Best trails in Bunya Mountains National Park

You’ll find the start of this trail behind the old school building, which is tucked away behind the Bunya Mountains Tavern. The trail begins in ancient Gondwana rainforest so the ground is quite moist yet well-trodden. Expect plenty of ferns and massive Bunya pines and fig trees. There’s a fair few exposed roots that could be a tripping hazard, so it’s worth watching your step. The waterfall really lives up to its name. Paradise Falls is a lush, refreshing spot and definitely a highlight. The walk back up from the falls is a bit of a workout but worth it. It was fairly busy on this section of the trail due to the school holidays, but once you head toward the Westcliff Lookout, it becomes a lot quieter. After recent strong winds, there were a few large fallen branches and trees across the track, but they were easy enough to step around. The trail crosses the road at the Paradise carpark, then continues onto Westcliff Lookout. This section opens up into iconic Australian eucalyptus bushland with grass trees. The lookout offers phenomenal, expansive views over the Western Downs. There’s a bench seat waiting for you there, perfect for sitting back and soaking it all in. The trail is well signed and easy to navigate. And the rangers do a great job keeping this one well maintained. I’m sure they’ll get to the fallen trees soon. The informative plaques along the way give you a deeper appreciation of the history, botanicals and landscape. Due to construction works in the Dandabah area, both the Bunya Pine Scenic Circuit and Barker Creek Circuit are closed until December. This walk to Paradise Falls and Westcliff Lookout is a great alternative, especially combined with other western trails. Just note that the main Dandabah carpark, picnic areas, camping area and toilets are closed. The camping area toilets are still open, and thankfully the Bunya Mountains Tavern, Poppies on the Hill, and the Bunya Markets (last Sunday of the month) are all still operating. Happy hiking! :-)

Mt Kiangarow is the highest peak in the Bunya Mountains, standing at 1135 metres above sea level. The walk to the summit is relatively easy, with a wide, very well-maintained trail that is mostly shaded. The second part of the trail, which leads out to Ghinghion Lookout, is also well maintained and shaded, though in some sections it narrows and requires a bit more care with your footing. It involves more of a descent on the way there and a steady incline on the return. The views from both the summit of Mt Kiangarow and Ghinghion Lookout are absolutely stunning. Depending on recent rainfall, you might see water flowing over the waterfall at the lookout or running through the creeks along the way. The entire trail is clearly signed and easy to follow. There is parking, toilets, picnic facilities, and camping available at Burtons Well, which is located at the trailhead. Enjoy, and happy hiking! :-)

Welcome to paradise! The Bunya Mountains are next level beauty. The Barker Creek Circuit is mostly ancient Gondwana rainforest and takes about 3hrs to traverse. It has an abundance of waterfalls and freshwater streams. The views from Pine Gorge and Barker Creek lookouts are phenomenal. This is one of the best maintained trails around. Good job, Rangers! It’s mostly shaded with overhead canopy so it’s nice and cool while trekking even in the hot summer months. Everything is well signed. You’ll feel safe and protected while on this hike. Massive bunya pines, hoop pines, an array of figs and some unique shaped eucalyptus. Gaze up at the many birds nest ferns and admire the many other lush ferns around on the ground and waterways. Twirly whirly vines. I only saw 2 grass trees. Can you find more? There’s also the Giant Stinging Trees. Even though those big velvety leaves look enticing to touch, don’t. You’ll regret it big time. Plenty of wildlife such as wallabies, goannas, water dragon lizards, many different kinds of birds and butterflies especially the monarch. See if you can spot the bush turkey nests. It’s magical how the ethereal sunlight glistens through the towering trees. The trickling streams add to the tranquility. There’s plenty of bench seats along the way to sit down and feel the serenity. This being one of my favourite trails to hike, I’ve done it multiple times in either directions. I visually prefer going the suggested anticlockwise route, however it does feel like you’re hiking a lot up hill. Going clockwise does feel slightly easier as it feels like it’s more going down hill. You can find the entrance to the clockwise direction behind The Old School which is located behind the Bunya Tavern. If the 3hr Barker Creek Circuit is either too hard or too long, the Bunya Pine Scenic Circuit takes just over an hour and would be more doable and family friendly. It’s the most popular one to do while at the Bunyas and still includes rainforest, streams, a waterfall and views from a lookout. Toilets, picnic areas, parking, camping, a restaurant, a cafe, general store, information and historical centres as well as markets on the last Sunday of the month are all located near the start. Enjoy hiking in paradise! :-)

This trail is now open after being closed for a year due to a tree falling on the shoe cleaning station. A new one finally arrived from New Zealand. Yay! It was an easy incline, mostly enclosed canopy so nice and cool. Decent sized, well maintained trail. This would be a great, achievable family friendly hike. It felt like an enchanted rainforest with all the ferns and moss. Glimpses of views along the way. Spectacular view once you arrive on top. Mt Kiangarow is the highest spot at the Bunya Mountains at 1135 metres above sea level. Some beautiful big trees, lots of grass trees. I saw a baby brown snake and a young dingo. So cute but beware of wildlife, please. After this short, easy hike I continued onto the Burtons Well to Cherry Plain trail, however I only went as far as the Bottle Tree Bluff Lookout as I had done the rest of that trail multiple times while this part was closed. There’s camping, toilets, picnic areas and parking at Burtons Well. Enjoy and happy hiking! :-)

Magic Bunya Mountains