Top Things to do in Bundaberg
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Looking for all the top things to do in Bundaberg? An underrated, and occasionally overlooked – yet quality – Queensland base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef’s southern portions (as well as home to a fantastically warm climate) Bundaberg is mostly famous throughout Australia for its signature rum, yet provides so much more for the aspiring traveller. The city offers a number of quality cultural attractions in addition to being a springboard to one of Australia’s greatest natural wonders.
The city sits only a short distance from the ocean, and a short drive is all it takes to encounter some truly magnificent beaches available along the coastline – including, most famously, Mon Repos at which it’s possible to witness sea turtles laying or hatching eggs in the company of a ranger for a truly magical experience. This ocean-adjacent aspect of Bundaberg is one of its biggest drawcards for another reason, too: a close proximity and easy access to reef hotspots Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave Islands means both are just a short flight away, with each island bringing a number of different benefits to the table. Browse our range of the top Bundaberg experiences below for more information and to book online today.
Select one from the following:
Select one or more from the following:
Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery
Bundaberg Botanic Gardens
Mon Repos Turtle Viewing
The Hinkler Hall of Aviation
Bundaberg Rum Distillery
Top 10 Things to do in - Bundaberg and surrounds
Bundaberg Rum Distillery
#1
The Big Orange
#2
Mon Repos Conservation Centre
#3
Bundaberg Barrel
#4
Apple Tree Markets
#5
Basin Rock Pool
#6
Bundaberg Port Marina
#7
Bundaberg Botanic Gardens
#8
Bargara Esplanade Turtle Playground
#9
Hinkler Hall of Aviation
#101. Learn about distilling rum at the Bundaberg Rum Distillery
Location:Hills St, Bundaberg East
The perfect experience for rum-lovers and those intrigued by the entire process, this is a definite bucket-list item and a one-of-a-kind experience in the region. There are numerous tours to choose from including The Bundaberg Rum Distillery Experience, The Bundaberg Rum Museum Experience and the Blend Your Own Rum Experience. The two main tours run on a daily basis, vary in price and are suitable for adults and children alike (with the exception of the Blend Your Own Rum Experience), you can book your spot online through the Bundaberg Rum Distillery website. The Bundaberg Rum Distillery is an icon in the Bundaberg region and it's no question as to why it topped our list. Before you leave, make sure you snap a photo with the giant rum bottle in front of the distillery.
2. Snap a photo in front of The Big Orange
Location:3 Mick Lutvey Street, Gayndah
Though not technically in Bundaberg, Gayndah's Big Orange is well worth the short road trip inland. One of Australia's iconic 'big' tourist attractions, The Big Orange is as the name suggests, a giant orange. The welcoming sign as you visit Gayndah, the Big Orange is a representation of the region's status as being the citrus capital of Queensland. Doubling as an information centre, you can stop off at The Big Orange to gather all the information you need on things to do around the region. An attraction both kids and adults will love, there's no better place to stop for a bite to eat on your road trip around Queensland. The attraction is easily reached in just under 2 hours' drive south-west of Bundaberg.
3. See nesting turtles at Mon Repos Conservation Centre
Location:141 Mon Repos Road, Mon Repos
A popular site for nesting turtles in the Bundaberg region, the Mon Repos Conservation Centre is a must-visit attraction for animal-lovers. Giving you the chance to get up close to rehabilitating turtles at the Mon Repos Turtle Centre to watching mother turtles nesting on the beach, this is the ultimate turtle experience. Working to save injured turtles from the wild and nesting and hatching loggerhead turtles, the staff at Mon Repos are always on hand to teach you about the animals and their habits and what we can do to help save them. The turtle centre is open to the public on a daily basis during turtle season and on weekdays out of season. Visiting the centre is free, however, the turtle encounter is at a cost.
4. Grab a drink at the Bundaberg Barrel
Location:147 Bargara Road, Bundaberg Central
Step inside The Bundaberg Barrel’s giant barrel and get ready for a deliciously refreshing adventure. The home of some of the finest ginger beer, a visit to Bundaberg Brewed Drinks will teach you about their refreshing range and drink making process. The True Brew Experience Tour will take you through the barrel to learn about the process, the products and the history with a few taste tests along the way. You can also sit back and enjoy the 15 minute 3D hologram adventure titled Doug’s Promised Land in the onsite theatre. Now for those sought after tastings, you can enjoy free product tastings at The Sampling Bar. With 14 yummy flavours to try, you’ll be hard-pressed deciding which flavour to try first. You’ll love tasting all of the different flavours on hand including lemon lime and bitters, sarsparilla, traditional lemonade, guava, and the traditional ginger beer.
5. Browse the Apple Tree Markets
Location:Drummond Street, Apple Tree Creek
Known as Australia’s fruit bowl, the Bundaberg region is renowned for its delicious fresh fruit and one of the best places to grab some for yourself is the Apple Tree Creek Markets. Held on the second Saturday of every month (except for January) from 7 am, you can browse the various stalls for brick a brack, handmade goods and fresh fruit and vegetables. Held on the second Saturday of every month (except for January) from 7 am, you can browse the various stalls for brick a brack, handmade goods and fresh fruit and vegetables.
6. Wade in the Basin Rock Pool
Location:Kellys Beach, Bargara
If you’re looking for somewhere to cool off or the perfect picnic spot then look no further then the Basin Rock Pool. A hot spot for the locals and in the know tourists, the rock pool is a sheltered bay at the end of Kellys Beach. Pack your swimming costume and beach towel as you’ll want to run right into the calm waters during the outgoing tide. Popular for snorkelling and swimming swimmers can explore beneath the surface comfortably in this semi-protected pool.
7. Fish & Chips at Bundaberg Port Marina
Location:15-17 Marina Drive, Port Bundaberg
If you’re craving a good serving of fish and chips then the Bundaberg Port Marina is where you should be heading. With a number of eateries nearby you can grab your lunch or dinner and pick a spot on the marina to watch the boats come in and out of the docks. Some of the food establishments include the Baltimore Seafood and Takeaway Shop, The Port Marina Cafe and Ocean Pacific Seafoods. A popular weekend and afternoon spot, the marina is the main entry point for Fraser Island, the neighbouring World Heritage-Listed island paradise as well as a launch point for the nearby Lady Musgrave Island.
8. Explore the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens
Location:6 Mount Perry Road, Bundaberg North
Spread over 27 hectares of land, the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens is a beautiful spot to explore when visiting the region. Home to over 100 bird species and featuring a lake and Japanese Garden, this is a great place for you to relax and unwind. Ideal for picnics and exploring, the botanic gardens are usually a big hit with the young ones thanks to the Australian Sugarcane Railway that chugs around the gardens every Sunday. A ride on the train is at a small cost (payable on the day), however, it’s well worth it to see the joy on the little ones faces as the train chugs along the tracks. The gardens are open from 5:30 am to 6:45 pm from September to April and 6:30 am to 6 pm from May to August.
9. Take the kids to Bargara Esplanade Turtle Playground
Location:59 Esplanade, Bargara
Looking over Bargara Beach, the Bargara Esplanade Turtle Playground is one of the most popular free things to do for families in the Bundaberg region. With a turtle themed playground for the young ones to enjoy and local cafes and restaurants serving up some delicious food and on-site picnic tables, this is the ideal place for an afternoon on the waterfront.
10. Visit the Hinkler Hall of Aviation
Location:Mount Perry Road & Young Street, Bundaberg
Nestled within the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens, the Hinkler Hall of Aviation is a great way to add a hint of education and history on your trip to Bundaberg. Bringing to life the adventures of Bert Hinkler, one of Australia’s most famous pioneers, the museum tells the story of his life and achievements through interactive displays. Home to a number of exhibits including the Fly Like Bert flight simulator, Bert’s Inventions Theatrette and Virtual Hinkler House, you’ll walk away with a wealth of knowledge about the aircraft industry and Bert Hinkler himself.