You’re going to the Bunya Mountains – South-East Queensland’s hidden gem set atop a lushly rainforested mountain soaring over 1,100 metres above sea level. You’re in for a great holiday, as the Bunya Mountains is a beautiful and scenic destination boasting glorious views, delightful scenery, waterfalls and rock pools, rainforest walks and friendly native wildlife galore.
There’s plenty of homestyle accommodation available through the Bunya Mountains Accommodation Centre, and you can choose from over 100 different houses, units and chalets to stay in while you’re there. Temperatures at the Bunya Mountains are around 5 – 7 degrees cooler than the surrounding plains, and there are some specific features of the Bunya Mountains that you’ll need to consider when preparing for your holiday. Aside from your personal items, here’s what you’ll need to pack to get the most out of your Bunya Mountains visit.
Consider the climate and pack for cool weather
In this high elevation the temperatures can get quite cool, even in summer, and especially once the sun goes down. Bring warm clothes all year round in case you need to layer, and in winter make sure you pack puffer jackets, thermal layers, gloves, beanies, scarves and warm socks – because you’ll need them! Always have a warm jumper around just in case, even in summer.
Wi-Fi reception is limited
Wi-Fi reception at the Bunya Mountains is limited, and none of the Bunya Mountains Accommodation Centre houses supply wi-fi (you will need to use your own phone data). As well, mobile reception can be patchy depending on where you are. You’ll get the best reception at JS Fisher’s Lookout, and any nearby properties. So, if you’re coming up for a family vacation, group holiday or need entertainment, you’ll need to bring your own activities, equipment and entertainment items.
While some houses supply books, DVDs or games, it’s wise to bring your own supply so that you’re sure of having appropriate activities to keep everyone entertained and happy. Most properties come with DVD players and TVs, so pack some DVDs that everyone will want to watch. Dust off some board games and the pack of cards, bring along some sporting equipment such as footballs, frisbees or volleyballs, and put in a supply of good books to read while curled up in front of the fire or sitting on your property’s deck.
Pack firestarters
Almost all Bunya Mountains Accommodation properties come with a log fire or wood heater, but you’ll need to bring your own firestarters. Pack a supply of matches or lighters and perhaps something to use as kindling, to help get the hardwood logs that are supplied for your fire going.
BYO food and supplies
All of the Bunya Mountains Accommodation Centre properties are self-catering, so you’ll need to bring along everything you need for a holiday. That includes all your food and beverages, including tea, coffee, milk, sugar, salt and pepper, cooking oil etc. You should also bring extra toilet paper, dishwashing tablets, garbage bags, washing up liquid and laundry power if you’re planning on doing any washing, as there will only be a limited supply of these in your property.
Your property will supply crockery, cutlery, pots, pans and basic cooking equipment, a kettle, toaster, microwave, TV, and all household furniture, so you don’t need to worry about bringing any of these. You can also buy food at the General Store and meals and snacks at Poppies on the Hill Café.
BYO linen
Some Bunya Mountains Accommodation Centre properties supply linen for your use, and some also come with beds already made up (this will be listed on the website). However, most don’t, and you’ll need to bring all your own linen, including sheets, towels, pillowcases, bathmats, tea towels and hand towels. However, doonahs and covers, extra blankets and pillows are all supplied in the houses.
Fill up before you come up
There is nowhere to buy petrol or fuel on the mountain, so you’ll need to fill up before you come up, especially if you’re planning on doing a bit of driving. The nearest fuel is around 30km away at the small townships of Kumbia or Maidenwell.
Plan for activities
The Bunya Mountains offers plenty of outdoors activities to partake in, so plan ahead and bring along equipment to help you enjoy these. Bring torches to go spotlighting for nocturnal animals at night, water bottles and backpacks if you plan on going for long hikes and binoculars if you want to do a spot of birdwatching. Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen either – as you can still get sunburnt even in a cool climate.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery
Don’t forget your camera if you’re a photography buff, as you’re sure to get some amazing photos in this beautiful wilderness destination.
First aid considerations
You’ll occasionally come across ticks or stinging nettles at the Bunya Mountains, so bring along some tea tree oil or Pyrethrin in case of a tick bite, or some Stingose for the stinging nettles.
Once you’ve got your packing done, all you need to do is relax and enjoy your Bunya Mountains holiday once you arrive! Choose your holiday accommodation here: