Celebrate the long weekend by exploring our countries beautiful backyard this Australia Day, without skimping out on a classic beach-side BBQ or your crazy Australia Day attire.

CHECK-IN TO TURTLE TOWN 

Escape to sweeping river views and make yourself at home with Burnett Riverside Hotel this long weekend. Enjoy the ease of having boutique shops, cafe's and eateries just a short walk away and sit back and relax with a bubbly in hand as the river acts as your backdrop. 

OUR BEAUTIFUL BACKYARD

Arguably one of the most magical places on earth, the Great Barrier Reef is one destination that should be on everyone's bucket list. Discover where great begins and explore two of the southernmost coral cays on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island and Lady Musgrave Island for a tropical escape this weekend. Snorkel alongside turtles, manta rays, tropical fish and giant marine life in an abundant coral lagoon with just a short boat or plane ride from the Bundaberg Region. Spend a day exploring an underwater playground from the comforts of a glass bottom boat, and stretch your legs while venturing on a scenic island tour. Extend your stay and turn your day trip to an overnight vacation by sleeping on the reef in an ocean-view Eco cabin at Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort.

SEAS THE DAY

There's nothing more Australian than getting out the good old cricket set or footy and hitting the beach for a day of fun. With a plethora of beaches lining the Coral Coast and Bargara, we are spoiled for choice when picking the perfect beach spot. Follow the coast and head south towards Woodgate Beach where pristine sand and crystal clear waters await for your perfect next Australia Day beach getaway.

TURTLE-Y AWESOME ENCOUNTERS

Witness a miracle on a ranger-guided Mon Repos Nightly Turtle Encounter as mother turtles nest their clutches of eggs and hundreds of baby turtles erupt from their sandy nests this Bundaberg Turtle Season. From November to January watch as mother turtles return to their birth beach to nest up to 150 eggs per clutch under the cover of darkness before returning some weeks later, to witness hundreds of baby turtles make a dash towards the sea, where only 1 in 1000 will survive the odds. An experience unlike any other, join trained turtle rangers at the largest turtle rookery in the South Pacific and celebrate these incredible turtles, their journey and the challenges they face this Australia Day. 

RUM, RUM, RUM

Is there anything more Australian than the iconic Bundaberg Rum Distillery? Immerse yourself on a self-guided sensory tour and weaver your way through a handful of 75,000 Litre vats as you learn the history of past master blenders. Uncover the secrets to blending award-winning Rum and meet up with a Rum legend before travelling deep into the fully working distillery. Finish off your experience with a tasting at the Tasting Bar where the top-shelf blends are on show. 

G'DAY MATE

If you're looking to embrace the Australia Day Weekend with friends and family, put on your best broad brimmed hat, slop on some sunscreen and head to our regions various Australia Day events. From eating burgers and fish and chips at HSG at the Gardens, rocking it out to live entertainment at H20 Restaurant and Bar with a glass of wine, or hitting Nielson beach for some good old fashioned sand castle building and beach BBQ. However, you choose to spend your Australia Day, we ensure your bellies will be filled with fresh produce and an endless amount of Aussie fun!