CANUNGRA Canungra is a very small town encounted when travelling the Beaudesert and Gold Coast Road. Canungra is a pretty valley town that has easy access to the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Canungra services a rich hinterland rural community. Canungra, also called the "Valley of the Owls", is situated in the Gold Coast Hinterland. The origin of the town's name comes from the Aboriginal word for small owls, "Caningera". It is widely believed that the most notable owl found in the area is the Southern Boobook Owl, which appears in various logos & symbols associated with Canungra. Canungra owes its existence to the timber industry and once boasted one of one of the largest stands of timber in the colony. By the 1940s most of the timber had been cut and sawmills were closing. Following this era there was beef cattle and dairying. Today Canungra's population of approximately 2500 people according to Scenic Rim Region offers eateries, wineries, accommodation and shops to its visitors. The historic Lahey's Tramway. Tunnel is the only existence of the past sawmilling activities in the area. Canungra’s growth is recent and there are no remaining old buildings, but the Canungra Hotel being an exception. The Canungra War Memorial is located within the townships very pretty central park. There is just this pretty Anglican Church. Whilst Canungra is a pretty town, there is no need to make the diversion. Heritage diary