Picture this, you wake up to the soft sounds of the ocean with birds chirping in the background and the warm coastal breeze on your face. You make a fresh cup of coffee and wander out to the balcony where the sun glistens on the water while your significant other finishes a chapter of their book. You think to yourself, is this what dreams are made of? We’re here to tell you yes and it’s only four hours’ drive north of Brisbane. Welcome to Bargara, the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

DAY 1

Grab your sunglasses and your bags (that you definitely didn’t pack last minute this morning) and jump in the car because it’s time to make your way to the beautiful Bargara.

The world is your oyster

If you’re a seafood lover, then our region is for you. With trawlers heading out every day, there’s never a shortage of fresh, mouthwatering seafood. Overlooking the magnificent Burnett River, you’ll find Grunske’s by the River serving up the delicious prawns, scallops, mud crabs (and more) caught by their boats. If there’s a recipe you’ve been dying to try out yourself, their seafood is also sold direct to the public - you can’t get fresher than that.

Beachside living

Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you’ve been waiting for, your home away from home for the next 3 nights! Situated on the Bargara coastline with awe-inspiring oceanfront views is C Bargara Resort. Just minutes’ walk from cafes serving up food filled with local ingredients, boutiques perfect for buying that new beachside outfit and walkways for discovering hidden gems, C Bargara Resort is the ultimate place to base your stay. With all apartments equipped with cooking facilities, access to the pool and gym, and most importantly views of the ocean, we guarantee you can’t go wrong.

Taste our flavours

Here in the Bundaberg region, we know how to make a drink. Whether you’re on the gin bandwagon and love nothing more than the tastes of exquisite botanicals, are on the adventurous side and can’t wait to try the newest fruit ciders or are a fan-favourite of our world famous rum, you won’t want to miss visiting our crafters, brewers and distillers. Discover how our award-winning drinks are made, meet the people who spend their days creating deliciousness and taste a few flavours along the way. 

Dinner is better together

After exploring our cellar doors, your taste buds are sure to be tingling and tummy rumbling for your next foodie experience. End your first day in the region with a suburb four course meal at the exquisite Water Street Kitchen before heading back to your oceanfront oasis. Think fresh mackerel sashimi, flavourful pork belly, heavenly ginger panna cotta and excellent cocktails to match.

DAY 2

Snorkel the depths

We told you we are the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, right?

Meet the two ladies of our reef-filled backyard, Lady Musgrave Island and Lady Elliot Island. Just a short drive from your accommodation, hop on board Lady Musgrave Experience. While the luxury catamaran takes you on your snorkelling adventure, watch out for the migrating whales and their babies currently playing in our warm waters. Spend the day exploring the secluded beauty of the island, spotting turtle cleaning stations in the glass bottom boat and snorkelling alongside the friendliest marine life around.

If a scenic flight over the Southern Great Barrier Reef sounds like you, then Lady Elliot Island it is. Home of the magnificent manta ray, this coral cay will take your breath away. Free to do whatever your heart desires, grab your snorkel and fins, and discover the colourful corals and giant marine life that call the island home.

Home sweet home

While staying along our beautiful coastline, it’s only right that you enjoy a quintessential beach dinner of fish and chips. Take a seat at one of the picnic tables dotted along the esplanade and admire the views you have fallen in love with while reminiscing about your day on the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

DAY 3

Sunshine and breakfast

A few minutes’ walk from your seaside oasis and situated in the heart of Bargara, you’ll come across local favourite, Windmill Café. Inside an actual windmill, this quirky café provides a true paddock-to-plate experience. With farms just around the corner delivering fresh produce daily, it’s no wonder why this café is the best in all of Queensland. Taking out Gold in the 2019 Queensland Tourism awards for Restaurants and Catering Services, this cafe is truly like no other. 

Explore the unexplored

There’s no better way to discover our coastline than by foot. Walk off your breakfast by taking a relaxing stroll by the oceanfront of Bargara, looking out for whales and dolphins along the way. If you can’t get enough of the breathtaking views, take the Turtle Trail from Bargara, past Mon Repos and Oaks Beach to the nearby seaside suburb of Burnett Heads.

An afternoon on the water

You know it’s the perfect day when stand-up-paddle boarding is involved. With spectacular expansive views of soft white sand and tranquil blue waters, Elliott Heads is a picture-perfect spot for all water-sport enthusiasts. From kayaking to jet skiing and all things in between, exploring this tropical haven is a must-do while in region. Don’t forget to pick up a delicious bite to eat and relax on the grass, overlooking the ocean before heading to your next stop.

Never settle for just one scoop

Is there anything better than strawberry ice cream from a strawberry farm? We don’t think so! Enjoy a delectable afternoon treat at local farm, Tinaberries. Using the fruit they grow, Tinaberries sells arguably one of the best fruit ice-creams around. If strawberries aren’t your thing, not a problem, they also have passionfruit and dragonfruit & lime. If you’re visiting during Spring, be sure to pick your very own strawberries to take back to your home away from home for dessert.