Bunya Mountains National Park, Queensland’s second oldest national park, is home to the largest natural stand of bunya pines in the world. It offers 35 km of well-maintained walking tracks that weave through lush rainforest, grasslands, eucalypt woodlands and scenic ridge lines.
Whether you’re after a short stroll to a waterfall or a half-day circuit with sweeping views, here’s everything you need to plan your walk in the Bunyas.
How to get there
Bunya Mountains National Park is located about 200 km northwest of Brisbane and 125 km northwest of Toowoomba, accessible via the scenic Great Bunya Drive. Roads into the park are steep and winding—unsuitable for long vehicles and large caravans.
Best base for walks
The best starting point for most walks is Dandabah, the park’s main visitor hub. It has:
- A picnic area and campground
- A general store and restaurants
- Access to short and long rainforest tracks
- Interpretive displays and wildlife viewing areas
Alternative trailheads include Paradise, Westcott, Cherry Plain and Burtons Well, all with picnic areas and nearby walks.
Walks in the eastern rainforest
These walks begin near Dandabah or Paradise and pass waterfalls, lookouts and some of the oldest bunya pine forest in the country.
Scenic circuit
- Distance: 4 km return
- Time: Allow 1 hr 20 min
- Grade: 3
This popular loop takes you through dense rainforest, past Festoon and Tim Shea Falls, and to Pine Gorge Lookout. It’s a great intro to the park’s landscape, trees and birdlife.
Barker Creek circuit
- Distance: 10 km return
- Time: Allow 3–4 hr
- Grade: 4
One of the longest tracks in the park, this rainforest route includes Paradise Falls, Little Falls, Big Falls Lookout and Barker Creek Lookout. Expect birdsong, panoramic views and the occasional python sunning itself on open grassy patches.
Dandabah to Paradise
- Distance: 3 km one-way (6 km return)
- Time: 1 hr (return 2 hr)
- Grade: 3
An easy rainforest walk between two key trailheads. Can be done alone or as part of the longer Barker Creek circuit.
Walks on the western escarpment
These tracks offer dramatic views westward over the Darling Downs. Most can be linked for longer hikes or walked as one-way routes with transport arranged.
Paradise to Westcott
- Distance: 3.2 km one-way (6.4 km return)
- Time: Allow 1–2.5 hr
- Grade: 4
Cross rainforest, grassland balds and ridge lines with big skies and escarpment views. Suitable for fit walkers.
Koondaii circuit
- Distance: 2.5 km return
- Time: Allow 1 hr
- Grade: 3
Zig-zag through forest and rainforest to Koondaii Lookout, with views to Bell and Dalby. Lacebark trees bloom pink in late summer.
Westcott to Cherry Plain
- Distance: 4.8 km one-way (9.6 km return)
- Time: 1.5–4 hr
- Grade: 4
Follow the cliff edge between shady rainforest and sunny ridges. Springtime wildflowers and orchids line the way.
Cherry Plain to Burtons Well
- Distance: 6 km one-way (12 km return)
- Time: 2–4 hr
- Grade: 4
A scenic stretch of western forest trail with views, birdlife and lookout stops. Best done with a pickup arranged.
Mount Kiangarow
- Distance: 2.3 km return
- Time: 1 hr
- Grade: 3
This short trail climbs gently to the highest point in the Bunyas (1135 m). Features grass trees, rainforest canopy views and is spectacular at sunrise or sunset.
Wildlife and flora
Walking tracks are rich in wildlife. Look for:
- Red-necked wallabies grazing at Dandabah
- Green catbirds and wompoo fruit-doves in the rainforest
- Skinks, fireflies and eastern whipbirds along escarpment paths
- Chocolate wattled bats emerging at dusk near the old schoolhouse
- Koalas and ringtail possums in eucalypt forest at night
You’ll also see ancient bunya pines, some more than 600 years old, plus hoop pines, strangler figs, wild orchids and seasonal wildflowers.
Safety and environmental tips
- Wear sturdy walking shoes, a hat and insect repellent.
- Avoid standing under bunya pines in summer—falling cones are dangerous.
- Stay on marked trails and keep children close.
- Check for ticks and wash down boots at designated stations to help protect native vegetation.
- Don’t feed wildlife or disturb streams and frogs.
Walking in Bunya Mountains National Park, summarised
With rainforest gullies, grassland balds and escarpment lookouts, Bunya Mountains National Park is one of the best places to walk in Queensland. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or simply soaking up forest stillness, there’s a trail here to suit most paces and interests.
For more information, visit the park webpage.
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