Canungra, Queensland

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Canungra is a small picturesque rural township in South East Queensland, Australia. Its economy depends on tourism, being a popular destination for short drives from the Gold Coast & Brisbane. Kokoda Barracks provides a substantial permanent resident base as well as an ever-changing transient population due to the extensive ongoing training courses on offer at the Base.

Canungra is nestled in the middle of the 3 major tourist destination, Mount Tamborine, O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat in the Green Mountains, and Binna Burra.

Canungra, also called the "Valley of the Owls", is situated in the Gold Coast Hinterland, 35km west of the Gold Coast and 90km south of Brisbane. Canungra is a historic township providing the gateway to the Beaudesert Shire encompassing Mount Tamborine, Beechmont World Heritage Lamington National Park and the Scenic Rim.

Canungra owes its existence to the timber industry and once boasted one of one of the largest stands of timber in the colony. Following this era came beef cattle and dairying.

Today Canungra's population of 1000 people extends old-fashioned country hospitality to its many visitors through its eateries, wineries, accommodation and shops. The historic Lahey's Tramway Tunnel is the only existence of the past sawmilling activities in the area.

Canungra is the location of a large military establishment called the Kokoda Barracks within the Canungra Military Area.

Residents and business in Canungra get their water supply from Canungra Creek, a tributary of Albert River. The slopes around Canungra are steep and forested with some cleared farmlands and rural homes in the flatter valley areas.

[edit] Cultural References

Canungra is referenced as one of the bases used for training in the Vietnam war in Redgum's famous protest song "A Walk in the Light Green"

Nestled in the foothills of the Lamington National Park lies the magical township of Canungra. Cafes and wineries feature a feast of gourmet delights showcasing some of the best local produce the region has to offer, while paragliding and hang-gliding over the Canungra Valley highlights the spectacular scenery of this luscious region.

[edit] Tourism

Canungra is regarded as the springboard to the World Heritage Lamington National Park - O'Reilly's and Binna Burra resorts. The main access road to the O'Reilly's section of Lamington National Park is via Canungra. The township is also a meeting place for hanggliders, paragliders, birdwatchers and bushwalkers who visit the area annually to take advantage of what the Canungra Valley has to offer.

[edit] References

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