The winter school holidays (27 June to 12 July) are made for the mountain. Sitting 1,100m above sea level, the Bunyas are 5 to 7°C cooler than the plains, so think crisp air, morning mists and log fires at night. Here are seven ways to fill the days (and tire out the kids).
1. Chase waterfalls on the Scenic Circuit
Our most popular walk is an easy 4km loop the whole family can manage in 1 to 1.5 hours. You’ll pass Festoon Falls, Tim Shea Falls, Pine Gorge Lookout and little rocky pools along the way, then get to walk right through the giant strangler fig, where there’s a platform built into the middle (and where countless games of hide & seek have been won and lost). With over 40km of walking tracks, there’s a walk for every age and energy level.
2. Become a wildlife spotter after dark
As the sun goes down, the mountain comes alive. Grab a torch and head out spotlighting to find sugar gliders, mountain brushtail possums and tiny ringtail possums in the trees, and keep an eye out for great-barred frogs hunting insects. It’s the kind of nature show no screen can match. See more ways to explore the Bunyas.
3. Browse the Bunya Mountains Markets, Sunday 28 June
The markets land right in the middle of the holidays. Wander the stalls from 9am to 2pm for local makers, food and treats, an easy, low-key morning out for the whole family. Held the last Sunday of every month. See the markets.
4. Warm up with a Bunya nut treat at Poppies on the Hill
After a big walk, settle in at Poppies on the Hill Café for a coffee and our famous Bunya nut and carrot cake or Bunya nut scones, overlooking the rainforest while the native birds keep you company. Want to dine in tonight? Poppies can pack a ready-to-go BBQ pack with everything you need for a family cook-up back at your chalet.
5. Stargaze under a billion stars
With no city glow, the Bunyas put on a nightly star show you have to see to believe. Head to Fishers Lookout for sunset, then stay on as the horizon fades and the sky fills with stars. Watch for shooting stars and the lights twinkling from the towns far below, then it’s home to the log fire.
6. Pack your marshmallows and roast them by the fire
There’s no better way to end a crisp mountain day than gathered around the fire. Bring a bag of marshmallows, find a comfy spot by the log fire at your chalet, and let the kids toast their own. Simple, cosy and exactly what winter on the mountain is made for. Browse chalets with log fires.
7. Bring your mountain bike and take on the trails
The mountain bike trails are open and waiting. Pack the bikes and explore the Bunyas on two wheels, with trails to suit a range of abilities. It’s a great way to burn off some holiday energy and see the mountain from a different angle.
Make it a holiday to remember. With 104 holiday homes and chalets to choose from, many with log fires, there’s something for every group size and budget.