Bunya Mountains Drive continues:

Picturesque Bell, with a population of 300, is nestled in the foothills of the Bunya Mountains. This quaint town is a showcase of traditional country crafts and activities - horse race meetings, agricultural show, rodeo and campdraft competitions. Visit Cowbelles for patchwork, craft workshops and good coffee whilst a delicious devonshire tea and crafts can be found at the Tourist Information Centre (open 9am to 5pm Wednesday, Friday - Sunday).

For train buffs, the Bell Railway Heritage Park houses 1172, one of the first Queensland Rail model diesel locomotives, restored section cars and a vintage passenger railer as well as a large mural which is seen from the road on the way in from Jimbour. The distinctly country and rural appearance is enhanced by the unique bottle trees and a panorama of farming properties and mountains. Native to Queensland, the bottle tree has a unique 'bottle like' swollen trunk which grows to 12 metres.

Take the Kingaroy Road on your way to Bunya Mountains Environmental Park. Experience this magnificent pristine rainforest featuring ancient bunya pines, identified by their uniform conical shape. Over 18 months their seed cones develop and fall to the ground annually from January to March. The cones are round, and weigh up to 10kg and contain 120 nuts in individual shells. The nuts are delicious roasted in an open fire and are similar in taste to a potato.

View Publications at left for detailed information on walks, wildlife and history of the park.

Relax with a BBQ or picnic at the Dandabah picnic area and view the colourful King Parrots, Crimson Rosellas and Currawongs, not to mention the many wallabies. If you'd rather not BYO, the Bunya Forest Gallery & Tearoom is a lovely place to linger amongst the showcase of work by local artists including metal sculpture, silver jewellery, paintings, woodwork and textile. Enjoy handmade sensations such as bushfood biscuits and cakes, or a light lunch featuring the unique flavours of the Australian bush. Specialising in the development of products and recipes featuring Australian bushfoods, a range of raw ingredients including bunya nuts, wattleseed and wild limes are available to add to your own dining experience. Interpretive rainforest walks can be scheduled to suit your holiday plans.

Cider Gum Café is open daily from 10 am-5pm whilst the Cider Gum Restaurant is open from 6pm nightly (closed Tuesdays) - bookings essential.

Tour private rainforest in a Clydesdale drawn wagon with Bunya Mts Horse Drawn Tours and enjoy the simple pleasure of billy tea and damper and roasted bunya nuts around an open fire. Weekends and school holidays, group bookings available during the week. If you wish to stay longer, there are camping grounds, chalets and units available.      [Next Page]