Discover Bundaberg
A trip to Bundaberg is a wonderful way to experience several of Australia's greatest natural gifts.
Bundaberg has the colour and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef right on its doorstep and from January to the end of March, tiny turtle hatchlings can be seen emerging from their shells at Mon Repos Beach. Whale watching, scuba diving, national parks - Bundaberg boasts a wide range of other beach and inland attractions that will make your visit one you'll want to repeat!
Turtle and Whale Watching
Only 14km from Bundaberg is Mon Repos Beach - the largest and most accessible turtle rookery in mainland Australia. Loggerhead, green, leatherback and flatback turtles come ashore from Novemb
er to February to lay their eggs. The tiny hatchlings may be seen popping out of their sandy nests from early January until mid-March. Children, who will be enthralled by these majestic animals, particularly enjoy watching the turtles nesting.
Mon Repos is an environmental park designed to protect the turtles, ensure their ongoing use of the area and provide opportunities for turtle watching. Access to the beach is limited during the season and rangers conduct guided walks each night. This magical experience is a delight for both young and old!
Every year from July to mid-October, humpback whales pass close to Bundaberg's coastline en route to the northern end of Fraser Island. Whale watching cruises operate from Port Bundaberg during the season and whales can also be seen from Lady Elliot Island.
The Southern Great Barrier Reef
There's no need to travel all the way to Cairns to enjoy the beauty of Queensland's Great Barrier Reef. Bundaberg is the ideal in eco-tourism, offering an affordable way to experience Australia's greatest natural gift.
Bundaberg is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The most spectacular parts of the southern reef can be found around Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave Islands. The mainland coastline is just 13km from Bundaberg and offers ample diving and snorkelling opportunities, as well as beachfront accommodation. The reef can be seen on fine, calm days by snorkelling just a metre or two from the shore.
Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliot Islands 
The two 'ladies of the reef' are easily accessible from Bundaberg. These islands are true coral cays, home to thousands of marine species. Jewel-bright starfish, sea urchins, clams and corals can be discovered at low tide.
Thousands of sea birds nest in rookeries on the two islands. Many birds have been attracted to these havens and Lady Elliot Island now has its own small colony of rare red-tailed tropic birds. Lady Elliot is the only coral island on the reef with an airstrip and is only a 25-minute scenic flight from Bundaberg.
Lady Musgrave Island is a two and a half-hour cruise from Port Bundaberg and is the only coral island
on the Great Barrier Reef with a navigable lagoon. A day trip allows plenty of time on the island to view the reef and marine life. The surrounding waters here are filled with over 200 species of corals and 1,200 varieties of brilliantly coloured fish. Access is also available from the Town of 1770.
Stunning Beaches and National Parks
If it's lazy days on the sand you're after then Bargara and Woodgate offer some of the state's most picturesque beaches.
Bargara Beach is a seaside township just 12km east of Bu
ndaberg and has safe, moderate surf. To the south of Bargara Beach or just around the headland, is Kelly's Beach. Kelly's has a safe swimming area called the Basin which is perfect for children.
The Kelly's Beach area has quality beachfront accommodation and a waterway designed to encourage bird life. Ducks, swans and other bird life are part of this nature lover's paradise. Adjacent to Kelly's is a great golf course for all those dedicated to pursuing golfing excellence. South of Kelly's you will also find Innes Park and Elliott Heads beaches where there's plenty of sand and sea for all the family to explore.
The Hummock, an extinct volcano core halfway between Bundaberg and Bargara, is the district's highest point and offers 360-degree views of the area and coastline.
The golden sands of Woodgate Beach stretch for almost 20km. Woodgate is around 40km south of Bundaberg and is the first surf beach north of the Sunshine Coast. The area accommodates a National Park backing on to the surf. The many walking tracks found here are a great way to discover the local flora and fauna. Prolific numbers of birds including emus, together with kangaroos, wallabies and reptiles inhabit the area.
If it's fishing that takes your fancy then Woodgate is the spot for you; however, the entire region offers good fishing opportunities with reef, beach, deep sea, rocks, estuary, river and fresh water locations.
The Town of 1770, so named after the visit of Lieutenant James Cook, is just over 120km north of Bundaberg. The area's white beaches and crystal clear waters have changed little since the day Cook landed in May 1770. The area is known for its beautiful beaches and is often described as an undeveloped version of Noosa.
Other Attractions 
Without a doubt Bundaberg's favourite son is Bert Hinkler. As one of the world's great pioneer aviators, he has been honoured with his own museum in Bundaberg's Botanic Gardens. The museum is housed in Hinkler's Southhampton home that he designed and lived in from 1926 until his death in 1933.
The Town of 1770 is not only home to stunning beaches; fishing in the area is terrific in either Round Hill Creek or out on the offshore reefs. Great Barrier Reef and fishing cruises are available from The Town of 1770, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, departing at 8am and arriving back at 5pm. While you're in 1770, take a ride on the LARC, an 
amphibious craft designed to drive on sand and cruise across creeks. This is an environmental tour not to be missed!
Rum and Tropical Wine
While in the region make sure you visit the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, where the famous Bundaberg rum is made. It is Australia's best selling spirit and the distillery has a visitors centre and guided tours. If rum's not your drop then the region also has a tropical winery. This is wine with a difference - made from tropical fruit!
Driving Holidays 
Whether you're attracted to the coastal wonders or the charms of the inland region, Bundaberg has something for everyone. Revel in the area's natural attractions and historic sites, which combine to make Bundaberg the perfect place for a fun-filled family holiday.
Take Highway 1 along the coast to enjoy beautiful beaches and picturesque seaside towns. View the turtles at Mon Repos before heading onto the spectacular coral cays of 
Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliot Islands with their magnificent marine and bird life.
To experience the best of rural Queensland, take a trip along Highway 17 to explore the history of the Burnett Region. Don't miss your chance to spend time on an authentic farm stay; you'll have the time of your life!
Order your free copy of Jasons Sunshine, Fraser & Coral Coasts RoutePlanner.
Thanks to Tourism Queensland for the use of their editorial and images
Edited for length