Come discover the iconic backyard of the Bundaberg Region and meet the people that are the heart and soul of Bundaberg with this action-filled, taste bud tingling bucket list!
Just a short 4-hour drive north of Brisbane will have you arriving in our iconic backyard, where the Southern Great Barrier Reef is just a stone throw away and the legendary home of Bundaberg Rum and Bundaberg Ginger Beer await. Not only can you tick snorkelling with turtles and the Great Barrier Reef off your bucket list, but you will also find yourself ticking off experiences you never realised you were missing out on.
EXPLORE THE SOUTHERN GREAT BARRIER REEF
Grab your snorkel and fins, it’s time to dive in and experience one of the greatest wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef. Just a stone’s throw away from Bundaberg sits two ladies of the Great Barrier Reef known as Lady Musgrave Island and Lady Elliot Island. Overflowing with flora and fauna, these two southern-most coral cays are home to an array of incredible marine life. Tick snorkelling alongside turtles, manta rays, tropical fish and encountering intricate coral patterns off your bucket list on a day trip with Lady Musgrave Experience or day/overnight stay on Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort. Discover life above the surface on scenic island tours and appreciate the underwater playground of these coral lagoons in the comfort of a glass-bottom boat. With so much to see and do, don’t forget to take a selfie of your memory making Southern Great Barrier Reef experience!
ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY
Splitters Farm holds a very close spot in the hearts of many local's, and we're sure that once you arrive, you'll understand why. Hidden amongst tropical bushlands and just a short 10min drive from Bundaberg's CBD, this safe haven for rescued farm animals is a sanctuary unlike any other. With animals of every kind, you can meet these cute and cuddly characters on a 'Meet the Animals' tour and venture from one paddock to another hand feeding and getting up close and personal with these loving animals. So, gather the family, partner or friends, and come introduce yourself to these cheeky characters, meet passionate animal lovers and owners of Splitters Farm, Carly and Ash, and enjoy some time soaking up our iconic backyard.
TIP: You can also soak up some fresh air on a scenic VIP Picnic, filled with local treats from Alowishus Delicious for an afternoon unlike any other.
QUIRKY CAFES
You can't go past dining in at our quirky cafes that not only hold the most tantalising eats but are also full of charm. So pull up a seat at the Windmill Café Bargara, Alowishus Delicious, Oodies Café, Insane Caffeine, Indulge Cafe, or Street Bean Coffee Bar, and spoil yourself with a delectable treat, over a warm cup of coffee.
Be sure to call ahead and pre-book your table at one of our tasty cafes! To make it that bit easier, we’ve listed every single place you can go to keep your belly full and taste buds tingling here.
HINKLER HALL OF AVIATION
Did you know Bundaberg is home to aviation pioneer Bert Hinkler? Let your imagination run wild and be captivated by the tales of Bert Hinkler and his record-breaking solo flight expeditions at Hinkler Hall of Aviation. Located amongst the scenic botanical gardens, take a stroll through the gardens as you try to travel back in time to Bert’s pioneering days.
AN IN-CIDER EXPERIENCE
Come meet passionate Cheeky Tiki Cider and tropical wine makers Josh and Zoe from Ohana Cider house and sample their flavour filled range of liqueurs, ciders, and wines after getting an in-cider experience of where the crafting happens. From pineapple wine, cold drip coffee liqueur, passionfruit cider and classic apple cider made from 100% Queensland grown apples, kick back, relax, and enjoy!
AUSTRALIA’S MOST LOVED SPIRIT
Go behind the scenes of Australia’s iconic Bundaberg Rum Distillery and journey through the rich history of past master blenders, before embarking on a tour through the heart of the distillery. After learning the secret to blending award-winning rum, sample some of the top-shelf blends and take a gift home to remember your iconic experience. Rum lover or not, this is one experience you don’t want to miss out on.
LET THE PARTY BE-GIN
If Gin and Tonic is your favourite drink, Kalki Moon Distilling & Brewing company is a must! Uncover the story behind this family owned and operated artisan distillery with owner Rick, and pick his brain on how to best enjoy a glass of his award-winning premium and classic Gins. Be sure to ask Rick and the team about their Pink Gin Liqueur and Solstice Port Barrel Gin before popping into their cellar door and grabbing a bottle of your favourite to take home and enjoy with some friends.
BUNDABERG BREWED DRINKS
Did someone say 14 different flavour-filled drinks? Known for their iconic Ginger Beer, tick the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel off your bucket-list with a self-guided tour and tasting session. From Grapefruit, Coconut and Pineapple, Creaming Soda, Lemon Lime and Bitters, you’re sure to find a flavour that tickles your taste buds. Do not forget to collect your tours complementary six-pack to take home!
Bookings are essential! Be sure to contact the team on (07) 4154 5480.
A FEAST FOR THE SOUL
Escape to the tranquil surrounds of HSG At the Gardens and indulge in gourmet meals that have been made for the heart and soul. Taste the freshness on the tip of your tongue with their seasonal menu that ensures your taste buds tingle with farm-fresh flavours and local ingredients, and sit back and relax while the kids run wild throughout their grassy surrounds.
Be sure to call ahead and pre-book your table at HSG At The Gardens here.
DISCOVER OUR BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
Looking for some adventure on the water? Discover our pristine coastline stretching as far as Moore Park Beach in the north to Woodgate beach in the south. From kite surfing at Elliott Heads, to stand-up paddle boarding down Theodolite Creek, putting the boat in at Riverview and learning how to snorkel in The Basin, our beaches offer everything to suit the perfect family escape or adventure seeker holiday. You can even dive in and discover a whole other world with our reefs within reach. So, what are you waiting for?
EXPERIENCE NEW HEIGHTS
Nature is calling! Leave the WiFi behind and escape to the sandstone wilderness of Cania Gorge National Park or the steep forested slopes of Mt Walsh National Park. With walking trails fit for beginners and more experienced hikers, put on your walking boots, pack yourself an eco-friendly picnic and come explore the wildlife and abundant flora of our backyard.
BERRY-LICIOUS
No holiday is complete without a trip to Tinaberries. With your home-made farm-fresh strawberry ice-cream in hand, find yourself a patch of luscious green grass to stretch out on and enjoy life out on a fully working strawberry farm. Want to get your hands a little dirty? Pick your own punnets worth of juicy strawberries in September and take back to your hotel to enjoy over breakfast the following morning, or simply pack them in your picnic to devour at the beach or in the park.
AMANDINE LAVENDER
Experience a sense of calm at Amandine Lavender Farm and Gift Shop, as you wander through their lavender patch. Take In their scenic gardens and learn how to propagate your own lavender, along with the unique uses lavender has and browse through their gift shop where you might find something uniquely special to take home.
ARTISANS 4670
Not only is our region made up of artisan distillers and masterful chefs, but we are also home to some of the most spectacular artists. Showcasing more than 30 local artisans, make a trip to Artisans 4670 and view the cultural and artistic talents of our region. If you’re planning to stay a little longer exploring our backyard, be sure to enquire about their crafty workshops and get your hands dirty!
ULTIMATE DEGUSTATION
Experience an iconic paddock to plate experience at Water St Kitchen and divulge in the taste of our regions fresh produce delivered straight from the paddock, trawler, and brewer to your table. From their divine Belgium waffles with farm-fresh figs, maple cream cheese and golden crunch, to their Spanish mackerel, miso butter, tomato, popped capers and fennel dill salad that literally melts in your mouth. Sit back relax, and let your taste-buds travel!
Be sure to call ahead and pre-book your table at Water Street Kitchen here.
WINE O'CLOCK
Escape to the lush storybook town of Childers where our regions local wineries are eager to share with you their heritage and passion for producing an exquisite range of bubbly, red and white wines. Choose to spend time discovering our hinterland drink scene and don't forget to take a bottle of your favourite home to share with your friends and family back home.
Try: Stop into Hill of Promise Winery and admire the breathtaking views, old-school wine-making techniques and hear the adventurous tales of Terry's Sicilian grandparents that has shaped this boutique winery. Sit back, relax and enjoy a glass of your favourite wine with a picnic in the peaceful surrounds of Vintner's Secret Vineyard and soak up their spectacular vineyard views.
CHECK-IN
After a busy day of adventuring, taste testing and exploring all that our region has to offer, make yourself at home in one of our regions comfy hotels to sit back and relax. With cafes and restaurants just a short walk away, sweeping river views and some with the beach as your backyard there’s no better place to be.
TIP: For sweeping river views check-in to Burnett Riverside Hotel, located just a short walk away from boutiques, cafes and scenic walking trails.
GETTING HERE
Why not sit back and relax in the luxurious comfort of Queensland Rail's tilt train service and enjoy the scenery as you roll into our abundant region. Whether your escaping the hustle and bustle from Rockhampton in the north or Brisbane in the south, start your holiday as soon as you leave and soak up our iconic backyard before you adventure on your own.