Best things to do in Bundaberg

Are you planning a trip to Bundaberg?  This article covers the best things to do in Bundaberg, including tourist attractions, activities and places to visit.

The Queensland Travel Guide acknowledges the Taribelang Bunda, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang, and Bailai Peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the Bundaberg region is situated.  We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging, and recognise their continued spiritual and cultural connections to Country.  Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.

Just over a four-hour drive north of Brisbane, Bundaberg is a coastal town that is great for a long weekend, a detour while heading north, or even a week-long escape. There are plenty of things to do in Bundaberg.

One of the more famous Bundaberg attractions is the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef.  Bundaberg is one of the best places to snorkel, the iconic tourist attraction.  At Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliott Islands, you can explore the coral reef while swimming with brightly coloured fish, turtles and manta rays. 

Other things to do in Bundaberg include seeing the turtles nest and hatch at Mon Repos beach or tasting Bundaberg Rum at the local distillery. There are also gorgeous sandy beaches and a great farming community producing delicious fresh produce. You can sample fresh local produce at the blossoming food scene around town.

This guide will help you decide what to do around Bundaberg. It covers a broad range of activities, including all the popular attractions, the best places to visit, and essential information such as locations, opening hours, and ticket prices.

So, let’s get started and help you discover the best Bundaberg tourist attractions and other places in the region.

This post may contain compensated links.  Please refer to our disclaimer here for more information.

BUNDABERG THINGS TO DO MAP

Before we look at all the things to see in Bundaberg, check out the map below to help you plan your itinerary. This map shows the location of all the Bundaberg places to visit covered in this guide.

I recommend you first make a list of your Bundaberg must-do and then use this map to plan your day-to-day itinerary so you’re not travelling back and forth all over town.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN BUNDABERG

Below we cover the top places to visit and top things to do in Bundaberg.

1 Mon Repos Turtle Centre

Image credit thanks to Tourism and Events Queensland

Mon Repos is one of the most popular places to visit near Bundaberg because of the large population of nesting sea turtles that call the area home. 

From November to March, visitors can join one of the night-time turtle encounters where you see the turtles crawling up the beach to lay and bury their eggs (generally in November and December) or the baby turtles emerging from the eggs and heading into the ocean (from January to March). 

Getting up this close to the turtles is very rare, which makes the experience so special. 

To protect the turtles and their habitat, you can’t visit during the day or alone, only during night tours when the expert Park Rangers are on hand. 

Tours run at 6:30 pm daily from November to March and cost $29.30 per adult, $15.10 per child (5-14) and kids under 5 are free. A family pass is available for $70.65.

If it’s not turtle season when you visit Bundaberg, you can still visit the centre during the day, explore the interactive displays, and watch the films shown at the theatre.

The centre is open daily from 9 am to 2 pm, and entry is $14.10 per adult and $9.80 per child (5-14), with kids under 5 free.

You can also join 45-minute ranger guided walks, which teach you about turtle conservation and much more about turtles. These tours are offered year-round on Tuesdays and cost $5.30 per person, with kids under 5 free.

Location:  141 Mon Repos Road, Mon Repos – click here to book for any of the above tours.

2 Bundaberg Rum Distillery Tour

Image credit thanks to Tourism and Events Queensland

When Australians hear Bundaberg, we tend to think of either rum or ginger beer – the city’s two most famous products.  So while in town you don’t want to miss the chance to try them.

They started making Bundaberg rum in the 1800s as a way to use all of the sugar produced from the sugarcane grown in the region. Bundaberg Rum has grown to be one of the biggest brands in the country. 

At the distillery, you can take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn how this liquid gold is distilled and bottled and, of course, try some of the end product. 

While there, you can try some of Bundaberg’s rum products, including delicious fudge, and check out the exclusive distillery-only lines.

Location: Hill Street, Bundaberg East

Opening Hours: Tours run on the hour from 10 am to 3 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 2 pm on weekends

Cost: $30 per person | $15 per child | Family Pass (2A+3C) $75- click here to book tickets online

3 Bundaberg Rum Museum

If you’re more interested in the Bundaberg story and the history of rum in Queensland than the actual tastings, then the Rum Museum is one of the Bundaberg attractions for you. 

When visiting the museum, you can learn about the iconic ‘Bundy Bear mascot and explore interactive exhibits, including one designed by National Geographic. 

What makes the museum especially unique is that most exhibits are housed inside 70,000-litre rum vats, which makes you feel like you’re really inside the rum-making process as you wander through.

Museum tickets include 2 samples of rum – for adult visitors only.

Location: Hills Street, Bundaberg East

Opening Hours: 9.30 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday | 9.30 am to 1 pm Weekend

Cost: $20 per adult | $10 per child | Family pass (2A+3C) $50

4 Explore Bundaberg’s beaches

Bundaberg is surrounded by many beautiful beaches and a visit to them is among the top things to see and do in Bundaberg. 

Bundaberg’s popular swimming beaches are patrolled by the local lifesaving clubs, and there are designated swimming areas during the summer months.

Here’s our pick of some of the best spots to spend a beach day near Bundaberg:

Bargara Beach:

Bargara Beach is a 5 km stretch of coast made up of several smaller beaches, including Neilsons Beach, Turtle Park Beach, Boat Ramp Beach, the Basin, Kelly’s Beach, Money’s Creek and Archies Beach.

Bargara has a six kilometre paved pathway along The Esplanade, ideal for walking or running, or riding your bike or scooter. 

The Bargara Turtle Park and Playground on the Bargara foreshore is popular with children and is close to cafes and has public-use BBQ areas.

Bargara is only 13 kilometres outside central Bundaberg, with plenty of nearby accommodation and dining options. The area is quiet and peaceful and has a lovely small-town coastal feel.  

Woodgate Beach:

Woodgate Beach is a more secluded option with 16 kilometres of white sandy beach with calm waters due to being protected by Fraser Island.  Woodgate Beach is also popular for fishing and whale watching.  

Elliott Heads:

Situated at the river mouth, Elliott Heads has calm water and surf swimming available.  The beaches are patrolled, the sand is white, and there are rock pools for exploring. The beach is popular for water sports such as kayaking, stand up paddleboards, kite surfing, sailboarding, jet skiing, and fishing.

5 Bundaberg Ginger Beer Factory Tour

For non-rum drinkers and kids, the Bundaberg Ginger Beer Factory offers an alternative factory tour. 

This is a super interactive experience and one of the most fun things to do near Bundaberg. You get to try every one of the extensive list of flavours from Guava to Sarsaparilla and test your nose by playing ‘guess the flavour’ on their custom smellography wall. You can even take home a 6 pack of your favourite flavours (included in the adult ticket price).

There are also video exhibits showing how the range of drinks are brewed and options to browse the Bundaberg merchandise in the gift store after your tour.

Location: 147 Bargara Rd, Bundaberg East

Opening Hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Saturday |10 am to 3 pm Sundays

Cost: $20 per adult | $7 per child (4-17) | Kids under 4 are free- click here to book tickets online

6 Bundaberg Botanic Gardens

One of the things to do in Bundaberg for free is a trip to the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens. These gardens cover a massive 27+ hectares and house over 10,000 plant species and 100 species of birds.

The gardens include several themed gardens, unique plant collections, walkways, and a lake, making them great places to spend a relaxing few hours outdoors. You can enjoy a picnic lunch or let the kids run around. 

Two more Bundaberg attractions, the Hinkler Hall of Aviation, which celebrates solo aviation pioneer Bert Hinkler, and the Fairymead House Sugar History Museum, are also located inside the Botanic Gardens’ grounds, making it easy to fill a half or even full day here.

If you’re visiting with kids, it’s worth trying to go on a Sunday, as the Australian Sugarcane Railway conducts train rides throughout the gardens.

Location: 6 Mount Perry Road, Bundaberg

Opening Hours: 5:30 am to 6:45 pm daily from September to April | 6.30 am to 6 pm daily from May to August

Cost: Free

7 Fairymead House Sugar Museum

For sweet tooths, the Fairymead Sugar Museum is a must do Bundaberg activity for you. 

The Museum is located in the middle of the Botanic Gardens, housed in a giant plantation house dating from the 1800s. Inside, exhibits show what life was like for those working in the sugar cane industry.

At the museum, you can learn about the process of making everyone’s favourite sweet ingredient, converting it from sugar cane to the granular form we buy in supermarkets today.

Location: In the Botanical Gardens – Thornhill Street, Bundaberg North

Opening Hours: 10 am to 12 pm Sunday to Friday

Cost: $11 per adult | $7 per child (4-17) | Family Pass (2A+2C) $30

8 Hinkler Hall of Aviation

Bert Hinkler was a local Bundaberg man and one of the early pioneers of aviation, undertaking the first solo flight from England to Australia.  You can learn about his record-making flights at the Hinkler Hall of Aviation, located inside the Botanic Gardens.

The museum celebrates Bert Hinkler’s life and achievements, displaying artifacts from the early aviation era, including glide simulators, flight simulators, a replica Arvo Bay aircraft, interactive computer screens, and short documentaries.

Just outside the museum, you can visit Hinkler House. He named the home Mon Repos after the first beach he flew over. The home was relocated from Southampton, England, in 1983 and restored to the museum, where you can take a tour.

Location: Bundaberg Botanic Gardens – Mount Perry Road

Opening Hours: Daily from 9 am to 3 pm

Cost: $25 per adult | $16 per child (ages 4-17 years).  Family passes are available for $71

9 Hummock Lookout

If you want to familiarise yourself with the Bundaberg area quickly, there’s no better way than heading up to Hummock Lookout, where you’ll find 360-degree views across the region.  

This hill, an extinct volcano remnant, is the highest point in Bundaberg at 96 m above sea level. From it, you can see out to the ocean, across the sugar cane fields, and the smokestacks of the Bundaberg Rum Distillery.

Hummock was known as ‘burning mountain’ to the area’s indigenous people. Now, the only burning you’ll see is the beautiful red sunsets. An Aboriginal art mural has been placed on the hill to recognise Indigenous local history.

Location: Hummock Road, Qunaba

Cost: Free

10 Baldwin Swamp Environment Park 

Image credit thanks to Tourism and Events Queensland

Baldwin Swamp is an urban wetland in the heart of Bundaberg.  Whether you’re interested in spotting local wildlife or simply want somewhere nice for a walk, it’s an interesting place to explore. 

There are plenty of walking trails, boardwalks and bridges through the wetlands, and picnic areas where you can enjoy lunch in the peaceful surroundings – just remember to bring mosquito repellant!

More than 150 bird species live in the wetlands and insects and small mammals such as bandicoots and echidnas. 

The park is easily accessible, within walking distance of the CBD, and there is no charge for entry, so a visit to the wetlands is definitely one of the best free things to do around Bundaberg.

Location: Enter the park via Princess, George, Totten, Steindl and Scotland Streets.

Cost: Free

11 Alexandra Park Zoo

If you’re after free things to do in Bundaberg or things to do in Bundaberg for kids, then Alexandra Park Zoo should be on your list. 

Although small, the Alexandra Park Zoo has several animals, including emus, dingoes, wallabies, reptiles and Tamarin monkeys from South America. These super cute tamarin monkeys are an endangered species that the zoo is working to protect through the Australasian Species Management Program.

As well as the zoo, Alexandra Park has a playground and large open space for kids to run around and is connected to the Burnett River Boardwalk.

Location: Quay Street

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.

Cost: Free

12 River cruise

Since Bundaberg is built along the Burnett River, getting out on the water is one of the best ways to see the city and one of the most relaxing activities in Bundaberg. 

The Bundy Belle is a restored classic ferry that runs 2.5-hour cruises down the Burnett River daily. As you chug down the river, you will see the trawlers unloading their haul at the seafood processing plants; yachts moored at the Bundaberg Marina and the local sites of the mangroves, farmland, Bundaberg Rum Distillery and the Bulk Sugar Terminal. 

The cruise includes commentary about the river’s history and morning or afternoon tea, depending on the departure time. 

There is also a seafood restaurant at the wharf if you’re looking for something more substantive

Location: Grunske’s by the River, 2/11 E Petersen Street

Opening Hours: Cruises depart most days during the week – check directly for more information

Cost: $37.50 per adult | $15 per child (5-16) | Under 5s are free – click here to book.

13 Bundaberg Railway Museum

When it comes to things to do in Bundaberg with kids, particularly train lovers, the railway museum is a great place to visit. 

The Bundaberg Railway Museum houses a wide range of railway items going back nearly 150 years.  Items on display include photographs, uniforms, engine driver manuals, locomotive tools and even a 1921 guard’s van and butter car insulated with cow’s hair.

The museum is inside Bundaberg’s historic first railway station, built in 1881 and used to bring copper from Queensland mines. It’s a good refuge if you need something on a rainy day in Bundaberg.

Location: 28 Station Street, North Bundaberg

Opening Hours: 9 am to 3 pm Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays

Cost: $6 per adult | $3 per child (4-15) Family Pass $15

14 Foodie trails

Bundaberg has embraced the eat local concept, with many artisan producers in the area selling everything from rum to macadamias. The best way to experience Bundaberg’s foodie side, and one of the most fun things to do in Bundaberg, is to do one or more of the six foodie trails designed by the local tourism board. 

These are self-drive routes where you meander from food stall to farm to café, trying many local goods. The length of the trails differs from a few hours to a full day. 

Go in summer to make the most of the local fruit produce, including berries and mangos.

Click here to find the trail maps.

15 Amandine Lavender Farm

You can’t beat Amandine Lavender Farm in Bargara for a taste of Provence in Bundaberg. The farm has rows upon rows of purple lavender bushes, which you can explore, and a gift shop selling all things lavender. 

You can even try lavender-infused ice cream.

For top Bundaberg Instagram content, you can’t go past a photo in the lavender fields, and lavender products make great gifts for friends and family back home.  

Location: 288 Seaview Road, Bargara

Opening Hours: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm

Cost: Free

16 Splitter’s Farm

Image credit thanks to Tourism and Events Queensland

Part working farm, part glamping site and part animal protection program, Splitters Farm is a gorgeous 160 acre property on the outskirts of Bundaberg, along the banks of Splitter’s Creek. 

At the farm, you can get up close to the animals, including camels, peacocks, horses, goats and alpacas, many of whom have been rescued from abuse or floods.

There are self-guided tours each day, during which you can explore the property at your own pace. On weekends you can join a 1 hour guided tour at 10.30 am where you’ll get some special behind the scenes in sight.

Other activities on the property include kayaking (from $15 per hour), fishing, go-karts ($20 per hour), nature walks, swimming and more! You can even camp out in one of their tents or retro campervans or in your own set up.

Location: 205 Blairs Road, Sharon

Opening Hours: Daily from 10 am to 3 pm

Cost:  Self guided tours – $27 per adult | $17 per child (2-16) | $80 per family pass | Guided tours $35 per adult | $25 per child (2-16) – Click here to buy your entry pass online or here to book a private farm tour.

17 Kalki Moon Distilling Company

Rum isn’t the be all and end all of the distilling industry in Bundaberg.  In fact, if you visit Kalki Moon Distillery, you’ll have the chance to try local artisan gin, vodka and much more. 

This family run operation makes a wide range of drinks using lots of local produce like lemons, molasses and cinnamon myrtle, all of which you can try at the cellar door, either neat or made into delicious cocktails.

You can also opt to go on a 1.5 hour distillery tour to get behind the scenes of the operation and learn what it takes to get from the field to the bottle. 

Visit on a weekday to see the distillery at work. It’s one of the best places to go in Bundaberg for a lazy afternoon.

Location: 22 Commercial Street, Svensson Heights

Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday | 10 am to 4 pm Saturdays | 10 am to 3 pm Sundays

Cost: Tours are free and happen daily at 12 pm

18 Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery

Visiting the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery is a great way to see Bundaberg’s artistic side and even see examples of local Aboriginal art styles.

The visual art gallery showcases national and touring exhibits alongside local Queensland artists. From time to time, there are artist talks and workshops as well.

Location: 1 Barolin St, Corner Quay St, Bundaberg

Hours: 9:30  to 5 pm Monday to Friday | 10 am to 2 pm Weekends

Cost: Free

19 Great Barrier Reef and Lady Musgrave Island Day Tour

Since Bundaberg is on the edge of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, a trip to the world-famous coral reef is one of the essential things to do in the Bundaberg area. 

The best way to experience the Southern Great Barrier Reef is via Lady Musgrave Island, a stunning island off Bundaberg that can be explored on a day trip. Lady Musgrave Island is a stunning location, surrounded by a coral reef that creates a gorgeous calm water lagoon.  

From Lady Musgrave Island, you can see whales, turtles, manta rays, dolphins, over 1200 fish species, and hard and soft corals.  

On a Bundaberg reef tour to the island, you can snorkel or scuba dive and see the coral reef from the comfort of a glass-bottomed boat as well as larger marine life. 

A delicious buffet lunch made with local Bundaberg produce is included.

Location: Tours depart from the Bundaberg Port Marina

Hours: Tours depart at 7.15 am and return around 5.15 pm

Cost: $270 per adult | $190.50 per child (4-14) | $33 per infant (0-4) | Family Pass $(2A+2C) $710 – Click here to book your tour online 

20 Go whale watching

If you’re anywhere on Australia’s East Coast from July to October, heading out on a whale-watching tour to see the annual whale migration is a must-do. With its prime location at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, Bundaberg is one of the best spots for this activity.

Few things are more majestic or memorable than seeing humpback whales leaping out of the water, especially when you can experience a pod at play. 

Tours are run on luxury vessels with lunch included so that you can enjoy this phenomenon comfortably.

Location: 17 Marina Drive Burnett Heads

Opening Hours: Tours run a few times a week from July to October

Cost: $140 per adult | $90 per child (4-15) – click here to book online.

21 The Macadamias Australia Visitor Experience 

Bundaberg is Australia’s largest macadamia producer, and the Steinhardt family is one of the largest growers in Bundaberg.

To showcase the macadamia, the Steinhardt family has opened a visitor experience centre adjacent to their new nut-cracking facility. The centre tells the family’s farming story and how sustainability plays a key role in the industry.

Guests can take a 1.5 hour self-guided interactive tour of the orchard outside, gather a few nuts and crack them at one of the cracking stations.

Delicious macadamia treats are served in the Orchard Table Cafe, including locally made macadamia gelato and other seasonal fresh and local produce for which the Bundaberg Region is renowned.

On their way out, guests can purchase macadamia nuts, macadamia skincare, jams and sauces made from local ingredients, and internationally renowned house bowls made by Australian artisan Marc Harrison using ground macadamia shells.

Location: 4625 Goodwood Road Bundaberg

Opening Hours: Tours generally run Monday to Saturday at 10 am 

Cost: $44.29 per adult | $22.50 per child (4-12) | Under 4s are free

BEST HOTELS IN BUNDABERG

Looking for a place to stay in Bundaberg? We recommend booking through Booking.com. They offer a wide range of hotels, and most have free cancellation, which is ideal for last-minute changes.

However, if you want our hotel recommendations, we’ve listed our top pick for a luxury hotel, family hotel, mid range and budget hotel.

Best Luxury Hotel: Manta Bargara

In a prime position overlooking Bargara Beach, the Manta is perfect for those after a relaxed, beachy vibe with all the luxury amenities. As well as being spoilt for choice with the resort’s facilities, you’re within an easy walk to all Bargara’s shops and dining options and a quick 15 minute drive into central Bundaberg.

The Manta offers resort-style facilities, including a gym, spa, pool, and tennis court, so there are plenty of ways to relax after squeezing in all the things to do in the Bundaberg region.

Accommodation is apartment-style, with a range of 1 to 3 bedrooms. Each apartment has a kitchen and laundry, so you are fully self-contained and can choose to eat in or out as you please.

Click here for more information or to book

Best Family Hotel: Kelly’s Beach Resort

The gorgeous Kelly’s Beach Resort is the best place to stay for families in the Bundaberg area. Located in Bargara, just a 2 minute walk to the main swimming beach, the resort is perfect for a family gateway.

Accommodation at Kelly’s Beach consists of two-bedroom self-contained villas that are stand-alone for additional privacy. Each villa can sleep up to 6 people across two levels and has air conditioning, a kitchen, a lounge, and a deck with outdoor seating. 

Sprawled across the 5-acre property, you’ll find plenty to keep the kids busy. There are a couple of pools, including a kid’s wading pool, plus a spa for the adults. The pool is even heated during the winter months. There’s also a games room and special activities for the kids during the school holidays, like free face painting, movies, and laser skirmish.

Other on-site facilities include a tennis court, snorkel and boogie board hire, a kiosk for basic supplies, several BBQ areas for a relaxed family dinner, and an on-site restaurant for when you don’t want to cook. Plus, there is plenty of garden space to be explored—you can even spot local wildlife like bearded dragons. 

The resort is located by a nature reserve and can feel isolated. Apart from the beach, there are few places to find within walking distance. However, it’s a quick drive to most places around town.

Click here for more information or to book

Best Mid Range Hotel: Sugar Country Motor Inn

Located in a central part of Bundaberg, just a short walk to the centre of town – the Sugar Country Motor Inn is an excellent choice for those who prefer to stay close to all Bundaberg attractions.

The property offers motel-style rooms with one or two double beds. There is even a family room with a double and two single beds. Rooms come with air conditioning, a mini refrigerator, microwave, TV, and tea and coffee making facilities.

The facilities include a lovely swimming pool and a restaurant and bar.

Click here for more information or to book

Best Budget Hotel: Riviera Motel Bundaberg

In addition to being affordable, the Riviera Motel is located in the heart of the Bundaberg CBD, making it easy to explore many Bundaberg attractions on foot or even by the local buses.

The Riviera Motel property offers a range of room configurations suitable for a couple or even large families, with a three-bedroom villa able to sleep seven people on site. All rooms come with air conditioning, a mini refrigerator, microwave, TV, and tea and coffee-making facilities, while the villa is fully self-contained.

The motel also has a decent-sized swimming pool.

Click here for more information or to book

ENJOY BUNDABERG!

Hopefully, this guide has given you lots of inspiration on things to do in Bundaberg.

If you’re planning a trip to Bundaberg, I highly recommend you check out our guide to Bundaberg and Surrounds, which provides links to everything you need to know to plan your trip.

I’d also recommend you join our free Queensland Travel Guide Facebook community, where you can ask all your questions and find even more great trip suggestions.

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