📍33 Best Things To Do In Bundaberg, QLD. (Attractions & Tours 2024.)

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LOOKING FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN BUNDABERG?

Rum and turtles. That’s a quick way of summing up Bundaberg, but that’s only the start of its appeal because it’s not just a city that distills famous alcohol and nests sea turtles.

The ocean and islands off the coast form the southernmost part of the Great Barrier Reef! That’s right! You needn’t head all the way north the Cairns to explore the most prolific underwater ecosystem in the world.

Those are just the three frontrunners! So enjoy this extensive deep dive into the best things to do in Bundaberg and discover this glorious city and region’s many tours, attractions and activities.

👉 My top 3 picks for what to do in Bundaberg, Australia.

  • Go wild camping and snorkelling with sea turtles and see them nesting on Lady Musgrave Island.
  • Take an unforgettable day trip to Lady Elliot Island and snorkel with sea turtles & reef sharks.
  • See the sea turtles nesting or hatching with Mon Repos Turtle Centre & Encounters.

Planning Your Trip? Use My Favourite Resources!

Tours/Experiences: I recommend Viator.
Accommodation: I recommend Booking.com.
Renting Vehicles: I recommend RentalCars.com.

Top 10 Best Things To Do In Bundaberg.

1. Take A Selfie With The Bundaberg Rum Bottle.
Bundaberg Rum Distillery.

Australia loves its Big Things. Scattered throughout the country are oversized tourist attractions that are shoutouts to what gives the town its claim to fame. Nambour has the Big Pineapple, Tamworth’s got the Big Golden Guitar, and Goulburn has the Big Ram. 

For Bundaberg, they decided to honour the nectar forged from the local sugarcane fields by setting up the Big Bundaberg Rum Bottle outside the distillery that makes the globally loved alcohol.

Even if drinking isn’t your thing, getting a selfie with the iconic seven-metre bottle outside the Rum Distillery is essentially a right of passage because it makes an instantly recognizable photograph showcasing you’ve visited the beautiful regional city.

Meanwhile, those fascinated by liquor creation will love the highly rated attraction, the Distillery Experience Tour that goes behind the scenes to showcase the intricate production line. There’s also the Blend Your Own Rum Experience Tour, where people can concoct a delightful brew they designed by mixing together different flavours and the Bundaberg Rum Museum where you can discover the history of the museum.

While you’re there, head to the bar and indulge in their famous drinks or the ones you just created, and explore their extensive range of souvenirs before leaving one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Bundaberg.

Psst: Their royal liqueurs are incredible. I don’t drink much, but boy, did I buy a few. 😀

The Big Bundaberg Rum Bottle
Taking a photo with the Bundaberg Rum Bottle is a right of passage for all Bundaberg visitors.

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    2. See How They Brew.
    Bundaberg Barrel.

    In addition to making the smooth liquor enjoyed by adults the world over, Bundaberg is also home to a company that crafts a series of non-alcoholic beverages that people of any age can enjoy. The Bundaberg Barrel is a gorgeously designed barrel-shaped building that forms the tourist sector of the Bundaberg Brews Company.

    Inside, you can stock up on their range of delicious drinks, such as their iconic ginger beer or taste some of the selections as part of a paid experience. There is also a short self-guided tour section of the Bundaberg Barrel that won’t cost you a penny.

    Through a heavy metal door lies a mock-factory setting that intriguingly showcases the brewing process. It is a fascinating insight into how these drinks are crafted and is a fantastic place to visit in Bundaberg.

    The Bundaberg Barrel is the tourist sector of the Bundaberg Brew Company.
    Visit the unusual Bundaberg Barrel and discover some iconic Australian soft drinks.
    The mock factory setting inside the Bundaberg Barrel shows how their brews are made.
    The mock factory setting inside the Bundaberg Barrel shows how their brews are made.

    3. Visit The Southernmost Island Of The Great Barrier Reef.
    Lady Elliot Island
    .

    One of the most spectacular things to do in Bundaberg is explore the Great Barrier Reef. You read that right. The waters off the coastline near the regional city form the southernmost part of the largest marine ecosystem in the world. And the southernmost island in that spectacular seascape is Lady Elliot Island.

    You can either opt to take a day trip to the island’s resort, where staff members will take excellent care of you while giving you a taste of the most expansive and diverse marine ecosystem in the world or stay overnight at the beautiful eco-resort where you can explore the islands and its myriad of corals and fish species more thoroughly. I did the former and it was magnificent. I have nothing but positive things to say.

    Either way, the resort offers guests a range of activities, but the most popular one is the combined glass bottom boat and snorkelling tour, where you’ll get to mingle with the local marine life. Some frequently seen creatures of the deep swimming around the complex coral landscapes include majestic sea turtles, friendly reef sharks, giant groupers and schools of tiny, colourful fish.

    Although expensive, a trip to Lady Elliot Island is unforgettable, and the staff take excellent care of ALL their guests. Oh, and the price includes return flights on a private aircraft. And it’s a spectacular 80km flight, especially upon landing on the island!

    4. Explore The Great Barrier Reef’s Second Southernmost Island.
    With The Lady Musgrave Experience.

    As if access to Lady Elliot Island wasn’t fantastic enough, the second southernmost island in the Great Barrier Reef is also reachable from Bundaberg.

    While Lady Elliot Island is a resort destination that is only reachable by private plane from the Bundaberg Regional Airport, Lady Musgrave, on the other hand, is a much smaller, wild and pristine place you can get to by luxury yacht from the nearby coastal town of Burnett Heads!

    The Lady Musgrave Experience offers people the chance to visit this spectacular reef and island wilderness as a day trip or as an incredibly unique overnight experience in a purpose-built underwater pontoon! That’s right! You can sleep below sea level for an unforgettable night amongst the fish!

    For all guests, it’s a beautiful 2-hour, 100km trip to reach the pontoon aboard the Luxury Yacht, the Reef Empress. Once there, you’ll see the stunning coral from a glass bottom boat before getting in the water for an unforgettable snorkel alongside colourful fish, majestic sea turtles, docile reef sharks, and so much more that call this spectacular place home. You can even hire out kayaks or pay extra to go diving and possibly see giant manta rays!

    To get to Lady Musgrave Island, you have to take a boat across for a day trip or a camping transfer
    To get to Lady Musgrave Island, you have to take a boat across for a day trip or a camping transfer.
    The Pontoon off Lady Musgrave Island.
    The Glass Bottom Boat meeting the pontoon just off Lady Musgrave Island.
    One of the coral bommies in the lagoon.
    Lady Musgrave Island
    The island is gorgeous.

    5. Or Live A National Geographic Documentary.
    Lady Musgrave Island Camping.

    If all that sounds intriguing but tours aren’t your cup of tea, there’s an alternative way of experiencing Lady Musgrave Island that’ll make you feel like you’re in a National Geographic documentary: self-sufficient camping.

    Yep. You can stay on a wilderness island in the Great Barrier Reef and explore this spectacular marine ecosystem for just a few dollars a night. Sure, there’s no phone reception, showers, or any other creature comforts beside a toilet, but that’s why it’s alluring. In an ever-increasingly accessible world, it’s fantastic that there are places like this where authentically wild experiences still exist.

    Think snorkelling and diving with sea turtles, grey nurse sharks, reef sharks, groupers and many other types of marine animals that call the complex underwater habitat their home is the main appeal. But it’s not the only place on this island that is abundant with wildlife.

    Above ground, there are what seems like thousands of black noddies, bridled terns, and shearwaters. They are the resident birds that live here full time, while boobies, herons and silver terns are some of the other feathered creatures that visit too. But that many birds mean plenty of poop! It’s like dodging missiles, but no experience of the island is complete without getting shat on. Think of it as a right of passage.

    Furthermore, visitors to the island between October and December get the unique and unforgettable privilege to witness majestic sea turtles dragging themselves into the island to lay their eggs! It’s magical and, as I said, like being in a National Geographic documentary.

    Yes, it’s expensive to get to and from the island, but if you stay overnight for a reasonable number of days, it equates to the same amount as a few nights at a formal accommodation. But the value you get from camping on Lady Musgrave Island is significantly more memorable than anything you could ever get out of a hotel or a tour, making this the by far and away the best thing to do in Bundaberg.

    Personally, it was the most profound thing I’ve ever done. Not only was it incredible to live on a wild island for a week, but what I saw, the experiences I had and the people I met will stay with me forever. By the time I left, I felt spiritually connected to that island.

    The turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs is what makes camping on Lady Musgrave Island the best things to do in Bundaberg.
    A sea turtle coming ashore to lay her eggs.
    Two bridled terns on Lady Musgrave Island
    The island is abundant with bird life. (Bridled Terns)

    6. Have A Magical Encounter With Endangered Sea Turtles.
    Mon Repos Turtle Centre & Encounters.

    If visiting Lady Elliot Island or Lady Musgrave Island is too expensive, but you still want to see turtles, a much more affordable way to see these beautiful creatures is with an unforgettable guided night encounter tour on Mon Repos Beach.

    This beautiful stretch of sand along the Bundaberg coastline is Australia’s most prolific turtle nesting site as every year between October and December, female Green, Loggerhead, and Hawkesbury Turtles drag themselves up the beach to dig nests and lay their soft, ping-pong-esque eggs in the dunes behind.

    Then, a few months later (January-March), the tiny hatchlings emerge and waddle their cute little butts towards the sea!

    It’s a magical wildlife event that Queensland Parks And Wildlife Service (QPWS) gives visitors the unique opportunity to see up close. The tour isn’t hindered by the weather either, as the turtles don’t let that stop them from doing their duty (it was pouring down with rain when I went!).

    But it is one of the best things to do in Bundaberg at night, especially with kids as they’ll learn so much about these beautiful marine animals, and the experience will stay with them long after it’s over.

    👉 To see female turtles laying their eggs, plan your trip to Bundaberg between Oct-Dec. To see hatchlings emerge, visit from Jan-March.

    7. Enjoy Some Time At The Coast.
    Bargara.

    The closest place to the Mon Repos Turtle Centre is Bargara, the largest coastal town near Bundaberg and one of the most beautiful. It’s essentially a destination in its own right.

    It’s a relaxing place to breathe in the fresh ocean air and enjoy seaside activities, such as walking along the picturesque foreshore esplanade, swimming at the seasonally patrolled beaches, or cycling along the scenic coastal pathways.

    And with numerous accommodation options, it’s a fantastic place to base yourself whilst exploring the regional city, especially the Big 4 Breeze Holiday Park, which lies just across the road from Nielsons Beach and is one of the best places to visit in Bundaberg while waiting for the nightly turtle encounter tours to commence.

    Me overlooking the black rocky beaches from a little lookout along Bargara Esplanade
    Standing at the little lookout along the Esplanade

    8. Get Elevated.
    Hummock Lookout.

    Driving through Bundaberg, you’ll notice little happening with the landscape. It’s pretty flat, making it not the most visually exciting place to see. But between Bundaberg to Bargara, there’s one scenic place that’s worth the slight detour: Hummock Lookout.

    Hummock Lookout sits on the only hilltop for miles providing incredible panoramic views of the surrounding plains. From the low peak, you can see the city, the ocean, the coastal towns and the vast sugarcane fields the region is agriculturally known for that seemingly go on forever, making this humble lookout one of the best free things to see in Bundaberg.

    Looking east across the vast sugarcane fields to the ocean at sunrise from Hummock Lookout is one of the best things to do in Bundaberg.
    Visiting the Hummock Lookout, between Bundaberg and Bargara, is an amazing way to see the landscape.

    9. Make The Most Of Bundaberg’s Favourite Creek.
    Theodolite Creek, Burrum Coast National Park.

    On the region’s south side lies the tiny township of Woodgate, the gateway to the region’s only mainland national park: Burrum Coast National Park.

    While there are plenty of nature-based things to do, the number one place to visit in the national park is by far and away Theodolite Creek. The beloved waterway is considered of the top spots for fun things to do with kids in Bundaberg because the sheltered waters are calm and surprisingly shallow, even quite far out, making it a fantastic safe place for them to wild swim. Bring a skipboard or a pool floaty for even more fun and play your worries away.

    For the bigger kids, paddling and boating are also great activities to enjoy here, making Theodolite Creek a great all-around place to visit for people of all ages.

    A cloudy sunset over Theodolite Creek
    Theodolite Creek is a fantastic place to wild swim.
    My kayak on the far side of Theodolite Creek
    And a beautiful waterway to kayak too.

    10. Discover A Local Legend & A Pioneer Of Aviation.
    Hinkler Hall Of Aviation, Bundaberg Botanical Gardens. – $.

    Bert Hinkler was an aviation pioneer who achieved several record-breaking solo flights across the world which catapulted him into legendary status.

    He was born in Bundaberg and is honoured today with the Hinkler Hall of Aviation which pays homage to his life and numerous accomplishments. Even his home is on display for you to explore.

    It’s a fascinating insight into early aviation, and people with an affinity for flight and history buffs will enjoy exploring the modern museum.

    Hinkler's actual home and the Hinkler Hall Of Aviation in the background
    Hinkler’s actual home and the Hinkler Hall Of Aviation.

    More Bundaberg Tourist Attractions.

    11. Learn About The Sugarcane Growing Industry.
    Fairymead House Sugar Museum, Bundaberg Botanical Gardens. – $.

    The backbone of Bundaberg was, and still is, sugarcane. Driving through the region, there are seemingly endless fields of sweet crops. But there’s also a dark and storied history of the prolific amount of South Sea Islanders taken from their homeland to work the fields.

    The Fairymead House Sugar Museum in the Bundaberg Botanical Gardens delves deep into their enormous contributions to the gruelling, laborious industry with displays in addition to those of the land owners.

    It’s an enlightening look at the difficulties faced by pioneer Australians and how they outsourced the most challenging aspects of it to the unfortunate unsuspecting people of neighbouring island nations, making it one of the most profound historical attractions in Bundaberg to see.

    The Fairymead Sugar Museum
    Learn about the sugarcane industry.

    12. Get A Look Into Bundaberg’s Past.
    Bundaberg & District Historical Museum, Botanical Gardens. – $.

    A great thing to do for families is to check out the Bundaberg and District Historical Museum. See artifacts dating back to the pioneer days is a great way to show the young ones what it was like living in these by days gone.

    13. Get Nutty.
    Macadamias Australia.

    Bundaberg might be known agriculturally for growing sugarcane, but it’s also a prominent macadamia farming area. Macadamias Australia decided to showcase the industry by creating a modern tourist facility where you can learn how the nuts are grown, harvested and processed. 

    It’s a great way to teach the kids about it too, and you can also stock on their moreish macadamias so you can snack on them as you continue with your Bundaberg adventure. 

    Macadamias Australia
    Try some nuts at Macadamia Australia.
    Macadamias Australia
    Macadamia farming equipment.

    14. Uncover The Mystery.
    Mystery Craters.

    The Mystery Craters are the “classic” quirky tourist attraction. It takes lots of flair to generate hype about the usual place of interest, whether you’re driving past it or researching it.

    Beyond that, the Mystery Craters are an interesting geographical phenomenon. Not only are the holes in the ground exceedingly deep (they’ve never found the bottom), but the rocks at surface level are also intriguing.

    They’re a mishmash of sandstone and ochre, the latter of which is the same stuff that makes up Uluru. Except between here and there, there isn’t any of it in between. No one has conclusively figured out how these two types of rocks merged or what created the seemingly endless voids in the earth, not even the elites.

    It’s a geographical anomaly, and seeing them is one of the most intriguing, baffling and weird things to do in Bundaberg, especially if geology interests you. However, it is super touristy and a bit expensive.

    The front of Mystery Craters building
    Can you solve the mystery of the Mystery Craters?
    Seeing the geographical anomalies that are the Mystery Craters is one of the most weird things to do in Bundaberg.
    These things are geographical oddities and go way down deep.

    Top Free Things To Do Around Bundaberg.

    15. Take A Mini-Escape From The City.
    Alexandra Park.

    If you need an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city without venturing too far, a great place to visit within walking distance from the CBD is Alexandra Park.

    Alexandra Park is a beautiful parkland beside the Burnett River and is an ideal place to hole up when you want a peaceful outdoor area to relax or have lunch. But what sets it apart from many other parks is the boardwalk that extends outwards over the waterway, providing gorgeous views of the mighty river, making stopping by the park a must.

    16. Take A Stroll Through Some Gardens.
    Bundaberg Botanical Gardens.

    After a while, being in the city for too long can drain your batteries, and nature is usually a good recharger. Alexandra Park is lovely, but it is more of a picnic spot.

    A place still near the CBD with plenty more natural space is the Bundaberg Botanical Gardens. It’s home to several top attractions, such as the aforementioned Hinkler Hall Of Aviation Museum, Fairymead House Sugar Musem and Bundaberg & District Historical Museum.

    But visiting the beautiful gardens itself is also one of the best free things to do in Bundaberg as the expansive parkland also has multitudes of different settings to enjoy a relaxing walk, read an immersive book, have a romantic picnic, quietly watch the birds or allow the kids engage in imaginative play.

    The Chinese Gardens in the Bundaberg Botanical Gardens
    The Chinese section of the Bundaberg Botanical Gardens.

    17. Walk Bundaberg’s Mini Kakadu.
    Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park.

    Another beautiful outdoor space worth looking at near the city is Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park. The peaceful parklands east of the CBD is a sprawling nature reserve nicknamed Little Kakadu.

    That is because it has abundant birdlife for its size, making it an excellent spot for birdwatchers and avian photographers to explore. Swans, magpie geese and spoonbills are just some of the incredible aquatic birds that call this place home.

    18. Go For a Refreshing Swim In The Ocean.
    Several Beaches.

    One of the best free things to do in Bundaberg in the warmer months is to, of course, go swimming at the beach. It’s standard Australian practice, really.

    But Bundaberg doesn’t have the most ideal coastline for doing so unless you don’t mind washing up on the black rocks, a notable feature of the landscape. All is not lost though, as a handful of beaches are cleared of the hazards, so you won’t end up covered in bruises after a refreshing dip in the ocean.

    Nielson Beach and Kelly’s Beach are the most popular as they are the closest to Bundaberg in the beautiful town of Bargara and are seasonally patrolled by lifeguards. Archies Beach is also nearby and offers a quieter place to swim, while Oaks Beach at Burnett Heads, Mon Repos Beach at Mon Repos Conservation Park and Elliot Beach at Elliot Heads are also fantastic options.

    19. See What’s Underneath.
    The Basin.

    If the other beaches are a little too choppy for the young ones, or they are curious to see what lurks beneath, one of the best free things to do in Bundaberg with kids is go swimming at The Basin.

    The Basin lies on the southern side of Bargara and is a protected oceanside area created by South Sea Islanders brought over from the Pacific Islands to Australia to work the sugarcane fields. Out of a desire to have a safe place to swim without getting washed up the on the rocks, they rearranged the hazardous boulders around to create the enclosed sanctuary.

    These days, it’s a great place for people to play around in the water without worrying about the waves or the current. It’s also home to numerous small fish species, making it a fantastic place to let children try snorkelling for the first time.

    A mosaic fish artwork on a rock in the foreground with The Basin in the background
    This little enclosed swimming area is a great place to take kids.
    me snorkelling At The Basin In Bundaberg
    And let them try snorkelling for the first time.
    Two of the fish that call The Basin home.
    To see the fishies.

    20. Go For A Day Trip To A Picturesque Town.
    Childers.

    Many people reach Bundaberg by driving along the Bruce Highway. One of the two main exits from the national road to the city passes through Childers, a gorgeous country town surrounded by picturesque rolling hills.

    But while it doesn’t seem like it has many things to do, there are some surprisingly interesting attractions worth stopping for. One of the top places to see is the Childers Palace Backpackers Memorial which is a tribute to a devastating arson attack on the building that killed 15 people in 2000 and is now also the town’s information centre.

    But with much more to offer than just that, a day trip to Childers on your way to or from Bundaberg is a must.

    The lovely courtyard of the former Palace Backpackers hostel
    The courtyard of Palace Backpackers, not Info Centre.
    A military gun at the Childers Memorial Precinct.
    The Childers Memorial Precinct.

    21. Spend A Weekend At Woodgate.
    Woodgate & Burrum Coast National Park.

    While exploring the region’s south, spare some time for Woodgate and the Burrum Coast National Park.

    This gorgeous area beside the sea is a natural gem and already has Theodilte Creek, mentioned earlier as one of the best places to visit in Bundaberg, but it also has plenty of secluded beachfront, scenic walking trails, 4WD trails and a couple of boat-launching areas perfect for a weekend getaway in nature.

    Woodgate Beach
    Woodgate Beach is a lovely isolated beach.
    Burrum Coast National Park.
    One of the trails.

    22. Go Camping.
    Kinkuna Section & Burrum Point, Burrum Coast National Park.

    Speaking of staying the weekend, There’s no better way to cap off some time spent in nature than camping under the stars. Burrum Coast National Park has a couple of camping areas to pitch a tent and enjoy a night under the stars.

    Burrum Point is the easiest to access and has showers, while the Kinkuna Section has many more spaces and allows campfires. However, both are only accessible by high clearance 4WD or boat. Alternatively, if you don’t mind strapping everything you need to your back, you can also walk in.

    23. Have Some Fun On The Water.
    Lake Monduran/ Fred Haig Dam.

    On the northern side of Bundaberg lies Lake Monduran, a gorgeous lake impounded by the Fred Haig Dam, which supplies water to the regional city.

    As the only significant lake region, it’s a great place to get some H20 action. Kayaking, swimming, boating and waterskiing are just some fun watersports you can enjoy on Lake Monduran. Even if you don’t have a watercraft, there are some fantastic lookouts and picnic spots where you can observe the picturesque scenery and breathe fresh country air.

    Me kayaking at Lake Monduran
    Kayaking is a relaxing way to spend some time at Lake Monduran

    Secret Places To See In Bundaberg.

    24. Go Swimming In A Hidden Lagoon.
    Mon Repos Tidal Lagoon.

    Next to the Mon Repos Beach, where the majestic sea turtles famously nest, lies one of the top hidden gems in Bundaberg. The Mon Repos Tidal Lagoon is a small sheltered inlet that is the perfect place to go wild swimming.

    On the nearest side, it’s very shallow, making it one of the best places to take infant kids to enjoy the water, while on the other side of the sandbank, it’s a bit deeper, which is great for adults and older kids to splash around in. It’s also directly connected to the ocean-facing beach, so those who want to combine a dip in the lagoon and a frolic in the ocean can do that at this sublime, 2-for-1 swimming spot.

    My swimming in the Mon Repos Tidal Lagoon.
    The Mon Repos Tidal Lagoon is excellent for swimming with the family.

    25. See The Old & The New Lighthouses.
    Burnett Heads Lighthouse & Old Burnett Heads Lighthouse.

    Burnett Heads sits at the northernmost point of Bundaberg’s central coastline and is a lovely quiet place to take in some refreshing ocean air and see where Burnett River meets the ocean. It also has two lighthouses.

    The old one is out of commission and is now a feature of Lighthouse Park on Zunker Road and is unmissable as you drive into the town. The current one exudes a strong 70’s retro vibe and sits on the southern headland, guiding boats and ships safely into the river. That one is accessible via an easy trail from South Head Parklands and is part of the Coral Isles Coastal Pathway that extends up and down the Bundaberg coastline.

    Burnett Heads Lighthouse
    The current Burnett Heads Lighthouse.

    26. Go Birdwatching.
    Dr Mays Island.

    At the other end of the coast is Elliot Heads, a gorgeous quiet town with a beautiful beach. One thing you’ll notice heading toward to ocean is it has a lot of sand. It never used to be that way.

    The river, which is barely visible, was much closer, and the elevated land mass in the middle of the beach was a regular island named Dr Mays. But the landscape has since changed.

    While it’s still considered an island, it’s reachable by foot without getting wet. It’s also a prolific bird sanctuary meaning no one is allowed on it. However, you can get close, and those who enjoy birdwatching can take their binoculars and see what beautiful feathered friends they can find.

    27. Get Stunning Views Of The Rocky Coastline.
    Submarine Lookout.

    One of the best-hidden gems in Bundaberg is also at Elliot Heads.

    Submarine Lookout is a beautiful viewpoint on the northern side of town that overlooks the coastlines’ rugged cliffs and rocky beach. It’s also a fantastic, easily accessible spot to watch the sunrise and spot majestic whales from the mainland.

    Submarine Lookout, with its views overlooking a rocky black beach is one of the best hidden places to visit in Bundaberg.
    The view from Submarine Lookout.

    28. Get Gorgeous Secluded Views Of The Burnett River.
    Sharon Gorge Nature Park.

    One of the best unassuming places to visit in Bundaberg is Sharon Gorge. The Sharon Gorge Nature Park lies on Gin Gin Road, the second of the two main roads in and out of the regional city.

    At first glance, it doesn’t give off the vibe of being a worthwhile place to stop, but it is. There’s one short walk through the park, and while the name suggests there is a gorge, there isn’t. But at the end lies a surprisingly beautiful albeit narrow view of the Burnett River that’ll make you glad you stopped by.

    You’ll likely also encounter numerous butterflies and lizards, which kids will love seeing. But spray yourselves with insect repellent before you go because there are a lot of bugs hanging around. But don’t let them put you off doing this lovely trail.

    Sharon Gorge is one of the best hidden places in Bundaberg
    Sharon Gorge has surprisingly lovely views.

    29. See Some Fun Metal Artwork.
    Jim’s Roadside Art.

    A short distance away from the Mystery Craters lies one of Bundaberg’s best-hidden gems. Jim’s Row Of Machinery is a delightfully quirky series of repurposed machines, such as cars, motorbikes, tractors and more, on Koolboo Road held up on posts as a fun roadside attraction.

    Oftentimes, Jim will come out and have a friendly chat with the people admiring his artworks, making the whole thing very wholesome.

    30. Go For A Nature Walk.
    Meadowvale Nature Reserve.

    One of the top little-known natural attractions in the Bundaberg region is Meadowvale Nature Reserve. This beautiful, unassuming place has a lovely circuit trail leading to a picturesque view overlooking the creek.

    Although the water is brown and uninviting to some, locals love coming here to swim, as evidenced by the rope swings. However, whether you choose to let yourself or your family go in is up to you, but it’s a fantastic little trail for spending some time in nature with the kids.

    31. Visit Bundaberg’s Least Known Beachside Town.
    Moore Park Beach.

    If you enjoy easily accessible, isolated places, Moore Park Beach is the perfect spot to do just that, as the town is the least-visited coastal area in the Bundaberg region.

    There is an extensive stretch of sand that is not very frequently by people, so those who like long walks on the beach with the ocean breeze in their hair can enjoy doing that for hours along this pristine coastal paradise.

    32. Boat Or Kayak To A Secluded Campsite.
    Mouth Of Kolan Conservation Park.

    If you’re looking for a true sense of isolation on the mainland and don’t mind putting in more effort to get to beautiful places, Mouth Of Kolan Conservation Park is the perfect escape.

    As the name suggests, this beautiful sandy haven lies at the mouth of the Kolan River. It is a stunning sanctuary for many species of shorebirds, meaning the birdwatching opportunities are second-to-none.

    But where the adventurous part comes in is that the only way to access it is by boat or kayak. It’s a beautiful day out on the water. But for those who want to sleep under the stars, it also has a rustic campground for self-sufficient campers and is the best place to visit in Bundaberg for a memorable wilderness adventure close to the city.

    33. Visit The Longest Unsupported Tunnel In Queensland.
    Boolboonda Tunnel.

    Way out on the western fringe of the Bundaberg region lies the old Boolboonda Tunnel, which is special for two reasons.

    Firstly, this 192m long, abandoned piece of railway history holds the title for Queensland’s longest unsupported constructed tunnel. That’s an impressive feat, and you can still see the pickaxe marks from when they were hacking it out too.

    Secondly, it’s now home to a colony of adorable bent-wing bats, so head out to the historic tunnel to get a fascinating insight into the structure’s history and discover the sweet little creatures who now call the place their home.

    Inside the Booldoomba Tunnel
    The Booldoomba Tunnel is an interesting piece of Australian history.
    The sunlight going deep into the Booldoomba Tunnel
    Take a walk through and see if you can spot the bats.

    Accommodation: Where To Stay In Bundaberg.

    Hotels.

    National Park Camping.

    • Lady Musgrave Island Self-Sufficient Camping. – Capricorn Cays National Park (Highly, highly, highly recommend!!! See why below.)
    • Burrum Point Camping Area, Burrum Coast National Park. (4WD or boat accessible.)
    • Kinkuna Section, Burrum Coast National Park. (4WD or boat accessible.)

    Free Overnight Rest Areas.

    • Hinkler Lions Tourist Park (Excellent spot just outside Bundaberg.)
    • Sharon Gorge Nature Park Rest Area.

    ➡️ Lady Musgrave Island Self-Sufficient Camping.

    Lady Musgrave Island is one of the ultimate camping destinations, not just in the Bundaberg region but globally. The island, part of the Capricorn Cays National Park, is the second southernmost island of the iconic Great Barrier Reef and provides an exceptional experience for all those willing to take up the challenge.

    First, you’ll have to book a camping transfer to the beautiful island with a company such as the Lady Musgrave Experience (don’t recommend) or 1770Creek2Reef. Then you’ll have to lug all your gear, including water, onto the vessel, then across Lady Musgrave from the boat landing area to the campground. Thankfully, it’s not a long walk (about 500m). But from then on, you’re basically stranded. 

    In the best way possible, that is, because what you have now is ultimate access to the most prolific marine ecosystem in the world, where you get to experience it in the wildest and most authentic way imaginable. And it’s epic.

    It’s by far and away the most incredible thing to do in Bundaberg, especially if you go during turtle nesting season (October-December). Because in addition to snorkelling or diving with schools of colourful fish, reef sharks, manta rays and sea turtles, you’ll also get to see the latter lay their eggs on shore, something day-trippers don’t get to enjoy.

    All those who love untamed adventures and coming across wild animals in their natural habitat will be captivated, except if you detest bird poop. There’s an obscene amount of avian excrement on Lady Musgrave Island. But you should still go anyway. You’ll learn to love it because it doesn’t get wilder and more authentic than that.

    Visiting Bundaberg: Frequently Asked Questions.

    Where Is Bundaberg?

    The city of Bundaberg is in the Wide Bay Burnett region and is a 364km drive north of Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, which is about four and a quarter hours of cruising up the Bruce Highway (M1/A1).

    What Is Bundaberg Famous For?

    Bundaberg is foremostly famous for being the home of Bundaberg Rum, the world-renowned alcohol. In addition to making the velvety smooth spirit, it’s also where Bundaberg Brew makes their non-alcoholic carbonated beverages.

    Along Bundaberg’s coastline, Mon Repos is also a prolific turtle nesting and hatching site, which is a magnificent and unmissable experience.

    Agriculturally, the region is a well-known sugarcane growing area, which was historically worked by Sea Sea Islanders taken from their homelands to work the fields.

    The Big Bundaberg Rum Bottle
    Bundaberg is famous for its amazing rum, which is known the world over.

    What To Do In Bundaberg? Is It Worth Visiting?

    While Bundaberg can’t boast much in the way of beautiful landscapes, it still has a lot of allure.

    Between the bustling city, the stunning coastline, and its spectacular islands, it more than makes up for its lack of inland mountainscapes and walking trails.

    And if it’s marine wildlife you’re hoping to see, Bundaberg delivers on those experiences in spades. As eastern Australia’s most prolific mainland turtle nesting site on the mainland, it provides an incredible opportunity to see them in their natural habitat. And that’s not even including the offshore islands and their creatures of the deep.

    How To Get To Bundaberg? Can You Fly There?

    To get to Bundaberg, you can drive, fly or take a touring bus or train. 
    Driving takes about four and a quarter hours to go 365km from Brisbane. It’s mostly along the Bruce Highway (A1) before you exit just after Childers.

    From Gladstone, it’s 216km if you go down the Bruce Highway through Gin Gin, which will take about two and a half hours.

    While there are flights to Bundaberg, QANTAS is the only carrier, but it is crazy expensive for a one-hour trip.

    A much more affordable option is to get there via a bus or the Tilt Train.

    Lastly, Greyhound offers a luxury bus trip from Brisbane to Bundaberg that’ll take eight to nine hours while Queensland Rail has a Brisbane to Bundaberg train service aboard the comfortable, spacious and luxurious Tilt Train.

    How To Get Around Bundaberg?

    A car is the best and most economical option for getting around Bundaberg and making the most of your trip because there aren’t many transportation options. 
    With a vehicle, you can easily get to different places quickly and efficiently without having to be on anyone else’s schedule, giving you more freedom to roam.
    Thankfully, Bundaberg has numerous hire car options if you don’t already have a car when you get to town.

    Can You Swim At Bundaberg’s Beaches?

    Yes! There are a handful of amazing beaches in Bundaberg where you can wild swim. However, you can’t just pick any place to go for a sandy dip. 

    However, as a lot of the coastline is full of sizeable black rocks, swimming at these places doesn’t bode well with soft skin should a wave catch you unawares. But as beach swimming is a quintessential part of the Australian culture, they couldn’t just leave people to simmer in the heat like that. 

    While some beaches are naturally rock-free, others aren’t.
    But places such as Oaks Beach at Burnett Heads have had the boulders cleared, so you can safely frolic in the ocean to your heart’s content.

    Bargara Esplanade, There are a few rocks around Bundaberg's coastline.
    There are a few rocks around Bundaberg’s coastline.
    Woodgate Beach
    But there are plenty of swimming beaches too.

    Is There Wildlife In Bundaberg?

    If you’re looking to see wildlife, Bundy has plenty, but perhaps not the ones you expected. 

    There are land animals for sure, but marine animals are the ones that are in abundance here. Sea turtles, sharks, dolphins and innumerable species of small colourful fish are some of the creatures that swim off Bundaberg’s shores.

    Most reside in the reef lagoons off Lady Musgrave Island and Lady Elliot Island, both of which are also prolific in bird life, while the sea turtles also come to Mon Repos. (See Bundaberg’s Islands, National Parks & Conservation Parks.)

    There is a spot along the mainland where you can snorkel and see some fish too. (See The Basin)

    Conclusion: Best Things To Do In Bundaberg.

    Bundaberg isn’t a place that screams “dynamic tourist hotspot”. The most people typically know is that it’s home to Bundaberg Rum and is a prolific turtle nesting site.

    But it’s so much more than that. From swimming with marine life in the southern Great Barrier Reef, stunning coastlines and rivers and remote camping, there’s a long list of awesome things to do in Bundaberg that will make visitors of all kinds fall in love with the region.