Top 7 Bundaberg Pubs & Bars For a Drink

Bundaberg is practically synonymous with alcohol. Don’t pass through without stopping for a drink!

Bundaberg is the rum capital of Australia, home to the famous Bundaberg Rum distillery that produces a range of spirits and liquors that have been studded with awards and prizes. However, Rum isn’t the only thing the town produces. There’s top-notch Gin from Kalki Moon Distilling, great local wineries and delicious craft beer over at Ballistic Bargara.

In a town that is practically synonymous with alcohol, sampling a drink in Bundaberg is an absolute must. With some of the country’s finest alcohol in close proximity, there are lots of local products to stock in Bundaberg’s pubs and bars. Whether you prefer kicking back with a beer, nursing a spirit or sipping on a glass of wine, one of these bars will have the perfect drink for you. Check out our favourite Bundaberg pubs and bars to grab a drink.

1. The Spotted Dog Tavern @ Railway Hotel

It seems like just about every Aussie town has a ‘Railway Hotel’. But don’t be fooled— this local favourite is no generic pub . You can grab a drink at multiple bars across the venue, whether you prefer chilling at the sports bar or hanging out at the well-appointed cocktail bar.

There’s a refreshing range of beers and ciders on tap, as well as a well-stocked range of wines and spirits. We’ve written about the Spotted Dog in our round-up of the best restaurants in Bundaberg, so you know you’ll be in the company of great food should you feel peckish.

The cherry on top is that dogs are welcome here. So if you’re travelling with a four-legged family member, you can bring them along, too.

Cocktail lounge at Spotted Dog Tavern, Bundaberg — Pick from the array of wines and spirits on offer at The Spotted Dog Tavern.

2. Ballistic Bargara – The Brewhouse

Sample some craft beers down at The Brewhouse . This popular spot encapsulates Bundaberg’s quintessential laid-back energy, with friendly bar staff that will be more than happy to help you pick out the perfect drink (whether that’s ‘Thirsty Turtle’ ‘Rusty Roo’ or another one of their exciting releases).

If you can’t decide, you can always opt for a tasting paddle to sample the flavours. There are also great pizzas to nibble on, and if you’re in luck, there’s live music to set the vibe.

Local craft beers at Ballistic Bargara — Sink a cold pint of Ballistic Bargara’s local brews.

3. Bundaberg Distillery Bar

Smack-bang in the middle of sugarcane country, it’s little wonder why Bundaberg produces some of the best Rum in the country. If you’re a Rum aficionado, chances are you’ll be making a beeline for the Bundaberg Rum Distillery .

If you’re interested in the ins and outs of the distillery process, you can take a tour of the factory. Or, if you’d prefer to simply sample the goods, head to the bar area where you can try a range of Bundaberg rums. Knowledgeable bar staff will be happy to advise you and chat with you about all things rum.

Bundaberg Rum Distillery — Have a drink at the iconic Bundaberg distillery. (Image: Andrew S/Flickr)

4. Bert’s

Bert’s is a relatively new addition to Bundaberg’s restaurant scene, injecting plenty of style and elegance into the CBD. Walking into this beautiful Art-Deco-themed bar and restaurant will make you feel like you’ve taken a step back in time. The establishment is beautifully appointed, complete with vintage-style furnishings.

The drink menu oozes opulence, with an exquisite range of cocktails presented beautifully in antique-inspired glasses. The food offerings here are just as fantastic, making Bert’s a great option for grabbing a drink and a bite to eat at an upscale location.

Cocktails at Bert's in Bundaberg — Order up a cocktail at Bundaberg’s Art Deco-inspired bar and restaurant Bert’s.

5. The Library Bar

Initially, The Library Bar was set up as a trendy coffee shop for locals to enjoy a great brew and a book. But since, the establishment has expanded to include a whisky and cocktail bar with a theme set around books. (There’s even a book-swap library!). With a great drinks menu, a warm vibe and a well-stocked spirits shelf, The Library Bar is a place you definitely want to bookmark for a time when you’re in the mood for a drink.

Fun speakesy bar with hidden bookshelves in Bundaberg — Sip your favourite cocktail while you read at The Library Bar.

6. The Melbourne

While you’re in the Rum capital of Australia, you might as well go all out and sample a few different types of Rum. The Melbourne has incredibly well-stocked liquor shelves– and with over 200 different rums to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice. But if you have trouble making up your mind, don’t hesitate to ask the stellar staff for some suggestions. At the Melbourne, you’re bound to find great Bundaberg hospitality, a great selection of drunks and classic Aussie pub grub.

Menu at The Melbourne in Bundaberg — Treat yourself to a delicious meal with some bubbly at The Melbourne.

7. The Old Bundy Tavern

The Old Bundy Tavern is one of Australia’s most historic pubs that has been quenching the thirst of visitors for more than a century. Like most country pubs, the Old Bundy Tavern retains a strong character and an even stronger community. Retaining its original charm and some Federation-era architectural details, it is the perfect place to head for a taste of rural Australiana and an ice-cold brew.

Headed to Bundaberg? We’ve also created a guide to accommodation in Bundaberg, rounded up the best things to do, and listed the best beaches to visit nearby.

City buzz, gourmet trails, surf breaks and art scenes are all at your fingertips.

When it comes to planning a trip, picking a holiday destination is the easy part. The real dilemma is where to set yourself up for the night. Do you go coastal, city, or countryside? Somewhere remote and rugged, or right in the action? Luckily, the Sunshine Coast, and huge number of amazing Sunshine Coast day trips, have kindly made the choice for you.

Ditch the hotel-hopping and suitcase-lugging. Instead, base yourself at Novotel Sunshine Coast or Mantra Mooloolaba , where big-city culture, vine-covered valleys, and theme parks are all within a two-hour drive.

1. Sunshine Coast to Brisbane

Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes (105km)

Shake off the sand from your sandals and swap the beach for the throb of the Queensland capital. Ease in gently with a bougainvillea-filled stroll through South Bank, iced latte in hand, before cooling off at Streets Beach lagoon – Brisbane’s answer to the coast (but without the waves).

Once firmly in big-city mode, hit up the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) , home to Australia’s largest collection of modern and contemporary artworks. Dive into the past at the Queensland Museum, where prehistoric fossils of Australian dinosaurs and megafauna collide with First Nations cultural collections and interactive science exhibits.

All this learning got you hungry? Howard Smith Wharves calls. Here, riverside dining delivers breweries with meat-forward menus, Japanese fine dining and overwater bars. If you’ve got room for more, Fortitude Valley’s shopping boutiques await you and your wallet.

woman walking around Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) — Wander the Gallery of Modern Art. (Image: TEQ)

2. Sunshine Coast to the Scenic Rim

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (170km)

Make your way inland to the Scenic Rim for the state’s best vineyards and age-old volcanic slopes. Start your day early (like, sparrow’s breakfast early) at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park . Here, take a treetop walk through the canopy and hand-feed the wild birds who flock here.

Next, it’s your turn to eat. Here, the food scene operates where locally sourced produce is an expectation, not an exception. Order a picnic basket crammed with regional wine and cheese to devour next to the creek at Canungra Valley Vineyards . Or perhaps a grazing platter of vegan and non-vegan cheeses at Witches Falls Winery .

Feeling bold? Tackle the Twin Falls circuit in Springbrook National Park. Or keep the gourmet life going with a Scenic Rim Brewery tasting paddle, best enjoyed while taking in the rise of the Great Dividing Range.

woman with cheese and wine at Witches Falls Winery — Enjoy a cheese platter at Witches Falls Winery. (Image: TEQ)

3. Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast

Drive time: 2 hours (180km)

Surf, sand and sparkling skylines might be the Gold Coast’s MO, but there’s more to Surfers Paradise and beyond. Kick things off with a beachfront coffee at Burleigh Heads, then hike through Burleigh Head National Park to look over the ocean and whale sightings (dependent on the season, of course).

Cool off in the calm waters of Tallebudgera Creek before chowing down on the famously buttery Moreton Bay bug rolls at Rick Shores . Travelling with the kids? Then you can’t miss Australia’s theme park capital, with Dreamworld ’s big rides and Warner Bros. Movie World ’s Hollywood treatment at hand to keep the family entertained.

aerial view of Tallebudgera Creek — Dive into Tallebudgera Creek. (Image: TEQ)

4. Sunshine Coast to Tweed Heads

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (200km)

Dare to cross enemy lines? Then welcome to New South Wales. Tweed Heads blends the laid-back attitude of the Northern Rivers with high-quality dining, experimental art, and farm-fresh indulgence – a combo worth the drive.

Start strong with a long, lazy brunch at Tweed River House , then swing by Tropical Fruit World for exotic finds like red dragon fruit, handfuls of lychees and black sapote. Next, hit M|Arts Precinct – an art deco hub of micro galleries, artist workshops and one-off boutiques.

Round off the day with sunset drinks at Husk Distillers among the glowing cane fields, and order one with their famous Ink Gin. You’ll thank us later.

exterior of Husk Distillers — Taste the famous Ink Gin at Husk Distillers. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Drive time: 1 hour (70km)

Strap on those hiking boots and make tracks inland, where volcanic peaks, misty rainforest and hinterland townships beckon. Ease in with the Glass House Mountains Lookout Walk, or, if you have energy to burn, tackle the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk for a 360-degree sight of the surrounding summits.

Next: Montville. This township delivers European-style architecture and old-world appeal. Nearby, settle in at Flame Hill Vineyard, where a large pour of estate-grown wine comes with encompassing views of the countryside.

Not ready to leave the hinterland villages just yet? Of course not. Meander past art galleries and indie shops at Maleny. Nab some fudge from Sweets on Maple for a sweet fix. Or go salty at Maleny Dairies with a farm tour and a chunky wedge of their deliciously creamy cheese.

End the day among the eucalypts and rainforests of Kondalilla National Park. Here, the Kondalilla Falls Circuit winds down through trees humming with life to a rock pool beneath a waterfall – as if designed for soaking tired feet before heading back to the coast.

view of Mount Ngungun on the scenic rim queensland — Take on the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your Sunshine home base at all.com.

7 of the best pubs and bars in Bundaberg to grab a drink