Gather the troops and pack the car, it's time for an escape to the town the turtles call home.
With colouring-in books and iPads to keep the kid's company, venture 4 hours north of Brisbane and arrive in the abundant Bundaberg Region. Not only is Bundaberg home to some of Australia's greatest icons with Bundaberg Ginger Beer and Bundaberg Rum proudly made in its backyard, it is also the most accessible point for South East Queenslanders to explore the wonders of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Impressive right? To ensure you don't miss out on what this region has to offer, we've paired together an itinerary jam-packed with turtle-y awesome activities the whole family will enjoy.
After your scenic drive into our abundant region, check-in to your home away from home in the quintessential town of Bundaberg. With boutique shops, cafes and restaurants conveniently located just a short drive or walk away from accommodation providers, enjoy the ease of having these at your fingertips while the historic Burnett River is just a stone throw away.
Day 1
Get ready for an adventurous day out on the Southern Great Barrier Reef! You're going to need some energy for this trip, so grab a wholesome breaky from Alowishus before making your way to Bundaberg Port Marina where your exciting day out on the water begins.
Discover an underwater playground
Home to sun-kissed waters, turtles, intricate coral patterns and exquisite snorkelling, hop on-board Lady Musgrave Experience's luxury catamaran and venture out to the pristine Lady Musgrave Island. Enjoy a light morning tea before arriving into Lady Musgrave Island's effervescent lagoon and marvel at this southern coral cay made up of more than 3000 acres of thriving reef. Enjoy the comfort of a glass-bottom boat and play I-Spy with the marine life below as you glide over crystal clear waters. Try to spot nemo and crush before arriving on Lady Musgrave Island and follow a reef expert on a scenic walking tour. After experiencing life above the surface, put on your snorkel and some flippers before diving into an underwater playground where turtles, giant marine life and tropical fish await!
A quick bite to eat
After arriving back in Bundy from your day trip with Lady Musgrave Experience, spend the rest of your night relaxing and reminiscing over the day's activities with a delicious dinner from a local takeaway shop or restaurant. Grab some hot fish and chips from Burnett Heads or sit down and enjoy a classic pub meal from Across The Waves Bundaberg, where the kiddies menu will satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.
Day 2
Nestled a block from the beach and hidden among tranquil garden surrounds stumble upon a quirky dutch windmill, home to the award-winning Windmill Cafe Bargara. With open surrounds let the kids enjoy the fresh air and sounds of the beach before sticking your fork into a tantalising farm-fresh dish. Whether your mini-me's like keeping it simple with a gooey egg and toasty solders with bacon or something sweeter, the Windmill's Little Folks all-day breakfast Menu for those under 12yrs, has you covered. Meanwhile, as the youngsters dig in, treat yourself to a warm coffee made from filtered rain water over a Corn Fritter Stack or crunchy Southern Fried Chicken Benedict.
Let your imagination sore at Hinkler Hall of Aviation
Discover the adventures of aviation pioneer Bert Hinkler at the Hinkler Hall of Aviation and uncover what Mon Repos Turtle Rookery and this solo-aviation piolet have in common. With towering replica aircraft dangling from the ceilings, travel back in time to when things were slightly different and be in awe of the tales shared of Bert Hinkler. After venturing throughout Hinkler Hall of Aviation and Mon Repos House, wander the floral pathways of the Bundaberg Botanical Garden.
Meet the cute and cuddly characters of Splitters Farm
Goats, alpaca's, sheep, chickens, cows and more! Venture from one paddock to another hand feeding rescued farm animals before feasting on a locally made VIP picnic at Splitters Farm. A safe-haven for rescued farm animals that have sadly been neglected, abused or unfortunate victims of their owners change in circumstances, Splitters Farm offers a unique farm experience that every family should encounter. Come meet their cheeky characters and fall in love with their hearts of gold. You can even extend your stay with their unpowered and powered campsites, made for the perfect farm stay!
Dinner with a side of open surrounds
Sit back, relax, let the kids roam and taste a unique paddock to plate experience at HSG At The Gardens. With a passion for everything local and more than 5-acres of grassy land, there's plenty of space for the kids to enjoy exploring the gardens while you decide your dish of the night over a glass of wine in alfresco style dining.
Day 3
Take a stroll down Bundaberg's CBD and admire the towns charming historical buildings before stopping into a local cafe for breakfast before heading out of Bundaberg to the storybook town of Childers.
Flying High Bird Park
Come make some colourful feathered friends at the Flying High Bird Park before you venture on your drive back home. Spanning over an acre, this sanctuary is home to a variety of free-flying Australian Parrots that call the park home. Walk among the birds as they fly high and admire their effervescent colours.
Ice Cream Delight
A trip to Childers isn't complete without a stop into ever-so-popular Mammino's Gourmet Ice Cream. Made with love right in the heart of Childers, taste their large range of expertly crafted flavours. Using local macadamia's you can't go past trying their Cuppammino with their Bashful Boysenberry and Chocolate Macadamia sure to be a hit with the younger ones.