A 10-day celebration of culture, connection, and conservation – say g’day, or yee’gee (hello in Taribelang language) to Milbi Festival! With so many captivating events, illuminating experiences and native feasts to pick and choose from, here’s our must do’s and more for you to explore.
Must Do: Sunset Launch
When? Friday 25 October, 4:30pm – 6pm
Where? Nielson Park, Bargara
FREE Event
With the glistening ocean as his backdrop, Australia's Got Talent star Mitch Tambo will take to the stage for the ever-spectacular Sunset Launch. A proud Gamilaraay man, Mitch blends traditional Aboriginal sounds and language with contemporary beats and production, sharing a soulful and captivating connection to Country. Roll out your picnic rug, grab a feed from the local street food trucks and let the laid back vibes and ocean breeze do the rest.
More: Beautiful Beaches
If you're a beach lover at heart, or simply crave a peaceful escape, take the time to explore the pristine beaches that lace our Coral Coast. From the golden sands of Kellys Beach to the hidden gems along the Turtle Trail, each beach offers its own unique charm. Pack a picnic of local produce and make a day of it – beach hopping from the surf patrolled shores of Oaks Beach, to the mermaid lagoons of Elliott Heads.
Must Do: Bundy Belle River Cruise
When? Saturday 26 October 2pm – 3:30pm
Sunday 27 October 10am – 11:30am
Wednesday 30 October 3:30pm - 5pm
Where? Departing Riverside Parklands Pontoon 3, Quay Street
$45 | Bookings essential | Tickets available here
Set sail through the beating heart of Bundaberg, and immerse yourself in history and heritage. Wind your way down the mighty Burnett River aboard the iconic Bundy Belle, with insightful commentary from local hosts and illuminating Dreamtime stories from the Taribelang Bunda people on this relaxing river cruise.
More: Grunkses by the River Restaurant
Keep the good times and riverside vibes flowing with a visit to Grunske’s by the River. Just a stone’s throw from the dock, this waterfront gem is perfect for savouring the freshest local seafood, from trawler to table eats at it’s finest! Whether you’re in the mood for a casual fish and chips or a decadent seafood platter, dining here gives you a true taste of the region.
Must Do: Yesterday Today Tomorrow Tour
When? Saturday 26 October 9:30am – 12:30pm
Sunday 27 October 10am - 2pm
Tuesday 29 October 9:30am – 12:30pm
Saturday 2 November 9:30am – 12:30pm
Where? TAC Corporate Office, 2/67 Perry Street, North Bundaberg
$99 | Bookings essential | Tickets available here
Venture on a journey through time learning the stories, traditions, and history of Taribelang Bunda (Bunda meaning people), on this culturally awakening half-day tour experience. Guided by Taribelang hosts, immerse yourself in the rich history of Bundaberg told through the eyes of Taribelang Bunda, as you visit sites of significance. Taste native flavours over a small morning tea and experience a genuine connection to the land over open conversation with your guides.
Must Do: Milbi Twilight Table
When? Saturday 26 October, 5:30pm – 10:30pm
Where? Bundaberg Botanic Gardens
$150 per person | includes beverage package | Tickets available here
Nestled beneath an enchanting light tunnel amidst the serenity of the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens, pull up a chair to a long table twilight dining experience like no other. A fusion of tantalising native flavours and the finest local produce form the three-course menu, which is created in front of your eyes on a Yagoona BBQ. The ultra smooth sounds of Carlos C Major will set the mood for the evening, and when the plates are cleared, get ready to boogey in the Botanic Gardens on the dance floor under the stars.
More: Tipple Tours
Now you have a taste for the region, why not carry this on with a tipple tour of our artisan cellar doors? Start with a tasting at the iconic Bundaberg Rum Distillery, then sip artisanal gins at Kalki Moon. Swing by Bundaberg Brewed Drinks for their famous ginger beer, and finish with craft beers at Ballistic Bargara. It’s the perfect way to toast your Bundaberg adventure!
Must Do: Sunset Sounds
When? Friday 1 November, 5pm-9pm
Where? Alexandra Park, Quay Street
$39 | Bookings essential | Tickets available here
Iconic 2000's group Sneaky Sound System, will take to the stage for crowd-favourite Sunset Sounds, and get the banks of the Burnett River beating with their funky electro-pop hits. The dancefloor’s cleared, the food trucks are prepping and the bar is stocked to the rafters with local tipples – we’re ready to get this party started!
UPDATE: Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled, however there are still so many events to check out across the 10 day celebration! Click here for the full program.
Must Do: Turtle Hour
When? Thursday 31 October, 7:30pm-8:30pm
Where? Wherever you are!
FREE Event
An Eco Certified Destination ✅
The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef ✅
Home to the most significant loggerhead turtle nesting population in the South Pacific ✅
With all of this under our belt, it’s no wonder we pride ourselves on being a community that takes Great Care in protecting and conserving our natural experiences for future generations, especially our turtles! So with only 1 in 1000 of these teeny tiny cutie hatchlings reach maturity – it’s important that we do all we can to up the odds, and give them the best chance at living to a ripe old age!
The majority of both nesting and hatching turtle activity occurs at night—disturbances and danger from predators, both on land and at sea, is lowest under the cover of darkness. This makes turtles vulnerable to disturbance and disorientation from artificial light, both from a single light near the beach and the collective glow of lights from a coastal community.
Whether you’re in a hotel room with ocean views, or caravanning by the coast, you can play your part in reducing the urban glow by flicking the switch from 7:30pm between October to April! The vibes are always better in candlelight anyway 😉
More: Swim with Turtles at Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort
Ready to dive deeper into your turtle adventure? Head to Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, where you can snorkel and swim alongside these magnificent creatures in their crystal-clear reef home year-round. Just a short scenic flight from Bundaberg, this eco-paradise offers you the chance to get up close with turtles in their natural habitat, surrounded by vibrant coral and marine life. Make it an unforgettable day trip or stay overnight to fully immerse yourself in this island paradise.
Must Do: Crystal Grounding at the Craters
When? Saturday 2 November, 10am-1pm
Where? Mystery Craters, 15 Lines Road, South Kolan
$65 per person | Tickets available here
Nestled in the heart of South Kolan, awaits a day of holistic healing, creative exploration, and grounding craftsmanship amongst the sanctuary of nature at Mystery Craters. This 3-part workshop is all about connection, creation and crystals. Find mental clarity and emotional peace through a Sound Healing and Grounding Session, before unleashing the artist within and using natural elements to capture the meaning of Milbi Festival. Finally, learn how to harness the calming energies of crystals, and perfect a wand that serves as your own personal grounding device in a Crystal Craftsmanship workshop.
Must Do: Milbi at Mon Repos
When? Sunday 2 November, 9am – 4pm
Where? Mon Repos Turtle Centre
FREE Event
It’s almost our favourite time of year - turtle season duh! Mon Repos Turtle Centre will become a hub of First Nations’ performances, entertainment, tipples and nibbles as we all come together to celebrate the beginning of turtle season, the importance of the Milbi to Traditional Owners and how we all share Great Care for the conservation of these incredible marine animals.
More: Mon Repos Turtle Encounter
Of course, we can’t talk about turtle season without mentioning the G.O.A.T land-based turtle experience! Join a guided night tour to watch these amazing creatures nest or hatch right before your eyes, led by knowledgeable rangers who make the experience fun and educational. It’s an unforgettable way to see nature in action and learn about the efforts to protect these incredible animals – leaving with a heart full of wonder and a new love for these majestic creatures.
Check out the full program here.