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

Elizabeth Whitehead Elizabeth Whitehead
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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.

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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.

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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.

Bundy Tavern
The Bundy Tavern was established over 100 years ago. (Image: Jan Smith/Flickr)
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.

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Elizabeth Whitehead
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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A gourmand’s guide to eating your way around Hamilton Island

(Credit: Nikki To)

    Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
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    From poolside bites and tasting flights to seafood plates and dry-aged steaks, a foodie adventure on Hamilton Island is worth every bite.

    Hamilton Island’s sun-lacquered shores have long magnetised travellers craving an escape from reality. But what’s less expected – and more interesting – is just how assuredly this Whitsundays idyll delivers on the culinary front. Dialling up the flavour as much as the barefoot allure, the Hamilton Island food scene offers world-class dining and drinking options, spanning slick fine-dining moments to just-caught seafood served within sight of the sea. Let’s dig in.

    Catseye Pool Club

    Catseye Pool Club
    Catseye Pool Club offers stunning beach views. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Framing the electric blues of Catseye Beach from The Sundays hotel, Catseye Pool Club is Hamilton Island’s latest culinary prodigy. Shown to our table, we thread through rattan chairs, Zellige tiles and tumbling greenery that opens up to Coral Sea shimmer.

    The poolside restaurant is the brainchild of Sydney-based chef duo Josh and Julie Niland, who have brought their relaxed yet elevated dining ethos north. The menu – designed to bring people together – is made for sharing, each hero ingredient orbited by a palette of sides to mix, match and layer as you please.

    My thyme cocktail – woody with scotch, lifted by lime leaf – pairs perfectly with the charcoal grilled prawns entree, which is served with tumeric and lemongrass marinade, macadamia satay sauce and a thai-leaning sour green mango salad. Each forkful lands differently, but all are a delight. Then comes the coral trout. True to Josh Niland’s ‘scale-to-tail’ philosophy, the fish is presented whole in a theatrical crescent, a tiny fork stuck into its cheek in a nod to Niland’s declared prize cut. Ribbons of zucchini resembling gauzy curtains bring brightness and snap, while kasundi lends depth and warmth. It’s tongue-tantalising, special occasion dining with humanity.

    Sails Restaurant

    Sails Restaurant hamilton island
    Settle into casual poolside dining. (Credit: Nikki To)

    A more casual poolside dining scene awaits at nearby Sails Restaurant, where Eastern Mediterranean flavours are dished up with an island twist. Chermoula chicken skewers and barramundi souvlaki lie on the more filling side of the menu, while the sumac squid and stone-bread flatbread with za’atar – arriving alongside pomegranate molasses, beetroot hummus and crushed macadamias – are perfect light bites after a dip in the pool. And don’t miss the garlic lemon scallops.

    The setting is equally part of the draw. Sunlight floods the high-ceilinged dining room, while outdoor tables look out across the glittering expanse of Catseye Beach. Holidaymakers in oversized sunglasses sip spritzes beneath umbrellas, the gentle clink of plates mixing with splashes from the adjacent pool. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger long after lunch.

    Bommie

    cuttlefish dish at Bommie restaurant Hamilton Island Yacht Club
    Head to the Hamilton Island Yacht Club for a taste of Bommie. (Credit: Nikki To)

    Tucked into a sleek curved wing of the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, Bommie delivers experiential fine dining with a sense of occasion. Led by award-winning Executive Chef Ryan Locke, the seasonal menu champions local and native Australian ingredients whipped up into a modern display of creative precision.

    Inside the dim-lit dining room, guests can choose between the Tasting Menu or Chef’s Signature Degustation. Sourdough with pine oil sets the tone for the six-course tasting menu, beautifully presented in a bed of pine needles alongside smoked paperbark butter. I love how the squid ink choux pastry is served with flavour-popping native finger lime, which our waiter encourages us to eat caviar-style. Standout moments continue with the wattle-seed-crusted venison elevated by red fruit and pickled beetroot swirls; the meat is perfectly pink in the middle and an homage to the island’s history as a deer farm.

    Pebble Beach

    qualia Resort Pebble Beach
    qualia Resort guests can dine at Pebble Beach. (Credit: Lean Timms)

    Exclusive to qualia Resort guests for lunch and dinner, Pebble Beach is Hamilton Island’s most serene expression of seasonal island dining. Ocean-facing chairs dot a timber deck that spills straight onto the resort’s private beach, while crystalline turquoise waters stretch to meet distant islands – a scene far prettier than any postcard could capture.

    The recently refreshed menu doubles down on seasonality and bright, layered flavours. While the more substantial T-bone steak with hazelnut honey carrots tempts, we go lighter: Coffin Bay oysters with Champagne foam and keffir lime dust kick us off splendidly, followed by Byron Bay burrata served with balsamic and caramelised figs. The fennel and orange salad topped with succulent grilled chicken is utterly delectable, but it’s the zingy, oh-so-fresh soft shell fish tacos that I can’t stop thinking about. It all goes down a treat with a glass of delicate Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne.

    Beach Club Restaurant

    Beach Club Restaurant hamilton island
    Book in advance for Beach Club Restaurant. (Credit: Nikki To)

    A lunch or dinner table at Beach Club Restaurant is best booked in advance – and it’s easy to see why. Looking out over the hotel’s palm-fringed infinity pool, the restaurant spotlights elegant contemporary Australian cuisine with a stellar (also Aussie-leaning) wine list to match.

    I am completely enamoured by the grilled Queensland prawns, which are brought to life with a smoked compound, local fried curry leaves and lime. Digging into the butter-soft lamb rump served atop pea ragout and parsley Paris mash feels like a warm, nostalgic hug. And dessert – vanilla bean ice cream drizzled with hot salted honey and apple gel – ends the night on a high note.

    Expect warm and discreet service; our waiter Marco tells us that the tiny decorative starfish on our table are there to help the staff remember whether we prefer sparkling or still water, so they don’t need to bother us by asking multiple times.

    Talk & Taste with Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher

    hamilton island Talk & Taste with Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher
    Join this immersive wine experience. (Credit Eleanor Edström)

    There’s more to Hamilton Island’s foodie scene than restaurant reservations alone. For wine-curious travellers seeking something a little more immersive, Beach Club has recently introduced Talk & Taste – a tutored tasting hosted by Bommie Assistant Manager and wine enthusiast Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher. Held twice weekly for a maximum of eight guests, the experience explores Australian wine culture through four thoughtfully selected drops paired with native-inspired bites.

    We opt for the white wine and seafood option. Alongside pours from Eden Valley and Launceston, a nibbling platter arrives featuring sashimi, salmon roe, Mooloolaba prawn ceviche and palate-cleansing ginger. The seafood is pristine and pared back, allowing the wines to take centre stage.

    The real highlight, however, is discovering just how nuanced winemaking can be. Courtenay speaks of viticulture as both art and science: harvest grapes a week too late and ripeness tips into ruin; plant the same varietal on different elevations and the sun, slope and water flow will shape entirely different expressions. Pinot noir, she explains, with its delicate skin and high water content, yields lighter fruit-forward wines, while thicker-skinned shiraz delivers depth and structure. I leave feeling fascinated and inspired by Courtenay’s evident passion.

    coca chu

    table spread at CocaChu
    Get a taste of Southeast Asian flavours. (Credit: Nikki To)

    Sweet and hot. Sour and salty. Dining at ever-popular coca chu is a sensation-swirling experience that’s not to be missed if you’re a sucker for punchy Southeast Asian flavours. Located at the Main Pool end of Catseye Beach, this lively hangout is all swaying lanterns, driftwood, high beamed ceilings and giant open windows that let in the balmy ocean breeze.

    Drawing from hawker traditions, the grilled betel leaf is a neat, vibrant mouthful of chilli fried cashews and spiced beef. The tofu surprises – soft beneath a tumble of dill, mint and coriander, and glossed in moreish peanut sauce. The massaman curry is pure comfort: creamy, fragrant, fall-apart meat. It’s generous and expressive cooking that I, for one, cannot get enough of.

    Marina Cafe

    hamilton island MArina Cafe
    Take in harbour views and comfort food.

    Sometimes, all you crave on holidays is a bacon and egg roll done properly and a creamy fruit smoothie. Boasting harbour views, an easygoing atmosphere and clean modern interiors, Marina Cafe is a popular local haunt for a reason. The casual menu lures families and couples alike with its all-day brekky, seasonal salads and sandwiches – from a roasted pumpkin bowl to prosciutto and rocket on herby focaccia.

    The acai bowl, topped with toasted nuts and berries, is a refreshing start to my day. Whether you sit in or takeaway, it’s a good-vibes-guaranteed place to refuel before or after your Whitsundays adventures.

    Discover your foodie getaway now at hamiltonisland.com.au.