10 Incredible Things To Do In Bundaberg

Bundaberg is brimming with things to do, whether you want to kick back at a distillery or pass through the Southern gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Bundaberg is synonymous with vast swaths of sugarcane and barrels full of honey-coloured rum. Although most people come to town to visit the rum distillery, there’s plenty more to discover in the township and its surroundings.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff or a foodie – you’ll find plenty of incredible things to do in Bundaberg. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites below.

1. Visit the distilleries

Bundaberg is most famous for its rum, and for good reason. Not only is Bundaberg rum an Aussie staple – it’s a world-renown distiller that’s been studded with international prizes and awards.

outside view of The Bundaberg Rum Distillery — Pay a visit to the Bundaberg Rum Distillery. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Pay a visit to the Bundaberg distillery and immerse yourself in the craft of rum-making, where you’ll learn about the process from the sugar cane to the bottle. Rum aficionados can opt for the Blend Your Own Rum experience, where you’ll learn to create your own personalised blend (and receive two bottles to take home too).

If rum isn’t your drink of choice, there are plenty of other breweries in the region that are well worth a visit. For a non-alcoholic option, head down to the Bundaberg Barrel for a tour and a taste of Bundaberg’s famous craft-brewed soft drinks. We’ve also rounded up more distilleries and tours in Bundaberg, so you can choose your favourites.

a bartender behind the bar with different bottles of gin on show — Premium gins and vodkas are available at Kalki Moon Distillery. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

2. Get up close with turtles

Dubbed the gateway to the Southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, the Bundaberg region is brimming with luscious nature and fantastic wildlife.

Located on the coast just a 15-minute drive from Bundaberg, Mon Repos Turtle Centre offers visitors the opportunity to witness some of nature’s everyday miracles. With the largest concentration of turtles on the east coast, Mon Repos is the ideal place to get up close with these fascinating creatures.

the pathway at Mon Repos Turtle Centre — Head to the conservation park at Mon Repos Turtle Centre. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

From November to January, you can join a guided tour to witness mother turtles laying their eggs in the sand. If you visit from January to March, you’ll get to see the adorable hatchlings emerge and scurry down toward the ocean. Be sure to book in advance, as these are popular tours. For an immersive wildlife experience, visitors can now book a stay at Turtle Sands , a new wildlife resort right next to the beach where you’ll see the turtles crawling towards the ocean.

a baby turtle taking its first few steps on the beach at Mon Repos Turtle Centre — Get a chance to witness a turtle nest hatching and release. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

3. Explore the beautiful beaches

Bundaberg is blessed in its proximity to a beautiful stretch of coastline where you can find idyllic beaches at your fingertips. And with sun-drenched days year round, there’s hardly ever a bad time to head to the coast.

an aerial shot of Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort — Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is hailed for its unspoiled beach and coral reefs. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Whether you prefer bustling beach towns like Bargara or a patch of quiet coast, there are plenty of great spots to soak up some sun. We’ve written more on the best beaches close to Bundaberg here.

breathtaking sunset on Bargara Beach — Witness scenic sunset views on Bargara Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

4. Relax in the Botanic Gardens

The beautiful Bundaberg Botanic Gardens are spread over 27 hectares featuring a diverse array of plants. There are lots to discover, from Japanese and Chinese gardens to an Australian rainforest.

Take a step back in time in the prehistoric garden, or marvel at the fruits in the rare fruit orchard. There’s a picnic area where you can unwind and a cafe where you can grab a coffee while you soak up the environment. There are also some museums located within the botanical gardens – learn a bit more about each of them below.

verdant botanic garden fronting the Hinkler House & Museum — Soak up relaxing nature views. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

5. Hinkler Hall of Aviation

Immerse yourself in local history at the Hinkler Hall of Aviation located in Bundaberg’s Botanic Gardens. The museum celebrates the achievement of Bundaberg-born Bert Hinkler, an aviation pioneer and inventor.

Hinkler was the first person to fly solo from England to Australia, and the first person to fly solo across the South Atlantic Ocean. Head down to Hinkler Hall to learn more about Bert’s achievements and discover unique museum artefacts, including full-sized aircraft exhibits.

an aircraft exhibit at Hinkler Hall of Aviation — See various types of aircraft at Hinkler Hall of Aviation. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

6. Fairymead House Sugar History Museum

Take a step back in time in a heritage-listed homestead with a visit to the Fairymead Sugar History Museum .

Here, you’ll learn about the history of sugar in Bundaberg in all its complexity – from pioneering families to the industry’s dark colonial past with indentured labour. The beautiful house is a fascinating way to get acquainted with Australian history, as well as learn about the process of creating sugar from cane to crystal.

exterior view of the Fairymead House at dusk — Discover how the Fairymead House maintained its glory through the years.

7. Cafe hop around town

With a reputation as the food bowl of Australia, Bundaberg has some of the country’s finest produce located right on its doorstep. Take some time to kick back at the cafes and eateries to sample some delicious local produce served up with creative culinary flair.

Whether you’d prefer to brunch by Bargara beach or dine alongside the river, we’ve rounded up the best cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy the region’s best eats.

an acai bowl consisting of fresh local produce at Windmill Cafe in Bargara, Bundaberg region — Stop by the Windmill Cafe to order some fruity acai bowl. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

8. Grab a drink

It’s hard to pass through the rum capital of Australia without grabbing a drink. Luckily, you’ll be spoiled for choice, with a great range of pubs and bars to choose from.

The Bundaberg Rum distillery has a bar where you can sample a range of Bundaberg Rum products. Alternatively, Ballistic Bargara’s Brewery is the perfect spot to enjoy a craft beer by the beach.

If you have a penchant for historic buildings, then head down to the Old Bundy Tavern to quench your thirst. We’ve rounded up more of the best places to grab a drink here.

folks having fun inside Bundaberg Rum Distillery — Exploring inside Bundaberg Rum Distillery is always a rewarding experience. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

9. Alexandra Park Zoo

Get up close with some of Australia’s most fascinating native wildlife at Alexandra Park Zoo . The Zoo has been delighting visitors since it opened in 1911 and has grown to be one of the Bundaberg region’s most popular attractions.

One of the highlights is the opportunity to see the rare and endangered cotton-top tamarin (which is just as cute as it sounds) and learn about the zoo’s conservation efforts.

a close-up photo of a green tree frog — Large amphibians like green tree frogs roam freely around Alexandra Park Zoo.

10. Day trip to Lady Musgrave Island

Explore the beauty and abundant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef with a trip to Lady Musgrave Island. Located a two-hour boat trip from Bundaberg, it’s one of the Barrier Reef’s most untouched islands.

Grab a snorkel or head out on a glass-bottomed boat trip and witness a kaleidoscope of colour beneath the water’s surface. Here, you can encounter turtles, manta rays and a fascinating array of marine life. Tours leave from the Bundaberg Port Marina .

an aerial view of the crystal blue waters and reefs along Lady Musgrave Island — Navigate the pristine waters of Lady Musgrave Island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Headed to Bundaberg? We’ve also written a guide to accommodation in Bundaberg.

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach — Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter — Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa — Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter — Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter — Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.

10 incredible things to do in Bundaberg