A Bundaberg accommodation guide to suit every style of travel

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Linger a little longer in Bundaberg, with one of these accommodation options to suit your travel style.

Dubbed ‘sugar country’ for the swathes of sugarcane that flank the roads, there are plenty of things about Bundaberg that are totally sweet. The sun-drenched town is known as the gateway to the southern end of The Great Barrier Reef, with kilometres of pristine beaches that snake the coast. Bundaberg is also famed for its abundance of rum and delicious local brewed drinks. Bundy offers plenty of reasons to stick around, so we’ve rounded up some of the best accommodation options in Bundaberg to suit your style of travel.

Bundaberg hotels

Turtle sands

The newly launched Turtle Sands Resort offers visitors the chance to get up close with turtles. Located just a 15 minute drive from Bundaberg, Mon Repos has the highest concentration of turtles on the East Coast of Australia. Visitors often flock here to take a tour and witness baby turtles hatching on the beach. Turtle Sands offers the chance for visitors to stay in the heart of the action, with one of nature’s most beautiful miracles taking place just a few steps from your lodgings.

Bird's Eye View of NRMA Turtle Sands
Watch turtles hatch just a few metres from your doorstep.

The resort offers contemporary cabins and a caravan/campsite nestled in a peaceful spot between the dunes. Lodgings are contemporary and stylish, but the real wow-factor takes place only a few metres from your door.

a tiny baby turtle walking at Mon Repos Turtle Centre
Mon Repos Turtle Centre facilitates annual turtle nesting & hatching tours. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Burnett Riverside Hotel

Bed down at the Burnett Riverside Hotel, where you’ll get classic hotel comfort coupled with gorgeous riverside views. Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, there’s a range of rooms from the comfortable Queen room to the generously sized and luxurious suite.

You’ll be located near the buzz of downtown Bundaberg, with plenty of cafes and restaurants in close proximity. You won’t have to venture far to enjoy a great meal— the hotel’s onsite H20 restaurant and bar is serving up expertly-crafted dishes made from Bundy’s locally grown and caught produce, as well as locally brewed drinks.

Country style bedroom at Burnett Riverside Hotel
This laid-back bedroom has curtains opening up to scenic nature views. (Image: Burnett Riverside Hotel)

Manta Bargara Hotel

The Manta Hotel offers modern, stylish beachfront apartments nestled among lush tropical landscaping. Combining luxury with warmth and cosiness, Manta Hotel retains a slice of home while offering the best of a beachside escape.

There’s a spacious wooden balcony that’s perfect for soaking up the sunshine or enjoying a family meal, and there are plenty of amenities that will ensure you’re well-rested.

Luxurious pool at Manta Bargara Hotel
Plunge into the lush tropical pool at the Manta Bargara Hotel. (Image: Manta Bargara Hotel)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Bundaberg caravan parks and camping

Caravan parks are where the fun is at. Often overlooked, caravan parks are not just for grey-haired nomads parking up in gargantuan RVs. There’s plenty of comfortable accommodation on offer, set in spacious surroundings loaded with amenities. Whether you’re travelling as a family, with friends, or solo— caravan parks can be a great option. Check out some of our favourites below.

Splitters Farm

Relax at Splitters Farm, an animal sanctuary and campground based in blissful bushland surroundings a stone’s throw from Bundaberg. Here, you can park up or pitch up on powered/unpowered sites surrounded by total serenity. If you’re not travelling with a campervan or tent, Splitters has a decked-out vintage ‘glamper’ van and eight decadent two-bedroom safari tent so you can still enjoy the glamping experience.

The cherry on top is the opportunity to interact with over 400 adorable rescue farm animals as part of a self-guided tour of the farm where you’ll get to feed the animals. There’s also a coffee cart on-site so you can get your caffeine fix, as well as wood-fired pizzas most weekends and lessons in damper-making for the kids.

Glamping Van in Splitters Farm, Bundaberg
Sleep in a glamper van and wake up to the sound of nature. (Image: Splitters Farm)

Big 4 Cane Village

At Big 4 Cane Village, you’ll be located in downtown Bundaberg among beautiful gardens. If you’re not camping, there’s a range of comfortable self-contained villas and cabins on offer and plenty of amenities so you can make yourself at home.

There’s a large outdoor cooking area so you can enjoy a BBQ with friends, and swap travel tips with fellow campers. If you need some downtime, there’s a saltwater pool where you can relax and soak up some beautiful Bundaberg sun.

Bundy Bear Cabin at Big4 Cane Village Holiday Park
This modern cabin is a perfect spot to spend a weekend away. (Image: Big4 Cane Village Holiday Park)

Big 4 Breeze Holiday Park

If it sounds appealing to base yourself on the beach, park up in Bargara, a coastal town just 15 minutes drive from Bundaberg. The Big 4 Breeze Holiday Park has plenty of comfortable cabins on offer, so you can unwind just footsteps away from the beach.

There’s a children’s playground, an expansive camp kitchen as well as go-karts and a tennis court on-site, so kids will have plenty to do. For holiday-makers travelling with a dog, rest assured that your pooch will be welcome here.

One-bedroom cabin at BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks
The chic and minimalist interior of a one-bedroom cabin at BIG4 Breeze. (Image: BIG4 Breeze Holiday Park)

Bundaberg motels

There’s nothing like a regional motel to channel a bit of Australiana into your stay. Motels are a great option if you’re looking for good-value, down-to-earth accommodation that’s clean, comfortable and centrally located. Here, we’ve rounded up our top choices for motel accommodation in Bundaberg for a simple escape.

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Pacific Sun Bargara Motel

Nothing shouts ‘Aussie holiday’ quite like a beach-side motel. At the Pacific Sun Bargara, you’ll be just footsteps from the beach, restaurants and shops and a short 15-minute drive from Bundaberg CBD. The Pacific Sun offers comfortable, well-appointed rooms decorated with blue and white accents to evoke the gorgeous ocean surroundings.

You’ll have access to a fully-equipped kitchen so you can settle in and make yourself at home. There’s plenty to explore close by, but if you feel like a night in, there’s room service and plenty of puzzles/board games on offer.

Well-appointed dining and living room inside Pacific Sun Bargara
Experience contemporary comfort inside this charming home. (Image: Pacific Sun Bargara)

Villa Mirasol Motel

At Villa Mirasol, you’ll find spacious rooms with Mexican-inspired decor. There’s a salt-water swimming pool where guests can soak up some of the abundant Bundaberg sun, as well as plenty of amenities like free wi-fi, tea and coffee. If you’re looking for a motel with a personable vibe, then Villa Mirasol is the place to be.

The atmosphere is laid-back but welcoming, and the attentive staff are more than happy to help you with anything from local recommendations to organising your tours and activities at their booking desk.

You’ll be centrally located, right next to the river, with plenty of cafes to explore in close proximity. Villa Mirasol also has an access-friendly room, with a level shower and wheelchair access.

Mexican-inspired inn at Villa Mirasol, Bundaberg
Spend a rejuvenating weekend at Villa Mirasol Motel. (Image: Villa Mirasol Motor Inn)

Kalua Motel

If you’re after a great-value stay, then Kalua Motel is an unpretentious option located a brief 10-minute walk from Bundaberg town centre. Here, spacious ensuite rooms and comfortable beds await you. The rooms are simple, but partial self-catering is possible with a fridge and microwave in each room if you’re looking to save on dining out.

Heading to Bundaberg? We’ve also rounded up some of the best tours and things to do while you’re there.

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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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Tropical islands, good food & world-class shows: Your eventful guide to a holiday in Townsville

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
    Townsville is buzzing as the events capital of North Queensland, with a host of festivals, international sporting and arts events on offer.

    Perched between the Coral Sea, the towering pink monolith of Castle Hill, and fringed by ancient rainforest ranges, Townsville North Queensland is a genuine tropical playground.

    Here, find postcard-worthy landscapes all the way from nearby Magnetic Island to inland swimming holes and waterfalls – all dotted with an array of endemic wildlife. Get the heart racing with adrenaline water sports. Soak in a world-class arts scene. And take advantage of a culinary offering that punches well above its weight.

    And, then there’s the fact that Townsville has fast become the destination to an outstanding line-up of events – from live music to top-level sporting contests.

    Whether you have a weekend or weeks, there’s plenty here to fill your tropical getaway.

    Day 1: An eventful day

    Morning

    The Strand in townsville
    Explore The Strand.

    Daily flights offer easy connectivity from all capital cities to Townsville Airport, and within 10 minutes’ drive, you’re in the city centre. Start your stay by recharging with breakfast or coffee at the city’s newest spot, Botaniq Cafe, on the ground floor of the award-winning Bridgewater restaurant on the banks of Ross Creek.

    Start exploring on a breezy walk along the 2.5-kilometre foreshore of The Strand. Here, a waterfront path stretches all the way to the headland of Jezzine Barracks parklands. Admire more than 35 sculptures and artworks, as well as stunning views from the top of the park. Further along, Queens Gardens, established in 1870, offers a cool retreat and is Townsville’s oldest botanic garden.

    Stroll Gregory Street, off The Strand, for boutiques, homeware stores, cafes and restaurants, or follow a self-guided street art walking trail through the city centre, stopping to admire colourful works by big-name artists including Queenslander Fintan Magee.

    Afternoon

    concert in front of castle hill townsville events
    Time your trip for one of many Townsville events.

    For a casual lunch, stop in at Balabite for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired street food. Build your own pita with a choice of fillings, before enjoying a relaxing afternoon in preparation for one of Townsville’s big events.

    Whether it’s a concert from a big-name international band – think Foo Fighters or Guns ‘n’ Roses – or a night cheering on the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup, there’s plenty to entertain you.

    Time your visit for events like the Townsville Folk Festival (June 12-14), Supercars Townsville 500 (July 10-12), Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week (August 27-September 2), North Australian Festival of Arts (September 25 – October 11) or see the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup (coming in 2027).

    Day 2: Island dreaming

    Morning

    Pilgrim Sailing magnetic island
    Take a lunchtime sailing trip with Pilgrim Sailing.

    Fuel up with breakfast at Cbar on The Strand, looking out to your destination for the day: Magnetic Island (or ‘Maggie’ to the locals). Catch a quick ferry to spend the day exploring walking trails through national park, choosing from 23 beaches and trying a hand at the island’s water sports.

    The Forts Walk is the best place to see wild koalas in Australia, and you’re likely to find friendly wallabies at the Nelly or Geoffrey Bay headlands. Try guided snorkelling with Aquascene Magnetic Island or Pleasure Divers, or take a land-based tour with MI Ride Discovery Tours to the secluded west coast of the island.

    Pilgrim Magnetic Island offers four-hour lunchtime sailing trips aboard a 58-foot luxury yacht, dropping in to some of Magnetic Island’s remote bays for snorkelling or swimming and including gourmet grazing platters, drinks and ocean views.

    Afternoon

    picnic bay on magnetic island
    Head to Picnic Bay for delicious dining.

    Refuel after a morning of adventure. Seasalt Arcade at Picnic Bay has several good options. Savour craft brews and Latin tapas at Maggie Island Brewery, opt for bagels and light bites at Lava Lava cafe or fine dining at Restaurant Elsie.

    Now, it’s time to choose your own adventure. Stay the whole day on Maggie, or return to Townsville, where there’s plenty more to discover.

    Head to The Docks at Flinders Street Wharves for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or join Poseidon Adventures for water sport adventures.

    Evening

    Ardo's Rooftop townsville
    End your day watching the sunset from Ardo’s Rooftop.

    However your day looked, end it with cocktails and canapes at Townsville’s Ardo Rooftop. Find something more substantial at the hotel’s elegant but casual Chef-hatted Japanese restaurant Terasu, where each dish is a work of art.

    Day 3: Natural delights

    Morning

    couple holiding hands at the top of castle hill in townsville
    Join the locals for an early walk to the peak of Castle Hill. (Credit: My Colourful World)

    Join the local early morning pilgrimage to hike up Castle Hill for the best 360-degree views in town, before heading to breakfast at Spirited Goat for gourmet treats and locally brewed coffee.

    A trip to Townsville wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef. For those with time, Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive runs full-day trips to the Museum of Underwater Art for snorkellers and divers to admire the reef’s stunning collection of submerged sculptures on John Brewer Reef, about two hours by boat from Townsville.

    Afternoon

    Shorehouse restaurant townsville
    Stop into the award-winning Shorehouse.

    Round off your Townsville getaway with lunch at Shorehouse, awarded Best Restaurant in the North Queensland People’s Choice Awards every year since 2023. Dine on the deck to catch the breeze and sample modern Asian cuisine as you watch the world go.

    Keen for something more to extend your stay? There are always more adventures –new, familiar and with a twist – in the events capital of the North.

    Plan your eventful visit to Townsville North Queensland at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au.