BUNYA MOUNTAINS
Bunya Mountains and Kingaroy
BUNYA MOUNTAINS
The majestic Bunya Mountains provide the backdrop for Queensland's Fraser Coast-South Burnett region, covering more than 11,700ha of the Great Dividing Range and an elevation of over 1,100m at Mts Mowbullan and Kingaroy.
Just 250km northwest of Brisbane, the Bunya Mountains National Park is one of the major attractions for visitors to the South Burnett shires of Kingaroy, Murgon, Wondai, Nanango and Cherbourg.
Long known to the Aborigines, who would travel hundreds of kilometres to partake in corroborees and feast on the nuts of the huge native pine tree or Bunya, the mountains are now a magnet for tourists and locals alike.
Walking tracks throughout the rainforest taking in waterfalls, streams, spectacular orchids, ferns and other rainforest flora, offer a truly memorable experience. The daily 4pm feeding of the king parrots, crimson rosellas, currawongs and other birds at the Dandabah picnic area is popular with both adults and children.
Facilities on the mountain include: accommodation, camping facilities, a licensed restaurant, a museum and general supplies. Guided tours of the area are available by appointment and on the first Saturday of December every year a Veterans Picnic is held on Bunya mountain.
The Bunya Mountains' many natural wonders are easily reached from the towns of the South Burnett, which provide a comfortable base for exploring this fascinating region, centering on the meandering Burnett River and its tributaries. Note: Petrol is not available in the mountains.
KINGAROY
Kingaroy
is the "capital" of the South Burnett, set among
the fertile farmland on which its economy is based, and marked by its
towering
peanut silos.
Peanuts have been a viable crop since 1924 and along with
navy beans, commonly marketed as baked beans, play a significant
part in the
South Burnett's economy, with both crops producing the
major proportion of
Australia's requirements.
Mt
Wooroolin, 3km west of Kingaroy, gives panoramic views of the town
and surrounding farmlands and on weekends and
public
holidays,
the Kingaroy
Soaring Club offers glider joy flights for a different
perspective of the region.
Kingaroy's famous Peanut Van has the freshest peanuts you'll ever taste, and every two years the town celebrates the harvest with the Peanut Festival, in March or April. Festivities include the Peanut Ball, a heritage day, art show, thanksgiving service, concerts, trade fairs, open days and much more.
Other
attractions in the town include the Bicentennial Heritage Museum.
The district's first sheep station, Burrandowan, established in 1843, now gives
its name to the popular Burrandowan Picnic Races, held in May.
