Long weekend adventure with the kids at The Bunyas

Sure, every family loves a summer holiday on Queensland’s world class beaches – but have you ever explored our mountains in the winter?

Hit the Warrego Highway from Brisbane and in just under three hours, you’ll find The Bunya Mountains (The Bunyas, as known by the locals).

Here, your playground of pristine wilderness awaits. By day you’ll wander through the majestic rainforests and breathe in that crisp mountain air. And by night, you’ll cosy up around the fire under a sea of stars.

Sound like something your crew could be into? Check out these tried and tested ideas for a holiday the kids will be talking about for years to come. 

Day One

AM: Good morning Garden City

Tell the kids to give their Wi-Fi a kiss goodbye (terrifying, we know) and hit the Warrego Highway towards Toowoomba. This iconic town, with its artisan cafes and spectacular parks is the perfect pit stop for everyone in the family.

Picnic Point offers a little something for everyone in the family. Coffee for the parents, parklands for the kids and views of Table Top Mountains and Lockyer Valley.

If you’ve got some time to burn, win some ‘parents of the year’ points with yet another play. This time at the glorious Queens Park. Just quietly, this park is a bit of a show off with its flying fox, ginormous cargo net, plank walk and tunnel slide. Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses (and every other flower you could possibly imagine). You’ll soon see how Toowoomba gained its street cred as Queensland’s ‘Garden City’.

Another insider’s tip before you head for The Bunyas: call into the iconic Wendland Fine Foods Café and Delicatessen for some sundowner supplies. The soft French bries, bitey blues and ‘baked on site’ sourdough are what grazing platter dreams are made of.

PM: Bush walks and pasta and fire 

After checking in to your accommodation and getting the fire place cranking, head outside to get acquainted with your charming neighbourhood for the next couple of days.

One of the best things about holidaying at The Bunyas with families is the range of walking adventures right on your doorstep. You’ll be given a map by the friendly staff at the accommodation centre when you check in. Also, every walk is conveniently signed, so you don’t need to be David Attenborough to navigate your way around.

There are a variety of walks to suit all ages and fitness levels. The scenic circuit is great for the littlies. It’s 4 ½ km long and easy walking. Festoon Falls and Pine Gorge Lookout are awe inspiring highlights that may even render your kids speechless.

If you have older kids or energiser bunnies who are up for the challenge - take the Baker Creek Circuit track. For 10km you’ll be immersed in a world of waterfalls, ancient bunya pines and birdsong.

If you happen to have ‘that’ kid (or partner for that matter), who starts off keen but loses their mojo after 3 minutes, we recommend jumping in the car for a quick 3-minute drive to the Westcott Konndaii Lookout for a walk that’s light on difficulty but still heavy on beauty.

On your return, no doubt the kids will be starving. We recommend an early dinner at The Bunyas Tavern where festoon lights, Bunya lagers, fettucine and a crackling fire place will be waiting for you. 

Day Two

AM: Kick it old school

On the last Sunday of every month you’ll be treated to the Bunya Mountain Markets. Homemade baked goods, scented soaps and unique crafts give these markets that authentic country charm. And as for the kids, they’ll be thrilled to meet Heidi, the local face painter who is famous for transforming children’s faces into actual works of art.

For an experience that is sure to become a family legend, give Allan from Bunya Horse Drawn Tours a call. He will show you the beauty of The Bunyas like only a local legend and his Clysdales can. We highly recommend the Billy Tea and Damper Tour where you will be treated to a trot into a private rainforest. Here, Allan makes Bear Grylls look like a boy scout as he uses his expert skills to start a camp fire, pop on a billy of tea and share some freshly baked damper.

On your return, head to Poppies Cafe for their famous Bunya Nut Burgers and hot chips.

PM: Secret swimming holes and the night sky at its finest

Seeing as you’re already in the area, it would be a shame to bypass one of Queensland’s best kept secrets. Coomba Falls at Maidenwell is an easy 30km drive down the road. Here, the air hums with a tranquillity that will have you saying ‘how’s the serenity’ within two minutes of arrival.

Go for a poke around and spot incredible bird life, ancient granite rock formations and waterhole. Be warned, unless you’re Wim Hoff the water is too chilly for a dip in winter - 10/10 for rock skimming enthusiasts, though.

Back in town, swing by The Maidenwell Hotel for a brew and a parmy.

For a really special treat, surprise the kids with a star gazing show at the Kingaroy Observatory, only 30 minutes north. Here, free from city lights, stars and galaxies shine in all their glory.

James Barclay has run the observatory for 18 years, but he’s loved the night sky since he was 5 years old. He tells the story of his Grandma calling him out to the deck at night to witness ‘God’s garden’.

With his incredible telescopes, extensive knowledge and genuine enthusiasm, kids will be immersed in the wonder and mystery of the worlds beyond our earth. James recommends visiting in winter as less cloud cover and rain mean ‘God’s garden’ can really come to life.

Shows start at 7 and must be booked online prior to arrival.  

Day 3

AM: Catch up with King Parrots before you go

Of course, you can’t leave The Bunyas without making friends with some King Parrots. The Bunyas bird feeding experience is a brilliant finale to your weekend. It runs in the morning and arvo and bird seed is provided. Giggles and squeals of delight can be heard as these magnificent birds have no qualms with using heads as a little resting spot. 

After a weekend of star gazing, bushwalks and adventuring, you’ll leave feeling quite different to when you arrived. Family time at The Bunyas tends to do that. It connects you- to nature, to yourself and to each other.