Bunya Mountains, Day 1: Getting There

Getting there involved leaving a humid 42 degree Suburban Ipswich and travelling North-West through an array of old country towns, barren fields and green pastures to arrive two and a half hours later at Mowbullan amongst the ever-scenic Bunya Mountains.

As we climbed the mountain road, walled by a rainforest archway, the scenery became visibly greener as the air grew cooler and crisper with every corner we rounded. Travelling along these thin mountain roads involves being on constant alert as rainforest creatures, such as wallabies, frequent the path and can be seen dwelling alongside the roads.

Upon arrival at the small settlement of Mountain Chalets, the contrast between the drab city and this green paradise is most apparent. Rather than cement, bitumen, neon lights and a-frame signs, the landscape is strewn with wild life, tropical rainforests and lush green grass; rather than sounds of vehicle engines, construction and the buzz of city life, all that can be heard is the sound of birds calling and the wind blowing through the abundance of trees. Though there is no smog, many of the chalets have smoke billowing from their chimneys as the crisp air often calls for the fire place to be lit.