The Great Bunya Drive

Toowoomba to Bunya Mountains

Toowoomba to Bunya Mountains 2 hours | 147 KM

From Brisbane, head to the vibrant city of Toowoomba to begin your journey. Take some time to explore the city, there’s a lot on offer from the spectacular views at Picnic Point to the fascinating displays and workshops at Cobb+Co Museum. From Toowoomba, follow the Warrego Highway west through Oakey, Jondaryan and Dalby- stop off at the Australian Army Flying Museum, the Woolshed at Jondaryan or the Dalby Pioneer Museum.

Make your way North via Jimbour where you can view the historic-listed Jimbour House; then head onwards through the picturesque country township of Bell.From Bell, make your way to Bunya Mountains National Park, Queensland’s second oldest National Park. This natural wonderland was formed about 30 million years go and shelters the largest stand of ancient bunya pines in the world today. The Bunya Mountains is a mix of moist rainforest, grasslands, open forests and woodlands and is home to distinct plant and animal communities, with over 30 rare and threatened species. There are many accommodation options for an extended stay, welcoming cafes and a fine dining experience on offer.

Bunya Mountains to Kingaroy

Bunya Mountains to Kingaroy 1 hr 16 min | 86 KM

From the Bunya Mountains National Park head towards Australia’s peanut capital Kingaroy. Once in Kingaroy you can stock up on your favourite flavoured peanuts at the famous Peanut Van. If art and culture is your thing then head to the Kingaroy Regional Art Gallery and Kingaroy Heritage Museum. If you’re a foodie at heart then checkout the Kingaroy Visitor Information Centre for locally produced goodies like oils, capers, fudge, jams and chutneys and so much more.

Kingaroy also has a wide variety of accommodation options ranging from motels through to self-contained cabins. And if you’re hungry then you have the choice of fast food outlets through to al-a-carte style restaurants.

Kingaroy to Murgon

Kingaroy to Murgon 35 min | 44.8 KM

After visiting Mount Wooroolin in Kingaroy to see the sun raise it’s time to continue north to Murgon. Along the way you’ll notice more farming land where crops like peanuts, maize (corn), sorghum, Duboisia and you’ll also see a couple Paulownia plantations.

Stop in at Memerambi’s famous Stop Shop for a ice cream or to see their range of local goodies. As you travel along the Bunya highway into the village of Wooroolin, the wetlands come into view. The wetlands are a perfect spot for birdwatchers.

From Wooroolin you’ll pass through Tingoora which is Aboriginal for “many wattle trees”. Tingoora is synonymous with the Tinny Pub which is a good spot for lunch or a cold drink, before heading into Wondai.

Wondai was traditionally a dairy and timber area. While in Wondai take a look around at the Wondai Regional Art Gallery, Wondai Heritage Museum and the South Burnett Timber Museum which is also home to the Wondai Visitor Information Centre.

Just up the road is Murgon, which was another dairy area in its time.

Murgon to Gympie

Murgon to Gympie 1hr 8mins | 93.1 kms

On your way out of Murgon swing by the Bjelke Petersen Dam, one of two dams in the South Burnet area. Also in that same area is a number of South Burnett wineries. Choose between Verdelho, Merlot, Chardonnay or Shiraz varieties.

From Murgon continue along the Bunya highway till you get to the Burnett highway turnoff. Taking a left onto the Burnett highway and heading into the town of Goomeri. Famous for it’s Goomeri Pumpkin festival being the last Sunday in May. Call into the Goomeri bakery for a cuppa and sweet or savoury snack before continuing along the Wide Bay highway into another small town of Kilkivan. The town of Kilkivan is home to the Great Kilkivan Horse Ride and the Kilkivan Historial Museum.

Travel along the Wide Bay highway till you get to the Bruce Highway. Turn right onto the Bruce Highway which will take into the town of Gympie, known for it’s gold mining history.