IT'S TRULY the most amazing region - a combination of city facilities and some of the world’s most fascinating natural attractions. The vibrant underwater world of the southern Great Barrier Reef starts offshore from Bundaberg. Nearby, there are coral islands to explore, whales and turtles to learn about and beaches where you can swim or just laze about.
Bundaberg itself is a beautiful city. Visitors will enjoy the lovely business area, with its tropical atmosphere and the heritage-style streetlights. As well, there’s the famous “whaling wall”, a six-storey-high artwork on whales right in the middle of the city.
Whales pass by the coastline from August to mid-October each year during their annual migration between the Great Barrier Reef and the Antarctic. People can join a whale watching tour via coach to Hervey Bay during the season. At times, whales are sighted from Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave Island.
Bundaberg has long been known as the “rum city” because of its famous drink, Bundaberg Rum. In fact, Bundaberg is unique in Australia because it is the only place where the entire spectrum of sugar production occurs, from growing the cane to the distillation process. The rum distillery is open for tours.
Port Bundaberg, with its big sugar terminal, is a short distance upstream of Burnett Heads.
Visitors will be fascinated by the region’s diversity. This area is a favourite spot for turtles, which have established the largest loggerhead turtle rookery on the mainland. The Mon Repos Visitors Centre is open nightly from November through to the end of March and guided tours and talks are conducted by rangers.
The Bundaberg Botanical Gardens in North Bundaberg feature a blend of native and exotic plants and picturesque lagoons. Within the gardens is the Hinkler House Memorial Museum, originally the Southampton home of the famous aviator Bert Hinkler.
Visit the Bundaberg Region Visitor Information Centre - and while you’re there, you can sample and buy the beverages of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks.
