ONCE you see it, you’ll love it! That’s the confidence Burnett Shire people have in their glorious coastline known as the Coral Coast.

And really, it’s no wonder they’re so sure of their attraction. Just 10 minutes from Bundaberg, the Coral Coast is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and home to many unique natural attractions. Whales go past on their annual migration. Loggerhead turtles lay their eggs at the world famous Mon Repos Beach. There are picturesque beaches with softly rolling waves. In fact, the Coral Coast stretches from Coonarr Beach in the south to the sleepy fishing village of Winfield in the north.

Discover the natural beauty of the untouched hinterland. See fields of lush green sugarcane, the charm of country living and historical buildings.

Then set off into the blue yonder to visit one of the “Ladies” - Lady Musgrave Island or Lady Elliot Island. Lady Musgrave is unique within the entire length of the Great Barrier Reef - a cay made up entirely of coral and featuring some fantastic snorkelling and diving opportunities in the coral-fringed lagoon that surrounds it. You can catch a cruise from Port Bundaberg. At Lady Elliot Island, step off the beach to snorkel, swim and dive in an underwater world of fascinating and colourful marine life. Flights for day tours or overnight stays depart from Bundaberg Airport daily. In just 30 minutes, you can be transported to a natural paradise.

Fishing is a favourite pastime for people on the Coral Coast. That is, reef fishing, beach fishing, estuary fishing, rockwall fishing, river fishing and freshwater fishing! There are also famous dive sites in the district including Woongarra Marine Park, Hoffman’s and Barolin Rocks. The largest beachside township of the Coral Coast is Bargara, which has safe swimming areas as well as a surfing beach.