In town for Taste Bundaberg Festival and ballin’ on a budget? Be sure to check out these free things to do (and a few cheap ways to pimp up your time) whilst you’re here!
- GIN-CREDIBLE CELLAR DOOR
Our region is exploding with an artisan drink revolution, and our innovative and passionate master brewers, distillers and blenders are leading the charge. Kombucha, soft drink, rum, gin, cider, wine, you name it, we’re sipping it. Start your tipple tour with a complimentary tasting or two at Kalki Moon Distilling and Brewing Co. If you’re in the mood to splash some cash, you can discover the magic behind these award winning bevs with a $10 tour and of course, can purchase a few cocktails if necessary 😉
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Good times are brewing as we kickstart Taste Bundaberg Festival 2022 with the official launch event, Let The Night Be Gin at Kalki Moon Distilling And Brewing Company. Sip away on tipple of the evening, Blueberry Mint Smash, taste the regions foodie flavours and listen to the sweet sounds of local musos. **This event has now SOLD OUT.
- ICONIC SELFIE STATUS
Have you even been to Bundy if you have taken your iconic snap in front of the big rum bottle? Swing by the Bundaberg Rum Distillery and strike a pose before browsing through the retail store! If your looking for some other spots for your next insta pic, then make your way to Elliott Heads Rockpools for some major mermaid vibes or head to Bargara Berries and pose with your punnet of the sweet strawbs amongst the fields.
HUNGRY FOR MORE? If you’re thirsty for more of Bundy’s famous golden nectar, check out a Blend Your Own Rum Experience! Discover the secrets to blending Australia’s most awarded rum and journey deep into the beating hear of the working distillery.
- RIVERSIDE STROLLS, DINGOES AND QUOLLS
Get a head start on your 10k steps for the day with a gentle wander along the riverside boardwalk. Spectacular views of the Burnett River and only 3km from start to finish. Take a pit stop at the free Alexandra Park Zoo, and say g’day to the creatures that call this zoo home, from Aussie natives such as emus, dingoes, wallabies and quolls to more exotic cuties like cotton-top tamarins!
HUNGRY FOR MORE? If the beautiful views of the mighty Burnett River have worked up an appetite, then book into H20 Bar & Restaurant for the epic Riverside Bottomless Brunch. Grazing boards abundant with sweet and savoury local produce, bottomless bubbles or strawberry mocktails and a killer river views make for the perfect day. **Unfortunately this event has now SOLD OUT!
- SHOP TIL YOU DROP
Wander and window shop your way through Bourbong Street. Laced with unique boutiques, filled with jewels, gems, trinkets and treasures, oh and of course Cha Cha Chocolate. Bundaberg’s version of the infamous Myer Christmas window, Cha Cha Chocolate’s displays are a year-round explosion of all things sweet and sugary. Whether you stop by for a pic or venture behind the looking glass, it’s a must-do for those young and young at heart.
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Bundaberg’s answer to Willy Wonka, is hosting a number of Cha Cha Chocolate events for Taste Bundaberg Festival. Experience the magic of the chocolate shop after hours with creative workshops with First Nations earring designer Wattle Woman. Click here for more details!
- ITS BEACH TIME BABY!
Perched on the Coral Coast, Bundaberg plays host to a number of secluded and idyllic beaches. Elliott Heads is an all-rounder with waves for kite surfers, an off leash beach for your 4 legged friend and illusive mermaid lagoons for those looking for some R&R. Bargara is at the centre of all the action with a number of sandy spots such as Archie’s, Neilson’s and Kelly’s!
HUNGRY FOR MORE? If your kinda’ dining is best served with a side of sea breeze, then pull up a seat to Taste Bundaberg’s Banquet by the Beach. Slow cooked, smoked and seasoned BBQ meats got your mouth watering? Us too!
- A CRACKING GOOD TIME!
Macadamias Australia is the largest family owned vertically integrated macadamias business in the world! Surely that gives it a spot on your Bundy Bucket List? Add to that a free self-guided visitor experience and complimentary nut tasting and you’ll be nuts to miss it. If you have some time, stay a while and tuck into some mouth-watering dishes heroing local produce from The Orchard Table Café, and purchase some nuts to take home with you.
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Back for yet another year, the ever-so-popular Macadamias Australia Farm Flavours Picnic is always a highlight of Taste Bundaberg Festival. Laid back vibes, sunny blue skies and a delicious feast of local produce will be the recipe for a cracking good time.
- VIEWS FOR DAYS
Head to highest point in town for a panoramic view as far as the eye can see. The Hummock, or Woongarra as it is known in Taribelang language means ‘burning mountain’ as it is an extinct volcano. To the east you can see start of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Bargara and the fringing Coral Coast, where as to the west is the patchwork farmlands and rich red soil that produce 25% of the nation’s fresh produce. It’s no wonder we are known as Australia’s food bowl!
HUNGRY FOR MORE? If you want to taste our delicious fresh seasonal produce for yourself, then make your way to the Taste Farmers Markets. Fill your tote bags with paddock to plate delights from our rockstar producers and tipples from our innovative brewers & distillers before watching celebrity chefs Colin Fassnidge and Kirsten Tibbals showcase tantalising recipes in a cooking demo alongside talented local chefs.
- BREWS AT THE BARREL
The Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel is one of the true icons of Bundaberg. This passionate family owned business have been producing craft brewed soft drink for over 50 years, no wonder it’s Australia’s favourite! Altough there is a cost for the self guided tour and tastings, you can still head on intoThe Barrel for a browse around the store!
HUNGRY FOR MORE? It’s Brew O’clock at The Barrel for Taste Bundaberg Festival. Browse the gallery, taste test the local brews and take home your personalised ginger beer bottle, mixed 6pack of brews and copper mug!
- GET BACK TO NATURE AT THE BUNDABERG BOTANIC GARDENS
27 hectares of lush surrounds, pathways through enchanting gardens and an Australian rainforest are just a few of the areas to explore at the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens. Check out the outside of Mon Repos House to learn a little snippet about aviation pioneer Bert Hinkler and his adventures. It's free to head inside and check out the galleries latest travelling exhibition and view Bert Hinkler's original aircraft Avro Baby!
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Explore the Rare Fruit Tree Orchard on a guided tour for Taste Bundaberg Festival. You are invited to learn first hand about how these rare fruits such as star apple, miracle fruit, cherry of Rio Grande and soursop are grown! **Unfortunately this event has now SOLD OUT!
- CYCLE THE TURTLE TRAIL
Tyre yourself out with a wheelie good time! The turtle trail links Kelly’s Beach in Bargara to Burnett Heads Harbour, with picturesque paths and ocean vistas through the famous Mon Repos Conservation Park!
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Foodie haven, Windmill Café Bargara is dishing up a number of exciting events for Taste Bundaberg Festival. Owner Joey Caruana has teamed up with the farmers feeding the nation, Sweet Potatoes Australia to bring back the Sweet Potato Feastival! If you are a chocoholic, be sure to secure tickets to Pure Imagination At The Mill With Cha Cha, where the team will be serving up sugar highs under fairy floss skies! **Unfortunately this event has now SOLD OUT!