Bunya Mountains National Park Southern Queensland Country

Like to become a campground host?

The department is seeking volunteers to act as campground hosts at Bunya Mountains National Park over the Queensland school holidays. Photo credit: © Tourism and Events Queensland

Things to do

    Find out more about the park at the QPWS Visitor Centre, at Dandabah.

    Photo credit: Karen Smith, Queensland Government

    Camping and accommodation

    Camping

    The park has three main camping and picnic areas; Dandabah, Westcott and Burtons Well. All have toilets and picnic tables.

    Dandabah is a large open area suitable for a range of camping experiences. Westcott and Burtons Well are suitable only for tents as cars must remain in sealed carparks nearby.

    Camping permits are required and fees apply. Permits are best booked prior to arrival as permits cannot be issued by rangers on site. Book well ahead for school holidays and public holidays.

    Other accommodation

    Holiday accommodation (including cabins, guesthouses and houses for rent) are available near Bunya Mountains National Park. For more information see the tourism information links below or consult the local telephone directory or the internet.

    The Bunya Mountains park guide (available as a download from this site) contains maps, track notes and information to assist with your visit.

    Photo credit: Robert Ashdown

    The cool mountain rainforest is an inviting place to walk.

    Photo credit: Tourism Queensland

    Walking

    Enjoy weaving in and out of diverse grasslands, eucalypt forest, rainforest and vine scrubs along the 35km of walking tracks. Walks range from a 500m stroll to a 10km hike, many with impressive views.

    Each track has been numbered and graded so that you are able to select a walk to match your walking experience and fitness. The classification system follows the Australian Walking Track Standards, and while each track is graded according to its most difficult section, other sections may be of an easier level.

    Protect bunya pines for future times

    Use washdown stations at track entrances. This helps prevent the spread of pathogen-containing soil on boots and equipment into the park, and from the Bunya Mountains to other areas. Phytophthora (a microscopic, disease-causing plant pathogen) has been found in the soil where groups of bunya pines have died. Limiting the spread of soil is currently our best chance of protecting bunya pines. Read more about Phytophthora and how to protect bunya pines for future times (PDF, 391.2KB) .

    Track notes

    • Allow 15–20 minutes to walk one kilometre.
    • Where tracks end at the road, halve distance if only walking one way.

    What to take on walks

    • Carry drinking water and nutritious snacks.
    • Wear a hat and sunscreen, insect repellent and sturdy shoes.
    • Carry a first-aid kit and book.
    • Download or print out a copy of the park's visitor guide (PDF, 3.5MB) , or walking tracks map (PDF, 405.5KB) before you leave home, or pick up a copy from the QPWS Information Centre at Dandabah and carry it with you on your walks.
    • Take warm clothing and raincoats as weather is changeable.

    Walking tracks at a glance

    Eastern rainforest circuits
    Track nameDistanceDurationClassification
    Scenic circuit  4km 1hr20min Grade 3
    Barker creek circuit  10km return 3–4hr Grade 3
    Barker creek lookout  5.4km return 2hr Grade 3
    Dandabah to Paradise 6km 2hr Grade 3
    Western walks
    Track nameDistanceDurationClassification
    Paradise to Westcott 6.4km return 2.5hr Grade 3
    Paradise to Westcott 3.2km one way + 1.5km via road 1.5–2hr return via road Grade 3
    Koondaii circuit 2.5km return 1hr Grade 4
    Westcott to Cherry Plain 9.6km return 3–4hr Grade 4
    Westcott to Cherry Plain 4.8km one way + 1.8km return via road 2–3hr return via road Grade 4
    Cherry Plain to Burtons Well 12km 4hr Grade 4
    Cherry Plain to Burtons Well 6km one way + 2.4km return via road 3hr return via road Grade 4
    Mt Kiangarow track 2.3km 1hr Grade 3

    Tracks along the western cliffs weave out into the open and to lookouts giving views to the west.

    Photo credit: Queensland Government

    Outdoor interpretive displays near the Dandabah picnic area help you learn more about the park.

    Photo credit: Queensland Government

    Other walking tracks

    Russell Park, managed by the Western Downs Regional Council, also has walking tracks. They are not described here but can be accessed from the road heading south to Dalby from the Dandabah area.

    Picnic and day-use areas

    Dandabah, Westcott and Burtons Well also have picnic areas. All have toilets and picnic tables. Electric barbecues are available at Dandabah. Burtons Well and Westcott have wood barbecues. Please bring your own clean milled timber, free from pests or disease to use as firewood. Timber cannot be collected from anywhere within the national park.

    Please do not feed the king parrots or other birds which may visit your picnic or camp.

    Photo credit: Bruce Thomson

    Viewing wildlife

    Brilliantly-coloured king parrots and crimson rosellas are sure to be seen on your visit, as are red-necked wallabies which feed in grassy areas. Look carefully and you might also see satin bowerbirds, green catbirds and the huge tadpoles of great barred-frogs.

    The night can also offer opportunity to view other interesting wildlife such as frogmouths, owls, possums, bats and frogs.

    See the description of the park's nature, culture and history for more details about the Bunya Mountains' diverse wildlife.

    Camping

    Camp at Burtons Well, Westcott or Dandabah camping areas. Camping permits are required and fees apply.