Bundaberg, known as the rum capital of Australia, is famous for its signature spirit: Bundaberg Rum. If you’re passionate about high-proof spirits, this is your go-to destination in Australia. The rum is so iconic that you can even visit the Bundaberg Rum Distillery to try its original flavor.
But Bundaberg is much more than just rum. In fact, we weren’t even interested in the distillery and hadn’t considered visiting it. We stopped in Bundaberg during our road trip along the Queensland Pacific Coast Way because it marks the beginning of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s the perfect base if you plan to explore the southernmost point of this World Heritage Site.
And there’s more to Bundaberg. On its beaches, already great for swimming and snorkeling, you can witness a magical event if you visit during the right season: the simultaneous hatching of thousands of turtle eggs!
Bundaberg is the tenth-largest city in Queensland, with a population of around 102,000. The city center sits on the banks of the Burnett River, which flows into the Coral Sea. The region lies on a rich and fertile coastal plain, making it one of Australia’s most agriculturally productive areas. Sugarcane plantations are widespread in the region.
The traditional custodians of the region are the Taribelang-Bunda Aboriginal people. As mentioned, Bundaberg is connected to the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. From here, you can visit Lady Elliot Island and Lady Musgrave Island, both part of the reef system.
The great thing about Bundaberg is that you can visit almost any time of year. Its subtropical climate ensures pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunny days—ideal for enjoying the coast, national parks, and the region’s famous sugar cane fields and rum distilleries.
However, during the Australian summer (December to February), the heat can be intense and the humidity high. It’s also the rainiest time of year, so if you’re visiting during these months, don’t forget to pack a raincoat. On the upside, it’s the turtle nesting season at Mon Repos, a stunning natural event that occurs only between November and January.
If you prefer milder temperatures and drier weather, the best months to visit are March to May or September to November. During these periods, the climate is more stable, with highs around 77°F (25°C) and minimal rainfall—perfect for exploring without getting overheated.
And what about winter? From June to August, mornings can be cool, but the days are usually sunny and pleasantly warm. However, the sea temperature drops, so it might not be the ideal time for water activities.
We know that the subject of visas can be somewhat confusing, especially for India, where obtaining one is an essential requirement for entry. In the article on how to obtain an Australian visa step by step (coming soon) you have information on how to apply for one online for up to 5 years.
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If you’re arriving from overseas, the most practical option is to fly into Brisbane and then take a domestic flight to Bundaberg. The city is easily accessible with direct flights from Brisbane.
Alternatively, if you’re traveling by car, Bundaberg is easily reached via the Queensland Pacific Coast Way. From Brisbane, the drive takes almost 5 hours; from Rockhampton and Sunshine Coast, around 3 hours.
Another option is to take the Greyhound bus, which connects Brisbane and Bundaberg in about 7 hours and 45 minutes.
If you’re not traveling by car and want to avoid a long bus ride, you can take the Queensland Rail train, which covers the route in about 4 hours and 40 minutes. However, keep in mind that trains are generally more expensive than buses, especially if you take advantage of Greyhound’s promotions (check our Queensland Pacific Coast Way guide for more details).
Nowadays, finding hotels, guesthouses, or restaurants with free Wi-Fi is pretty common. However, there are still those who prefer (or need) to stay connected at all times.
That’s why we’ll show you how to get an eSIM Australia card with internet— now also available with unlimited data.
Every child dreams of visiting Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Likewise, every lover of alcoholic beverages dreams of visiting a rum distillery. Well, here’s your chance to fulfill that adult dream by visiting the authentic Bundaberg Rum Distillery.
Here you can learn how rum is made, its history, and… Okay, let’s be honest. If you’re here, it’s really because you want to taste Bundaberg Rum. At this distillery, you can sample it straight from the barrel—or even better, craft your own artisanal rum. Because even as adults, dreams really can come true.
Mon Repos Conservation Park is home to the largest concentration of turtle nests on mainland Australia. Each year, sea turtles return to Mon Repos Beach to lay their eggs. Here, you may even experience the magical moment of watching the eggs hatch firsthand, guided by a park ranger who ensures minimal impact on the newborn turtles.
At Mon Repos, you can also visit the information center, where you’ll learn everything you need to know about loggerhead turtles and how to support their conservation.
A perfect spot for snorkeling or even scuba diving in Bundaberg is Barolin Rock, where the coral reef meets the mainland. The best part? No need to take a boat to Lady Elliot or Lady Musgrave Islands (though we highly recommend doing that too). Just grab your snorkel and mask and dive into the coral gardens and marine life right off the coast.
And if, like us, you’re unlucky enough to visit on a cloudy day, don’t worry—natural pools form between the rocks, accessible at low tide and full of coral. Perfect for a calm and protected swim.
While you’re in town, don’t miss the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery. It’s a vibrant space offering art and cultural exhibitions, featuring works from local, interstate, and national artists. Conveniently located in the city center, it’s well worth a visit.
Just 15 minutes from downtown Bundaberg, at the mouth of the Elliott River, you’ll find Elliott Beach—ideal for surfing, swimming, or simply relaxing in the crystal-clear pools formed by the rocks. It’s almost like a natural spa.
We loved strolling along the sand at low tide, taking in the stunning ocean views and the rock pools. But the real magic came at high tide, when the spot where we had walked earlier transformed into a sandy island!
This Burnett River adventure offers a taste of the Bundaberg region’s unspoiled wilderness. Choose from a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and follow an experienced guide through the remote stretches of the Burnett River.
Over two days, you’ll paddle through gentle rapids, pass lush riverbanks, and even climb rocks for panoramic views of the landscape. Spend the night camping by the river, gazing up at the starry Australian sky.
Go behind the scenes at the Bundaberg Rum Distillery. Follow a local guide and discover the history and secrets behind this iconic brand. Yes, you’ll also taste samples of the rum (admit it—that’s what you came for, right? haha) and learn about the secret distillation process.
The tour includes entry to the Bundaberg Rum Museum. Choose the self-guided option to explore everything the museum has to offer at your own pace.
This time, we boarded a yacht to Lady Musgrave Island. On this full-day trip, you’ll board a glass-bottom boat, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. With a bit of luck, you might see manta rays, reef sharks, turtles, and countless tropical fish.
The tour also offers scuba diving, letting you explore the Lady Musgrave Reef in depth. After all, you’re at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef.
Never been to a farm before? This tour takes you to Splitter Farm, where you can meet rescued goats, pigs, horses, cows, and more. Join a private tour, feed the animals, and hear their unique stories from your guide. I forgot to mention: all the animals on this Bundaberg farm are rescued.
This is a great way to experience a sustainable farm in Australia. You’ll also get to taste pomegranate-based products, including honey and macadamia nuts. So good!
If the rum distillery tour wasn’t enough, why not add a brewery tour to the list? This fun and flavorful tour teaches you all about local Bundaberg beer in an informal and interactive way.
You’ll explore how different beers are made and bottled, and our favorite part—the “guess the flavor” smell wall. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like! Even better, you’ll get to sample up to 14 different beers, including the famous Bundaberg ginger beer. Choose your six favorites and take them home. Awesome!
As always, we bring you a curated selection of the best places to stay in Bundaberg, so you don’t have to overthink it. Oh, and if you’re traveling in a campervan, we’ve included a couple of campsites too—so no complaints! 😉
Finding affordable yet comfortable hostel accommodation can be nearly impossible. As we mentioned in the “General Information About Bundaberg” section, the region is famous for its agricultural production. Because of this, the cheapest hostels are often packed with farmworkers.
That said, we want to emphasize that choosing the cheapest accommodation may mean sacrificing comfort and cleanliness due to overcrowding. For this reason, we don’t recommend staying in hostels, but rather looking for alternative options.
A reasonably priced option is to stay in a private caravan at AAOK Riverdale Caravan Park. This park offers free parking, a camp-style kitchen, and it’s located just a 10-minute walk from downtown Bundaberg. Not too shabby!
If you don’t mind spending a little more, we recommend Chalet Motel inn. This fully equipped motel offers rooms with private bathrooms, microwaves, and refrigerators.
The motel also includes free parking and is located less than 5 minutes from the train station and the Bundaberg Museum.
If what you’re really after is a fantastic and luxurious night, Bundaberg has that too. Our dream spot? A night at C Bargara Resort—a beautiful resort in the coastal town of Bargara, just 15 minutes from Bundaberg and a mere minute from the beach.
This resort-style hotel has plenty of activities to make your Bundaberg vacation unforgettable. And the rooms? They’re private apartments with multiple rooms, and the huge balconies overlooking the Coral Sea will steal your heart.
There are plenty of holiday parks and campsites with excellent facilities. One option is Glenlodge Caravan Village, located near downtown Bundaberg.
Another, and one we find much more interesting, is camping at Splitters Farm to enjoy the farm experience.
You can also camp at Burnett Heads Lighthouse Holiday Park near Burnett Heads or Turtle Sands Holiday Park, just minutes from Mon Repos Turtle Rookery.
Keep in mind that Holiday Parks tend to be more expensive than conventional campsites. If you’re after something cheaper, we recommend Wyper Park Scout Camp Bundaberg, at just AU$10 per person.
For free self-contained camping, you have two options: Hinkler Lions Park near the airport, and Sharon Gorge Nature Park, across the Burnett River.
If that’s not an option, you’ll have to camp at Wallum Reserve Rest Area, about a 25-minute drive from Bundaberg. That’s where we chose to stay.
The best way to get around Bundaberg is by car, which gives you the freedom to explore quickly and comfortably.
Alternatively, you can use public transport. The most popular option is the Duffy Bus, a line that’s been running since 1954. It connects Bundaberg to Bargara and Burnett Heads, so you can use it to reach several attractions. You can also use Uber or taxis, though they’ll be more expensive.
If you’re staying in the city center, you can easily walk to nearby attractions like the Bundaberg Museum or the art gallery.
Bundaberg is more than a tourist destination—it’s an agricultural region. So, if you’re on vacation, it might not be a must-see stop along the Queensland Pacific Coast Way. That said, it’s worth stopping by to restock supplies and explore a few of its highlights. That’s exactly what we did.
While Bundaberg is vibrant, it’s not the most exciting stop on the route. For this reason, we wouldn’t recommend staying for more than two days, or three at most if you’re planning to visit Lady Elliot or Musgrave Island.
Still, Thea was particularly impressed by Elliott Heads, with its stunning natural pools and the amazing landscape shaped by the Elliott River as it meets the sea—especially at high tide (Thea insisted I emphasize that, so here it is in bold).
As for me, my favorite spot was Barolin Rock, because it’s where I took photos with my underwater camera for the first time. It’s not a GoPro, so the quality isn’t the best—but the photos aren’t half bad. (If you want better photos, send me a GoPro—I’m too broke to buy one.)
To conclude this article, I’ll give you a series of tips to help you make the most of your visit to Bundaberg.
Click on the image and it will take you to a new Google Maps window with all the points of interest to travel around Bundaberg.
