Burtons Well Camping Area Bunya Mountains National Park
Escape the heat of the plains and ascend to the cool, misty paradise of the Bunya Mountains National Park, with Burtons Well Camping Area serving as your serene, high-altitude base. Located on the western side of the mountains, this scenic campground offers a quintessential bush camping experience, prioritising nature and tranquility over modern conveniences. It’s a place for true nature lovers, bushwalkers, and those seeking refuge in the crisp mountain air. The campground is nestled amongst ancient bunya pines and eucalypt forest, creating a stunning backdrop for your adventure. You’ll share the space with an abundance of native wildlife; curious red-necked wallabies are constant companions around the campsites, while colourful birdlife, including king parrots and satin bowerbirds, flit through the canopy.
As a national park campground, the facilities are basic but well-maintained, designed to minimise environmental impact. You’ll find toilets and wood-fired barbecues, but you must bring your own water and firewood. This self-sufficient style of camping is part of the appeal, encouraging a deeper connection with the pristine surroundings. Burtons Well is a walker’s delight, serving as a trailhead for several stunning walks, including the challenging trek to Mount Kiangarow, the highest point in the park. The cool climate, even in summer, makes for perfect hiking conditions. In winter, the nights can be genuinely cold, with heavy frosts creating a magical landscape at dawn – an ideal time to be huddled around a crackling campfire. Booking your campsite online in advance is essential. For an authentic and rejuvenating mountain escape, Burtons Well is an outstanding choice.
★★★★☆ (4.4 Stars)
QLD National Park Campground – Bookings are essential.
Burtons Well Camping Area
Site Information
- Location: High-altitude campground within the Bunya Mountains National Park.
- Site Suitable For: Tents. Sites can be sloping.
- Road Access: Sealed, narrow, and winding mountain road. Not recommended for large or heavy recreational vehicles.
- Site Surface: Grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, a permit is required and must be booked in advance.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check the National Parks website for current limits.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: A number of designated, unpowered sites are available.
Facilities
- Facilities: Composting toilets, wood-fired barbecues/fireplaces. No showers.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, available in day-use and camping areas.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all of your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited and unreliable. Telstra may have some service at lookouts.
- TV Reception: No.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, composting toilets.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out park. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted only in the designated fireplaces provided. Bring your own clean-milled firewood.
- Generator Use: Not permitted.
- Number of Sites Available: Booking online in advance is essential.
Visitor Information
- Essentials to Bring: All drinking water, clean-milled firewood, warm clothing (even in summer), insect repellent, and rubbish bags.
- Pet Friendly: STRICTLY NO PETS ALLOWED in National Parks.
- Fishing: No fishing within the national park.
- Short Walks: This is a primary attraction, with numerous graded walking tracks starting from or near the campground.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Bunyas Tavern (on the mountain, approx. 12 km)
- Maidenwell Hotel (at the base of the mountains, approx. 40 km)
- Club Hotel, Kumbia (approx. 40 km)
- Places to Eat:
- Poppies on the Hill Cafe (on the mountain, approx. 12 km)
- The Bunyas Restaurant (on the mountain, approx. 12 km)
- Local Attractions:
- Bunya Mountains walking tracks (direct access)
- Wildlife viewing (wallabies, pademelons, birds)
- Bunya Mountains Scenic Drive
- Local arts, crafts, and produce stalls (seasonal)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- The main accommodation area on the mountain offers chalets and units, but no caravan park (approx. 12 km).
- Nearest parks are in surrounding towns like Dalby or Nanango (approx. 60 km).
- Next Free Camps:
- Limited options nearby. Maidenwell Rec Reserve (donation, approx. 40 km).
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Dalby, Nanango, or Kingaroy (all approx. 60-70 km).
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- There is no petrol available on the mountain. The nearest stations are in Maidenwell, Kumbia, or Bell (all approx. 40-50 km). Arrive with a full tank.
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Not available in the national park. You must bring your own.
- Nearest Public Toilets:
- Available on-site at the campground and at other day-use areas in the park.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Bunya Mountains
- Autumn/Winter (April – September): The days are crisp, clear, and cool to mild, perfect for walking. Nights are cold, with frequent frosts and ideal conditions for campfires.
- Spring/Summer (October – March): The weather is pleasantly warm and much cooler than the surrounding plains. This is the wet season, so expect a higher chance of rain, mist, and afternoon storms, which keep the rainforest vibrant.