Bunya Mountains

The range rise to an average elevation of 975 metres however the two tallest mountains on the range, Mount Kiangarow and Mount Mowbullan, rise to about 1,100m. The mountains are covered with ancient conifer rainforest that co-exist with a number of other unique natural features - 'balds' (open grasslands), vine, and sclerophyll forests.

Parts of the forest were once logged for various timbers including red cedar, bunya pine and hoop pine. However, most of the peaks are completely uncleared and covered in forest as the range was too steep for early timber clearers.

Tourist attraction

The area is protected under the Bunya Mountains National Park, the state's second oldest National Park being established in 1908. There are many picnic spots, walking tracks, lookouts and a few camping grounds on the range, as well as a variety of cottage and group accommodation for families, groups of friends and school camps. Along the walking tracks, which lead to lookouts that offer views of the surrounding countryside, fauna such as ferns and staghorns as well as the unique Bunya Pine can be seen. Waterfalls add to the scenic beauty.In the small patches of cleared land that are used by tourists, colourful birds such as King Parrots and Rosellas can be seen. Fauna such as Wallabies, Scrub Turkeys, Koalas, Echidnas and Possums may be seen. The unique Bunya Pine is known for its Bunya nuts which were a favoured food of local aborigines.

ee also

*Main Range
*List of mountains in Australia

External links

* [http://enc.slq.qld.gov.au/logicrouter/servlet/LogicRouter?PAGE=object&OUTPUTXSL=object_enc36ui.xslt&pm_RC=REPOMODS01&pm_OI=110&pm_GT=Y&pm_IAC=Y&api_1=GET_OBJECT_XML&num_result=1 Video: The Bunya Mountains] - a digital story created by Matthew Day as part of a partnership project between Riverfestival, the State Library of Queensland and Education Queensland. Held by the State library of Queenland (4 minutes; Windows Media player, RealPlayer)

References

* Bunya Mountains Information Center