34 Things to do that Make Bundaberg Worth Visiting for First-timers!

If you’re planning a trip through Queensland, you might be wondering whether Bundaberg is worth a stop. Known for its rum, sugar cane fields, and easy access to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, this regional city has more to offer first-time visitors than most people realise.

The challenge is that Bundaberg often gets overlooked. Many travellers rush through on their way to the Whitsundays or Fraser Island without discovering what makes Bundy special.

I was a prior local and still visit every year! So, I’ve put together this guide on the best things to do that make it worth visiting. Whether you’re here for the coast, the reef, or the culture, below will help first-timers uncover the highlights and plan a trip you’ll remember.

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Is Bundaberg Worth visiting?

Take it from a former local of 14 years, Bundaberg is definitely worth visiting, for the beaches, the climate, the rum factory, the Southern Great Barrier Reef and the Ginger Beer Factory. Plus, it’s hard to believe this area has so much more to offer a First-time tourist?

It’s located along the coast of Queensland, about 4 hours north of Brisbane. The road in will via off the major A1 highway, and you can click here for my specially designed map on the activities mentioned in today post.

The North and Southside of town are split by the Burnett River flowing through to the Pacific Ocean. Plus, you have two different bridges to cross over – The older style Burnett Bridge and the newer Tallon Bridge.

Best Things to do in Bundaberg?

1. The Rum Distillery

After so much overseas travel, I’m surprised that people know the city of Bundaberg. However, between the sale of the Rum or the Ginger beer, this is what has put it on the map.

Distillery tours are available at the Rum Factory on a daily basis and perfect to fit into any schedule. There were sections with information, history and a whole big wall of prior rum versions that have been sold by them.

➡  Book your Rum tours HERE

You can go through the shop of rum products and branded merchandise at any time. Along with sales of all the current rum versions, but also note that a couple of these can only be brought at the rum distillery and not sold anywhere else in the world.

2. The Brewed Drinks / The Bundy Barrel

The Bundy Barrel or Brewed Drinks is where you’ll find the sale of the Famous Ginger Beer.

Along with booking the tours and information on making this famous drink. Did you know that it’s not the only flavour soft drink you can purchase?

➡  Check out the Brewed drinks Tours HERE

I’m seeing more and more flavours being sold all over the world, but nothing like what’s available at The Barrel complex. Tour prices are around $20AUD, and the centre is open daily for your convenience.

3. Central Business District – Bourbong Street

The CBD, as it stands today, was established during the late 19th century and admired by many visiting tourists.

Luckily, a large portion of the original architecture from that era is still standing today.

Additionally, you have the famous Whaling Wall mural painted six story’s high, and can be seen from hundreds of metres away. Particularly on Bourbong Street, it hosts several independent shops, hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes and your main shopping district.

4. Kalki Moon Distillery

Any Gin lovers out there? The Kalki Moon Distillery range is gaining a lot of popularity, and you can come to check it all out in town. It open for business in 2017 and they make a range of gin, Vodkas and rum.

They hold 1 hour tours in the factory to give you a look around and show their products are made, the ingredients they use for the different flavours and their production.

Included in the tour cost is a couple of sample drinks and I had the Owner Rick make me one of his best cocktails with a mix of Pink Gin, vodka and the Mango Brewed Drink. This was definitely a drink I will be having again.

5. Macadamia Australia

Macadamia Australia is a 2000 acre farm located on the southern side of town and you have the chance to visit every day for their shop and café. The shop contains a lot of products based on different flavours of the macadamia nut, along with varieties of chocolates, jams, and sauces.

There are guided tours run here a couple times of week, but I didn’t have time for it this trip. After lunch feel free to wander around the Trees and try and find the ripened nuts as they aren’t hard to find on the ground.

You first need to pull them from their outer shell and next comes the cracking. Lucky you have log and hammers around to help you do this and help you try a macadamia nuts fresh off the tree

Do you need help planning your trip to Queensland? Book a one-on-one consultation call with me, to get your questions answered & personalised help!

6. Bundy Regional Art Gallery (BRAG)

The Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, located on Barolin Street in the heart of the city, is one of the cultural gems of the region. This vibrant space isn’t just a gallery, it’s a creative hub that celebrates both local talent and nationally acclaimed artists.

With a dynamic, year-round program, you can expect to find a mix of local, touring, and national art exhibitions, often highlighting diverse styles and themes that appeal to all kinds of visitors.

Beyond exhibitions, the gallery hosts artist talks, creative workshops, and kids’ activities, making it an inclusive place for families, students, and art enthusiasts. Guided tours are also available, offering deeper insights into the stories behind the artworks and the artists themselves.

Best of all, the gallery is open seven days a week, so no matter when you’re in Bundaberg, you can step inside to enjoy a dose of inspiration and culture.

7. Alexandra Park Zoo

The Alexandra Park Zoo may be small in size, but it packs a surprising amount of charm and variety, making it one of the best free activities in Bundaberg for all ages. It’s a wonderful spot to wander through at a relaxed pace, and families especially love it for its accessibility and educational value.

Among the residents, you’ll find a colourful collection of native birds like cockatoos and parrots, as well as iconic Australian wildlife such as emus and wallabies.

What really caught me by surprise, though, was spotting the tamarin monkeys, a rare treat in a regional zoo, as well as a pair of curious dingoes. The zoo is big enough to hold kids’ attention yet small enough to explore without feeling rushed, making it perfect for a short stop

8. Baldwin Swamp Environment Park

There is a boardwalk and walking paths around the Baldwin Swamp Environment Park. You’ll be surrounded by hundreds of waterbirds as you explore wetlands, grasslands, eucalyptus forests, rainforests, and vine Forests.

The local will use this area for their daily exercise but you’ll also fine the avid nature lover, bird watcher or photographer wandering around. As well as numerous water birds, you might come across quails, fairy-wrens, rainbow bee-eaters, and dollar birds.

There were also ducks in the pond that seemed very keen to see us(probably wanting to be fed)!

9. Mon Repos Turtle Encounter

The Mon Repos Turtle Centre season draws tourists from all over the world and runs from November to March of each year.

You will start the season off with Loggerhead turtles visiting Mon Repos beach to lay their eggs. After an eight-week gestation period, the Hatchings will emerge and scamper down to the water.

You can book an evening tour with the tourist information centre, although neither experience is guaranteed. More importantly, expect it to be a very late night, as groups are sectioned into ticket purchasing. 

10. Feast on fresh seafood

If you’re looking for the freshest seafood, look no further than Grunske’s by the River. They catch most of the seafood themselves, sell it for you to cook, or serve it in their restaurant. 

The deck overlooks the Burnett River, and you can watch the Fishing boats pass you by while enjoying your seafood platter and chilled white wine. 

The location is just magic at sunset and open until 8pm on a Friday and Saturday Night!

11. Try out some of the Local brews.

Bundaberg isn’t just about rum and ginger beer, it’s also home to a growing craft beer scene that’s well worth exploring during your visit. There are a couple of breweries in the area that offer unique flavours and welcoming atmospheres, perfect for winding down after a day of sightseeing.

First up is Ballistic Brewery, located on Tantitha Street, which has quickly become a local favourite. Known for its rotating range of craft beers, from crisp lagers to bold IPAs.

Over in Bargara, just a short drive from the city, you’ll find The Brewhouse at Bargara (Bargara Brewing Co.), which combines a coastal atmosphere with a variety of locally inspired brews.

Each brewery has its own distinct character, so visiting both gives you a broader taste of the region’s brewing talent.

12. Nielson Beach

Bargara is lucky to have many different beaches near Bundaberg to choose from, and one of which is Nielson’s Beach.

It’s located 13 kilometres from the towns centre, on the north side of Bargara, and home to the Bargara Surf Lifesaving club.

The Beach consists of 500 metres of smooth sand with basalt rock flats at the sides. Furthermore, you have a picnic area, lots of parking and a large caravan park across the road.

13. Bargara

Bargara is a small seaside town perfect for a day trip with the family or loved ones. The main town centre has a few cafes, ice cream shops, a bottle shop and a large hotel for restaurant meals.

Accommodation styles vary from the budget, holiday houses to luxury high-rise apartments. You have Kelly’s beach to swim at, along with the boardwalk and walking paths beside the water.

➡  Find Hotel Deals HERE with Booking.com

14. Kellys Beach, Creek & The Basin

Another great beach location to check out in Bargara is found on the southern side of town, offering the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Kellys Beach has a surf-friendly side where you can catch waves or enjoy a refreshing dip, making it popular with both locals and visitors looking for a more active day by the ocean.

What makes it extra special, though, is the nearby Basin, a naturally sheltered lagoon that fills up at high tide. With its calm, clear waters, it’s an ideal swimming spot for families, kids, or anyone who prefers a gentler alternative to the surf.

15. Hummock Lookout

You only need a short stop at the Hummock Lookout to take in the views from the highest spot in the area. It’s lies between Bundaberg and Bargara and known as the local extinct volcano.

Although it’s only 96 metres high above sea level, it does give a 360-degree viewpoint over the surrounding area. This includes endless amounts of cane fields, the ocean, and the eastern side of town.

16. Lady Musgrave Island

This is the Fraser Coast and where The Great Barrier Reef starts. Plus, I think it holds some of the best snorkelling sites in Queensland.

This is where you can take a day trip destination by boat and to an Island completely made out of coral!

➡  Check Lady Musgrave Tours HERE with GYG

Lady Musgrave is worth checking out on a day trip! Its a 14-hectare coral cay with a 1192 hectare reef and eight metre deep lagoon. Therefore, it gives you an opportunity to explore and find some amazing creatures like turtles, and heaps of different tropical fish.

This entire reef system stretches 2300 kilometres up the coast of Queensland and past the city of Cairns. It’s an Australian Icon and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981.

17. Lady Elliot Island

Taking a day trip to Lady Elliot Island is an expensive option, but it’s worth it to swim in the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

It’s higher priced, because the only way to get there is by small aircraft, which leave from the Bundy Airport.

Flights leave every day, taking about 20 minutes to get there. Hiring snorkelling gear is part of the price, and also includes lockers to store your gear. Then all you have to do is walk of the beach and your snorkelling with Turtles in the Great Barrier Reef.

18. Whale Watching

The whale season generally lasts from June to October in the area, so you’re almost guaranteed to spot a few on your trip. What’s more, it’s only a 90-minute drive away from Hervey Bay, one of the best spots in the world for seeing Humpback whales. 

➡  Book Whale Watching Tours HERE with GYG

These creatures are often more relaxed and curious here than in other places, making this bay an optimum location for whale-watching.

19. Elliott Heads Beach

Elliott Heads is located on the mouth of the Elliott River, hence the name, and surrounded by bushland, small crops, and sugar cane.

It’s a popular spot for the still water areas perfect for swimming, especially at low tide creating channels among the sand bars. As well as surf offered on the beach.

Alternatively, you will find people fishing, sailboarding, jet skiing, stand-up paddle boarding, and other water activities.

20. Rock Pool Swimming

Natural Rock pools are pretty popular these days and there are some you can find at Elliot Heads. Start walking out onto the beach as you’re coming into low tide.

Know that it will take about 10 to 15 minutes to walk out there and then it’s just tracking down the pool in between all the rocks.

There are a few pools around, so just find one that’s easy for you to sit or stand in. It was a cold and windy day for us, so no swimming for us, but there were a couple of others giving it a go.

The low tides traps small fish, so bring along a snorkel too.

21. Try some Wines in Childers

Childers is a beautiful historic town less than an hour’s drive from town.

Unfortunately, Queensland isn’t really known for its wines, as the tropical climate doesn’t fare well for grape growing. However, Childers has provided a few vineyards to explore.

Ohana winery specializes in tropical fruit wines and liqueurs. They offer a tour of the orchard and tastings of both fruits and wines. Follow up with a stop at Brierley Wines, then lunch or a platter with your wine tastings at Vintners Secret vineyard.

22. Woodgate Beach

There are about 1000 people who live in Woodgate, which brings some great options for holiday homes, units, and camping.

Along with exploring some of the Burrum Coast National Park areas, as well at the beach camping sites at Kinkuna. Activities can include relaxing, 4 wheel driving, watching the shorebirds, kayaking, paddle boarding, or fishing.

The majority of the coastline of Woodgate or Theodolite creek consists of 16 kilometres of white sandy beaches, making it a popular holiday destination. The beach itself is calm, being protected by Fraser Island.

23. Tinaberries

If you’re visiting Bundaberg between June and October, make sure to add Tinaberries to your itinerary. It’s the perfect stop for fresh, locally grown strawberries.

This family-run farm has become a favourite with both locals and travellers, offering a chance to enjoy the region’s rich farming culture first-hand. At the farm shop, you can pick up beautifully wrapped strawberry plates (250g), punnets (500g), or larger packs (750g) to snack on or take away.

For an even sweeter experience, plan your visit for September, when the farm opens its fields for a pick-your-own strawberry adventure. Wandering through the rows of strawberry plants and filling your own basket is not only fun but also a memorable activity for families and kids.

Of course, no trip to Tinaberries is complete without indulging in one of their homemade strawberry ice creams, a refreshing treat that perfectly captures the taste of the season.

24. Utopia Rock Pools

Mount Walsh National Park is located about 1.5 hours inland, near the small town of Biggenden. Most people will visit the area for the summit climb, but I do love the Utopia Rock Pools for swimming.

There is only a 30 minute hike into the falls, and you arrive at several different pools, cascading down each other. 

Definitely seasonal for this one, and the best time to visit will be after some rain. Therefore, during the dry season, the waterfall stops, and the pools become stale. Not the best for swimming but you can still visit for the hike. 

25. Visit Barolin Rocks for Snorkelling

While Lady Elliot Island and Lady Musgrave, are great for snorkelling or diving, you can also find some good spots closer to the mainland. Barolin Rocks is an excellent place for snorkellers to start. 

The basalt rock coastline around the region makes for clear water (most of the time) and good visibility. It’s part of the Woongarra Marine Park and a must-see for any diving or snorkelling enthusiast. 

26. Moore Park Beach

Moore Park Beach sits just 20 minutes north of Bundaberg’s city centre and offers a quieter, more laid-back alternative to the busier beaches around Bargara. This long stretch of golden sand is backed by a small, welcoming beachside town where you’ll find a handful of shops and cafés, perfect for grabbing a coffee or a casual bite before or after your swim.

The beach itself is easily accessible from several different entry points, and one of its highlights is the abundance of shady trees along the foreshore, making it a great to park up and enjoy a picnic with ocean views.

With fewer crowds than some of the southern beaches, Moore Park is ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful escape, whether that’s a morning walk, a family day out, or just relaxing by the water.

During turtle season, it’s also one of the nesting spots for loggerhead turtles, adding another layer of natural beauty to the experience.

27. Hinkler House

Aviator Bert Hinkler was born in Bundaberg, Australia, in 1892 and accomplished many aviation-related feats during his short lifetime. He was the first person to fly solo from England to Australia and complete the first solo flight across the Southern Atlantic Ocean.

The Hinkler House, tucked within the lush grounds of the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens, is a fascinating stop for history and aviation enthusiasts alike.

This charming English-style cottage was the home of Bert Hinkler, Bundaberg’s famous pioneer aviator, from 1926 until his passing in 1933. Lovingly preserved and relocated all the way from Southampton, England, the house was brought to Bundaberg in 1983 and carefully rebuilt as both a memorial and museum to honour his incredible achievements.

Stepping inside, visitors can explore the intimate rooms where Hinkler once lived, along with displays that showcase his life, personal belongings, and contributions to aviation.

28. Hall of Aviation

The Hinkler Hall of Aviation, opened in 2008 on the northern side of the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens, is one of the region’s most impressive cultural attractions.

The building itself is a striking architectural piece, designed in the shape of a biplane wing as a tribute to Bundaberg’s aviation hero, Bert Hinkler. Inside, the museum brings his story to life through state-of-the-art displays, multimedia exhibits, and a remarkable collection of artefacts that showcase his pioneering spirit and achievements.

Visitors can learn about Bert’s record-breaking flights and innovations while gaining an appreciation for the challenges he faced as an early aviator. One of the highlights is the chance to climb into a replica of the Avro Baby cockpit, the very aircraft he famously flew from Sydney to Bundaberg in 1921.

Alongside interactive exhibits and restored aircraft, the Hall offers a truly immersive experience that inspires both aviation enthusiasts and casual visitors. When combined with the nearby Hinkler House, it provides a complete look at the life and legacy of one of Bundaberg’s most celebrated sons.

29. Walk around the Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens are lush and intricately landscaped, with boardwalks and pathways winding through almost 30 hectares of land supporting more than 110 bird species.

With 10,000 trees and shrubs expertly arranged, you’ll feel like walking through an Australian rainforest or a rare fruit tree orchard. Prehistoric gardens, fern gardens, bamboo groves, Japanese and Chinese Gardens, and bromeliad gardens exist for everyone to enjoy. 

30. Railway Museum

The Northside is where you’ll find the original Railway Station and now the Railway Museum. It was constructed in 1881 and celebrated its 140th birthday on one of my last visits.

Originally it was used for transporting raw materials to nearby Mount Perry. When the rail lines began to close, the station was no longer used.

It’s hasn’t been running since 1964, and in 1990 the station was moved from its original position. Today, you can enjoy exploring the memorabilia they have saved and admire the building architecture.

31. Splitters Farm

The Splitter’s Farm is actually a working cattle station and you can take the opportunity to visit the animal sanctuary, enjoy a guided tour or take a picnic. It’s located near Sharon, on the north side of town as your driving to Gin Gin.

➡  Find Splitters Farm tours HERE

Walk around the yard to see geese, chickens, lama’s, goats, and horses ( just to name a few). They have food available to get that personal interaction, which is a great experience for the kids.

32. Fairymead House

Fairymead House or Sugar history Museum was built in 1890 and given to the city as a tourist attraction in 1988. It was designed by a Sydney architect and its design was influenced by Queensland’s climate.

It’s located over on the Northside in the same botanic garden as the Hinkler house. You can see the house at any time from the outside, or they offer organised tours.

33. Mystery Craters

These Mystery Craters are located about 25 minutes north from town and were discovered in 1971, but their origins remain a mystery still today.

There is a Entry fee to access and If you’re lucky, the staff will detail the story of when it was discovered, the type of rocks it’s made from and how special it is to the area.

As for the craters themselves, There are 35 randomly shaped craters made up of mixed sandstone and ochre stain. When I was a kid, you could actually walk in and out of these rocks, but today you have a platform to view them from above, or walk around the edges.

34. The Burnett Bridge

Did you know that the Burnett Bridge was the starting scene in the 1989 film “The Delinquents” starring Kylie Minogue? It opened in 1900 and has two lanes of traffic and a separate section for pedestrians.

There are eight 50 metre steel trusses totalling over 400 metres long. Along with it being support by seven iron cylinder piers filled with concrete.

It connects the North side of town with the south and it used by over 16 thousand motorists each day.

Where to Stay?

Bundaberg has a lot of options when it comes to accommodation. It’s probably best to research ones that’s close to your activities, or something that’s suitable for your family or situation.

➡  Find Hotel hotel deals HERE with Booking.com

I have listed some options listed below that you might like to consider:

Mid-Range (3 Star) Accommodation:

• Smart Motels Bert Hinkler – 36 Warrell St
• Chalet Motor Inn – 242 Bourbong St
• Riviera Motel – 240 Bourbong St
• Coral Villa Motor Inn – 56 Takalvan St
• Charm City Motel – 23 Takalvan St

High Class (4 Star) Accommodation

• Sugar Country Motor Inn – 220 Bourbong St
• Takalvan Motel – 11 Takalvan St
• Boulevard Lodge – 10 Johanna Blvd
• International Motor Inn – 73 Takalvan St

Apart from that, there are plenty of Caravan Parks to choose from, if you’re road tripping around in a van or camper.

How to get there?

Get there by Car

Since it’s a 4 hour drive away from Brisbane, you could always hire a car from there and drive up. This will make it more convenient to visit all the things to do in the area.

➡Find your favourite brand & compare prices for your Rental Car HERE

Know that it’s all sealed roads and a standard two-wheel drive vehicle will suffice.

Get there by Bus

To get there by bus, you have Greyhound Australia services running almost every day up the coast between Brisbane and Cairns.

Is it safe to swim there?

Yes, swimming near Bundaberg is safe, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautions. Tropical marine stingers can be found across the northern areas of Australia. However, this is more common in far north Queensland, especially during the summer season.

So while it’s unlikely you can encounter harmful jellyfish stings in Bundaberg, it shouldn’t be ruled out altogether. But, as someone who grew up in the area, I must admit that I wasn’t concerned with Stingers or Sharks.

However, you still need to think about the dangers and apply the necessary protections.

What to do in a Single Day?

Spending just one day in Bundaberg gives you enough time to experience some of its highlights, but it does come with limitations. However, sticking close to town allows you to fit in a mix of culture, history, and local flavours without spending too much time on the road.

With limited hours, I’d recommend focusing on the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, the Brewed Drinks Factory, and a relaxed lunch by the river at Grunsky’s.

From there, you can wander through the Botanic Gardens, stop by the Alexandra Park Zoo, and, if visiting in season, finish the evening at the Mon Repos Turtle Encounter.

This way, even with just one day, you’ll still get a well-rounded introduction to Bundaberg that showcases the town’s heritage, natural beauty, and unique experiences.

Wrap up!

Thanks for reading this blog post today on the best things to do in Bundaberg and I hope you’ve worked out that it’s worth visiting for First-timers.

If you’re still researching, please remember to check out my other Queensland Blogs to help with your inspiration and planning.

• Best Place to Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
• Things to see on a Brisbane to Cairns Road trip
• Things to do in Rainbow Beach
• 100+ Bucket List Ideas in Australia & Map
• Best Things to do in Agnes Water & 1770
• Best Australian Waterfalls you must see
• Exposing the Downsides to a Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Tour
• Tips to know BEFORE planning a Queensland Road Trip