Whether it be an escape in the caravan, a relaxing holiday with waterfront views, or simply somewhere to explore alongside your pooch, here's your guide to 50 must-do attractions, places to see, things to do, where to stay, and where to eat and drink on your perfect next getaway to the Bundaberg region.
1. Explore the heart of where the famous Bundaberg Ginger Beer was born at the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel and discover the family legacy of this 50+ year family-owned brew-making business.
2. Go behind the scenes of where Australia's favourite spirit is made at the Bundaberg Rum Distillery and become a rum connoisseur for the day making your very own signature blend with a Blend Your Own Rum Experience.
3. Discover the tales of aviation pioneer Bert Hinkler at the Hinkler Hall of Aviation and let the tales of Hinkler's solo flight expeditions and love for Bundaberg shine through in this interactive historical hall where replica aircrafts and aviation history come together.
4. Travel back in time to Bundaberg's sugar pioneering days at Fairymead House Sugar Museum, and be transported to the 1890's as you wander throughout this heritage-listed homestead that houses many tales from times past of Bundaberg's significant sugar cane boom.
5. Take time to admire natures beauty at the Bundaberg Botanical Gardens with more than 10,000 types of plant and tree varieties on display as you wander the flower-laced pathways.
6. A new agri-tourism experience not to be missed, visit Macadamia's Australia's Visitor Centre and uncover the in's and out's of one of Bundaberg's most successful macadamia farming families and the secret to their success, how and why Macadamia's have become so iconic to the region, and their passion for sustainability at this interactive taste bud tingling centre.
7. Continue the journey at Macadamia's Australia and taste their quality macadamia's from the onsite cafe, The Orchard Table, a unique tree to table experience set among the lush macadamia orchard.
8. Tick visiting the Southern Great Barrier Reef off the bucket list either from the air with Coastland Aviation or on the water with Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort or Lady Musgrave Experience.
9. Taste freshly caught seafood delivered straight from the trawler to the kitchen and your plate at Grunske's Seafood Restaurant and Market with sweeping river views of the mighty Burnett River.
10. Stop into the regions abundant farm-gate honesty stalls or find a wealth of the regions fresh seasonal produce at family owned and run Alloway Farm Market, taking home ingredients perfect for a seaside picnic (we highly recommend taking home the delicious figs if in season).
11. From paddock to plate, taste fresh food at One Little Farm and be in awe of their colourful bouquet arrangements made direct from the shop. You can also take home fresh local fruit and veg to enjoy back at your accommodation.
12. Spend your day cruising down the beautiful Burnett River on board the Bundy Belle, with a knowledgeable and passionate skipper sharing the history of the town throughout a 2.5hr tour, offering a different perspective of the region.
13. Weave your way throughout Bundaberg's boutique shops that line Bourbong Street and find unique treasures at Avenell Bros.
14. Treat yourself to a new dress at Vo Vo's Modelle or take home a special gift to remember your stay at Warner's Fine Jewelers.
15. Visit the home of Amandine Lavender Farm and wander through the purple isles of this aromatic crop, before visiting the boutique shop where all things lavender can be found. From scented hand creams made from real lavender to learning how to propagate and grow your own back home, this is one stop not to miss.
16. Choose to do things at your own pace and venture on a Bundaberg Heritage Trail where heritage-listed buildings showcasing their wide colonial verandas, iron laced balustrade features and gothic revival architecture that flourished throughout the town in 1830-1900.
17. Fill your belly in the lush garden surrounds of the award-winning, Windmill Cafe Bargara. A local haven for morning coffee's and delicious food served for both breakfast and lunch, be sure to try their scrumptious Dragon Bowls and admire this quirky cafe nestled in a Dutch windmill just a block from Bargara Beach.
18. If nothing but you and 16km stretch of pristine white sand sounds like the perfect escape, we'd like to introduce you to Woodgate Beach. This quiet picturesque seaside town boasts ample amount of room for you to pull up a seat, dip your toes in the sand and open that book you've been waiting to read as the waves meet the shore.
19. Like long walks on the beach? Situated north of Bundaberg, Moore Park Beach is just a short 15min drive from Bundaberg's bustling CBD and offers 20km of sandy beach that's perfect for getting your step count up and can also be enjoyed with your pooch by your side.
20. Head towards the Coral Coast and plan a picnic at Kelly's Beach. With shaded picnic tables, pathways and a kid-friendly playgrounds this popular surf-lifesaver patrolled beach is a relaxing and safe spot to take a dip and sit back at.
21. Tee off at Bargara Golf Club and enjoy this well-maintained 18 hole course that has been perfectly placed just a stone throw from the beach before parking the buggy and refreshing with a beverage in hand at the club house where beach views await.
22. Set up camp at the BIG4 Breeze Bargara Holiday Park and enjoy the convenience of being just meters from local surf-lifesaving patrolled Neilson's beach and short 5-min drive to Bargara Esplanade, boutique shops, eateries and restaurants.
23. Treat yourself to a stay at Manta Bargara in one of their self-contained, spacious apartments overlooking Bargara's coastline and wake up to stunning sunrises over the water and whales during the season (July-October).
24. Accommodation not only for you but your four-legged family member. Elliott Heads Holiday Park is a post card perfect located caravan park situated along the Elliott Heads foreshore with facilities catered for you and your pet! This quiet town is just a short drive to Bargara and attractions.
25. Let the evening Be-Gin at Kalki Moon Distilling & Brewing Co. and explore the bespoke distillery with a tour behind the scenes. Meet head distiller and founder Rick Prosser as he guides you to deepening your appreciation for gin and taste their newly released Rum range.
26. Meet local brewers and wine makers Zoe and Josh from Ohana Winery & Cheeky Tiki Cider and sample their range of quirky real fruit cider and wines from the local cellar door and cider house. With so many flavours to choose from, try one of their Tasting Paddles!
27. Grab a coffee to go from The Beach Mill Cafe Kiosk at Neilson's beach and lace up your walking shoes before hitting the Bargara Turtle Trail, taking you on a journey towards Mon Repos Conservation Park, home to nesting and hatching endangered loggerhead turtles between November-March.
28. Standing proud and tall, visit the historical Burnett Heads Lighthouse before further exploring the town where river and reef meet at Burnett Heads .
29. Catch a film or play at The Moncrieff Entertainment Centre.
30. Appreciate both local and out of region artists and their displays at the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery and Childers Art Space.
31. Carefully collected throughout the years, soak up some of Australia's richest history at the Military and Memorabilia Museum in Childers where a whopping 62,000 items of military and memorabilia from over 150 countries are on display.
32. Visit The Old Pharmacy in Childers and let local historian Scott Stedman share a moment of history with you. One of Australia’s largest pharmaceutical displays, you'll truly get more than just a glimpse of what the towns pharmacy used to be like 125-years ago.
33. Taste hearty meals with a Canadian twist at Mollydookers Cafe located at Apple Tree Creek, the perfect place to grab a bite when on the road heading either North towards Bundaberg or South from Bundaberg towards Childers and Brisbane.
34. Sip and swirl your way through Childers award-winning wines and meet our regions passionate wine makers at Hill of Promise Winery and/or Vintners Secret Vineyard.
35. Let a sense of nostalgia overcome you the moment you walk through the door at Clockwork Curiosities as their vintage toys and gifts donning shelves reignite the child within.
36. Take a seat at the Paragon Theatre & Espresso Bar and feel as though you're back with your bo among this grandeur theatre of the 1920's.
37. A must-do when in Childers is a visit to Mammino's Gourmet Ice Cream, while you'll also find these delicious creamy delights available at The Paragon Theatre, head towards the homely-shop front itself and choose to take home or eat on the go this local family crafted ice cream that has been signature to Childers for many years.
38. Add some extra mystery to your trip with a stop at Mystery Craters hidden among the story book town of Gin Gin where this unique phenomenon will have you bursting with ideas and questions.
39. Discover Gin Gin's famous award-winning pies at Travellers Rest Bakery and decide for yourself if the reviews and ratings are correct in this being one of Australia's best pies.
40. Visit a true-blue Aussie country pub where old fashioned warm and friendly service will great you at Avondale Homestead Tavern. Choose to stop in for dinner and keep eye out for their various events and music festivals performed by musicians from around Australia.
41. Immerse yourself on a Bundaberg Story Walk hosted by Creative Regions and hear stories from locals about the town that hugs the Burnett River.
42. Get adventurous and explore the sandstone wilderness of Cania Gorge National Park.
43. Cast a line or put the boat in at Lake Monduran and spend a day on the water reeling in barramundi and soaking up some peace and quiet while spotting various birdlife flying above.
44. Uncover the life journey a sea turtle makes and learn the continuing conservation efforts of Queensland Parks and Wildlife rangers at Mon Repos Turtle Centre, the largest turtle conservation rookery for engaged loggerhead turtles in the South Pacific.
45. Pack a picnic and head towards The Hummock Lookout for stunning 180-degree views of the Bundaberg regions abundant farmlands and pristine coastline.
46. Explore the lush flora and fauna of Barolin Nature Reserve where more than 300 hectares of grassy landscape is home to a number of native wildlife, so be sure to bring your binoculars along.
47. Road trip your way to Monto and be in awe of the breathtaking artworks that paint the town. From towering silo's and water towers to street murals capturing the towns community spirit and resilience, spend time among these colourful visuals before exploring the town and meeting locals along the way.
48. A place for both the young and young at heart, choose to either day trip or stay a night at Splitters Farm, local animal safe haven and working farm that offers a unique tranquil farm-stay experience.
49. Dine at H20 Restaurant and Bar and enjoy a seasonal menu with riverside views for company.
50. For more information on places to eat, drink, visit and stay, pop into our Visitor Information Centre's for some passionate local knowledge and helpful tips. You can also pick up some beautiful souvenirs to take back home and remember your time in the Bundaberg region.