When you’re travelling with little ones, 13 going on 30s, four legged children or even have the golden oldies in tow, it can be tricky to find a destination that floats everyone’s boat. Yet right here in Bundaberg, we have all the ingredients for the feel-good family getaway you’ve been busting for!
Where to: Play
Something that’s sure to make the juniors squeal with excitement (and we’re pretty sure the adults will to) is witnessing the awe-inspiring turtle encounters at Mon Repos. Watch as mother turtles return to their birth beach to nest each year from November through to January and see baby hatchlings emerge from their nests between late January to late March, making their crazy dash towards the wide open ocean. These are the sort of moments that your family will be talking about for years to come!
If island exploring, playing I-spy in the lagoons and swimming alongside turtles if your idea of a good time, then you are sure in the right place. The sun-kissed waters of the Southern Great Barrier Reef are home to magnificent marine creatures great and small, 365 days of the year. From visiting the home of the manta ray with a trip to Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, or ocean gazing from the underwater observatory aboard Lady Musgrave HQ, here, you’re on island time, so you can do as much, or as little as you’d like. Kids can become citizen scientists for a day with the team at Lady Musgrave Experience – hosted by real life Marine Biologists and Master Reef Guides, your budding eco warriors will tour the island and discover all about the protected marine park and reef ecosystem, before diving straight into the action with a guided 30 minute snorkel session – how rad!
Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel
Sugar and spice and all things nice! Head to The Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel and discover the story behind Australia's favourite brew, that's been family owned and brewed right here in Bundaberg for over 50 years. Bring out your inner beverage connoisseur on the hosted taste test of all 12 delish flavours, and say cheese as you snap a selfie for your DIY label, which is the perfect memento to remind you of your feel good family getaway.
Nestled in the sun soaked Botanic Gardens lies one of Bundy's iconic experiences, Hinkler Hall of Aviation - the homage to local hero, Bert Hinkler, the first person to fly solo from England to Australia! With a range of aircrafts and exhibits to explore, the kids can let their imaginations take flight, and feel the wind beneath their wings (well, not quite wind but maybe a strong aircon haha) as they try their hand at virtual aviation on a flight simulator. Find solace in the enchanting Bundaberg Botanic Gardens, and weave your way through the farden paths, breath in the floral notes of the vibrant blooms and try and keep count of how many fresh water turtles you spot in the lakes.
Where to: Eat
A menu for the little ones, designed to please even the fussiest of terrors (seriously, the dippy eggs or waffle and gelato sandwich is always guaranteed to put a smile on their dial). Hot and strong coffee (just the way Dad likes it), zesty fresh juices and tantalizing plates of local produce worthy of a place on your insta-feed. Here, your four legged friends are.. well… the top dog, with chinos and gelati safe for their tummies on the menu. P.S. the Smoked Mackerel Omelette is out of this world!
Something Sweet
Sweet tooths, you’ll be well looked after here in the sugar cane capital. For farm fresh ice cream, jam packed with juicy strawbs plucked straight from the paddock, look no further than Tinaberries. Pop your pups in their designated parking zone, and savour the goodness of your cone swirled high under the shade of the silky oak trees. Watch on as farm dogs Tuki and Tilly snooze on the grass and your offspring giggle and play the giant lawn games.
Head into the town centre and wander along Bourbong Street until you come across our very own WonkaLand. Cha Cha Chocolate is a mystical chocolate emporium that’s been sharing it’s magic since 2017. Reviving the beloved old-school favourites that take us all back to our childhoods; polly waffles, Russian fudge, you name it – Cha Cha’s got it! Filling the hearts and bellies of the young and young at heart.
Dreamy mornings at Macadamias Australia are the perfect way to spend a day in Bundaberg. Soak up the sunshine and feast on local produce and the enchanting flavours of the macadamia-inspired dishes at The Orchard Table! A true tree-to-table experience, The Orchard Table heroes a seasonal menu, crafted to feature the freshest local produce, combined with the nutty flavours their famed export, Macadamias.
Youngsters will love rolling up their sleeves to crack macadamias nuts in the orchard rows, whilst the grown ups can take their time exploring the stunning Visitor Experience, discovering the humble beginnings of this multi-generational family farm on a guided tour. And of course, the whole family can gather round to join a hosted tasting of the entire range of nuts.
Where to: Stay
How does this sound? A self-contained eco villa, spacious enough to fit the whole family, set in tranquil surrounds of lush bushland and cheeky wildlife. Nestled in Bargara, and just one block away from it’s namesake beach, this family-owned and operated eco-certified resort is the perfect home away from home. Hosting movies by moonlight and laser skirmish in school holidays to keep the kids occupied, whilst the parents enjoy an after-dinner cocktail or two from the onsite restaurant KBR’s.
BIG 4 Breeze Holiday Park Bargara & Cania Gorge
Tucked behind Nielsons Beach is a dreamy little location to pitch your tent, pop up your camper trailer or unhook the caravan. Hire a bike and cycle along the Esplanade or rent a SUP and take the water, at BIG 4 Breeze Holiday Park Bargara they’re all about getting outside and making the most of the gorgeous Southern Great Barrier Reef sunshine. Or why not head into the hinterland to BIG 4 Breeze Holiday Park Cania Gorge. Chock-a-block with so many activites to keep the little ones busy, spend the days exploring the sandstone wilderness by hiking up a storm at Cania Gorge National Park, spend the arvo splashing in the pool or jumping on the giant pilllow, before winding down for the evening, toasting marshmallows over the firepit and watching a moving in the outdoor cinema. Such a good excuse to make the most of their current deal, Stay 4, Pay 3! Oh and did we mention their dog friendly?!
Location, location, location! If tucking the kids into bed, sipping on a local tipple and ocean gazing from the balcony is your dream way to spend an evening, then say hello to The Point Resort in Bargara. Offering 1-3 bedroom apartments (so the grandparents can have a safe haven 😉) a sparkling pool for a splash and mini putt putt golf course this is a haven for the whole family. If you’d like to save a bit of money on your stay, use promo code 15OFF when booking direct to receive 15% off 3 and 5 night stays!