Bunya Mountains National Park is one of the oldest parks in Queensland, Australia .

Understand

Bunya Mountains National Park is the home of the Araucaria bidwillii. This very ancient tree grows cones weighing up to 10 kg (22 lb).

History

In the ancient times, people gathered here to celebrate the bunya nut harvest.

Climate

The park is at 500 m (1640 ft) above sea level. The temperature here is several degrees lower than in Brisbane . Even in the summer, the temperature is only 25°C (77°F).

Flora and fauna

• The bunya pine is the king of the park.
• The xanthorroea (or black boy).
• The Satin Bowerbird builds a strange nest decorated with blue objects. The male gathers all kind of blue items like flowers, feathers, pieces of plastic or glass and arranges it in his nest in the hope to attract a female. The females look at the different nests and choose for the most beautiful one.
• You'll see many parrots and wallabies in and around the park. Please don't feed them.

<gallery>
Image:Xanthorroea_Australis_or_Black_Boy_Bunya_Mountains.JPG|Xanthorroea australis or "black boy"
Image:Satin Bowerbird Nest.JPG|Satin bowerbird nest
Image:Parrot_at_Bunya_Mountains.JPG|Don't feed the parrots, even if very tempting !
Image:Wallaby_with_joey_Bunya_Mountains.JPG|Wallaby with her joey in the residential park
</gallery>

Getting there

The park is three hours west from Brisbane . The roads are steep and winding, not suited for caravans.

Traveling around

There are numerous walks you can do in the park. There are rather easy. Don't forget to bring enough water with you.

• Map of the Bunya Mountains National Park

See

Plants and animals of the park. The views on some of the lookouts are amazing.

Things to do

• Walk in the park
• Rest on the terrace of your cabin/house and watch the birds and the wallabies.

Eat

There is a little grocery shop at the entrance of the park. But if you plan to stay some nights in the region, you better take food with you.

Drink

See "Eat" section.

Sleep

Lodging

You can rent a cabin or a house just outside the national park. Some of them are very comfortable, with a terrace when you'll take the breakfast in the company of parrots and a garden full of wallabies.

• Jenny Wren Cottage, Bunya Mountains Titles Estate, via Dalby 4405, ☎ +61 7 4668 3126 A comfortable cottage, living room with firewood, terrace giving on the garden, wonderful view. 130 AUD per night.

Camping

The park has three main campings — Dandabah, Westcott and Burton's Well. All have toilets and picnic tables. Dandabah is suitable for tents, caravans and large motorhomes. Westcott and Burton's Well are suitable for tents only as cars must remain in carparks nearby. You may book online or by phone at 131304 (national booking number).

Buy

Nothing to buy here. Bring everything you need from the last city that you cross.

Safety

Avoid the giant stinging tree and other stinging nettles. Between December and March, take care for the falling bunya cones.

Fees/Permits

Free access to the park.