The Burnett Heads lighthouse has been given a home in the local park
The Bundaberg area has over 140 kilometres of unspoilt stinger free beaches stretching from Woodgate to the Town of 1770. Winters are mild and summers are cooled by sea breezes.
The Great Barrier Reef begins here, with coral reefs fringing the shoreline. The coral cays of Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave Islands welcome the reef visitor. Try reef walking. Snorkel or dive. Creeks and river estuaries provide ideal spots to go fishing, crabbing, water skiing and boating.
The Burnett River threads its way through the region and the city towards Port Bundaberg. The river tempts residents to enjoy all sorts of water activities. Riverside parks make perfect picnic venues. With a marina right in the city centre, Bundaberg has become a popular ‘first port of entry’ for seafaring travellers, and a principal port for east coast yachties. At Australia's largest mainland rookery, Mon Repos Beach, turtles nest on the sand dunes. From December baby turtles can be seen returning to the sea.
Visitors to Bundaberg region are well catered for with excellent shopping, fine restaurants and many unique attractions. A great range of affordable accommodation makes Bundaberg an ideal base from which to explore the region. Visit the Central and North Burnett where you'll find some of Queensland's earliest history, modern-day wilderness experiences and rural adventures. Hotels, motels, resorts, farm stays, bed and breakfasts and cabins on the beach ensure the complete Bundaberg experience is yours for the asking.
Stay awhile. Be impressed with the region's country hospitality.
Life After Dark
Movies, theatre, live shows and nightclubs: there is always plenty to keep you entertained in Bundaberg.
With two movie theatres and a thriving local Playhouse, there is sure to be something to your liking on show at the Moncrieff Theatre in the centre of the city, the Reading Cinema near Sugarland Shopping Centre or the Playhouse Theatre complex in Steffensen Street.
The Civic Centre and the central pavilion in the heart of Bundaberg's CBD provide other venues for entertainers. The nightclubs are an opportunity to dance the night away to live music or the beat of the disco.
The CBD area at night is a beautiful sight, especially colourful when it lights up for late-night shopping on Thursday evenings.
Moncrieff Theatre, named after Bundaberg's famous songstress, Gladys Moncrieff is in Bundaberg city centre. With seating for nearly 900, the distinctive theatre is a popular live act venue and cinema. For movie times phone the Moncrieff Theatre (07) 4153 1985
Readings Cinema a four theatre complex near Sugarland Shopping Centre - all the new movies, plus Movie Marathons for those with stamina. Phone Reading Cinemas at (07) 4152 1233 for movie times.
The Playhouse Theatre in Steffensen Street, West Bundaberg is home to the city's oldest theatre company and the envy of all amateur theatre groups in Queensland.
Bundaberg Players has presented over 350 live productions since its beginnings in 1951. The auditorium seats 250 and is fully air-conditioned.
It's Panto Time! Each December children are delighted by the colourful characters. Learn more at www.theplayhousetheatre.org.au or phone (07) 4153 1904.
This is an aerial view near the Town of 1770, one of the very few places on the East Coast where Captain Cook landed in 1770
Beaches
Bargara Beach Bundaberg region embraces the southernmost end of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the World's best known natural wonders. As a result, the region offers the best of both surf and reef environments - having the most northern surf beach on the east coast (at Agnes Water) as well as coral formations near Bargara that are accessible simply by stepping off the beach.
Bundaberg waters offer an opportunity for beginners to try out their fins as well as dives recommended strictly for experts.
If you're new to diving and want to try, then Bundaberg is the best place to start. Not only does the beach and the reef offer perfect conditions for learning but local dive centres with PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certified dive instructors are available to teach you all you need to know. And if you want to try something more advanced, then they can give you advice on that too.
Towns of the Coral Coast
The beaches of Bundaberg have long been known as the Coral Coast, because of the beautiful reefs which fringe the shoreline.
Bargara
It's late afternoon. Couples stroll hand in hand along the foreshore pathway. Down on the beach, another couple shares fish and chips while they watch the lazy swells of the Pacific Ocean.
Prize-winning play areas are alive with happy sounds of children learning while they have fun.
The aroma of evening meals being prepared by award-winning chefs mingles with the rich aroma of coffee and the fresh salt tang in the air. Tomorrow there'll be round of golf (or two). Maybe you'll try the surf. Or the shops and galleries. Get the feel of the place on one of those bus tours, maybe go bush in a four-wheel drive. You can finish off with a visit to a winery and a quick dinner at a beachside bistro before heading off to the club - or a show in town.
This is not the Gold Coast. It's not Noosa. But it is a chance to discover the Pacific at its most peaceful and interesting.
This is Bargara. So welcome. Take it easy. Live the dream. At Bargara, there are plenty of ways to discover how wonderful life can be. Bargara is 15 minutes east of Bundaberg.
Lady Musgrave Island is one of the beautiful coral atolls which is accessible by boat from Bundaberg and Town of 1770.
Moore Park
A coastal township with plenty to offer visitors and locals alike is on the northern side of the Burnett River, turn off the Bundaberg Gin Gin Road a few kilometres north of Bundaberg.
If you’re sick the fast lane then Moore Park Beach - 16 kilometres of sandy beach perfect for surfing, swimming, walking or fishing - is for you. The Surf Life Saving Club patrols the beach in summer. People discover Moore Park because of the beach, but they choose to stay for a relaxed lifestyle and the available facilities.
There are several shops in the area, including the Sylvan Village Shopping Centre. A variety of services are provided including snacks, petrol, basic provisions and newspapers, a cafe and a range of accommodation.
Tennis, bowls and golf clubs offer the opportunity to enjoy your favourite sport in idyllic surroundings.
The Lions picnic area has shady trees. Nearby, set behind sandy dunes, is the Bicentennial Lagoon featuring a man-made island in the lagoon which encourages birdlife to the area
Fishing enthusiasts are not forgotten. There are good spots both on the beach and at the two river estuaries.
The Burnett River flows out to the sea through Burnett Heads, home to boating, fishing and sailing clubs. Rock walls are favourite fishing haunts. The enclosed harbour offers protection from most prevailing winds. A well-equipped marina offers excellent refuelling and berthing facilities with a chandlery, mechanical workshop, slipway and public telephone.
Oaks Beach provides a swimming area and rock pools brimming with sea life and corals. Mon Repos Turtle Rookery is within walking distance. The marina facility offers boat haul-out and repairs to ocean-going pleasure craft.
Burnett Heads is 10 minutes from the heart of Bundaberg
Just upstream of Burnett Heads is the Port of Bundaberg with its wharves, sugar terminal and marina complex. Dine out or take home fresh seafood from the marina complex.
As an export centre, Bundaberg is situated between two of Queensland’s major export centres, Brisbane to the south and Gladstone to the north.
Bundaberg Port has three berths to handle bulk sugar, petroleum, molasses and fertiliser. Its primary function is to facilitate the distribution of raw sugar produced in Maryborough, Childers and Bundaberg around Australia and overseas.
Elliott Heads
Rests at the mouth of the Elliott River surrounded by rural cane and small crop farms. A popular family getaway, Elliott Heads offers both surf and calm water swimming.
The sheltered waters are perfect for a wide range of activities, including catamarans, sailboarding, sailing, windsurfing, fishing and swimming. Surf lifesavers patrol the designated swimming area during the summer. A shady, landscaped Caravan Park is adjacent to the beach as are a number of pleasant picnic spots with BBQ facilities.
Cliffs and interesting rock formations created by ancient volcanic action is a feature of this popular family holiday spot. Riverview nestles on the northern bank of the estuary and has a boat ramp and a picnic
Mon Repos
Home of the turtles, make this section of Queensland’s coastline is especially environmentally important. Boasting one of the largest and most accessible loggerhead turtle rookeries in the South Pacific, Mon Repos (less than 15km from Bundaberg) is a breeding haven for these magnificent creatures.
Each year Mon Repos becomes a hive of activity as the rookery gives a fascinating look at sea turtles during the nesting and hatching season. During the day Mon Repos is popular for swimming and sailing, but from November to March between 6 pm and 6 am beach access is restricted to ensure the turtles are not disturbed. Rangers provide informative talks, slide displays and films on the turtle and marine preservation as well as guided walks to see turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.
Plan your visit between November to February to watch the turtles clamber up the beach to nest, or between January and March to see the little hatchlings dashing madly towards the water.
Now you need a ticket to see the turtles on Mon Repos Beach at night during the turtle watching season. See a Bundaberg or Bargara tourist centre for your tickets.
The Islands:
On Lady Elliot Island, when you’ve relaxed and can take the time to listen, you can hear the peaceful sounds of nature at work. The southernmost island of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot is regarded as one of the best diving and snorkelling locations along the Queensland coast, and with visitor numbers limited you can be assured of enjoying your own little piece of paradise.
The Island is surrounded by a coral lagoon with clear tropic waters allowing up to 25 metres of visibility. Flights depart daily from Bundaberg.
Lady Musgrave Island
Rests on the edge of a coral-fringed lagoon measuring eight kilometres in circumference. You can spend the day enjoying the solitude, beachcombing and swimming.
Snorkellers and divers discover jewel-bright fish, sea urchins, clams and corals metres from the shore. The clear tropical waters are home to more than 200 species of coral and 1200 species of fish. The waters and reef surrounding Lady Musgrave are a Marine Park. A permit is required before camping is allowed on the island.
One of Australia’s greatest crickets was born in Bundaberg. Don Tallon played with Don Bradman as one of the Invincibles. The team is famous for being the first Test match side to play an entire tour of England without losing a match. This feat earned them the nickname of The Invincibles, and they are regarded as one of the greatest cricket teams of all time.