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Bundaberg Top 10 Things to Do in Queensland’s Sugar Cane City
- Wander * Explore * Discover
- Nov 28, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Bundaberg Top 10 Things to Do in Queensland’s Sugar Cane City
Set on the banks of the Burnett River and surrounded by rich farmland, Bundaberg is a vibrant regional city where history, food and coastal adventures come together. Located 365 kilometres north of Brisbane, this historic sugar cane city is best known for its world-famous rum, but there’s so much more to discover.
From turtle encounters and pristine beaches to lush gardens, heritage buildings and incredible local produce, Bundaberg offers a relaxed yet exciting escape in Queensland’s Wide Bay–Burnett region.
Visit the Iconic Bundaberg Rum Distillery
No visit to Bundaberg is complete without stopping at the Bundaberg Rum Distillery — and snapping a photo with the giant rum bottle out the front.
Open daily from 10.00 am, the distillery offers guided tours where you’ll learn how Australia’s most famous rum is made, hear the stories behind the brand and enjoy a tasting session. The onsite store sells exclusive bottles and souvenirs, while the café and beer garden are home to a life-size wooden Bundy Bear.
Meet the Turtles at Mon Repos
Just 13 kilometres from Bundaberg, the Mon Repos Turtle Centre protects the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland and the most significant loggerhead turtle nesting population in the South Pacific.
The centre is open year-round from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm, with interactive displays and movies.From November to March, you can book a Turtle Encounter Tour, joining expert rangers at night to witness turtles nesting or hatchlings emerging and racing toward the sea — an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Explore Bundaberg’s Beautiful Beaches
Bundaberg’s coastline is dotted with stunning beaches, and two of our favourites are Elliott Heads and Kellys Beach.
Elliott Heads, around 20 kilometres from Bundaberg, is perfect for swimming, walking and fishing, with calm, crystal-clear water and shady picnic areas.
Kellys Beach at Bargara is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and laid-back beach days by the sea.
Eat Your Way Around Bundaberg
Bundaberg is a true foodie destination, producing around 25% of Australia’s fresh produce.
Oodies Café (Kolan Street, North Bundaberg) is our go-to breakfast spot, open daily from 6.30 am.
For the best strawberry ice cream, head to Tinaberries on Zinks Road, open daily from 10.00 am. In August and September, you can even pick your own strawberries.
Stock up on local produce at Alloway Farm Market (open daily from 8.00 am) or the Shalom Market on Sundays from 6.00 am to 12 noon.
Wander the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens
The Bundaberg Botanic Gardens are a beautifully landscaped 27-hectare oasis featuring native and exotic plants. Entry is free, and the gardens are open seven days a week.
Highlights include the Japanese and Chinese Gardens, peaceful lakes and shady walking paths. On Sundays and Wednesdays, you can ride the Australian Sugar Cane Railway, a heritage train that winds through the gardens on a 2-kilometre journey.
Tour the Bundaberg Barrel
At the Bundaberg Barrel, you can take a free self-guided tour and get a behind-the-scenes look at the famous Bundaberg Brewed Drinks factory.
It is open Monday to Saturday from 9.00 am to 4.30 pm and on Sundays and Public Holidays from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm.
Here, you’ll learn how their iconic ginger beer and other soft drinks are made. It has informative and interactive displays about the whole process of creating these iconic drinks.
You can also book a tasting of the whole range of beverages and take home some gifts and drinks from the gift shop.
Discover Macadamias Australia
Bundaberg is one of the largest Macadamia-producing regions in Australia, and just outside Bundaberg, you can visit Macadamia, Australia to learn more about these amazing nuts.
At the Visitor Experience Centre, you can learn all about the origin of macadamia nuts and how they are planted, harvested, processed and packaged.
The Orchard Table is the onsite cafe which has lovely views over the Macadamia Trees, delicious coffee and amazing Macadamia-inspired dishes.
You can also get some natural macadamia nuts and have fun cracking them in the orchard rows.
There is a paid guided tour of the farm, where you will learn how macadamias are grown and processed and enjoy tastings of delicious macadamia products.
Visit the Hinkler Hall of Aviation
The Hinkler Hall of Aviation is located in the Botanic Gardens and celebrates the adventures and achievements of Australia’s pioneer solo aviator, Bert Hinkler.
It is open daily from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm and you can learn about Bert Hinkler through glide and flight simulators, movies, display aircraft and a vintage motor vehicle.
There are many unique museum exhibits and interactive displays, including having your photo taken with his plane.
You can also explore the Hinkler House called ‘Mon Repos’, Bert’s relocated English home with furniture and memorabilia.
Discover Street Art
Bundaberg has some interesting and colourful street art around the city centre. As you wander around the streets look out for these great artworks. From murals celebrating local history to stunning abstract works, these public artworks offer a unique and colourful way to experience the town’s creative spirit.
For more amazing artwork, visit the amenities block at Archies Beach. Paul Perry created these stunning mosaic displays, and more than 200 people from across the community, spent 6,200 hours and 100,000 tiles creating this incredible artwork.
Wander along the Heritage Buildings Trail
Bundaberg is rich in history, and one of the best ways to experience its past is by wandering around to see the heritage buildings.
The School of Arts Building was built between 1888 and 1889 and is the oldest public building still standing in Bundaberg.
The Post Office building and the tower were opened in 1890 and the exterior has remained virtually unchanged since its construction, it is still used as a Post Office today.
The Holy Rosary Church was the first church in Bundaberg and was built on this site in 1875. This beautiful church was completed in 1888.
The Anglican Church known as Christ Church was completed in 1927, built in an English Gothic style with the characteristic features of pointed arches, a bell tower and a 34-metre spire tower.
The East Bundaberg Water Tower in Sussex Street was built in 1902 and is 32 metres high.
Why Bundaberg Should Be on Your
Queensland Itinerary
Bundaberg is far more than a rum stop. With world-class wildlife experiences, beautiful beaches, lush gardens, creative street art and outstanding local food, it offers a relaxed yet diverse travel experience.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or using it as a base to explore the Southern Great Barrier Reef region, Bundaberg delivers memorable moments at every turn.
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