Gold Coast to Goondiwindi
If peaceful surroundings, heritage buildings and country landscapes sound like an ideal holiday, Goondiwindi is the perfect escape for you.
Take it from us, you’ll want more than just a day trip to discover Queensland’s second oldest national park when there’s so much on offer.
Bunya Mountains, Western Downs
Take it from us, you’ll want more than just a day trip to discover Queensland’s second oldest national park when there’s so much on offer.
The Bunya Mountains National Park is home to the world’s largest stand of Bunya Pines and offers 117 km² of outdoor adventure – whether it be bushwalking, feeding the native wildlife or discovering the Indigenous connection to the area.
Standing at over 1100m above sea-level, you’re well above the worry line of CBD stress, so you can immerse yourself in fresh mountain air that’s been photosynthesised by Bunya Pines that date back 30 million years.
With nature in such abundance, it makes sense you’ll want to stay as close to it as possible. Where then do you stay? We’ll let you in on a few of our secret spots.
1. National Park Camping
If you want to stay among the national park action, book a campsite with Queensland Parks and Wildlife.
There’s three sites to choose from dotted across the mountain top – Burtons Well, Dandabah and Westcott camping areas.
The sites range in terms of their amenities, so the real question in deciding where to stay is would you like a shower with your overnight adventure?
If the answer is yes, Burtons Well and Dandabah are where you should pitch your tent or drop your caravan legs.
If you’re thinking of bringing the van, just be aware the park is reached via steep, narrow and winding route, so use your discretion if towing a vehicle. It might actually be best for you to unhitch it on the plains below before making the ascent.
A: Bunya Mountains Road, Bunya Mountains QLD 4405
Bunya Mountains National Park Camping, Western Downs
2. Bunya Mountains Accommodation Centre
Sleep within walking distance of the major hikes of the Bunya Mountains National Park checking into the Bunya Mountains Accommodation Centre.
You’re spoilt for accommodation choice with 104 properties available to rent through the accommodation centre, sleeping anywhere from 2 - 22 people per night.
The accommodation centre is gated from the rest of the national park, so guests have access to private facilities such as a tennis court and in-room amenities like breakfast hampers and BBQ packs.
No matter which property you choose, almost all come with a fireplace – perfect for those chilly nights at 1100m above sea level where temperatures are frequently double digits cooler than what you’ll find on the coast.
A: Bunya Ave, Bunya Mountains QLD 4405
P: 07 4668 3126
Bunya Mountains Accommodation Centre, Western Downs
3. Dandabah Getaway Motel
From the same people behind The Bunyas coffee shop, whisky bar (Australia’s highest no less!) and wedding venue comes Dandabah Getaway Motel – on top of the mountain in the thick of the national park action.
Choose between either two bedroom or studio accommodation, both appointed with all the comforts you’ll want for your Bunya Mountains stay - think lounge with fireplace, queen bed and ensuite.
Wake up to the sounds of parrots, put on your bushwalking shoes and after a bite to eat, you’re only 200 metres away from the entrance to the Bunya Mountains National Park.
A: Bunya Ave, Bunya Mountains QLD 4405
P: 07 4668 3131
Dandabah Getaway Motel, Bunya Mountains, Western Downs
4. Bell Bijou
Nestled in the foothills of the Bunya Mountains, if you want to stay off the mountain but close enough to spend full days exploring it, check into the tiny town of Bell.
For a stay that resembles nothing of your standard hotel room, choose Bell Bijou (via Airbnb) which is set inside the old Bell Bakery building, which dates back to 1912.
Made entirely out of sandstone, you’ll be sleeping in a slice of Australian history on the main street of Bell, whose population tips the census at just 500 people.
With two bedrooms and one bathroom, Bell Bijou is the perfect jumping off point to the Bunya Mountains, with the added benefit of being close to other Western Downs visitor attractions like Jimbour House.
A: 35 Dennis Street, Bell QLD 4408
Bell Bijou, Bell, Western Downs
5. Rosebank Homestead & Farmstay
Looking to have full run of a house large enough to sleep a small army of family and friends (11 people to be precise)?
Enter the 110-year-old restored Rosebank Homestead & Farmstay in Dalby, only 20 minutes’ drive from the Bunya Mountains.
Expect a full homestead, which includes private pool, kid’s playground, full kitchen, four bedrooms for you to base your next Bunya Mountains escape.
Although dogs are not welcome in the national park itself, those travelling with pets will be happy to know Rosebank Homestead & Farmstay is perfectly pet-friendly, so you’ll have a safe place to leave pooch while you explore the mountain top.
A: 1462 Bunya Mountains Road, Moola QLD 4403
P: 07 4663 4770
Rosebank Homestead & Farmstay, Moola, Western Downs
6. Apex Park Kumbia
Calling all caravanners – you might want to put this one on your list because it’s one of the closest parks to the Bunya Mountains before the roads incline to the summit.
Although a small camping ground, it’s big on free amenities with large spaces for caravans and motorhomes, with powered (for $1/hour) and unpowered sites available for a maximum stay of 48 hours.
Make like the many other caravanners to these parts who choose to unhitch here, taking only their car to the top of the mountain and retreating in time for DIY sundowners in the park with the other guests.
A: 26 Bell Street, Jumbia QLD 4610
7. Bunyip Springs Farm Stay
When in the country, stay on the country, booking Bunyip Springs Farm Stay, near Maidenwell, 23 clicks from the famous Bunya Mountains National Park.
Choose between the Cottage and the Lodge, both three-bedroom Queenslanders perched in paddocks on the property or slightly smaller Bunyip Springs Unit which would suit a small family of four.
When you’re not exploring the national park, entertain the family with hands-on activities with the onsite farm animals whether that’s feeding the poultry, leading the alpacas, milking the cows or meeting affectionate poddy calves.
A: 503 Maidenwell Bunya Mountains Road, Wengenville QLD 4615
P: 07 4164 6175
Passchendaele Farmstay, Kumbia, South Burnett
8. Passchendale Farm Stay
It’s not every day that you get to stay the night on a working 5000-acre farm, but you can get your fill of life in the bush booking into Passchendale Farm Stay.
Choose between the Lagoon Cottage or Passchendale Lodge which both sleep seven or camp under a blanket of Southern Queensland Country stars at one of their six campsites scattered across the property.
When you’re not busy with farm activities like milking the cow, feeding the pigs and giving the farmyard animals a pat, explore the Bunya Mountains National Park which is just 70-kilometres away.
A: Ironpot Road, Ironpot QLD 4610
P: 07 4164 8147
All of these options booked out?
Try booking into one of these options in Kingaroy and Nanango, only a short drive away:
- Pioneer Lodge Motel, Kingaroy
- Kingaroy Country Motel
- Pepper Tree Cabins, Kingaroy
- Kingaroy Holiday Park
- Lee Farm Stay, Kingaroy
- Mulanah Gardens, Kingaroy
- Kingaroy Caravan Park - Kingaroy Show Grounds
- Bunya Red Farm, Nanango
- Copper Country Motor Inn, Nanango
- Nanango Star Motel
- Nanango RV Park
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