The mumma turtles emerging on the shores of Mon Repos, a beachside haven, often do so at night and many of the Milbi festival events can easily be slotted into some other Bundaberg adventures. Here is our stay, play and explore must-do, fun list for some other awesome and unique experiences while you're here.

Snorkel the reef off the shore

Barolin Rocks in the Wongarra Marine Park is a perfect easy-to-access site for off-shore snorkelling. There's something different everywhere you look - turtles, rays, sea snakes, nudibranchs, moray eels, a wide variety of reef fish and coral and even wobbegong sharks. Barolin Rocks is also one of the only dive sites in Queensland where dugongs have been seen. Best enjoyed on a clear, calm day and BYO snorkel to take a dip. 

If you are after a full day trip, Lady Musgrave Experience departs daily from the Bundaberg Port Marina and Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort also offers day tours with just a short scenic flight from Bundaberg Airport to the pristine and offers an untouched Southern Great Barrier Reef. Experience a sun-kissed lagoon and reef that awaits metres from the shores where curious turtles, manta rays and tropical fish play. There are a variety of experiences for snorkellers, divers and those who like to stay out of the water with guided walks and glass bottom boat tours. 

Visit the most picturesque toilet block in Bargara

Paul Perry is a local artist who didn’t like the view of toilets across the road from his house, so he did something about it. The Milbi Magic Toilet Block at Archies Beach Bargara is something to behold. Panels upon panels of amazing mosaic artworks through community collaboration have resulted in something that celebrates our region and it’s amazing turtles, but also makes these the best looking loos in Queensland! Paul has also recently finished up a whale sculpture and yarning circle project at Bargara Headlands Estate that is also worth checking out.

Take a tasty drinks tour (and sample a few)

Rum, brewed soft drinks, gin, cider, beer - peaked your interest yet? All of these drinks are proudly made here in Bundaberg and you can take your own drinks tour at any one of these top tipple locations. Let your tastebuds follow a cellar door journey with your first stop being the iconic Bundaberg Rum Distillery. Rum lover or not, this tour is one not to be missed as you venture throughout the bustling working distillery and uncover the tips and tricks to distilling world-class master blends. Try new fruity flavours with a tasty twist at Ohana Tropical Winery & Cider House with combinations such as pineapple wine, strawberry Moscato, orange and ginger cider and more on the menu. For something non-alcoholic, explore the home of Bundaberg Ginger Beer with a self-guided tour and tasting at The Barrel or say hello to Helen from HOTI Kombucha as she pours you a bottle of carefully crafted kombucha at The Pocket Storehouse on Saturdays. Meet artisan distiller Rick Prosser at Kalki Moon Distillery and try their award-winning botanical gins, liqueurs and newly released rum with behind-the-scene tours available between 11am and 1pm daily. And for the craft-brewer enthusiasts, be sure to pop into Ballistic Bargara where their range of lagers, pale ales and IPA's are sure to have your taste buds tingling.

Want to follow the trail? Click here for your complete guide!

Go beach hopping

Where to start, where to start? There are many, many gorgeous beaches around the region perfect for rock hopping, rock pool exploring, walking, treasure hunting, surfing, paddle boarding and just enjoying the quiet serenity that comes with a relaxed visit to the beach. Mon Repos, Elliot Heads, Nielsons Beach, Kelly’s Beach, Archies Beach (with the dogs), Coonarr Beach, Oaks Beach, Moore Park Beach - the list is extensive and long. Here are a few secret local spots you can try to find on your beach wanderings.

Mermaid Lagoon at Elliot Heads - The locals have dubbed it the Mermaid Lagoon and it truly is breathtaking. Can only be located at very low tide, this rockpool has a range of corals and reef fish, crabs and other underwater marvels. Head toward Dr Mays Island and go left over the rocks, your searching will be rewarded.

Soft corals at Oaks Beach - Oaks Beach is a patrolled beach during the summer months and a nice small cove to take a protected swim. If facing the water, to the right is a range of rockpools for hopping and exploring and there is an abundant soft and hard coral wonderland right there to explore.

Nudibrach at Innes Park Inlet - if you are lucky enough the Innes Park Inlet and beach sometimes gets the odd “Spanish Dancer” or Nudibrach. The vivid colours and amazing way they move through the water is something to behold. If you don’t find one, don’t be disappointed, there are lots of lovely spots to walk, swim and sit. This beach is pooch friendly too so you can take your furry friend for a dip.

Walk a labyrinth at Bargara Esplanade - Local creative and community icon Cynthia Hoogestraten can often be spotted at low tide creating mind-stimulating labrythins on local beaches around the region. Take a treasure, take your time and walk one if you see it - you never know where they will pop up.

All about the art

Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery is hosting a few of the Milbi events but if you missed out on a ticket, the exhibitions are a definite must-visit while here. Perfect to visit the cool space in the heat of the day, Ayuva Meenha is a lino-cut exhibition by Injoo artist Teho Ropeyarn. Ropeyarn uses mark making to explore, portray and communicate the history of his family and culture through lino-prints. The larger exhibition in Gallery One is Legacy: Reflections on Mabo which celebrates the man behind the game-changing Native Title Act, Eddie Koiki Mabo and is co-curated by his daughter Gail Mabo. the exhibition brings together a selection of 22 works by 25 Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists in the spirit of reconciliation, almost three decades after the historic achievement. The gallery is open 7 days, Monday to Friday 9:30 - 5:00pm and weekends 10am to 2pm.

There is a vibrant hub on Walker St as well, with the Bundaberg Potters, Woodworkers and Art Society sharing the space. They are open 9-12 noon Thursday and Saturday for viewings and purchases and there are some wonderful creations. Pop in at 95C Walker St for a look and wander.