The Bunya Mountains form an isolated section of the Great Dividing Range lying about 150km from the coast. They rise abruptly form the surrounding country to an average elevation of 975m, reaching over 1100m at Mounts Mowbullan and Kiangarow. History About every three years, Aboriginal people gathered at the Bunya Mountains for tribal ceremonies, hunting, feasting, mock fighting and corroborees. There visits coincided with heavy crops of bunya pine cones. From the 1960's timber cutters established sawmills to harvest the timber wialth of the Bunyas. The last sawmill on the mountain closed in 1945. In 1908, 9303 hectares were gazetted as the Bunya Mountains National Park, the second national park in Queensland. The park now covers 11 700 hectares. Vegetation The distinctive, dome-shaped crown of the bunya pine emerges above the tall, moist rainforest along the crest of the range. In dry rainforest at the lower elevations, bunya pine is replaced by its relative, the hoop pine. Natural grassland 'balds' containing a number of rare grass species adjoin the rainforest. These probably formed during a cooler and drier climatic period which caused the forests to retreat, allowing the grasses to take over. The national park also protects open eucalypt forests, woodlands and other dry rainforest communities. Vine thickets dominated by bottle trees or brigalow and belah can be found on western slopes. Animals The Bunya Mountains are home to many species of birds. Brilliantly coloured king parrots and crimson rosellas are commonly seen around the picnic areas. Red-necked wallabies often feed in grassy area. Swamp wallabies and red-necked pademelons prefer the cover of the rainforest but can be seen along the rad edge. Spotlighting at night may reveal many animals, including the mountain brushtail possum and the smaller Bunya Mountains ringtail possum. Access The park can be reached from Toowoomba, Dalby, Kingaroy or Nanango. From Toowoomba, drive 44km to Jondaryan and take the Bunya Mountains turn - off. Travel a further 65km through Maclagan. Some sections of the road are gravel. From Dalby, travel 25km to Kaimkillenbun and then 30km to Bunya Mountains via Yamsion. From Kingaroy, take the raod to Kumbia and the Bunya Mountains. The park is 56km from Kingaroy via this route. From Nanango, take the road to Maidenwell and turn right. This 55km route is gravel in parts. From Nanango, take the road to Maidenwell and turn right. This 55km from Kingaroy via this route. From Nanango, take the road to Maiden well and turn right. This 55km route is gravel in parts. All routes to the Bunya Mountains are steep; caravans and trailers are not recommended. No fuel is available on the mountain. Climate Bunya a Mountains National Park has a mild climate with an annual rainfall of approximately 1050mm. Temperatures range between freezing and 30 oC. Early morning and evening temperatures may be quite low so be prepared with warm clothing, even in summer. Things to do Camping National Park camping areas are located at Dandabah, Westcott and Burtons Well. Dandabah has toilets and hot showers. Westcott has pit toilets and no showers. Westcott has pit toilets and no showers. Burtons Well has toilets and bush 'boil your own water' showers. For school holidays and long weekends, a booking should be made up to 12 months in advance. To make a booking, write or telephone the Ranger to obtain a camping permit by payment of the appropriate fee. If an advanced booking has not been made, a permit to camp must be obtained prior to camping. If vacancies exist, obtain a permit from the office (between 2pm and 4pm daily) or from the self-registration station at the camping area. Walking Tracks An extensive system of walking tracks offers a range of walks from a 500m introductory stroll to a 10km hike. Visit the Information Centre to obtain a more detailed guide to walking tracks. Take care near stinging nettles and giant stinging trees. Picnicking Dandabah picnic area has electric barbecues. Westcott and Burton's Well picnic areas have fireplaces with firewood supplied; please use it sparingly. Bring your own kindling or fuel stoves, particularly during wet weather. Other accommodation Private cabins, guesthouses and houses are available for rent. For bookings, contact RACQ Accommodation Bookings direct on (07) 3361 2802 or consult the local telephone directory. Other Activities Ranger-led activities may be held during school holidays or on busy weekends. Visit the Information Centre to obtain a guide to activities. Members of the Bunya Mountains Natural History Association voluntarily assist the Rangers in providing activities for park visitors. Inquire at the NHA headquarters 'Cedarvale', located at Dandabah. For hiking and bush camping in the adjoining state forest, contact; Yarraman Forest Service PO Box 21 YARRAMAN QLD 4314 (07) 4163 8223 between 8.30am and 5pm weekdays. Help care for the park Do not feed the native animals. This may upset the balance of nature and can be harmful to their health and yours. Please leave your pets at home. Dogs cats and other domestic animals are not permitted in national parks. Do not collect anything from the park such as firewood and bunya nuts. All living or dead plant material and animals are protected. Minimise rubbish - please take your rubbish off the mountain. Separate recyclables and dispose of them appropriately back at home. Please be careful with fire. Light fires only in designated fireplaces. Keep to the walking tracks. These provide access to the park's features and minimise your impact on the environment. For further information and campsite bookings: Bunya Mountains National Park Information Centre Bunya Avenue Dandabah Write or telephone: The Ranger Bunya Mountains National Park MS 501 DALBY QLD 4405 (07) 4668 3127 between 2pm and 4pm daily. 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