Bunya Dreaming
An annual celebration of the iconic Bunya tree
Bunya Dreaming is an annual celebration of the significance of the Bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii) in First Nations culture. A tree that has been around for 200 million years.
Local lore dictated that the tree should not be harmed in any way and for thousands of years prior to European settlement, tribes from as far away as Victoria would travel to Queensland to celebrate the Bunya harvest, until gatherings were outlawed in 1897.
Kabi Kabi Elder Aunty Beverly Hand had a vision to bring a modern interpretation of the gathering back to the Sunshine Coast, and Bunya Dreaming was formed.
Bunya Dreaming is today (as it was for generations before), a family-friendly gathering where people can learn about people’s connection to country and their links to both the physical and spiritual landscape, share food, yarns and have a great time.
Bunya Dreaming is a chance to build reciprocal relationships and develop opportunities for Reconciliation.
Activities include Bunya feasting, competitions, bushfoods, bush medicine, challenges, dance, ceremony, fire, yarning, workshops and more!
When you attend Bunya Dreaming, you are a part of something special, something real, something that occurred on country for thousands of years before our time.
We acknowledge the Kabi Kabi ancestors for their diligence to country and countrymen. If it had not been for their resilience and dedication to maintaining cultural connections it would not be possible to reclaim this cultural event for country and countrymen.
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Bunya Dreaming 2024
Bunya Dreaming for 2024 will be hosted on Saturday 27th January.
Bookings are now open via the button below!
When: Saturday 27th January 2024.
Time: Gates open at 11 am – sundown
Where: Ewan Maddock Dam, Steve Irwin Way (opposite the Big Kart Track), Landsborough, QLD.
Tickets:
- $20 adults (18 years +)
- $5 for 12-17 year olds
- Children under 12 years are free
Challenge entry: $2 donation
The event is family friendly, all generations are welcome.
Please note this is a drug and alcohol free event.
Helping make the day a success
Bunya Dreaming is 100% run by volunteers with the support of a number of businesses and community groups who also make the day a success.
There are a few things you can do to help us create a safe, stress-free time.
There will be plenty of parking available at the Landsborough train station where you can catch a shuttle bus to the event.
If you would like to enter a challenge event, a Challenge Entry Form will be available prior to the event to fill in.
Please bring your own drinking water bottle, chairs, picnic rug/mat, and pop up Marquees for shade.
We love it when people share. It’s always nice to have lots of fruit available for the little humans on a hot day and the Elders enjoy the healthy home made cakes and biscuits. We really appreciate it. Makes for a happy day.
Please note that this is a drug and alcohol free event and unfortunately dogs are not permitted.
Learn more
Gardening Australia recently covered a story on Bunya Dreaming, enjoy this short story about the gathering and learn more about what to expect on the day!
Bunya Dreaming thanks the current custodians SEQ Water for providing the venue. We’re proud of our enduring relationship with Barung Landcare in support with registrations and financial management. Maleny IGA, Nungeena, who help provide modest catering to share on the day.
Bunya Dreaming is driven 100% by volunteers. All funds raised through ticketing and donations go directly into running the annual gathering on country. We thank you for your support.
All images courtesy of Bunya Dreaming.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Yes. You can visit the Barung Landcare office at 38A Coral St Maleny and purchase a ticket over the counter. Office hours are Mon – Fri 9am – 4pm.
Bunya Dreaming is usually a sellout event. We encourage you to purchase your ticket prior to the event to avoid disappointment. Should there be tickets still available at the time of the event, we will offer the option of purchase on arrival. All announcements will be made via the Facebook page.
Due to the nature of our event we cannot offer refunds for the following:
- If you do not arrive at the event
- Change of mind or change of personal circumstance
- COVID-19 or COVID-19 related symptoms
If there is adverse weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the event organiser will be in touch with all ticketholders to communicate the options.
Yes. There will be options for public transport and shuttle bus to the venue available. More details will be updated shortly on the exact locations for these services.
To ensure we look after nature and local wildlife the best we can, pets are not permitted.
Yes. Please bring your refillable drinking bottle 🙂