Enriching experiences. Natural wonders. Pristine beaches. Wholesome food and world-class beverages. Relaxed lifestyle. A slower pace. Whether you want to escape the hustle and bustle, spend time reconnecting with your family or replenish your body – the Bundaberg Region has all the ingredients for a nourishing escape or staycation this Summer.
Beaches and Bushland
There’s nothing quite like sinking your toes into wet sand and listening to the waves as they lap the shore, clearing your mind and recentering yourself with a natural dose of ‘vitamin sea’. Stretch out along Woodgate Beach, Coonarr Beach, or Moore Park Beach where your footprints may be the only ones you’ll see in the sand for kilometers. Patrolled beaches, like Neilsons and Kellys Beach at Bargara or Elliott Heads, offer a relaxing day with your little ones.
Clear your mind with a walk along the shaded pathways between Kellys Beach to Burnett Heads on the Region’s signature Turtle Trail, scale new heights hiking Cania Gorge National Park, or surround yourself among local wildlife at the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens.
Farm visits
Treat yourself to a sense of calm at Amandine Lavender Farm. Discover their range of natural and local-made lavender products among their bespoke gift shop nestled on their family-owned lavender farm in Bargara. Buy some essential oils for aromatherapy that relaxes the mind or learn how to propagate and grow your own lavender.
Bargara Berries have two farm gates open to the public. High in antioxidants and low in calories, it’s no wonder strawberries are regarded as a super food. Buy strawberries from the farm when in season, or try their jams, sauces, vinegars, syrups and relishes that are all handcrafted in store.
If you’re in need of a nutritional boost, The Orchard Table at Macadamias Australia serve up creamy, crunchy and delicious delights using their family-owned and grown macadamias. This native Australian nut is jam packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, to help support your body’s natural immune system (read more on page 79).
Catch your breath
Restore the mind and take a moment to breathe with a Wellness & Yoga Retreat on the Southern Great Barrier Reef with Lady Musgrave Experience. You’ll be re-energized after three days of 360-degree views of glistening blue sea, crystal clear water in Lady Musgrave Lagoon; all fully catered. The only distraction will be the curious resident turtles.
Disconnect from the daily grind at one of the Southern Great Barrier Reef’s hidden gems – Lady Elliott Island Eco Resort. There is limited phone reception or internet and no televisions. Spend a day or week snorkeling with turtles and majestic manta rays, gliding over reef cities in a glass-bottom boat, and exploring the marine-filled lagoon by foot on a rock pool ramble.
Stimulate your mind
Find inspiration and reignite your creative side with a visit to the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery and Childers Art Gallery. Showcasing local, Australian and international talent from all walks of life, you’ll be inspired by their ever-rotating emotive artworks, sculptures and performances all year round.
Sustenance
The Windmill Café is an award-winning, Insta-worthy café serving up hearty breakfast and lunch made to feed the soul (read more on page 74). They’re proud stockists of locally made health beverages like Lonnie’s Chai and HOTI kombucha.
The Bundaberg Region produces 25 per cent of Australia’s fresh fruit and vegetables. It’s a fact celebrated at One Little Farm; a cosy café, florist and produce shop that specializes in bringing the local farm gate to your plate. Fill your basket with local seasonal produce, buy a bunch of blooms or some local craft. Enjoy a coffee or fresh juice and be tempted by their delicious cabinet treats that meet most dietary requirements.
Don’t let anyone tell you chocolate isn’t good for you. In moderation, chocolate – especially dark chocolate – has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of clotting and increase blood circulation to the heart. Sourcing their collection from around the globe, Cha Cha Chocolate on Bourbong Street have every chocolate treat your heart could possibly desire, including gluten free, dairy free, vegan and sugar free options.
Café by day and restaurant by night, Water St Kitchen is a suburban foodie surprise. Enjoy hand-picked stuffed zucchini flowers and freshly-caught Spanish mackerel from their seasonal Bundaberg-inspired menu. They work with award-winning local producers like The Seafood Smokery, who ethically and sustainably source their fish.
High in protein, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids, seafood is vitally important to a balanced diet. If you are looking for something a little decadent to pair with champagne or a cold beer, a visit to Grunske’s by the River Restaurant and Seafood Market is a must (read more on page 73).
Cultural Connection
Connect with country like never before on a Taribelang Bunda Cultural Tour. This half-day tour will transport you on a journey through time, inviting open conversations and the opportunity to learn about Taribelang Bunda, bunda meaning people, who have lived on country for more than 60,000 years. Journey from one significant site to another and taste bush flavours at morning tea.
Witness a Miracle at Mon Repos
Each year between November to March, a miracle transpires at Mon Repos. Join a Nightly Turtle Encounter to watch mother turtles heave themselves up sandy dunes to nest their clutches of eggs. Or see hatchling turtles erupt from the sand and make a mad dash to the sea. Only one in 1000 will survive the odds and return 30-years later to repeat this ancient ritual.
Let your hair down
If it’s a good time you seek, our ‘tipple town’ is overflowing with artisan cellar doors, distilleries and watering holes. Kalki Moon Distilling Company (read more on page 76), Bundaberg Rum Distillery, Ballistic Bargara, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, Rusty Gate Grove Bar and Winery and Bert’s Cocktail Bar are good places to start.
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