BEAUTIFUL BUNYAS

One of the best scenic drives in south-east Queensland is the Great Bunya Drive between Gympie and Toowoomba. As it meanders 390km among the red-soil farmlands and lush grazing pastures of the South Burnett and Darling Downs, travellers are guided by small brown signs bearing the unmistakable outline of a bunya pine, emblematic of the regions’ principal natural attraction, the Bunya Mountains.

The mountains are seen from far away as a great green island rising above the surrounding countryside, looming ever larger after passing through Kingaroy from the north and Dalby in the south. Suddenly, you’re in the foothills and the road begins the ‘climb into the clouds’. All main access roads are sealed, and the ascent should present no difficulty for most vehicles, but caution should be exercised, especially if towing caravans or camper trailers. Use your discretion and take it