The best things to do in and around Bundaberg

Meet the Locals (the Flippered Kind)

Head four hours north of Brisbane and you’ll hit turtle turf - welcome to Bundaberg, where shelled superstars steal the show.

From November to March, Mon Repos Beach becomes a turtle wonderland. Mon Repos Turtle Centre isn’t just any beach hangout - it’s the biggest nesting spot for sea turtles on Australia’s east coast, and home to our critically important loggerhead crew.

From November to March, Bundaberg transforms into Turtle Town. Think moonlit beaches, nesting mums and hatchlings flapping their way to the sea, it’s pure magic. Jump on a ranger-guided tour at Mon Repos for front-row seats to one of nature’s most heart-melting moments. Book early but if you do miss out there are plenty of places to see turtles in the region and beyond where you can meet the locals (flippers and all).

Sip, Swirl, and Sample

There’s way more to Bundaberg than turtles. This town’s bursting with bakers, brewers and baristas who mix old-school country charm with bold, fresh ideas.

Thanks to rich volcanic soil and generations of know-how, the region grows some of the juiciest, crunchiest, tastiest produce in the country. Around here, “local” isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a way of life. If it’s on your plate, it probably came from just down the road.

But First – A Frothy Pit Stop

Thirsty? Bundaberg has your back. Ballistic Bargara is your go-to for crisp beers, beachy vibes and a rotating tap list that keeps things fresh. Sip on Reef Lager or dive into Reef Red Ale, but don’t miss Hawaiian Haze, it's a local legend (and yep, it cracked the GABS Hottest 100). This brewhouse is a must-do.

Of course, no trip to Bundaberg is complete without raising a glass at the world-famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery. Dive into its spirited history on a tour or go full mix-master with a blend-your-own bottle that’s 100% you.

If gin’s more your thing, make a beeline for Kalki Moon. Their free distillery tour is a treat, with tastings of handcrafted gin, vodka and liqueurs. Bonus points for picking up a bar of gin botanical soap. Smells as good as it sips.

Paddock to plate

Crack open a macadamia straight from the source at Macadamias Australia. This nutty hotspot takes you on a self-guided ‘tree to table’ adventure, complete with a chocolate viewing room that'll have your sweet tooth doing cartwheels. Stick around for lunch at The Orchard Table Café - it’s fresh, friendly, and set right on the Steinhardt family’s farm, three generations strong.

Bundaberg's food philosophy? Simple: grow it here, eat it here. Local love runs deep, and you’ll taste it in every bite - from farmers’ markets to breezy beachside cafés.

For feel-good food with a sea breeze, head to Windmill Café Bargara. Think colourful plates, fresh juices and coastal chill - all just 15 minutes from town.

Want to eat where the locals eat? Indulge Café is a Bundaberg favourite, where farmers hand-deliver the produce and the dishes taste like they’ve been made with love (because they have). You’ll be planning your next visit before you finish If seafood’s your thing, get yourself to Grunske’s By The River. This is the real deal with estuaries that feed the Southern Great Barrier Reef abundant with local fish, shellfish and smoked mackerel served fresh from the trawler on the banks of the mighty Burnett.

For history buffs and arty types

Bundaberg has stories - lots of them! From sugar barons to bold pink buildings, this town wears its history with pride. Start with a stroll on the City Heritage Walk, where 12 standout sites spill secrets from the past. The pink School of Arts building is by far its boldest draw card.

Around the corner, you’ll find Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, aka BRAG. Locals love it, and you will too. With a jam-packed calendar of exhibitions, workshops, and creative play for the kids, it’s got art for every kind of eye. And it’s open seven days a week, so there’s no excuse to miss it.

Need a nature-meets-history fix? Head to the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens and pop into Fairymead House. This old sugar plantation homestead now houses the Sugar History Museum, where you’ll follow the sweet journey from cane to crystal. It’s open Sunday to Friday, 10.30am ‘til noon. Short and sweet - literally.

Beach Days Done Better

Bundaberg has beaches -15 of them, to be exact. So, whether you’re chasing waves, calm dips or a spot to plonk your towel and do absolutely nothing, there’s a stretch of sand with your name on it.

Bargara and Kelly’s Beach are family faves, with patrolled spots for safe swimming and sandy fun. Wander to the end of Kelly’s and you’ll hit The Basin, a natural rock pool that’s perfect for snorkeling or splashing about in sheltered waters.

Down south, Elliot Heads brings the best of both worlds - waves on one side, chill river swims on the other. Riverview’s a quieter option if you’re after a peaceful paddle. And up north? Moore Park Beach is where the locals go (especially the four-legged ones, this one’s dog-friendly!).

Explore the islands of the Southern Great Barrier Reef