Loop Around The Bunya Mountains (282 km)
Last Updated March 2004
Description
This ride starts in Yarraman and loops around the southern end of
the Bunya Mountains, it then loops back on the northern end and
passes through Kingaroy and Nanango. The southern crossing of the
Great Divide is easy and the only method of determining the top
is the sign giving the altitude. The northern return crossing
is a little harder, but is not very difficult. The route described
has 8 km of gravel road. This can be easily by-passed on an
alternative route which is of approximately equal distance and
is easier. Although, some of the route is on the Bunya and the
New England highways, it is usually reasonably traffic free.
The degree of difficulty depends on the daily distances travelled.
There are no major climbs, and if Maclagan is used for camping,
the daily distances can be short. By modifying the route, it
can be ridden as a hard ride.
Towns Enroute
Yarraman
A mid sized town with most facilities except banks. It has a van park,
motel and hotels for accommodation.
Cooyar
A small township with hotel and a small general store which sells
takeaway food. Beside the shop is a covered rest area which has a
rain water tank.
Maclagan
A small township with a very small general store. It also has
a winery, (Rimfire Winery) which produces good wines. The winery
has a cafe attached which sells snack food with a wine theme.
Have you ever tasted Shiraz ice cream? In the township is a
community hall. After having gained permission from the shop,
I have camped behind it. There are rain water tanks, toilets and
a covered picnic table. The lawn is well kept and it is a good
camping site.
Quinlow
Quinlow consists of a few houses, a hotel and a general store which is
often shut or closed down. Basic meals can be obtained from the hotel.
Beside the store, is a caravan park which has been condemned. It is
subject to flooding and has cold water showers. Free camping is
permitted, on request from the owner who lives in an adjacent house.
Quinlow is only three km from Maclagan. Personally, I prefer to camp
at Maclagan and visit the winery.
Kaimkillenbun
Usually called The Bun. It is a small township with a
very small general store, a hotel and a caravan park. The hotel
serves meals by prior arrangement. The township is small and
friendly.
Bell
A small town with a hotel, caravan park, good general store,
butcher, and an coffee shop. Meals can be obtained from the
general store. The caravan park has a covered electric barbecue
and picnic table.
Kumbia
A small town with a hotel, general store and a community run camping
area. The camping area has hot showers. The hotel serves meals.
Kingaroy
A large town with all facilities, including banks. It has at least
three caravan parks. The show ground caravan park is the most
convenient for access to the CBD, but is poorly run.
Nanango
A mid sized town with most facilities including banks. It has a
caravan park. From a cycling viewpoint, it is good as it is
small enough for traffic not to be a problem, but large enough
to have most facilities.
Dalby
Dalby is approximately 9 km off the described route. However, it
could easily be incorporated into the trip. It is a large town
with all facilities including banks and a caravan park.
Scenery
The Palms National Park is on the route. It is a very small park
with a short walk through Piccabean palm trees. The picnic
area is attractive. From Yarraman to Cooyar, the main land use
is beef cattle grazing. After the Dividing Range is crossed,
grain growing becomes the predominant land use.
Getting There
By Bike:
This can be ridden as a side trip off the route from Sydney to the
north.
By Car:
Yarraman is located on the Brisbane Valley Highway. It is
approximately 3 hours drive from Brisbane.
Alternatives
The possibilities are almost endless. A suggested itinerary is to
have overnight stops at Maclagan, Bell and Kingaroy. However,
there are many other options, including visiting Dalby, camping
in Kumbia and then riding up the Bunya Mountains, stopping at
Nanango, etc. If the Bunya mountains are included. There are
camping grounds in the National Park. It is advisable to book
in advance. Private lodge style accommodation is
available adjacent to the National Park. The climb from
Kumbia up the mountain is difficult, but is the most accessible
route for a bicycle.
Cue Sheet and Map
Cue Sheet
Map