Destination focus: Bundaberg
History, turtles, the Great Barrier Reef and, of course, rum – there’s plenty to love about Bundaberg.
See
The Mon Repos Regional Park, just east of Bundaberg, is one of the most important turtle hatching sites in the country. Between November and March you can join a nightly tour to look for green, flatback and endangered loggerhead turtles nesting and hatching on a small beach. In January you can be lucky and see the tiny baby turtles making their way from the nest to the ocean.
In the town of Bundaberg itself, the Hinkler Hall of Aviation in the Botanic Gardens brings the achievements of Australian pioneer solo aviator Bert Hinkler to life. Then visit the heritage listed Fairymead House & Sugar History Museum to learn about the sugar industry that the town is built on.
Explore
Bundaberg is the southern gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, and Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliot islands are just a short hop away. Head out on a luxurious catamaran for a day of scenic cruising, swimming, snorkelling and diving. Or you can take a short scenic flight to the island and spend the full day relaxing in paradise. These islands are in one of the most pristine parts of the reef and you won’t find any of the crowds that you will see further north.
Drink
You can’t go to Bundaberg without sampling the local drop – Bundaberg Rum. It’s been brewed here since 1888, making use of the sugar cane crops grown in the region. You can visit the Bundaberg rum distillery for a behind the scenes tour to see how it is produced and aged, before stopping in at the tasting bar to sample the full range of top shelf spirits. You can also blend your own rum with the help of the on-site experts, using different types of rum to create one that’s perfect for you.
Stay
You won't find much luxury accommodation around Bundaberg, but there are plenty of stylish and comfortable options. Self contained apartments, motels, motor inns and camping grounds cover all budgets, or there are a few backpacker hostels if you like to mix with younger travellers. In the coastal town of Bargara, just east of the city, there are a number of stylish resorts with facilities like swimming pools, tennis courts and bikes for hire.
Have you ever been to Bundaberg?