BunyaMountains National Park

This Park is in the Bunya Mountains and is the largest stand of Bunya Pines in Australia.  Bunya pines, Araucaria bidwillii are a remnant of the Age of Dinosaurs and not a true pine at all.  They grow quite large and at one time were logged as a commercial timber, however, most of the remaining trees are now in reserves.  This National Park dates back to 1908, with subsequent additions increasing the size from it's original 9,112 ha. to 19,493 ha. today. 

"From December to March, bunya pines drop cones containing edible 'nuts'.  For countless generations, large groups of Aboriginal people gathered at the Bunya Mountains to take part in what today are known as the bunya festivals, coinciding with this natural event."

 "Custodians of the Bunya Mountains and Blackall Ranges (nearer the coast) invited people from as far south as Clarence River in northern NSW, west to the Maranoa River and east to Wide Bay to join such gatherings.  For local and visiting groups, bunya festivals were a time for ceremonies, settling disputes, renewing friendships, passing on lore, sharing ideas and revitalizing spirituality." (Nat'l Park brochure)

The area was recognised for it's natural beauty by European settlers as far back as the 1860's.  It's mountains are covered in a variety for forests and natural meadows, there are expansive views and it is generally cooler in summer.  The rainforest is very pleasant to walk thru, being relatively open due to the high canopy, contains a diverse flora, including many epiphytes - many of them orchids - living solely in the canopy of the trees.  There are excellent walking tracks taking one thru the Bunya Mountains which go thru the range of forests - rainforest, grass tree forests and eucalypt forest - as well as some of the natural meadows and other features such as creeks and waterfalls.  There are plenty of birds, as evidenced by the constant chorus of birdsong, however most are shy and if seen at all only fleeting glimpses as they flit through the low scrub.  One notable exception is the bush turkey - they seemed so engrossed in building their mound that they would hardly notice you unless you were very close (one or two metres).  Full compliments to the Queensland Park Rangers for such excellent work.  

Covering all bases of threats to both plant and animal, Mother Nature included stinging nettle, a stinging tree - capable of reaching great size - and plenty of ticks; probably on the theory of 'what doesn't kill us makes us stronger'.  Thus, amidst such beauty one must not be too complacent.

Natural meadows, called 'balds', give a good view from the range out to the broad flat land surrounding it.  The balds are natural and a unique ecosystem, requiring management to keep them as such.  They were most likely burned regularly by Aborigines and if protected from fire will gradually be taken over by scrub, then forest. 

The stay in the campground was a privilege!  The grass is kept 'mown' by wallabies, the bird life is plentiful - the 'usual suspects' being currawongs, magpies and ravens. but also the odd satin bowerbird and superb blue wren.  My plan was to walk the tracks adjacent to this camp, which covered the eastern side of the range, then on my way out, do one of the walks on the western side.  However on the day I left it rained so I went to Kumbia, connected up to 240V and stayed for two days, the final morning being awakened by a very good thunderstorm!  The rain subsided mid-morning and I then moved on.