Boonah (including Aratula and Cunningham's Gap)
Attractive town in the heart of a prosperous agricultural area.
Located 84 km south-west of Brisbane and 100 m above sea-level, Boonah is known as 'The Heart of the Fassifern'. It is a very pretty little town with lots of timber houses. Surrounded by hills it was established in 1882 as a service centre for the surrounding farms. The area produces vegetables for the nearby Brisbane markets (notably carrots and potatoes), cereal crops, beef, pork and timber.

The larger Boonah Shire covers an area of 1904 square kilometres and has an estimated total population of 8,000.

Originally known, rather unromantically, as the Goolman Division Board, the name was changed in 1937. Boonah, an Anglicised version of the Aboriginal word 'buna', supposedly means bloodwood tree.

Nearby Lake Moogerah is a popular haunt for boating enthusiasts and waterskiers.

Things to see:  

Templin Historical Museum
On the Boonah-Fassifern Road (between Boonah and the Cunningham Highway, 3 km out of town) is the excellent Templin Historical Museum. A typical Queensland folk museum it contains, spread over a large number of buildings, an interesting collection of artefacts and memorabilia which chronicle the history of the local area, tel: (07) 5463 1970.

Mt French National Park
The Boonah Shire has a number of interesting national parks where bushwalking is possible. There is Mount French National Park near the town. The climb to the top of Mount French is rewarded by excellent panoramic views over the Fassifern Valley. It is part of the 676-hectare Moogerah Peaks National Park which includes a number of volcanic peaks and rocky cliffs to the west of the town. Mt Moon, Mt Edwards and Mt Greville are the more isolated areas of the park and are suitable for experienced bushwalkers.

Main Range National Park
To the west lies the Main Range National Park with its famous Cunningham's Gap. The European discovery of the gap was made, not surprisingly, by Allan Cunningham who saw it in 1827 while exploring the Darling Downs. He believed it would facilitate access between the downs and Moreton Bay and later made this very journey to prove his point. For more information ring (07) 4639 4599.

Boys Town
Situated in the area is Boys Town. This famous home for boys is a totally self-contained village. It is well worth a visit. It has its own mayor and town council and can be inspected by arrangement, tel: (07) 5541 1511.

Lake Moogerah
Lake Moogerah is a popular with boating enthusiasts and waterskiers.

	Tourist Information
	Boonah Shire Visitor Information Centre Fassifern Rd Boonah QLD 4310 Telephone: (07) 5463 2233
	Motels
	Boonah Motel 1 Mt Carmel Rd Boonah QLD 4310 Telephone: (07) 5463 1944 Rating: **
	Hotels
	Commercial Hotel High St Boonah QLD 4310 Telephone: (07) 5463 1024
	Dugandan Hotel Coochin Rd Boonah QLD 4310 Telephone: (07) 5463 1048
	Simon's Tavern 88 High St Boonah QLD 4310 Telephone: (07) 5463 1007
	Caravan Parks
	Lake Moogerah Caravan Park Lake Moogerah Boonah QLD 4310 Telephone: (07) 5463 0141
	Restaurants
	Aratula Hotel /Motel Cunningham Hwy Boonah QLD 4310 Telephone: (07) 5463 8100
	Boonah Chinese Restaurant 41 High St Boonah QLD 4310 Telephone: (07) 5463 2807
	Commercial Hotel High St Boonah QLD 4310 Telephone: (07) 5463 1024
	Dugandan Hotel Coochin Rd Boonah QLD 4310 Telephone: (07) 5463 1048