann.
Over the last few months both of these tourist icons have been undergoing extensive renovations, and the concert is Eleanor’s way to say a big “thank you” to all her regulars, as well as a warm “welcome” to new visitors.
If you want to have lunch before the concert or dinner afterwards – and this is by no means obligatory – they’ll be served between 12:00 noon and 2:00pm, or from 6:00pm onwards. You can book seats by phoning (07) 4668-3131.
This licensed restaurant serves a wide variety of expertly-cooked Australian cuisine at everyday prices (an average main course is around $20 to $25). And if you enjoy wine, it’s also a cellar door for the South Burnett’s multi award-winning Crane Wines.
During the concert, guests can also order afternoon tea, Di Bella coffee and other goodies from the cafe if they wish.
Or if they’re outside on the lawns, they’re very welcome o bring their own picnic provisions or secure food and drink from the nearby General Store.
The Bunya Mountains also have a wide variety of accommodation available if you’re planning a longer stay, and the General Store can assist with accommodation bookings too, if required.
The Bunya Mountains are located 55km south-west of Kingaroy and there are three ways to access them – via a fully sealed road from Kumbia (the turn-off is a few kilometres south-west of the town off the Bunya Highway) or a sealed road from Kaimkillenbun on the Darling Downs (the turn-off is east of the town on the Dalby-Cooyar Road), or a partially sealed road from the village of Maidenwell.
None of these roads is suitable for caravans.
As well, there are no fuel outlets on the Mountains so you should refuel beforehand (if you’re running low) before you make the trip. And since average temperatures are five to eight degrees cooler than most of the South Burnett, pack a jumper or overcoat if the day is cool.
[UPDATED September 25, 2013]
