The Bundaberg Region is the perfect home base for a range of experiences. From beach to bush, culinary to visionary here are our Top 5 drive destinations not to be missed.
Uncover Woodgate Beach
OVERNIGHT STAY | approx. 60km
With uninterrupted coastal views, beautiful swimming spots, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing and breathtaking walking trails, Woodgate Beach is the perfect spot to spend your day.
Just a short 45-minute drive from Bundaberg, get back to nature and discover the untouched Burrum Coast National Park. Drive through spectacular 4WD tracks and set up for the day along the pristine coastline.
Don’t have a 4WD? There are many picnic tables dotted along the Esplanade. Grab fish and chips from Happy Moments Cafe for the quintessential beachside lunch before making your way to Theodolite Creek, a popular spot for water sports and fishing. Explore this tranquil escape like a local and hire a stand-up paddle board, kayak or bikes from Woodgate Beach Toys.
Prefer to stay dry? No matter your pace, there are walking tracks for everyone. The 5km Banksia Track is perfect for kids, with a 400m raised boardwalk winding through banksias. The Malealuca Track, Birdhide Walk and Russels Rest Track are also beautiful spots.
Explore Gin Gin & surrounds
FULL DAY | approx. 234km
Enjoy a peaceful drive north of Bundaberg to the historical town of Gin Gin, nestled on the Bruce Highway and home to rural countryside and a picturesque garden-laced main street.
Grab an iconic pie from the award-winning Travellers Rest Stop, before exploring the local museum and learn about times past.
Make your way to the Boolboonda Tunnel; known as the longest, non-supported tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere. Drive or walk through the tunnel. Look out for the pick-axe marks left by those that built it. Home to hundreds of bent-wing bats, this man-made tunnel is a sight to behold.
Known for barramundi and bass, Lake Monduran is every fishing enthusiasts’ dream. From barbecue areas to open surrounds; perfect to roll out the picnic rug, sit back and relax at this family-friendly holiday spot. If you’re not into fishing, have no fear – Lake Monduran is a great spot for water skiing, kayaking and tubing.
Taste farm-fresh produce
HALF-DAY | approx. 25km
Explore the red dirt back roads connecting Bundaberg to Childers, Moore Park Beach, Bargara and beyond, where roadside stalls boast an abundance of produce. With 25 per cent of the nation’s fresh fruit and vegetables grown locally, come explore the tastes of our delicious region.
Head to One Little Farm in East Bundaberg, and enjoy a selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, locally-grown flowers, gifts, coffee and baked treats. On the south side of town you’ll find Alloway Farm Market, the home of Forbidden Figs and a plentiful selection of fresh local produce. Once your picnic basket is full of tasty eats, make your way down Goodwood Road to Macadamias Australia. From chocolate coated, vanilla infused, lemon myrtle, raw and roasted macadamias – this family-owned and operated macadamia farm has something for everyone. Make Tinaberries your next stop for farm-fresh home-made ice cream among their luscious garden surrounds.
Walking trails not to be missed
HALF-DAY | approx. 11km one way | Grade 1
Enjoy a scenic journey along Bargara’s esplanade on one of the Region’s most-loved cycling tracks. Pass Nielson Park Beach, Mon Repos Turtle Rookery, local hidden gem Oaks Beach and finally, Burnett Heads Headland, where the historical South Head Lighthouse stands. This trail alone will make you fall in love with the Coral Coast.
ALL DAY | 300m return | Grade 2
A sandstone wilderness with stunning backdrops, Cania Gorge National Park makes for a pleasant all-day weekend hike. If you’re looking for stunning views, you can’t go past Castle Mountain Lookout, a 22km return track offering breathtaking views of Lake Cania.
HALF-DAY | 3km return | Grade 4
The most popular and well-known National Park in the North Burnett, Mount Walsh offers towering views of the North Burnett Region. If you’re looking for something for younger kids, or you’re not up to the five-hour hike to the summit, try the Rock Pool Walk. It’s a pleasant moderate grade walk through hoop pine rainforest and grassy woodlands, which leads to shady picnic spots and a series of refreshing rock pools.
Discover beautiful beaches
You’ve heard of island hopping but have you heard of beach hopping? With Elliott Heads, Riverview and Coonarr in the south, Moore Park Beach in the north and a variety of pristine swimming and exploration beaches in between, visiting just one beach is not an option.
Bargara Beach is a family-friendly spot with winding board walks, eateries, cafes and the popular Turtle Park and Playground.
Where river meets ocean and country turns to coast, head towards the pristine beach of Elliott Heads. With sparkling blue waters and white sandy beach, this coastal paradise is a haven for kite-surfers, jet-skiers, and surfing enthusiasts alike, while also offering calmer waters in the river mouth.
Innes Park and Coral Cove provide shady picnic areas and safe swimming spots, perfect for that weekend seaside escape. Spot numerous fairy pools and mini aquariums along the shoreline and dive into a reef within reach at Barolin Rocks. You may even spot a dugong!
Photos: Tourism Queensland