Christmas is all about spending time with friends and family, giving thanks for what we have, filling our belly with delicious food and lets not forget, spoiling our loved ones with lots of presents. This Christmas level up your gift-giving game and share the gift of presence. Whether that be spending quality time with the family singing carols by the Christmas tree or making memories for years to come, we've got the ultimate guide to gifting this year that will have you skyrocket to the top of the nice list for 2022.
Inspired by local community lifestyle magazine, Crush, you're Christmas shopping list just got a whole lot easier...
1. Give the gift of a world-class experience from our very own backyard
A gift for the rum connoisseur in the family. Learn first-hand the art of blending world-class rum with a behind the scenes immersive Blend Your Own Rum Experience right in the heart of the Bundaberg Rum Distillery. Spend an afternoon pairing together exclusive matured rum from the never-before released barrel range, made only available to those on this tour. Become a master blender for the day and fill two bottles with your very own signature blend, perfect to be shared with friends and family back home and an experience to be remembered for years to come.
Cost: $237.50 per adult (book direct with Bundaberg Rum online and save 5%)
2. Give the gift of 360-degree views of breathtaking blues
A gift for both the reef lovers and those that are yet to unearth this natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef. Turn a night spent under the stars on the Southern Great Barrier Reef into a reality with Lady Musgrave Experience and give the gift of an overnight stay at Lady Musgrave Island where vibrant blue, coral filled waters and adventure await. Wake to the sun rising over a crystal clear lagoon filled with curious marine life from the comfort of your very-own Upper Deck Island View Queen Glamping Bed, before diving in and marveling at the underwater world beneath the surface. With glass-bottom boat tours, guided island walks and an entire reef-filled lagoon to explore, your loved one will not only tick this bucket list item off the to-do list but will leave feeling rested, refreshed and re-centered.
Cost: Island View Upper Deck Queen Glamping Bed twin share is $900 per person for a 2-night minimum stay during off-peak season.
3. Give the gift of quality time and wirelessly reconnect with family
A gift for the busy families out there. Take pause this Christmas and reconnect without distraction on Lady Elliot Island, the southern most coral cay of the Great Barrier Reef. Just a short 25min flight from Bundaberg, arrive at Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort and create postcard perfect memories and escape to where iPads and PlayStation's are replaced with snorkelling alongside colourful fish and curious turtles. Where the only game the kids will be interested in playing is underwater I-Spy and where you can happily sit back, relax and enjoy the little things. Choose to extend your stay on this eco-resort and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for this natural wonder and how we can also give back.
Cost: A Family overnight stay on Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort starts from $628* (based on an Eco Cabin stay for 2 adults & 2 children during 2021/2022 off-peak season).
4. Give the gift of that's as iconic as the ginger beer itself
A family owned and operated business for more than 50 years, discover the family legacy behind our regions iconic Bundaberg Ginger Beer with a self-guided tour at the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel. After learning the process to crafting 14 flavour-filled drinks, sample some of the range before snapping a picture and customising your very own Bundaberg Brewed Drinks label to place on your 6 favourite drinks for a delicious take home pack.
Cost: Self-guided tour and tasting $15 per adult and $5 per child.
5. Give the gift of local tipples while giving back to the community
A gift for the earth conscious tipple lovers. Pop into the regions cellar doors and discover our artisan distillers, brewers and wine makers as fill your glass with great tasting drinks, and also help you give back to the community and the environment at the same time. For the craft brewer enthusiast of the family, visit Ballistic Bargara and enjoy tasting their range of Queensland made brews. Try their Reef Pale Ale, Reef Red Ale or Reef Lager that is a signature to Ballistic Bargara with 10cents from your purchase contributing to the important research and restoration of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
6. Give the gift of a full belly from your favourite eats!
A gift for the family foodie. What better way to celebrate Christmas than by filling your belly with tantalising eats and enjoying quality time together at your favourite cafe, restaurant or eatery. With our regions passionate chefs creating delicious dishes that showcase the regions best seasonal produce, choose to take a seat and dine or purchase one of their gift vouchers and foodie packs to celebrate a year that has seen some of us come together for the first time.
7. Give the gift of a heartwarming encounter
A gift for the animal and country lover out there. Activate the farmer within and escape to Splitters Farm for a tranquil escape and unique farm-stay experience unlike any other. Offering camping and glamping experiences for all, come spend a few days meeting and greeting animals great and small while soaking up our regions spectacular bushland backyard. A working and rescue animal farm, Splitters will have you falling in love with cheeky characters and the simple beauty of nature. Spend your mornings waking to the sounds of waking farm animals, hand-feeding goats, chickens, alpacas, horses and cows. After a day wandering from paddock to paddock, put your feet up and relax as the sun goes down.
Cost: Splitters Farm offers a range of accommodation options starting from $56 per night (during off-peak periods). Find out more here.
8. Give the gift of time travel
A gift for the historian of the family. Discover the adventurous days of aviation pioneer and Bundaberg’s first international hearthrob, Bert Hinkler at Hinkler Hall of Aviation. An experience for all ages, continue your journey through time unravelling the history of the 19th century sugarcane industry at Fairymead House Sugar Museum. Pack a picnic and savor your time among the lush surrounds of the Bundaberg Botanical Gardens to make a proper day of it.
9. Give the gift of a local hand-made sugar rush
A gift for the family sweet tooth. Treat yourself to some home-made local ice cream or gelato from our regions delicious ice cream venues! For fresh from the farm strawberry ice cream, visit Tinaberries and unleash your competitive side with a game of Connect 4 in the stunning surrounds of this working strawberry farm as you savour every last spoonful. Seeking a quiet night in? Level-up your movie night with a dessert of delicious house made, award winning gelato from Nana’s Pantry. You can’t go past trying the Caramel Macadamia or Burnt Fig, favourites among local sweet-tooth's. For something extra creamy, local made and owned Mammino's Gourmet Ice Cream in Childers will have your taste buds tingling with their unique flavours that showcase the region's macadamias. And If you’re in the market for a Christmas present to treat your canine friend, stop into the Windmill Bargara, where take-away dog-friendly gelato awaits!
10. Give the gift of a hinterland escape
A gift for the explorers and adventures. Hit the road and discover new places with a day trip spent among the rolling green hills of Childers and storybook town, Gin Gin. From discovering a passion for quality wine at Hill of Promise Winery and Vintners Secret Vineyard, to experiencing a sense of nostalgia as you weave your way past historical buildings and unique stores that lace the main street. Looking to extend your adventure and stretch your legs? Discover the beautiful natural surrounds of the North Burnett where towering sandstone gorges await, and breathtaking views are found at every turn.