Queensland’s tastiest food bowl is coming alive this August as Taste Bundaberg Festival returns with a 10-day program jam-packed with more than 30 events, showcasing our region’s vibrant producers and tantalising culinary experiences.
Bringing together the region’s finest culinary talents and rich agricultural tapestry, we’ve popped together some of our top picks of an unforgettable foodie getaway, so you can roll up your sleeves and come discover where iconic tipples and great taste grows.
FARM TO FORK EXPERIENCES
Event: Farm Flavours Picnic | Macadamias Australia is reviving its beloved Farm Flavours Picnic within their lush orchard for Taste Bundaberg Festival. Enjoy a sun-soaked day filled with live music, perfect for friends and family as scattered picnic blankets and deck chairs invite you to relax on the manicured lawns or under the shade of macadamia trees. Savor fresh, seasonal, local produce and, of course, delicious macadamias during this laid-back event which promises a delightful blend of nature, food, and music, making it a must-attend experience. Don't miss the chance to unwind and indulge in the best of the region's offerings!
Date: Sunday 1 September
Time: 11 am - 3 pm
Cost: $68 (adult) | $20 (child)
Location: Macadamias Australia, 4625 Goodwood Road, Alloway
Book HERE
Our year-round pairing: You can soak up Macadamias Australia’s delicious delights all year round with their unique tree-to-table Visitor Experience and on-site café, The Orchard Table. From sampling chocolate macadamia clusters to uncovering this generational farming family’s legacy and passion for sharing sustainable quality macadamia nuts. This is a must-do on the itinerary!
Event: Berry Delicious Farm Tour | Join the exclusive 'Berry Delicious' farm tour at Hillwood Berries for a behind-the-scenes experience! Stroll through state-of-the-art growing tunnels, tasting raspberries and blackberries fresh from the branches. Led by Hillwood Berries Harvest Manager and Senior Agronomist, you'll learn about harvesting techniques, quality control, and growing practices from propagation to picking, giving you the skills to appreciate and take home to implement. This fascinating and tasty tour is a must for berry lovers! Each ticket includes a punnet of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries to take home so don’t miss this opportunity to indulge in fresh berries while gaining expert insights into the world of berry farming.
Date: Tuesday 3 September
Time: 9 - 11 am
Cost: $45
Location: Hillwood Berries, 34 Springhill Road, Burnett Heads
Book HERE
Our year-round pairing: Love strawberries as much as we do!? Pop a visit to Tinaberries on your foodie trail when in region and taste farm-fresh strawberries during the PYO strawberry season in September or lap up real-fruit strawberry ice-cream among their lush garden surrounds followed by a game of connect 4.
Event: Flowers and Bubbles | Calling all flower enthusiasts! Dive into a delightful afternoon at Flowers & Bubbles on Saturday, August 31st, hosted at One Little Farm. No prior experience needed – just bring your creativity and enthusiasm! Guided by One Little Farm’s expert florists, spend the afternoon crafting stunning floral arrangements using fresh blooms straight from their farm. With a glass of bubbles to spark your creativity, immerse yourself in this hands-on workshop, complete with all materials and tools provided, making memories and new friends all whilst getting ready to take home your own beautiful creation.
Date: Saturday 31 August
Time: 1.30 - 3 pm
Cost: $145
Location: One Little Farm, 3/133 Bargara Road, Bundaberg East
Book HERE
Our year-round pairing: If you’re a lover of colour and blooms, a visit to Bundaberg’s Regional Art Gallery should be on the agenda. Admire the artistic diamonds of the season and immerse in vibrant pieces from both local and award-winning Artists.
With the promise of more blossom's take a stroll at the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens where exquisite flora and fauna can be found at every turn.
Event: One Night in Bargara | Experience ‘One Night in Bargara’ at The Garden Mill for an evening filled with a passion for using the freshest of ingredients and locally grown produce in the form of a mouth-watering three course meal. Fill your glass on arrival and have your plates piled high with the soothing sounds of local musicians floating throughout the night. This event is one you can sit back and sink your fork into alongside your significant other or to be enjoyed with the whole family, and friends.
Date: Wednesday 4 September
Time: 6 pm | 6.30 pm | 7 pm | 7.30 pm - 10 pm
Cost: $120
Location: The Garden Mill, 100 Hughes Road, Bargara
Book HERE
Our year-round pairing: Soaking up the region’s love for connection, connect deeper with an immersive guided half-day tour visiting culturally significant sites across the region with Taribelang Bunda Cultural Tours. A moving introduction to the regions vibrant indigenous culture, this is a unique experience that shares the rich history and culture of the Taribelang people spanning more than 60,000 years. From sampling bush tucker, to learning the history through storytelling passed down from Elders past and present, experience Taribelang Bunda Cultural Tours.
EPICUREAN ESCAPADES
Event: Long Table at the Strawberry Farm | Take a seat at the long table and enjoy a three-course meal designed by passionate local Chef Dion of HSG at the Gardens, as you sit back and hear from Bargara Berries owners Michael and Debbie. This unique event will take you into the heart of this strawberry farm and open up the opportunity for open conversations and an engaging evening with the producers themselves. A sweet combination for those who love great taste and great company.
Date: Tuesday 3 September
Time: 6 - 9 pm
Cost: $84
Location: Bargara Berries, 104 Hoods Road, Meadowvale
Book HERE
Our year-round pairing: You’ll notice Bargara Berries strawberries and award-winning jams across menus and stocked across shelves throughout the region. Sample more of their delights at The Windmill Café where their strawberry jam is a long-time favourite on this café’s fluffy scones made for an afternoon treat.
Situated just a block from Bargara Beach, the Windmill Cafés tranquil garden and charming windmill, also features a menu that is an ode to the region’s rich agricultural ties with seasonal flavours featured across dishes. Open for Breakfast and Lunch, you can visit from 7am-2pm Monday to Sunday.
Event: Experience Bert’s | The promise of an elegant, candlelit five course degustation at Bert’s Restaurant is truly enticing. Local Chef Sumit's collaboration with the region’s suppliers ensures a culinary journey that celebrates both fine dining and the richness of the region's produce. With the promise of tasty beverages and pairing options available to purchase throughout the night, this is one classy farm-to-fork dining experience not to be missed!
Date: Thursday 5 September
Time: 5 - 7 pm or 7.30 - 9.30 pm
Cost: $145
Location: Bert's Restaurant, 163 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg
Book HERE
Our year-round pairing: Whether you’re wanting to experience worldly flavours of Bert’s during Taste Bundaberg Festival or afterwards, you can do just that, lunch or dinner. If you’re taste buds are tingling with what they have to offer, dive deeper into the heart and soul of the story behind Bert’s at the Hinkler Hall of Aviation. Dedicated to celebrating the life of aviation pioneer and Bundy born adventurer, Bert Hinker, come immerse yourself on a tour through time. An experience the whole family can enjoy.
FAMILY FAVS
Event: Taste Bundaberg Market | Experience the vibrant Taste Bundaberg Market, where the region's finest fresh produce takes center stage. Delight in fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood, showcasing the area's rich culinary diversity. Chat with passionate producers, fill your basket with farm-fresh goodies, and savour the aromas and flavours from various food vendors. Enjoy culinary creations from stallholders and be entertained by celebrity chef Justine Schofield and local culinary talents on the cooking stage. This special event brings the region's best directly to you, highlighting the incredible bounty that supports cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets across Australia.
Date: Saturday 7 September
Time: 7 am – 1 pm
Location: Alexandra Park West, Bundaberg
Cost: Free event
Our year-round pairing: The perks of being a region that grows everything from A to Z is that you can experience seasonal fresh produce year-round. Whether it be pulling out a chair and taking a seat at one of our regions cafes or restuarants, or venturing on a self guided farm-gate tour, you can follow the flavours of our region a variety of ways. To help guide your next foodie escape and help tick off those seasonal favourites, experience a regional food trail here! With half-day and week-long itineraries to guide you or maps with our top picked locations, there’s something for every food and drink adventurer.
Event: Candyland Picnic | Looking for a fun filled afternoon? Get ready to stretch out among the gardens for and afternoon of picnics, live entertainment, lawn games and treasure hunts. Let the kids run free, making friends and enjoying the outdoors with a cheeky addition of a delicious lolly bag supplied by Cha Cha Chocolate. This event is sure to be one for the whole family to enjoy!
Date: Saturday 7 September
Time: 2 - 5 pm
Cost: $53 (adult) | $45 (child) | $185 (family)
Location: The Garden Mill, 100 Hughes Road, Bargara
Book HERE
Our year-round pick: With sweet treats that will make both the young and young at heart giddy, Cha Cha Chocolate is the regions much-loved sweet-tooth haven! From home-made fudge featuring some of our iconic seasonal flavours and tasty tipples, to vintage chocolates and candy’s that will transport you to your childhood, a visit to Cha Cha Chocolate any day and any time of the year is a must!
Event: FRI-YAY! | Looking for a laid-back, fun-filled evening to kickstart your weekend of feasting? Join in the celebrations on August 30th, at the Taste Bundaberg Festival launch event, Fri-YAY! Held under the stunning sailcloth Sperry tents at Jayteens Park in Bargara, this event is the perfect way to unwind before diving into a 10-day culinary adventure. Enjoy the casual vibes as you explore a variety of mouthwatering dishes from local food trucks, sip on refreshing beverages from regional suppliers and soak up sounds from The Bermuda Social band who will set the tone with lively beats to dance the night away. Tickets are just $25, covering your entry, a local beverage, and top-notch entertainment.
Date: Friday, 30 August
Time: 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Cost: $25
Location: Jayteens Park, Bargara
BOOK NOW
Our year-round pairing: Celebrating our love for where we live and region’s natural wonders, experiencing these in full-force would not be complete without a day-trip or overnight stay on the Southern Great Barrier Reef. With Lady Elliot Island and Lady Musgrave Island just a hop, jump and skip away, you can be snorkelling alongside turtles, swimming with colourful reef fish and spotting majestic manta rays all year round.
Experience Lady Musgrave Island with Lady Musgrave Experience. Departing from Bundaberg Port Marina tick guided island walks, snorkelling a coral-filled lagoon, glass-bottom boat tours and, for the divers out there, outer reef diving expeditions off the bucket list! Want to spend a night under the stars and sleep the reef? Lady Musgrave Experience offer a unique Sleep the Reef experience onboard Lady Musgrave HQ, their 3-tier eco-friendly pontoon will have you awaking to crystal blue waters and 360-degree views of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Experience Lady Elliot Island with Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort. Just a short 30min scenic flight from Bundaberg regional airport, arrive on this magnificent coral cay and southernmost point of the Great Barrier Reef. Known as the home of the Manta Ray, slip on some fins and your snorkel to explore the underwater playground that is Lady Elliot Island. From spotting Nemo, Giant Clams, curious turtles, manta rays (of course) and their resident dolphin, bubbles, you’re just a splash away. With eco accommodation options, restaurant and bar on the island, discover the role which Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort has played in protecting and preserving this natural wonder of the world over the years and their commitment to sharing this love and dedication for generations to come.
TANTALISING DROPS
Event: Kalki Moon Cocktails and Canapes | Savor a welcome cocktail as you embark on an educational tour with the founder of Kalki Moon. Discover the intricate process behind their award-winning gin and enjoy tastings of select products. Delight in canapés provided by Water Street Kitchen and unwind among the barrels with a refreshing drink. This experience includes a distillery tour, two Kalki Moon cocktails, two tastings, and delicious canapés. It's a perfect blend of learning and leisure, offering a unique glimpse into the art of gin-making while enjoying gourmet bites and beverages. Don’t miss this opportunity to indulge in Kalki Moon’s finest.
Date: Saturday 7 September
Time: 6 - 9 pm
Cost: $95
Location: Kalki Moon, 22 Commercial Street, Bundaberg
Book HERE
Our year-round pairing: With award-winning tipples in mind, a visit to the iconic Bundaberg Rum Distillery is a must. Tour behind-the-scenes and venture into the heart of the fully working distillery responsible for blending Australia’s favourite spirit with the Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience. For the Rum connoisseur’s, guided by a Bundaberg Rum Master Blender, learn the art of blending world-class rum on a Blend Your Own Rum experience, taking home two signature blends, with your recipe added to the volt for safe keeping only to resurface once you’ve cracked the originals and shared with your mates.
Another icon and tipple to-do is The Bundaberg Barrel, home to the great Australian brew. Family owned for more than 50years, venture through The Barrel and discover the range of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks that have been tantalising taste-buds for generations. From Ginger Beer, Traditional Lemonade, Pink Grapefruit and more, you’re sure to discover a new favourite during your visit.
Event: Ballistic Backyard | The Ballistic Bargara Brewhouse is opening their backyard for an exclusive Friday session. This free entry event offers the opportunity of soaking up live entertainment and games that will get your blood pumping as the sun goes down with tasting paddles, local sweet potatoes fries and their standard bar menu all available for purchase on the night.
Date: Friday 6 September
Time: 5 - 10 pm
Cost: FREE Entry| See menu for details
Location: Ballistic Bargara Brewhouse, 10 Tantitha Street, Bundaberg
Our year-round pairing: Speaking of backyards – did you know Bundaberg is renowned for being the place the turtles call home!? With the largest turtle rookery of nesting loggerhead turtles in the South Pacific, and home to the only ranger-guided turtle encounter on Australia’s East Coast, Mon Repos Beach situated just 10min from Bundaberg and Bargara is where miracles occur each year.
During November to March, nesting and hatching turtles grace the sandy dunes of Mon Repos for the annual turtle season. During turtle season, guests of the region can experience a guided Mon Repos Nightly Turtle Encounter with an experienced Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services Mon Repos Ranger, to learn about conservation, the importance of taking great care of our turtles, and our pecious backyard whilst witnessing the miracle of life.
Outside of turtle season, guests can visit the state-of-the-art Mon Repos Turtle Centre and immerse in the stories of these magnificent turtles and the stories of our passionate rangers who work to protect these species.
With plenty of tastes to be savoured both during the 2024 Taste Bundaberg Festival and all-year round, you can discover where great taste grows and champion the producers, creators and makers responsible for it. To view the full progam click here and keep planning your jam-packed foodie escape!