It’s a unique sight you don’t expect to see by the beach in a regional Queensland town – a Dutch windmill. You also wouldn’t expect it to be home to one of the Bundaberg Region’s most celebrated cafes, appropriately named The Windmill Café Bargara.
It’s one of the Region’s iconic landmarks, with a history embraced by owner Joey Caruana. Built 31-years-ago by a Dutch local in ‘Windmill Square’, it has been home to massage and souvenir shops, bars and restaurants. When the breeze blows the fins still turn, although they don’t serve any purpose other than being an amazing sight.
While the windmill conversation starter may attract people to this quaint café, it’s the outdoor garden-style setting, delicious food, homemade treats and top-notch coffee that keep people coming back. It’s also why The Windmill Café Bargara has taken home multiple local and state hospitality and tourism awards.
“People want an experience everywhere they go, even at a café or restaurant. They want to know where the food comes from, which has always been the case, but they also want to know about my life, and about the staff who are working here. They want to know about the idyllic lifestyle here and our connection to it,” Joey said.
Unwind at The Windmill Cafe Bargara at 12 See Street, Bargara or The Beach Mill at 2 Courtice Avenue, Bargara