One hour and a half away north west of Toowoomba City, there lies a mountain not so well known but filled with amazing wildlife, numerous hiking trails and great holiday accommodations and camp sites. With its highest peak approximately over 1,100km above sea level, most of the township and hiking trails are surrounded by rainforests. It is also named after its famous trees, the Bunya Pine trees, This place is knows as Bunya Mountains. As you explore around, you will notice these trees are everywhere. I hope to go there during its harvest season and taste one of its huge pine nuts.
There are a number of ways to reach Bunya Mountains from Toowoomba. We went via Jondaryan as most of the roads on this route were sealed. The roads wind through the endless farmlands and little townships, until finally it starts to going uphill. The uphill drive is not long, but quite steep and narrow at sections. There was a turn called 'Devil's Elbow', and this is not without a good reason. Please be careful and reduce speed driving up or coming down.
The sceneries and wildlife are incredible, there is always something to see. Once you reach the top of the mountain, you will see Fisher's Lookout straight away. This is a good spot to enjoy the sceneries down the valley while resting your feet. It is also a good place to watch the sunset and feel its vanishing warmth as it disappears at the 'end of the earth'. If you are an early morning person, Sunrise is also a great option!
The highest point of this mountain is Mount Kiangarow, at 1135km above sea level. Be sure to check out this 2.3km return track to the outlook at the top surrounded by rainforests. The view is amazing!
The township and most of the hiking trails are all concentrated not far from Fisher's Lookout. The same road coming up the mountain is also the same road that you will use to go down the other side of the mountain to reach Kingaroy. The mountains' hiking trails and accommodations are along either side of this road, the rainforest trails and majority of the accommodations are on the north-east side. The drier trails are on the other side.
If you prefer camping, there are several camp sites in Bunya Mountains. The Dadanbah Camp Ground is the main one, and it is very close to the rainforest walking trails and the two Cafes in town. The wallabies, Kookaburra and other birds around you are just simply an added bonus.
Several walking tracks start here, we did the 4km return Scenic Circuit. It's quite an interesting track, with huge pine trees and fig trees. There are small waterfalls and creeks, but we didn't see much waterflow as we went during dry season. It would be great to visit after the descent rain recently.
Overall, this place is amazing, be sure to check it out yourself! Hope you all stay safe during this holiday season!
