Located approximately 150km from the coast, and sitting between Dalby and Kingaroy, the iconic Bunya Mountains form a natural wonderland in southern Queensland's Great Dividing Range.
The vast subtropical eucalyptus forests, green rainforests, and woodlands boast the largest bunya pine population in the world. The Bunya Mountains region also has abundant native wildlife, including wallabies, pademelons, satin bowerbirds, king parrots and crimson rosellas.
The Bunya Mountains offer a relaxing retreat for families, groups of friends and honeymooners alike. A holiday cabin in the Bunya Mountains makes the perfect base for exploring the endless natural attractions this scenic region has to offer.
Getting to Your Bunya Mountains Accommodation
Although a trip to the Bunya Mountains feels like visiting another world, it's surprisingly easy to get to. This volcanic mountain range is only 220km from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, and 300km from the Gold Coast.
If you're driving from north or east Brisbane, take Bruce Highway until the Caboolture–Kilcoy turnoff, then head along D’Aguilar Highway to Yarraman. From there, turn left onto the New England Highway towards Cooyar – Toowoomba until you see a signpost to the right for 'Maidenwell–Bunya Mountains.' At Maidenwell pub, take a left onto Bunya Mountains Road, and follow this to your cabin or holiday home. From the Sunshine Coast, head south to connect with D’Aguilar Highway, then follow the instructions above.
If you're approaching from the south or west of Brisbane and the Gold Coast, get onto Ipswich Road then take the Toowoomba turnoff after Ipswich. Follow signs to Dalby on the Warrigo Highway, as far as Jondaryan, then turn right onto Bunya Mountains Road.
What to eat while visiting the Bunya Mountains
If you favour artisanal coffee and quick appetisers, you’re sure to find them in the Bunya Mountains, along with a touch of lively ambience. Discover laneway cafés, country pubs, cellar doors and casual restaurants to tickle your taste buds. The Bunya Mountains are also home to Australia's most elevated whisky bar.
The Bunyas Coffee Shop & Tavern is a fantastic place to tantalise your taste buds. To taste some local goodness, try some bunya nut specialities such as bunya nut tea cake and cream, and chicken bunya nut salad.
Enjoy a delicious meal, snacks or coffee inside the spacious Poppies on the Hill Café overlooking the rainforest. The cozy venue is known for its warm service and bunya nut delicacies, including delicious pies, ice cream, and carrot cake.
To unwind with a drink, head to Shackleton’s Whisky Bar, Australia’s highest whisky bar. Choose from its selection of over 100 fine whiskies from around the world. There's also a restaurant, Lyrics, adjoining the bar.
Holidays with kids in the Bunya Mountains
One of the highlights of a holiday in the Bunya Mountains is the abundance of wildlife around. Spot redneck wallabies, a common sight, near the top of the mountains, and black-striped wallabies and pademelons in the foothills.
Bunya Mountains National Park is home to over 120 species of birds, as well as several rare animals, including powerful owls, sooty owls, buttonquails and skinks. Kids will love spotting the crimson rosellas and brightly coloured king parrots.
Other bird species worth checking out in the Bunya Mountains include satin bowerbirds, green catbirds, Australian magpies, pied currawongs and eastern whipbirds. Kids will love stretching their little legs with a visit to the Granite Arch at Girraween National Park, where they can admire stunning natural rock formations.
See the Sky as You Never Have Before
The Bunya Mountains are regarded as having some of the darkest skies on Earth, with almost zero artificial light pollution; they are even under consideration by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) for international accreditation. Needless to say, a quiet cabin in the Bunya Mountains offers about the best and most beautiful stargazing opportunities you could get from any destination around the world.
Whether you want to find a holiday house with specially positioned decking, a large lawn or nearby public park where you can take a picnic rug and a bottle of wine for a spectacular starlit evening, you'll find something to fit your budget here. If you want the professionals to explain the skies to you, or to see a star show, head to Kingaroy Observatory. It's a public stargazing observatory located at the town's tiny airport.
Events to check out during your Bunya Mountains holiday
The Bunya Festival, a popular community event, brings locals and visitors together for a fun, interactive experience. The festival features traditional Aboriginal cuisine, musical performances, discussion forums, marketing stalls and activities for kids.
While on holiday in the Bunya Mountains, don’t forget to visit the Bunya Mountains Community Markets, which are held on the last Sunday of each month and make for a fun-filled outing for the entire family. Some must-tries include bunya nut dishes such as bunya burgers, pies, carrot cake, scones and ice cream.
The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is an iconic cultural event featuring a floral parade, flower displays, great food, musical performances, a garden competition, regional wine, and a lot more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What holiday rental amenities do people typically look for when visiting Bunya Mountains?
The top accommodation priorities for visitors to Bunya Mountains are Fireplace, Kitchen and Parking.