There are over 40km of walking tracks at the Bunya Mountains (in the National Park and Russell Park) so there is a track to suit everyone depending how far you’d like to go and what sights you’d like to see. Grab a trail map from our office, the national park office or download one here, grab your hat, sunscreen, camera, water bottles and sandwiches and off you go!

Walking TrackDistanceWalking Time
All track distances at measured as return distances to their starting point unless otherwise indicated
1. Bunya Bunya Track500m10min
2. Scenic Circuit4km1-1.5 hours
3. Barker Creek Circuit10km3-4 hours
4. Barker Creek Lookout / Tree Identification Walk5.4km2 hours (from Paradise)
5. Paradise to Westcott / Westcliff Track3.2km + 1.5km return by road2-3 hours
6. Koondaii Circuit2.5km1 hour
7. Westcott to Cherry Plain4.8km + 1.8km return by road3-4 hours
8. Cherry Plain to Burtons Well6km + 2.4km return by road3- 4 hours
9. Mt Kiangarow Track2.3km1 hour

Bunya Bunya Track – An easy stroll that takes you from the back of the Dandabah camping area over Saddletree Creek to the picnic area. Many of the trees are named and the satin bowerbird nest is a must see.

Scenic Circuit Track – This is the most popular track as it incorporates Festoon Falls, Pine Gorge lookout (see the grasstrees along the ridge and breathtaking views down to Kingaroy and Tarong Power station), Tim Shea Falls and many little rocky pools. Walking through the strangler fig tree is an added bonus.

Barker Creek Circuit – You can start this track either from Dandabah picnic area or Paradise Falls car park. This track includes Paradise Falls, Little Falls and the Big Falls 122m drop (most spectacular after heavy rain) before it links in with the Scenic Circuit Track. Choose to add an extra 1.5km (750m each way) to take in the Big Falls Lookout and Barkers Creek gorge. For an extra 1km (approx.) choose the alternate Pine Gorge Lookout and Festoon Falls route instead of the shorter Tim Shea Falls leg of the scenic circuit. Either way – take a picnic lunch and your water bottles and enjoy this outstanding walk. Barker Creek Lookout – Cut out the scenic circuit leg to enjoy Paradise Falls, Little Falls, Big Falls (and the grassy balds around Big Falls) to culminate in the Big Falls and Barkers Creek lookouts.

Westcliff Track – Start either from Dandabah picnic area or Westcott camping area and follow the cliff line on the mountains’ western side while taking in the spectacular views over the Darling Downs. Enjoy the mountains’ diverse vegetation types from lush rainforests to grassy balds to open Eucalypt forests with a grasstree understory.

Koondaii Circuit Lookout – From Westcott we recommend taking the left hand fork (to better appreciate the views as you are facing it) looking out over Koondaii valley. Can you see the township of Bell behind the hill to the right? Enjoy walking back through the rainforest to Westcott once again. This is a relatively easy but stunning walk that will give you a taste of the Western aspects of Bunya Mountains.

Westcott Plain Track – Enjoy the stunning valley views as you meander along the cliff face between Westcott camping area and Cherry Plains car park. The Cherry Plains lookout is spectacular. In September/October keep an eye out for flowing King Orchids with their bright yellow flowers clinging tightly to the cliff faces.

Cherry Plain Track – We recommend starting from Cherry Plains and wandering along the cliff faces and through the Bunya forests to Burtons Well – a gradual uphill climb. You can leave a car at either end for an easy lift home or else walk back mostly downhill to get back to Cherry Plains. As with the Westcott Plains Track, try and see the bright yellow flowing King Orchids in September/October.

Mt Kiangarow Track – Cross the road from Burtons Well Camping Ground to begin this spectacular walk. Enjoy the rainforest, views to the north, south and west and sit among the grasstrees at the highest point on the mountain (1,135m). This is an excellent vantage point for horizon sunsets or just seeing the difference of the Western aspect of the Bunya Mountains.

Russell Park Walking Tracks

Walking TrackDistanceWalking Time
All track distances at measured as return distances to their starting point unless otherwise indicated
1. Carbines Chute2km45min-1 hour
2. Picnic Area to Chute No. 33.4km1-1.5 hours
3. Fishers Lookout to Cunjevoi Falls4.2km2 hours
4. Picnic Area to Fishers Lookout Circuit Track3.4km + 720m return by road2-2.5 hours

Carbines Chute – A nice easy walk that starts at Munro’s camp and strolls through the picturesque and peaceful rainforest (with some stray palm trees in the gully) to emerge at a bald spur. A plaque commemorates Carbines Chute where, for over 100 years, logs were rolled down the mountain to be taken to sawmills at the bottom. Toilets are provided at the start of the track, as it drinking water from the W.A. Russell fountain.

Picnic Area to Chute No. 3 – Park in the picnic area below Mowbullan guest house and follow the walking track sign down to the chute. You will travel through rainforests, forests and grassy balds. It is a steady climb from Chute No. 3 back to the picnic area.

Fishers Lookout to Cunjevoi Falls – Walk steeply downhill through the rainforest, cross over gullies and come out into forest country. Follow the signs to beautiful Cunjevoi Falls – a very pretty and serene spot that gives you (limited by trees) a lovely view over the valleys below. Spot the hoop pines on the far ridge – can you tell the difference between Hoop Pines and Bunya Pines? It is a steady uphill walk back up to Fishers Lookout with a couple of more challenging hills.

Picnic Area to Fishers Lookout Circuit Track – Add in Chute No. 3 and return for a total walk of 6.4km. We recommend leaving your car at Fishers Lookout and walk down the road to begin your walk in the picnic area below Mowbullan guest house. It is always nice knowing your car is waiting for you once you’ve climbed back up the mountain! This walk is spectacular but not for the faint hearted as it has some very challenging hills. It includes walks no. 11 and 12 with the linking track climbing over Little Mowbullan (931m) and the bald areas. Look out for the side track near the summit of Little Mowbullan that leads to a secret rocky seat where you can catch your breath and enjoy the stunning views over the southern plains.