Savour some art, shopping and the tastes of Bundaberg with this one day Bundaberg to Bargara food trail!
Time to hit the road!
8am - Grab some breakfast
Start the day with a farmer, you will probably be seated next to one of them at Indulge Cafe in the Bundaberg CBD. With a menu dotted with local farmer’s names (Simpson’s avocado, Pratt’s honey, Belle Pesche peaches, Tu’s tiger prawns) this is the best way to eat lots of local produce at once and crafted into something truly special. Recommend trying the tiger prawn omelette or if seafood is not your thing the roasted beetroot with Mundubbera pecan crush on Pocket storehouse sourdough is absolutely divine.
9:30am - Savour some art
While you let the tastes of breakfast linger on your tongue, head to the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery where exhibitions showcasing our regions talent and national artists share their exquisite creations. With interactive displays and plenty of holiday activities for all, this is a must-do for the craft lovers at heart.
11am - Pop into a gourmet grocer
Hop in the car and take Princess Street to head out to Bargara Road. Stop off at One Little Farm and say hi to Anthony and Kate Rehbein (farmer and owners). If he hasn’t grown it, Anthony has found someone local who has. Pick up some of Anthony’s lovingly grown tomatoes, lettuce, capsicums and maybe some Bunda Ginga bites for the drive. If you need a second coffee, they also have barista made coffee and treats for the road. Saskia’s homewares are right next door and worth a visit with some unique and on trend pieces available. Saskia is also from a farming family of Da Paoli’s who produce lots of the region's tomatoes and more.
11:30am - Grab some sweet potatoes on the road
Drive along Bargara Road, taking in the sights of the cane fields and flowers growing up left and right. Sweet potatoes, zucchini, watermelons and more are all grown along this stretch and you will be able to stop in at Robertson flower farm on fridays and grab a fresh bunch or Mortimers sweet potatoes (and watermelon when in season) on the left.
12 noon - Enjoy some art with a side of shopping
Pop in and see Julie Appo, who at the age of 71 finally opened her own dress shop - The Beach Dresser on the corner of Whalley and See Street! Julie has some beautiful kaftans, custom prints made from her first nations artwork and can custom create too. Next door to Julie is Jassy Watson, another local landscape and abstract artist at Earth Circle Gallery, she has a lovely selection of local art and runs painting workshops from time to time.
Stroll further down the road and you will see Vinnies, a treasure trove of an op shop. Lots of lovely hidden gems to be found and walk further down the road and find Homeleigh House and The Salvation Army before finally arriving at your lunch destination.
1:15pm - Lounge and lunch
The Windmill is directly opposite The Salvation Army and you will find there a delicious selection of cold drinks, coffee and nourishing meals. For something authentically Bundaberg using lots of local produce grab the Smashed Pumpkin or breakfast bowl from the all day breaky menu. If you want something a bit special try the southern fried chicken eggs benedict. Whoa!
2:30pm - Scoot the esplanade
Neuron scooters are dotted along the esplanade, download the app and get scooting! An easy way to see lots of the Bargara coastline at your pace and ease. Make sure you wear a helmet and take note of associated costs and charges. You could even scoot back to where your car is parked!
3:00pm - Grab some more fresh produce from The Lettuce Patch
On the way back into town there is a small produce shop called The Lettuce Patch on the corner of Bargara Road and Carl Rehbein Road. You can drive through and pick up local produce from lots of farms locally like Marcon family farms cherry tomatoes, lettuce and ginger grown meters from your car and citrus from neighbouring Gayndah.
3:30pm - Pop in for a Bundy Brewed tour
Pop into the home of Bundaberg's famous Ginger Beer at the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel on the way home for a self-guided tour and a mixed 6 pack for $10. This is a great way to see the inner workings of the famous soft drink and sample heaps of their delicious flavours.
4:30pm - Relax with some bar snacks and a beer
Head to craft brewhouse Ballistic Bargara on Tantitha street and order some macadamia nuts and olives with a Great White (alcoholic ginger beer) or a Thirsty Turtle.
6pm - Hey good lookin’ whatcha got cookin’
You should have most of the ingredients from your day savouring the arts, shops and food on the road to cook up some super delicious, fresh and tasty sweet potato dogs (recipe below). Share your creations using our local produce with #tastebundaberg.
