Best trails in Bunya Mountains National Park
Three hours outside of Brisbane, Bunya Mountains National Park protects the world's largest stand of ancient bunya pines. The mountains rise steeply from the surrounding plains, reaching heights of 1,100m and the tall bunya pines provide a canopy cover for the lush rainforests below. Within the park you will find rare and threatened plants, vast birdlife (over 120 species are documented within the park), open grasslands, semi-tropical rainforest, vine thickets, and expansive mountain views.
Top trails
- 4.7 (288)·Moderate·2.6 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrStep into a landscape that feels like a scene from the Jurassic era on this captivating circuit in the Bunya Mountains. The track immerses you in one of the world's largest stands of ancient bunya pines, their massive, dome-shaped canopies towering over a lush rainforest understorey. A real highlight for many is the walk-through strangler fig, a hollowed-out giant that offers a unique perspective on the forest's scale. The path meanders past the cascading Tim Shea Falls, which are...
- 4.7 (199)·Moderate·6.2 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrStep back in time into ancient Gondwana rainforest, where towering Bunya pines dominate the skyline. This circuit offers a captivating journey through cool, shaded forest, winding beneath a canopy of massive pines and strangler figs. It is a sensory experience, often accompanied by the unique calls of green catbirds and the gentle trickle of freshwater streams. The route is packed with natural highlights, including the cascading Paradise Falls and Little Falls. For sweeping views across the...
- 4.5 (210)·Moderate·5.5 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrThis is a popular loop that winds through the ancient, high-altitude rainforest of Bunya Mountains National Park. As you walk the trail, you pass through a magnificent mix of lush rainforest, eucalypt forest, and small natural grassland balds. The circuit is famed for its waterfalls: it takes you past Paradise Falls and Little Falls (which are more like spectacular rocky trickles unless it has rained heavily). The Bunya Mountains are a sanctuary for wildlife, particularly an abundance of...
- 4.5 (67)·Moderate·3.3 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hrThis journey through Bunya Mountains National Park descends into a cool, emerald valley where you’ll discover the tranquil Paradise Falls and the smaller Little Falls. These cascades are truly at their best after a fresh downpour, when the water tumbles over dark basalt rocks framed by delicate ferns and vibrant mosses. As you continue toward the Barker Creek Lookout, the dense canopy opens up to reveal sweeping panoramic views across the deep, timbered valleys toward the distant plains. The...
- 4.5 (128)·Easy·1.6 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrMajestic grass trees and sweeping 180-degree vistas define this ascent to the highest point in the Bunya Mountains. Starting from the Burtons Well picnic area, the well-graded track winds through high-altitude rainforest and open forest, leading to the 1,135-metre summit. A primary highlight is the Mount Kiangarow Lookout, which offers a spectacular perspective over the western plains and neighbouring mountain ranges, making it a premier spot for viewing the sunrise or sunset. The...
- 4.5 (58)·Moderate·6.6 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrAncient Bunya pines and lush Gondwana rainforest create a breathtaking backdrop for this journey through a landscape of immense cultural significance. Traditionally a gathering place for Aboriginal peoples, the area remains a sacred site where the towering trees and dense canopy provide a sense of timelessness. The adventure typically begins near the old school building, quickly immersing you in a world of massive strangler figs and vibrant ferns. Keep your ears open for the constant chorus...
- 4.5 (99)·Moderate·1.5 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrExperience a refreshing wander through the western side of Bunya Mountains National Park on this loop. Starting and ending at the Westcott Picnic and Camping area, the trail weaves through diverse eucalyptus bushland and lush forests. It is a gentle, well-signed circuit that serves as a perfect introduction to the park's natural beauty, featuring a mix of shaded and open sections. The standout highlight is the Koondali Lookout, located roughly halfway through the walk. For the best views,...
- 4.5 (70)·Moderate·7.8 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hrStunning valley vistas and diverse botanical wonders await on this ridgeline journey through the western edge of Bunya Mountains National Park. The track meanders along the Great Dividing Range, offering a front-row seat to the dramatic transition between lush rainforest and drier eucalyptus woods. You will pass through varied biomes where ancient bunya pines and twining vines give way to hardy cacti and grass trees. The path provides access to several cliff-side vantage points, including...
- 4.5 (65)·Hard·16 mi·Est. 7–8 hrImmerse yourself in ancient Gondwana rainforests and sweeping cliff-top views on this extensive track through Bunya Mountains National Park. Starting from the Westcott Camping Area, the trail weaves through a stunning contrast of environments, shifting from lush, fern-filled gullies and towering Bunya pines to open eucalypt bushland. Along the way, you are treated to a series of spectacular vantage points, including Westcliff, Koondaii, and Cherry Plain lookouts, before reaching the summit of...
- 4.5 (44)·Moderate·2.3 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrStarting from the Paradise car park, this beautiful walk takes you through a magical mix of lush rainforest and open eucalypt forest on your way to the stunning Westcliff Lookout. The trail is relatively flat and easy, with a gentle incline at the start to get the heart pumping. The lookout itself offers breathtaking, expansive views over the western plains of the Darling Downs, making it a perfect reward for your walk.
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Frequently asked questions
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Attractions
- Forest trails in Bunya Mountains National Park
- Moderate trails in Bunya Mountains National Park
- River trails in Bunya Mountains National Park
- Short trails in Bunya Mountains National Park
- Trails with no dogs in Bunya Mountains National Park
- Trails with views in Bunya Mountains National Park
- Waterfall trails in Bunya Mountains National Park
- Wildlife trails in Bunya Mountains National Park
Points of interest
- Tim Shea Falls
- Festoon Falls
- Little falls
- Paradise Falls
- Pine Gorge Lookout
- Mt Kiangarow Lookout
- Westcliff Lookout
- Walk through Strangler FIg
- Koondaii Lookout
- Bottle Tree Bluff
- Mount Kiangarow
- Amazing hollow strangler fig tree
- Big Falls Lookout
- Barker Creek Lookout
- Bunya Pine
- Cherry Plain Lookout
- Westcott Camp Area
- Westcott Picnic Area
- Burton's Well Picnic Area
- Ghinghion Lookout