10 incredible things to do in Bundaberg

Elizabeth Whitehead Elizabeth Whitehead
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Bundaberg is brimming with things to do, whether you want to kick back at a distillery or pass through the Southern gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Bundaberg is synonymous with vast swaths of sugarcane and barrels full of honey-coloured rum. Although most people come to town to visit the rum distillery, there’s plenty more to discover in the township and its surroundings.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff or a foodie – you’ll find plenty of incredible things to do in Bundaberg. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites below.

1. Visit the distilleries

Bundaberg is most famous for its rum, and for good reason. Not only is Bundaberg rum an Aussie staple – it’s a world-renown distiller that’s been studded with international prizes and awards.

outside view of The Bundaberg Rum Distillery
Pay a visit to the Bundaberg Rum Distillery. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Pay a visit to the Bundaberg distillery and immerse yourself in the craft of rum-making, where you’ll learn about the process from the sugar cane to the bottle. Rum aficionados can opt for the Blend Your Own Rum experience, where you’ll learn to create your own personalised blend (and receive two bottles to take home too).

If rum isn’t your drink of choice, there are plenty of other breweries in the region that are well worth a visit. For a non-alcoholic option, head down to the Bundaberg Barrel for a tour and a taste of Bundaberg’s famous craft-brewed soft drinks. We’ve also rounded up more distilleries and tours in Bundaberg, so you can choose your favourites.

a bartender behind the bar with different bottles of gin on show
Premium gins and vodkas are available at Kalki Moon Distillery. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

2. Get up close with turtles

Dubbed the gateway to the Southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, the Bundaberg region is brimming with luscious nature and fantastic wildlife.

Located on the coast just a 15-minute drive from Bundaberg, Mon Repos Turtle Centre offers visitors the opportunity to witness some of nature’s everyday miracles. With the largest concentration of turtles on the east coast, Mon Repos is the ideal place to get up close with these fascinating creatures.

the pathway at Mon Repos Turtle Centre
Head to the conservation park at Mon Repos Turtle Centre. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

From November to January, you can join a guided tour to witness mother turtles laying their eggs in the sand. If you visit from January to March, you’ll get to see the adorable hatchlings emerge and scurry down toward the ocean. Be sure to book in advance, as these are popular tours. For an immersive wildlife experience, visitors can now book a stay at Turtle Sands, a new wildlife resort right next to the beach where you’ll see the turtles crawling towards the ocean.

a baby turtle taking its first few steps on the beach at Mon Repos Turtle Centre
Get a chance to witness a turtle nest hatching and release. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

3. Explore the beautiful beaches

Bundaberg is blessed in its proximity to a beautiful stretch of coastline where you can find idyllic beaches at your fingertips. And with sun-drenched days year round, there’s hardly ever a bad time to head to the coast.

an aerial shot of Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort
Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is hailed for its unspoiled beach and coral reefs. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Whether you prefer bustling beach towns like Bargara or a patch of quiet coast, there are plenty of great spots to soak up some sun. We’ve written more on the best beaches close to Bundaberg here.

breathtaking sunset on Bargara Beach
Witness scenic sunset views on Bargara Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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4. Relax in the Botanic Gardens

The beautiful Bundaberg Botanic Gardens are spread over 27 hectares featuring a diverse array of plants. There are lots to discover, from Japanese and Chinese gardens to an Australian rainforest.

Take a step back in time in the prehistoric garden, or marvel at the fruits in the rare fruit orchard. There’s a picnic area where you can unwind and a cafe where you can grab a coffee while you soak up the environment. There are also some museums located within the botanical gardens – learn a bit more about each of them below.

verdant botanic garden fronting the Hinkler House & Museum
Soak up relaxing nature views. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

5. Hinkler Hall of Aviation

Immerse yourself in local history at the Hinkler Hall of Aviation located in Bundaberg’s Botanic Gardens. The museum celebrates the achievement of Bundaberg-born Bert Hinkler, an aviation pioneer and inventor.

Hinkler was the first person to fly solo from England to Australia, and the first person to fly solo across the South Atlantic Ocean. Head down to Hinkler Hall to learn more about Bert’s achievements and discover unique museum artefacts, including full-sized aircraft exhibits.

an aircraft exhibit at Hinkler Hall of Aviation
See various types of aircraft at Hinkler Hall of Aviation. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

6. Fairymead House Sugar History Museum

Take a step back in time in a heritage-listed homestead with a visit to the Fairymead Sugar History Museum.

Here, you’ll learn about the history of sugar in Bundaberg in all its complexity – from pioneering families to the industry’s dark colonial past with indentured labour. The beautiful house is a fascinating way to get acquainted with Australian history, as well as learn about the process of creating sugar from cane to crystal.

exterior view of the Fairymead House at dusk
Discover how the Fairymead House maintained its glory through the years.

7. Cafe hop around town

With a reputation as the food bowl of Australia, Bundaberg has some of the country’s finest produce located right on its doorstep. Take some time to kick back at the cafes and eateries to sample some delicious local produce served up with creative culinary flair.

Whether you’d prefer to brunch by Bargara beach or dine alongside the river, we’ve rounded up the best cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy the region’s best eats.

an acai bowl consisting of fresh local produce at Windmill Cafe in Bargara, Bundaberg region
Stop by the Windmill Cafe to order some fruity acai bowl. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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8. Grab a drink

It’s hard to pass through the rum capital of Australia without grabbing a drink. Luckily, you’ll be spoiled for choice, with a great range of pubs and bars to choose from.

The Bundaberg Rum distillery has a bar where you can sample a range of Bundaberg Rum products. Alternatively, Ballistic Bargara’s Brewery is the perfect spot to enjoy a craft beer by the beach.

If you have a penchant for historic buildings, then head down to the Old Bundy Tavern to quench your thirst. We’ve rounded up more of the best places to grab a drink here.

folks having fun inside Bundaberg Rum Distillery
Exploring inside Bundaberg Rum Distillery is always a rewarding experience. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

9. Alexandra Park Zoo

Get up close with some of Australia’s most fascinating native wildlife at Alexandra Park Zoo. The Zoo has been delighting visitors since it opened in 1911 and has grown to be one of the Bundaberg region’s most popular attractions.

One of the highlights is the opportunity to see the rare and endangered cotton-top tamarin (which is just as cute as it sounds) and learn about the zoo’s conservation efforts.

a close-up photo of a green tree frog
Large amphibians like green tree frogs roam freely around Alexandra Park Zoo.

10. Day trip to Lady Musgrave Island

Explore the beauty and abundant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef with a trip to Lady Musgrave Island. Located a two-hour boat trip from Bundaberg, it’s one of the Barrier Reef’s most untouched islands.

Grab a snorkel or head out on a glass-bottomed boat trip and witness a kaleidoscope of colour beneath the water’s surface. Here, you can encounter turtles, manta rays and a fascinating array of marine life. Tours leave from the Bundaberg Port Marina.

an aerial view of the crystal blue waters and reefs along Lady Musgrave Island
Navigate the pristine waters of Lady Musgrave Island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Headed to Bundaberg? We’ve also written a guide to accommodation in Bundaberg.

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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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Can’t handle the cold? Hamilton Island serves a slice of summer in winter

(Image: Hamilton Island)

    Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
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    When the winter chill settles in, an escape to Hamilton Island’s year-round tropical shores is the only acceptable coping mechanism.

    As a heliophile with the cold tolerance of a Mediterranean house cat, the arrival of winter tends to spark a particular panic. How will I survive? Must I really start layering? What do you mean, Aperol season is over? But there are far better ways to spend the cooler months than sulking in the depths of your doona.

    Enter, Hamilton Island. With its year-round sunshine and permanent on-holiday atmosphere, this Whitsundays favourite promises a veritable slice of summer in winter.

    Think salt-stiff hair and the smug pleasure of devouring seafood beside the water while friends back home are defogging their windscreens. Here’s why Hamilton Island should figure into your winter plans.

    1. Year-round summer weather

    A woman hiking along the Passage Peak trail on Hamilton Island.
    Hike under sunny winter skies on Hamilton Island. (Image: Andrew Caitens)

    In the crisper months, Hamilton Island offers perfectly mild, sunny weather (17-24°C) that lends itself to morning swims and afternoon spritzes. Better still, you can enjoy the island’s outdoor adventures – from hiking to mountain biking – without the humidity or rain you’ll often find in summertime. With direct flights from most major Australian cities offering ease of access, Hamilton Island is the ideal place to flee the cold.

    2. Getting active without the humidity

    A buggy parked overlooking Hamilton Island’s golf course, with sweeping views of the sea at Whitsundays in winter.
    Zip around Hamilton Island by buggy. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    Whether you’re hiking up to Passage Peak or exploring the island by buggy, tropical Queensland humidity is nobody’s friend. The one way to guarantee you will avoid the inevitable stickiness and fluffy hair? Visit during winter. There’s plenty to be enjoyed, from sunrise yoga at The Sundays (exclusive to guests of The Sundays) to playing golf on Dent Island.

    3. Hamilton Island Race Week

    Yachts racing across the sparkling Whitsundays during Hamilton Island Race Week.
    Feel the thrill of Hamilton Island Race Week. (Image: Salty Dingo)

    Taking place in August, Hamilton Island Race Week is a destination in its own right that attracts spectators and racers from around the globe. Boating enthusiasts and thrill-seeking holidaymakers flock to the island, which is palpably energetic as the first yachts set off for Dent Passage from Hamilton Island Yacht Club. The annual action-packed week, taking place from 15 to 22 August in 2026, offers an exciting calendar of on- and off-water events – spanning everything from celebrity chef dinners to golfing comps and wine tastings.

    4. Best time for snorkelling

    A woman snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
    Explore Hamilton Island’s winter waters. (Image: Andrew Caitens)

    While the crowds on Hamilton Island may disperse with the cooler weather, the marine life certainly doesn’t. Winter is widely considered one of the best times to snorkel and dive in the Whitsundays.

    It’s down to a number of reasons: excellent water visibility, higher chances of seeing whales as they migrate north and – best of all – no nasty stingers. This means no need to wear those notoriously unflattering full-body wetsuits visitors have to wear in warmer months. On top of all this, you’ll find calm seas ideal for sailing and Great Barrier Reef tours.

    5. Fewer crowds

    People kayaking.
    Experience a quieter Hamilton Island on a kayaking adventure. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    Winter is often the quietest time to visit Hamilton Island, with the peak season crowds thinned to a relaxed trickle. You can snorkel or dive straight off the reef-laced waters of Catseye Beach, then swap fins for a buggy and zip between One Tree Hill, the marina and sunset cocktails without the usual summer queues. Active days stretch from kayaking, sailing and jet skiing to hopping over to famous Whitehaven Beach to witness those breathtaking white swirls of silica sand. You won’t have to elbow your way to the front of the crowd to get a good snap.

    6. Delicious dining

    The interiors of Bommie Restaurant, featuring modern coastal design with warm lighting and elegant detailing.
    Treat yourself to Bommie Restaurant’s fine dining featuring fresh, seasonal Aussie produce. (Image: Nikki To)

    The food on Hamilton Island tastes just as good any time of year, and winter is still perfect weather for sundowners. Start with an iced tea Negroni at harbourside Bommie Deck, before transitioning to Bommie Restaurant for a fine-dining feast centering on seasonal Aussie ingredients. Or perhaps enjoy a more casual poolside evening at Sails Restaurant, where plates of chermoula chicken skewers, baked cauliflower steak and crispy sumac squid come served with ocean views. From family-friendly pub meals to elevated wine tastings, there’s something for everyone.

    5. Clear skies for idyllic views

    The golden hour across the Whitsundays in winter.
    End your day with golden Hamilton Island sunsets over the water. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    Never let a cloud rain on the parade of Hamilton Island’s spectacular scenery. Winter brings clearer skies and more stable weather to the Whitsundays, meaning your picture-perfect sunset at One Tree Hill is likely to remain that way. And after putting in the legwork to hike to a scenic lookout, the last thing you want is a vista hidden behind low cloud and haze.

    To learn more about travelling to the Whitsundays in winter, visit hamitlonisland.com.au.