Things to do in Bundaberg - recommendations from a local

When you hear about Bundaberg, the first thing you might think about is the famous Bundaberg Rum. While the rum is great, there are many other attractions in Bundaberg to entice travellers to this city.

With a population of over 70,000 people and a moderate average temperature (ranging from 12 degrees celsius in winter to 30 degrees in summer), there are many things to do in Bundaberg all year round. You can easily spend a week or more here, discovering the coastline, marine life and, of course, the rum.

Here's a few tips from a local on how to spend your time in this beautiful city:

Chris Fry, Aquarius Traveller

See turtles breeding

If you visit Bundaberg between November and March each year, you could be lucky enough to see turtles breeding. Early in the season, you will be able to catch adult Loggerhead turtles crawling up the Mon Repos beach to lay their eggs on the beach. About eight weeks later, the baby turtles hatch. During December and January, you may even catch both happening.

Keep in mind that any turtle experience will need to be booked well in advance. Turtle encounter tours take place at night with over 100 people separated into groups, and only taken to the beach when something is happening. With this in mind, expect to get home after midnight

Chris Fry, Aquarius Traveller

Visit some of the best-looking beaches in Queensland

If it's beach activities you’re looking for, then you have plenty of Bundaberg beaches to choose from. Picture beautiful clear waters, gorgeous sand, and some with a bit of Surf. Elliott Heads and Woodgate Beach are two of the top choices, not only for the beach but also for the adjacent caravan parks.

Caravanning is a favourite pastime for Aussie folks, and parks near beaches are usually full, so book in advance. Alternatively, you'll find a range of hotels, motels, or holiday rentals to suit all styles and budgets.

Chris Fry, Aquarius Traveller

Explore the start of the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef stretches all the way from Bundaberg to Cairns and covers an area of 348,000 square kilometres. While most tourists will explore this area in North Queensland, there are a couple of spots worth visiting off the coast of Bundaberg. These include a few dive sites and even the newly formed Tobruk Ship Wreck.

Lady Elliot Island is famous for its manta ray population and is accessible by a 40-minute plane ride from Bundaberg, making for an easy day trip. Alternatively, a day trip to Lady Musgrave leaves from the Marina and will have you snorkelling with turtles in no time.

Chris Fry, Aquarius Traveller

Visit the Bundaberg Rum Factory

As mentioned above, the famous Bundaberg Rum is made here and it's worth visiting while you're here. Book one of the daily tours to see how the rum is made and sample the different varieties. And, of course, there are opportunities to purchase your favourite Bundaberg Rum branded item from the factory gift shop.

The Kalki Moon distillery can also be found in Bundaberg and is soon becoming the next local alcohol sensation, featuring their signature product – The Pink Gin.

Planning a trip to Bundaberg? Stay at the Bluegrass BnB for comfortable rooms and a good breakfast. Or, if you want to be in the middle of town, pick the Burnett Riverside Hotel instead.