Destinations

Bundaberg

Bundaberg is the heart of Queensland’s sugar country. It is a charming region of pristine beaches and coral islands. An easy four-hour drive north of Brisbane, it is a place where you can slow down, relax and enjoy life.  Bundaberg is a popular city for backpackers with working visas as there is plenty of seasonal fruit picking work.

Southern Great Barrier Reef

Known as the southern gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the region boasts an unspoiled 140km of sandy coastline, several national parks and coral cays, all awaiting your discovery.  

Migrating humpback whales also come close to shore during the season - August to November - and expeditions are a must.

From budget accommodation or the comfort of the luxuriously appointed Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, you can enjoy the Bundaberg area’s many natural attractions. Indulge in unsurpassed diving, beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear waters that stretch to the horizon.

Local Highlights

Then venture inland and experience rugged wilderness that tests bush walkers and four-wheel drivers alike. But make sure you save some time for a historic stroll through the award winning aviation museum, or savour a sip or two of the famous Australian drink, Bundaberg Rum, commonly known as Bundy.

Cania Gorge
Cania Gorge National Park boasts 3000 hectares of spectacular landscape, prominent sandstone cliffs, caves, eucalypt forest and dry rain forest with mosses, orchids, figs and vines growing in moist, sheltered areas. This secluded area is home to a variety of Australia's native flora and fauna including kangaroos, rock wallabies, and over 100 species of birds.

Turtles

Interesting wildlife activity is a highlight of this region, you can witness the fascinating annual turtle nesting and hatching at Mon Repos, the largest mainland concentration of turtles in the South Pacific Ocean region.

Here visitors can take part in nightly turtle tours during the season from November to March. You may also be lucky enough to catch this spell-binding event on the islands of the Southern Great Barrier Reef including Lady Elliot, Lady Musgrave, Heron and Wilson Islands. Witnessing the hatching of a rare animal that may live for 200 years is a privilege you won’t soon forget.

Mon Repos Beach
Mon Repos Beach, Queensland’s most significant turtle rookery is only 15kms from Bundaberg and is also the largest loggerhead turtle rookery in the South Pacific. From November to the end of March, witness a natural phenomenon: The annual onshore pilgrimage of giant sea turtles to lay their eggs, followed by the first baby hatchlings eight weeks later.

Must See and Do

• Great Barrier Reef and Islands
• Turtles nesting and hatching at Mon Repos
• Lady Elliot Island
• Botanic Gardens
• Cania Gorge, gateway to the spectacular Cania Gorge National Park and Lake Cania
• Scuba diving and snorkelling
• Offshore and reef fishing