Bundaberg is a rich, proud and historic town in Queensland’s southeast, lying just shy of 400km north of Brisbane. Also known as the Southern Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Bundaberg is most renowned for its iconic rum distillery and a nearby turtle rookery. While these are reasons enough to visit this town, there is plenty more to discover!
Bundaberg is centred on the beautiful Burnett River and acts as the commercial and provincial hub for the surrounding region. It’s climate, lifestyle, facilities and affordability make it an excellent tourism and retirement destination, not to mention its reputation as a friendly and welcoming community.
No visit to this town is complete without a tour and tasting at the Bundaberg Rum distillery. This iconic company was established almost 130 years ago and has been a defining characteristic of the region ever since. However, it’s not the only thing that has put Bundaberg on the map: other attractions include the Botanic Gardens, the Mystery Craters, the Tom Quinn Community Centre gardens and the Hinkler Hall of Aviation. The latter celebrates the life and legacy of Bert Hinkler, the pioneering solo aviator who performed the first successful solo flight from England to Australia.
A strength of Bundaberg that’s hard to ignore is its location. While the town itself is an excellent place to visit, there is a long list of beautiful places to explore within the surrounding region. Walk along the golden sands of Moore Park Beach, take a tour to Lady Musgrave Island or head to Mon Repos to see the turtles nesting – later, their hatchlings will begin their crawling journey to the ocean. You can also explore one of the four national parks in the Bundaberg region, discovering the beautiful lake gorges and picturesque rural landscapes.
