The closest access point to the Great Barrier Reef from Brisbane, Bundaberg is the town the turtles call home, where the reef touches the beach, where plates overflow with local produce and the rum is always world class.
Day One
Highlights: Wind your way through the patchwork quilt of red earth and green fields in Australia’s most prolific food bowl as you #tastebundaberg
Arrive in the morning to make the most of our local farm fresh foodie trails. The trails will take you past Macadamias Australia where you can see the makers chocolate-coat macadamias; One Little Farm, to purchase handcrafted ginger products and grab yourself an incredible gourmet hamper; Tinaberries to pick your own strawberries (in season) and eat home-crafted ice cream in a rustic farm setting just made for selfies; & Alloway Farm Market to stock your holiday fridge with avocados, figs, tomatoes and much more.
Did You Know? The Bundaberg region grows 25% of Australia’s fresh produce 12 months of the year, so it’s always a great time to visit.
Check-in to an oceanview self-contained apartment on the esplanade in Bargara. Once you're settled, get ready for a delightful dinner at Bert's Restaurant in Bundaberg where your taste buds will travel with their locally sourced menu showcasing wordly cuisines.
Day Two
Highlights: Catch a healthy dose of turtle fever as you swim with giant turtles over pristine coral on the epic Southern Great Barrier Reef Day Trip before an evening witnessing the miracle of life as endangered turtles return to the beach they hatched on to lay their own eggs.
Your breakfast location is right on the beach at The Beach Mill. Enjoy coffee and a local breakfast looking over the beautiful Neilsen’s Beach.
Then get ready for a day trip to dream about for years to come on Lady Musgrave or Lady Elliot Island, the southern-most islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Immerse yourself in the pristine playgrounds around the coral cays as you swim in warm crystal waters with turtles, manta rays and the abundance of marine animals who call the islands home.
Visit the most southern point of the Great Barrier Reef at Lady Elliot Island. Renowned as ‘Home of the Manta Ray’, the island is regarded as one of the best diving and snorkelling locations on the Great Barrier Reef and is famous for its unspoilt coral reef and amazing array of spectacular marine life. Access to Lady Elliot Island is via a scenic flight departing Bundaberg Airport. Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort offers accommodation and day trips to the island.
Lady Musgrave Island is set on 3000 acres of living reef with a protected lagoon, making it a perfect spot for snorkelling and diving, with day trips and overnight accommodation on Lady Musgrave HQ departing from the Port of Bundaberg via luxury catamaran with Lady Musgrave Experience. Teeming with bird life above the water, and giant marine life below the water, you can swim with the turtles, dive alongside the manta rays, dance with the dolphins and witness the whales play.
Wash the salt from your skin back at your accommodation and grab some dinner before you set off to the Mon Repos Nightly Turtle Encounter.
The only ranger-guided tour on the east coast of Australia, the Mon Repos Turtle Encounter allows guests to witness majestic sea turtles nesting (November- January) or hatchings making their perilous journey to the sea (January- March). The beach hosts the most significant population of endangered loggerhead turtles in the south Pacific each summer, and the Mon Repos Turtle Interpretive Centre is open all year round to visitors who wish to learn about these incredible creatures and the research and conservation programs of the area.
Day Three
Highlights: Discover Bundaberg’s icons - a bear, a bottle and an aviator.
Head into town for breakfast at Alowishus Delicious located in the historic Earl’s Court Buiding, an art deco inspired shopping arcade located on the main street of Bundaberg. Wander the CDB and discover some of the town’s heritage listed buildings, including the stunning pink School of Arts and the beautiful Post Office.
The fig tree-lined main street is thriving, with boutiques and cafes to rival any city. Don’t miss the sweet delights and bright window displays of Cha Cha Chocolate.
Did You Know? The main street of Bundaberg was once named Bourbon St, but local legend claims it was changed to Bourbong St to honour Bundaberg’s drink of choice, rum!
The first stop is Hinkler Hall of Aviation, nestled in the beautiful Botanic Gardens. The Hall celebrates the adventures and achievements of Australia’s pioneer solo aviator Bert Hinkler. Be amazed by the immaculate Armstrong Siddeley exhibit (Bert’s actual tour vehicle) and discover the unique museum exhibits and interactive displays right at your fingertips.
Next stop should be Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, the home to the world-renowned Bundaberg Ginger Beer and the 12 other amazing flavours that is still proudly owned by the local Fleming family after more than 50 years.
Did You Know? You can find the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks range in over 30 countries worldwide.
Enjoy lunch at Grunkes by the River, where fresh seafood right off the trawler is served in a casual dining setting looking the mighty Burnett River.
After lunch, make your way to the world-famous Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience for your tour of Australia’s most awarded rum distillery, and the home of the region’s liquid gold. Learn the history of the 130+ year drop in the impressive Australian Tourism Award winning museum before join one of their expert distillery guides on a guided journey deep into the heart of the fully operational Distillery. Try some of the range and pick up a bottle for your home bar that’s only available at the cellar door.
Dinner tonight is at Water Street Kitchen. The tiny suburban location belies the experience behind the black restaurant door. Featuring an exquisite seasonal menu designed by owner and head chef Alex, beautiful cocktails on local spirits and five-star service makes it one of the region’s most popular venues, so be sure to book in advance.
Day Four
Highlights: After a salty start and a hearty breakfast, discover Queensland’s the tipple tourism of Bundaberg on a cellar door trail of our burgeoning new drinks operators.
The Bundaberg Region is home to some of the most secluded and untouched beaches on the east coast of Australia. Stinger free all year round and calm thanks to K’gari (Fraser Island) protecting the coast line, enjoy the early morning walking, swimming or just lazing on the warm sands of Kellys Beach in Bargara or discover the white sands, fringing corals and fairy pools of Elliott Heads.
No visit to the region is complete without having a meal at one of Queensland’s top eateries, the Queensland Tourism Award winning Windmill Cafe. Located in the heart of the coastal village of Bargara, this Dutch windmill is surrounded by tranquil gardens and sea air.
Today is your day to explore the region’s burgeoning cellar door scene. Bundaberg is full to the brim with local brewers, artisan distillers, master blenders and family owned wineries.
First is Kalki Moon Distillery & Brewing, another family business making waves internationally. Be guided through the different stages of their craft spirit production and try their range of award-winning gins, liqueurs and brand new rum line.
Stop into Ballistic Bargara and try one of their 'Reef' brews.
Then off to Ohana Cider House & Tropical Winery, where Queensland’s only commercially-available all-Queensland cider is crushed, with evergreen favourites joined by a variety of experimental flavours that are sure to delight.
A big day deserves a lazy evening looking over the ocean - cook up the fresh produce you’ve collected throughout your stay and relax with your new favourite drink.