A Bunya Mountains holiday gives you the chance to relax and unwind in peaceful and stunning surroundings, offering a mix of spectacular scenery and family-friendly activities to enjoy.
Here are eight fun and intriguing activities to try next time you’re at the Bunya Mountains.
Bushwalking
Bushwalking is a popular pastime at the Bunya Mountains, with over 40km of walking tracks through the Bunya Mountains National Park and Russell Park.
There’s a track to suit anyone from beginner to more experienced hikers, depending on how far you prefer to walk.
Take in breathtaking views over the valley, waterfalls and little rocky pools, grassland areas, eucalypt forests, rainforests and of course the ancient and magnificent bunya pines which you’ll find everywhere around. Just remember your hat, sunscreen, a water bottle, a snack for the longer walks – and of course, your camera, to record the stunning scenery.
Feeding the birds and animals
The Bunya Mountains is home to a large colony of local wallabies, who are quite used to human interaction. Buy some wallaby food from Poppies on the Hill Café and spend some time getting to know the wallabies.
As well, visitors to the Bunya Mountains frequently take the time to interact with the many crimson rosellas and king parrots that flock to the area.
Bird food is available for sale at the café and general store (it is recommended that you only feed the birds this special food and not human food as it may not be good for them).
You can enjoy an up close and personal encounter with these friendly and colourful wild birds, who will cheerfully sit on your hands, shoulders and even your head! It’s heaps of fun for both kids and adults alike, and makes for some wonderful photo opportunities.
Spotlighting
With so much wildlife around, the Bunya Mountains is the perfect place for some night-time spotlighting. You might come across nocturnal animals such as sugar gliders, mountain brushtail possums and the smaller ringtail possums or maybe even some great-barred frogs waiting to catch unsuspecting insects.
Keep an eye out for one of the many varieties of owls, some of which are rare to see.
Take a horse-drawn tour
Enjoy the novelty of being powered by two enormous draught horses while learning about the local plants and wildlife from a true local. It’s the perfect way to view the scenery of the mountains at a slow and leisurely pace, where you can really take it all in.
The ride might end with billy tea and damper in the rainforest, and it’s sure to be a uniquely delightful experience.
Visit the monthly markets
The Bunya Mountains markets are a drawcard for local shoppers on the last Sunday of every month. You’ll find them under the bunya pines outside the Poppies on the Hill Café – a scenic and peaceful setting for a spot of bargain hunting.
You’ll be able to browse through a wide range of arts, crafts, baked goods, fresh produce, handmade items, stationery,
clothing, jewellery, plants, soaps and so much more. You’ll find plenty of unique items that you won’t find anywhere else – perfect for gifts or just something special for yourself.
Have a set of tennis
The cool climate of the Bunya Mountains makes it an ideal place to play sports. There’s a tennis court available for hire outside the Bunya Mountains Accommodation Centre office (https://bunyamountains.com.au), and you can hire racquets and balls as well, or bring your own.
Birdwatching
With nearly 220 different species of birds, the Bunya Mountains is a mecca for bird watchers and photographers. From owls, falcons and kingfishers to parrots, wrens and honeyeaters (to name just a few of the species), there’s plenty of beautiful, colourful and intriguing birds to spot.
Go stargazing
The Bunya Mountains offers one of the best seats in the house to view a sky full of stars, with many perfect vantage points to gaze up at the cosmos.
You’ll find some of the darkest skies in Queensland here, filled with innumerable stars and galaxies to marvel at. The Milky Way contains billions of stars, and you’ll feel like most of them are shining down on you when you gaze up at the Bunya Mountains sky.
Get lost in the heavens with an awe-inspiring night of stargazing, where you can soak up the full splendour of the night sky.