Bunya Mountains National Park

Bunya Mountains National Park is a nature reserve in Southern Queensland featuring rainforests, open grasslands, and eucalyptus woodlands across its elevated terrain. The protected area rises above 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) and displays a mix of forest types depending on elevation and soil conditions.

The reserve was established in 1908 but experienced decades of timber harvesting that shaped its forests significantly. Conservation priorities replaced logging operations from the 1960s onward, allowing ecosystems to recover over time.

The mountain area held deep importance for Aboriginal peoples who gathered here for seasonal harvest festivals and shared ceremonies across generations. Today, this ancestral connection remains part of the region's identity through local stories and land use practices.

Multiple walking trails of varying difficulty levels wind through the reserve, with camping sites and mountain cabins available for overnight stays. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and prepare for changeable mountain weather, especially during wetter months.

The reserve holds the world's largest population of Bunya pine trees, which produce enormous cones weighing several kilograms that contain edible nuts inside. These trees have no close relatives elsewhere and represent a remarkable forest heritage.