We can finally reveal the destination of this year's Christmas in July Qld adventure - The Bunya Mountains!!
Join Caron and Kat this winter for a Christmas in July escape to the picturesque Bunya Mountains National Park, where pristine rainforest and ancient bunya pines await.
Relax by the fire in our cosy, self-contained chalet, breathe in stunning views and explore the many rainforest walks. You'll also have the chance to hand feed King Parrots and Crimson Rosellas and delight in close encounters with native wildlife. There is something magical about the Bunya Mountains that encourages you to relax.
The Bunya Mountains held great significance for First Nations people, and bunya festivals were an important cultural tradition - sharing knowledge and connecting people to each other and with their land. Adventurous Women acknowledges the ongoing connection Aboriginal people have with this special place, and asks that you treat the area with care and respect.
There's magic in the mountains, but there's serious magic in the Bunya Mountains! Come join us!
Our AW Christmas adventure departs this morning from Brisbane at 8:00am sharp. We will have a stop up on the ranges at the Toowoomba Lookout at
around 9:30am for morning tea (provided) and is an opportunity for a toilet stop and leg stretch.
It takes just over 90 minutes to arrive at our next stop, Cooyar, where we will visit The Muntapa Tunnel. Here we will have the opportunity to wander into the tunnel (approx 1 km return). The Tunnel is 287m in length making it Queensland's longest straight railway tunnel. Located 640m above sea level, it's the only tunnel that crossed between the inland and coastal sides of the Great Dividing Range, and the only one that crossed the Range summit. While we cannot pass through the tunnel we can venture 30m into the space to see if we can spot the existing colony of bent winged bats. This is an ideal location to have lunch (not provided) and using the facilities available.
An hour down the road to our accommodation for the weekend - Mai Lodge, in the heart of the Bunya Mountains Village!
Take the afternoon to unpack and explore our mountain village, your home away from home for the next 3 days. Remember to top up the bird feeders so we can enjoy a visit from the local birds. We recommend an afternoon tea on the grassy slopes of the popular Poppies on the Hill Cafe. Try some of their Carrot & Bunya Nut Cake, Banana & Bunya Nut Bread or Bunya Nut Scones, also keep an eye out for wildlife that call this area home wallabies & countless native birds.
We will meet in the afternoon at 4:00pm to head out for our first hike, sunset on Mt Kiangarow at 5:21pm. Mt Kiangarow is a 2.5km return Grade 2 Walk, don't forget your head torch! We will sit watching the sunset over the downs sharing a glass of bubbles and nibbles. Then it's back to the bus and home to enjoy a warm fire and a light dinner prepared by your leaders. Head out after dinner for some star-gazing if the weather allows.
Meals: Dinner
Help yourself to a continental breakfast this morning in our lodge - it will be laid out for you with coffee and tea. Please be ready to depart for today's walk at 8:00am - hiking boots/shoes, day pack, water (minimum 2 litres), a head torch and light jacket. Grab a frozen juice box, lunch and a selection of snacks and fruit for the walk ahead.
Today's walk is an 11.5km circuit taking in the eastern section of the Bunya's (approx 4 - 5 hours incl breaks (moderate to hard, grade 3). This trail offers up side trips which will take you to see Festoon Falls, Barker and Pine Gorge Lookouts. Rainforest, grassy knolls and woodlands will be our flora for today, along with the majestic Bunya Pines.
This afternoon we have organised Whisky Tasting (included) in Australia's highest Whisky Bar, Shackleton's. From here we will head to dinner at a nearby Restaurant to celebrate Christmas in July. Remember to wear your Christmas outfit, there will be a prize for the most interesting.
After dinner we will stroll back up the hill to our lodge to enjoy Secret Santa, dessert, fruit mince pies with coffee & tea available.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up slowly this morning with a leisurely continental breakfast ,or perhaps enjoy an early morning nature walk before breakfast. After breakfast it's time to pack our bags, check out of our accommodation and head to the western side of the Bunya Mountains around 9:30am.
Today's walk is Westcott to Cherry Plains, 5km (approx 2 hours of moderate walking) This track travels through rainforest as well as eucalypt forest and includes a short side track to the Koondaii lookout. Marvel at the expansive views out to the west over the plains below. Your bus will be waiting for you at the end of the walk at Cherry Plains.
We then head for a well earned lunch of pizza and wine tasting at one of the many wineries nearby. Enjoy a sleepy afternoon road trip while a leader drives you back to Brisbane. Estimated arrival time is 5:30pm.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Two Adventurous Women Leaders who will drive, cook & care for you
Transport in comfortable 12 seater mini bus with luggage trailer
All meals indicated on the itinerary
Champagne Sunset & Whisky Tasting
2 Nights Comfortable Accommodation Mai Lodge - Bunya Mountains
Queensland Commercial Operator's Licence / Permits
20 Million Public Liability Insurance
Photo's of your experience
2 Dinners
2 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
Items of a personal nature
Alcoholic Beverages
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Any additional purchases
- Closer to departure information on what to bring will be provided
Notice of cancellation must be in writing, with an email as an acceptable form of communication, directly to Adventurous Women with the following conditions:
No refund is available after departure of a tour has commenced.
