How to do the Southern Queensland Country camping trail
Waking up to fresh air, birds chirping and the smoking charcoals of last night’s campfire – that’s what camping in the country is all about.
It’s time to kick up some dirt and pay a visit to the Bunya Mountains – Mountain Bike Trails. Opened in July 2023, this new adventure park is primed and ready to be explored.
Bunya Mountains, Western Downs
Nestled amongst the famed bunya pines, these mountain biking trails are as adventurous as they are convenient. If you’re looking for a new location to grab life by the handlebars, follow our guide to maximise your adventures.
How to get here
Who doesn’t love a scenic country road trip? Passing pristine fields, Western Downs’ crop country, and winding up epic mountain ranges, make your way along the well-maintained Bunya Mountain roads. Go from suburbia to nature with a three-hour drive from Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast. Coming from afar? Fly with Bonza airline to Toowoomba and make a quick one-and-a-half-hour drive via Dalby to the Bunya Mountains.
Please note: Although our roads are well maintained, with beautiful scenery, arriving at the base of the Bunya Mountains you will find a steep, narrow, winding road. Discretion is urged for caravans, large motorhomes, and buses. Large towing vehicles are prohibited on some routes, so ensure you plan your trip prior. Nearby towns at the base of the mountains offer a great place to park your vehicle and head up to the mountain for a day trip.
What to pack
No need to write your own packing list, we’ve got you sorted. To make the most of your mountain biking experience we recommend:
- Mountain bike
- Helmet
- Hiking boots
- Warm clothes
- Sun protection
- Water bottle
- Rain gear
- Camera
- A sense of adventure
Bunya Mountains, Western Downs
Where to stay
Bunya Mountains accommodation is as fruitful as the bunya pine nuts during summer (read: plenty!). Whether you’re a camping lover or glamping goer, select from a range of accommodation that caters to groups of multiple sizes.
Camping
The perfect way to connect with nature and congregate multiple families, camping in the Bunya Mountains places you close to the trails and in scenic locations. Check out these Bunya Mountains national park campgrounds: Dandabah, Westcott, and Burtons Well.
Cabins
Spoilt for choice, you’ll find over 100 different cabins nestled amongst the mountain range. Pick your style from rustic country to modern luxury, these cabins differ in capacity ready to accommodate your holiday needs.
Lodges and Chalets
Those with large mountain biking groups will fall in love with the range of Bunya Lodges. Sleeping between eight and nine guests, the Pademelon Lodge, Evermore and the Bunya Romance are sure to make a memorable trip. If you’ve got a larger group, there are even chalets that will sleep up twenty-two people – check out Mai Chalet or Oodgeroo Chalet to name a few.
Stay near by
Alternatively, experience more of the Western Downs with accommodation in close by towns. Make day trips to the Bunya Mountains – Mountain Bike Trails from the nearby towns of Dalby and Jandowae with plenty of extra activities for you to explore.
Bunya Mountains Accommodation Centre, Western Downs
Trail details
The four trails come in all difficulties and distances, with routes to suit those who just lost their mountain biking training wheels to more seasoned mountain biking enthusiasts. Choose your obstacles and gradients or try your hand at all four trails on offer.
Wamga Way
This is a shared use trail that runs two ways. Perfect for beginner mountain bikers, the trail is 1.3km long and classified as an easy class four difficulty.
Serpent Spin
The most experienced trail, the Serpent Spin is an easy to intermediate looping trail. It runs for 6.25km weaving through the magnificent bunya pines.
Oh Chute!
An easy looping trail, you’ll enjoy riding this track over and over. After completing the 5km ride, you’ll be saying “Oh Chute!” when it’s over, ready to give it another go.
Wilf’s Free Pass
Another easy route, find a different view from the Bunya Mountains with this 4.7km loop. Classified as easy, make sure you tick this trail off your adventure list.
Bunya Mountains Mountain Bike Trails, Western Downs
Facilities
Wondering what’s on top of the mountain when you get there? These facilities will have you covered:
Food
With famous foliage providing the perfect backdrop, pack a picnic blanket to enjoy the serenity after you explore the trails. Alternatively, if your car is stacked with biking equipment, grab a bite to eat at the café, restaurant or convenience store.
Bike hygiene stations
The mountain biking trails are well equipped with amenities as well as important bike hygiene stations at the trail heads. Helping to prevent plant disease, the hygiene stations use mist disinfectant and brushes, ensuring the prosperity of the Bunyas.
Caring for our environment
Along with hygiene stations, the designs for the mountain biking trails have been constructed in a way that preserves the natural environment and minimises environmental impact. The trails wind around large natural features and uses nature to elevate the trail experience.
Keeping the Bunya Mountains clean for all to enjoy for many years to come, we ask that our visitors treat our park with respect and care. All rubbish must be placed in bins or taken off the mountain with you. Preserving the Bunyas is a collective responsibility and we’re counting on you.
Bunya Mountains, Western Downs
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