Bunya Mountains National Park
National Park · National Park in Queensland
Written by Ben Cole· Updated Apr 2026Quick Actions
Find Nearby Accommodation
Hotels, apartments, hostels and luxury stays
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links, at no extra cost to you.
About Bunya Mountains National Park
The Bunya Mountains rise dramatically from the Darling Downs plains to form a cool temperate plateau at over 1,100 metres, protecting the world's largest remnant stand of ancient bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii) trees. These massive, dome-crowned conifers were the focus of the largest regular gatherings of Aboriginal peoples in Australian history, when tribes would travel hundreds of kilometres to feast on the nutritious bunya nuts. The park offers a network of excellent walking tracks through diverse forest habitats with abundant birdlife and wildlife.
About
The Bunya Mountains rise dramatically from the Darling Downs plains to form a cool temperate plateau at over 1,100 metres, protecting the world's largest remnant stand of ancient bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii) trees. These massive, dome-crowned conifers were the focus of the largest regular gatherings of Aboriginal peoples in Australian history, when tribes would travel hundreds of kilometres to feast on the nutritious bunya nuts. The park offers a network of excellent walking tracks through diverse forest habitats with abundant birdlife and wildlife.
History & Significance
Bunya Mountains were the site of the largest regular Aboriginal gatherings in Australian history, with tribes travelling hundreds of kilometres to feast on nutritious bunya nuts. The plateau protects the world's largest remnant stand of ancient bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii) trees, massive dome-crowned conifers that have thrived here for millennia. The park was gazetted to preserve this unique temperate forest ecosystem and its cultural significance to Indigenous peoples.
Sources & References
Warnings
Getting There
Drive from Brisbane via Toowoomba and Dalby to Kingaroy (250 km), then 50 km north to the park. Alternatively from Dalby, drive north on the Bunya Mountains Road. Allow 3.5 hours from Brisbane.
Parking
Free parking available at main facilities and trailheads. Capacity varies by location; main carpark at plateau accommodates coaches and caravans. All-abilities parking near visitor facilities.
Visitor Tips
- •Never stand under bunya pines when cones are forming (January–March) as the 10 kg cones can fall without warning and cause serious injury. The Scenic Circuit walk (11 km) showcases the best of the park. Stay overnight to see koalas, possums, and gliders at dusk.
Quick Facts
At a Glance
Identity
- Also Known As
- ["Bunya Mountains"]
The Place
- Significance
- State
Plan Your Visit
- Entry
- Free
- Duration
- 1–2 days
- Best Time
- Year-round (summer for bunya nuts, winter for cool crisp days)
Location
- Region
- Darling Downs
- State
- Queensland
Good to Know
Highlights
Activities
Family & Visitor Info
- Ages
- All ages; families with young children best suited to shorter walks and picnic areas; older children and adults for longer hiking trails
- Shade/Cover
- Good shade/cover
- Pram Friendly
- No
Food & Drink
BYO supplies essential; picnic areas with BBQ facilities available; nearest shops at Jimboomba or Esk
Features
Facilities
Nearby
Find Nearby Accommodation
Hotels, apartments, hostels and luxury stays
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links, at no extra cost to you.