Wildlife Spotting in the Bunya's

by Tracie Louise (subscribe)

If you love wildlife, but prefer to see your feathers and fur not in cages, then a trip to the Bunya Mountain National Park. Located just 45 minutes from Kingaroy, an hour and half from Toowoomba might be just the ticket. The Bunya Mountain ranges have so much to offer the day tripper and holiday maker alike.
But my favourite thing to do in the Bunya's is go wildlife spotting. And believe me, it doesn't take long. The main entry road into the National Parks picnic area, is very often dotted with kangaroos and wallabies grazing on the front lawns of holiday houses or just enjoying the sunshine. Whilst a little shy, if you take your time and pose no immediate threat you can get quite close and some wonderful photo opportunities are possible.

It doesn't stop at mammals of course, the abundant bird life in the Bunya's never fails to delight both young and old. With 121 recorded species on the mountain it might take some time to spot them all. A faster way is to join in at feeding time. The Cedar Gum Cafe offers daily outdoor feedings at 9.15am and again at 3.30pm. A tray of seed can be purchased for $4 if you want to be right in the thick of the action. Many species take advantage of the free meal from the spectacularly bright King Parrot to colourful tiny finches. Lorikeets and crimson rosellas, and even a cheeky magpie or two. A must experience for every child.

An abundance of walking trails stretching from rainforest to grasslands, offers the chance to see wildlife in their natural setting. Frogs and reptiles can be spotted at waters edge of the meandering creeks and waterfalls. Huge tadpoles of the great barred frog can be seen. Rare and threatened species inhabit the park including sooty owls, black-breasted button quail, a species of skink and even a few mammals. On one side of the mountain trails the rainforest suddenly gives way to good old fashion Aussie bushland with a view over the South Burnett to die for and more butterflies than I have ever seen in the wild. The wild flower covered hillside providing for their every need, they seemed to be unending in size and colour and were more than happy to pose for a picture.

The constant cry of the Bower bird accompanies you as wander the tracks and trails. I do recommend though if wildlife spotting in their natural habitat or trying to capture a photo or two is your aim, it would be best not to go in the more popular times of the day. Seeing them in the wild requires a certain degree of stealth and on more than one occasion I had a critter in sight only to watch it flee as another group of hikers passed by.

Whilst the walking trails offer endless possibilities for wildlife spotting, don't worry if you are not energetically inclined. There are so many birds and animals to see right in the parks main picnic area, and if you forget to pack a picnic there's a cafe and restaurant on hand as well.

If you are planning on staying more than one day, information on accommodation and many more things to do can be found here.

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Why? Get face to face with something furry

When: Open 24 hours a day, Information Centre 2pm to 4pm weekdays

Website: www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/bunya-mountains/index.html

Where: Dandabah Bunya Mountain Road, Bunya Mountains, Queensland

Cost: Free