Bunya Mountains - Historic Bunya Mountains

The European history of the Bunya Mountains began in earnest in 1878 when the entire mountain was opened up for selection. Sawmillers arrived to log red cedar ( Toona australis), a valuable timber species which had virtually been cut out in other areas closer to settlements. Aborigines were still attending the bonye bonye feasts at this time, but soon stopped. Early logging operations were very hazardous because the bunya pine was regarded as being sacred. Many stories are told of unfortunate timber cutters who were beaten to death by Aborigines who were infuriated because in felling a tree a bunya pine had been damaged. Soon the Aborigines were gone and the way was open for the bunya pine to be logged. On 30 July 1908 however, the first section of Bunya Mountains National Parks was declared. This was the second national park declaration to be made in Queensland. Since that time further areas have been added to the park to bring it to its present size. These days Tourism is an important part of the Bunya Mountains.