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South Head Parklands and Playground, Burnett Heads

Natural Attractions

South Head Parklands and Playground, Burnett Heads

Located on the waterfront at beautiful Burnett Heads, South Head Parklands is the perfect place to stretch the legs and let the kids burn off some energy. There's plenty of open space to run and play, along with a large climbing frame, playground equipment for younger children and a nearby skate park. While the kids are busy exploring, adults can sit back and soak up the coastal views across the sparkling blue water. It's an easy place to spend a few hours enjoying the great outdoors. The parklands also mark the starting point of the Turtle Trail, a scenic pathway that stretches all the way to Bargara, making it ideal for a walk, run or bike ride along the coastline.

Burnett Heads QLD

0.7 km away

Oaks Beach

Natural Attractions

Oaks Beach

Just 18 kilometres north-east of Bundaberg, Oaks Beach is a hidden coastal gem perfect for a day by the water. Whether you're keen on snorkelling, fishing, rock hopping or a refreshing swim, there's plenty of room to enjoy the great outdoors. Surfers can also make the most of a 200-metre stretch of beach that catches a decent wave. Anglers will find the best fishing spots from the rocks or groyne, where it's easier to reach the deeper water. Families should also make time to visit nearby South Head Parklands, home to playground equipment for all ages, a skate park, wide open spaces for a kick of the footy, plus picnic and barbecue facilities. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on Oaks Beach. Oaks Beach is patrolled by Lifesavers seven days a week from 8am to 5pm during season.

Burnett Heads QLD

1.6 km away

Turtle hatchlings at Mon Repos — Image credit: Queensland Government

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Mon Repos Turtle Centre, Mon Repos Conservation Park

Please visit the website for Conditions of entry and everything you need to know before you visit. No visit to Mon Repos is complete without a stop at the Turtle Centre. Here you’ll learn heaps about marine turtles, and the conservation and research programs that are protecting them. You'll also find out how a colourful history and ancient connections have shaped the Mon Repos you see today. Have a picnic at the shady tables before you head off to explore the rest of the park. Every year, from November to March, join expert Park Rangers for a rare and wonderful experience with endangered marine turtles (bookings and fees apply). See nesting (November–January) or hatching (January–March) sea turtles. Gather around a majestic female as she lays her eggs, or watch young hatchlings dig free and hustle down the beach. No-one else is allowed on the beach at these times, and the popular tours have limited places. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Bundaberg QLD

5.0 km away

Mon Repos — Image credit: Bundaberg Tourism

Natural Attractions

Mon Repos Beach

Mon Repos is home to Australia's largest concentration of nesting sea turtles and the Mon Repos Turtle Centre, just a short stroll from the beach. From young families to grey nomads, this special coastal destination offers a mix of nature, history and outdoor experiences. From mid-October to the end of April, Mon Repos comes alive during turtle season. To help protect nesting turtles and hatchlings, public access to the beach is restricted between 6pm and 6am. Mon Repos also holds an important place in aviation history as the site of Bert Hinkler's first hangar trial flights in 1912. Home to one of Queensland's longest and most undeveloped beaches, Mon Repos is known for its striking basalt rock formations, wide stretches of sand and peaceful coastal scenery. Whether you're here for the turtles, the history or an early morning walk, it's hard to beat watching the sun rise over the Southern Great Barrier Reef coastline. Local's tip: Set the alarm early. The sunrise over Mon Repos is worth getting out of bed for.

Mon Repos QLD

5.7 km away

Mon Repos Walking Track — Image credit: Tourism Australia

Natural Attractions

Mon Repos Walking Track

Mon Repos Conservation Park is a national park containing an important turtle rookery located at Mon Repos. Starting from the Mon Repos Turtle Centre, the coastal walking track heads north and south, following the shoreline and exploring the park's diverse coastal landscapes. Wander south and you'll soon come across the impressive South Sea Islander rock wall, built in the 1880s as rocks were cleared from nearby cane fields. Standing 1.5 metres high and stretching for 1.6 kilometres, it's a remarkable piece of local history. Along the track you'll pass saltpans, a tidal lagoon, freshwater ponds, mangroves, remnants of Woongarra rainforest and plenty of coastal scenery. The mix of habitats makes the park a great spot for birdwatching and seeing wildlife that calls the area home. If you've timed your visit with a low tide, take a closer look at the colourful rock pools scattered along the beach. They're home to corals, sponges, fish and other fascinating marine life. Be sure to check the tides before setting out, as sections of the track can be difficult to access during very high tides.

Mon Repos QLD

5.7 km away

Barolin Nature Reserve — Image credit: Bundaberg Regional Council

Natural Attractions

Barolin Nature Reserve

Calling all nature lovers! Just minutes from Bargara, Barolin Nature Reserve sprawls across more than 300 hectares of bushland teeming with native flora and fauna. Grab your binoculars and explore a landscape home to more than 120 species of native plants and 135 species of wildlife, including the Sacred Kingfisher, Rose-crowned Fruit Dove and Grey Fantail. Fun fact: Barolin Nature Reserve is home to the largest stand of Silver-leaved Paperbark trees in South East Queensland. Hidden within the reserve is also one of the world's rarest plants, Clausena smyrelliana. Distance: Up to 5 kilometres one way. Access points: Bargara Road near Bargara State School End of Davidson Street (best access to the rainforest and paperbark trees) Mon Repos Road for the north-west section of the reserve Turtle Trail intersections (two entrances) What to bring: Water, a mobile phone, insect repellent and binoculars for birdwatching.

Mon Repos QLD

6.5 km away

Nielson Park — Image credit: Bundaberg Regional Council

Parks and Gardens

Nielson Park

Adjoining each other at the northern end of the Bargara Esplanade are the popular Schuhkraft Park and Nielson Park. The Turtle Trail pathway runs the length of both parks, providing kilometres of beautiful walking paths to enjoy while taking in stunning coastal views. Schuhkraft Park offers large open spaces with a playground, nature play, soccer goal posts, a basketball court and exercise equipment. It is a popular park for weddings and picnics as it looks out over the Coral Sea. Further north, Nielson Park is home to the Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club and overlooks the patrolled Nielson surf beach. The Surf Life Saving Club café is a lovely spot to grab a coffee and soak up the sun. Nielsen Park also offers plenty of picnic tables, barbeques and facilities for a family get together. There is a playground for the kids and a skate park adjacent to the skating .

Bargara QLD

7.3 km away

Bargara Beach

Natural Attractions

Bargara Beach

Bargara Beach is a coastal gem just 15 kilometres east of Bundaberg, offering a climate that feels a bit like Hawaii, beautiful beaches and friendly locals who are always up for a chat. Take a wander along the winding boardwalks, let the kids burn off some energy at the playgrounds, or grab a coffee and a feed from one of the nearby cafés and eateries. With plenty of spots to relax and soak up the beachside vibes, Bargara is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the good life. Four-legged mates are welcome too, with dogs allowed on leash (except at Kellys Beach) — because a beach day is always better with the whole crew.

Bargara QLD

8.0 km away

Bargara Turtle Park and Playground — Image credit: TEQ

Parks and Gardens

Bargara Turtle Park and Playground

Enjoy the views of Bargara Beach while the kids explore the turtly awesome playground. The giant turtle structure creates a range of fun play spaces, perfect for climbing, discovering and a game of hide and seek. Grab a coffee, ice cream or takeaway meal from one of the nearby cafés and eateries, then settle in at the shaded seating and picnic tables. With its relaxed seaside setting, iit's the perfect place to relax, enjoy the sea breeze, and make some ripper family memories by the beach.

Bargara QLD

8.1 km away

Burkitts Reef

Natural Attractions

Burkitts Reef Dive Site

Burkitts Reef is a popular shore diving site just off Bargara, where colourful hard corals, curious critters and the occasional underwater surprise are all part of the experience. Stretching along the headland in depths of two to eight metres, this reef is well worth getting your fins wet for. Keep an eye out for the reef's famous nudibranchs, along with moray eels, wobbegongs, stingrays, crayfish and olive sea snakes. Schools of angelfish, butterflyfish, wrasse, lionfish and scorpionfish are regulars, while larger visitors such as trevally, barracuda and queenfish often cruise through. You never quite know what's waiting around the next coral bommie, and that's all part of the fun.

Bargara QLD

8.3 km away

Bargara Berries Fruit and Vege Market

Agritourism

Bargara Berries Fruit and Vege Market

Bargara Berries is a local farming family business with a retail shop at Meadowvale, open during strawberry season from May until mid-October. Outside of this time, the team works towards bringing the best berries to Bundaberg. Michael and Debbie have been growing strawberries in the Bundaberg Region since 2003. Their sweet, bush-ripened berries have always been sold directly from the farm to the customer. Now, the farm at Meadowvale is open to the public, inviting visitors to experience fresh berries, gelato, and house-made jams and sauces crafted from their own fruit. During the season, the farm also opens for a "pick your own" berry experience — a fun and memorable activity for all ages. Open from early May to October, Bargara Berries is located in Bargara, where all jams and sauces are handcrafted on-site.

Bargara QLD

8.7 km away

The Hummock Lookout — Image credit: Bundaberg Tourism

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Hummock Lookout

Situated just off the road to Bargara, The Hummock is a low-lying volcanic remnant that rises 96 metres above sea level and offers sweeping views across the Bundaberg Region. Look east to the coastline and west to patchworks of sugar cane fields, with the Bundaberg Distillery and mill stacks visible on the horizon. Time your visit right and you can watch the moon rise over the ocean as the sun sets across the landscape. The Hummock also holds deep cultural significance for the Taribelang Bunda people, the Traditional Owners of the area, who know this place as Woongarra. Their "burning mountain" is today's Sloping Hummock. While you're there, take a moment to view the large Aboriginal art mural at the site depicting the story of Paddy's Island and the conflicts that occurred during the early period of European settlement. The island can still be seen from the lookout, connecting visitors to both the landscape and its rich history.

Qunaba QLD

9.3 km away

Milpi Mosaics

Landmarks and Buildings

Milpi Magic Mosaics - The Fish Tales Wall

Overlooking Bargara's stunning coastline, one can find one of the quirkiest, yet most spectacular amenities block ever laid eyes on. Connecting the passionate people who call the Bundaberg region home, the incredibly diverse ecosystem, and rich Indigenous culture, the block's colourful walls are filled with mosaics created by those in the community and beyond. Inspired by the breathtaking region, local artist and Project Facilitator Paul Perry, along with over 200 people from across the community, Australia, and overseas, spent a whopping 6,200 hours and 100,000 tiles creating this incredible artwork. With over 220 individual handmade mosaic fish and marine wildlife sent in from around the world, the Fish Tales wall is truly awe-inspiring. From colourful reef fish to inquisitive dolphins and even a few mysterious creatures found in the depths of the ocean, uncovering the stories behind these mosaics is just the start of an underwater adventure in Bargara's backyard. Working with Project Facilitator Paul Perry, the fish were curated by local artist Adrienne Williams onto an underwater reef design by Julie Hylands.

Bargara QLD

9.3 km away

Milpi Mosaics — Image credit: Bundaberg Tourism

Landmarks and Buildings

Milpi Magic Mosaics - The Welcome Wall

Perched above Bargara's stunning coastline, the Welcome Wall might just be the most impressive amenities block you'll ever see. Covered in vibrant mosaics, it celebrates the people, culture, stories and natural beauty that make the Bundaberg Region so special. Inspired by the region's landscapes and communities, local artist and project facilitator Paul Perry joined forces with more than 200 contributors from across the Bundaberg Region, Australia and overseas. Together, they spent an incredible 6,200 hours placing more than 100,000 tiles to bring this colourful artwork to life. The Welcome Wall tells stories of connection, community and culture through a collection of mosaic panels linked by a flowing ribbon design. Woven through scenes of coastal sunrises, country landscapes and local experiences are stories that honour the First Nations people who have cared for this region for millennia. Designed by Jeremy Kiraly from an original concept and featuring artwork by Nicole Wone, Stacie Saltner and Dylan Sarra, the project also involved local schools, community groups, Gidarjil Development Corporation, the South Sea Islander community and an army of dedicated volunteers. It's proof that even a toilet block can become a work of art when a community gets behind it.

Bargara QLD

9.3 km away

Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel—iconic Queensland destination for craft-brewed soft drinks. — Image credit: Bundaberg Brewed Drinks

Galleries, Museums and Collections

The Bundaberg Barrel

Located in Bundaberg East, the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel offers a flavour-filled experience for individuals, couples, and families keen to explore the craft behind one of Australia's most iconic beverages. Guests can enjoy a guided tasting of Bundaberg's full range of brews and explore an interactive gallery that brings the brewing process to life. From the moment visitors arrive, they're immersed in a sensory journey. The smellography wall invites guests to identify secret ingredients, while virtual brewery views and hands-on displays reveal the care and tradition behind every bottle. Visitors can personalise their own labels and build a custom 6-pack to take home—a fun and memorable way to capture the experience. Bundaberg is part of the Southern Great Barrier Reef region, making the Barrel a perfect addition to an itinerary that includes Mon Repos Turtle Centre, the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, and nearby coastal adventures. The venue is wheelchair accessible and offers sensory audio guides to support inclusive travel. Sustainability is central to the brand, with brews crafted using locally grown ginger and cane sugar, and brewed for up to seven days to ensure rich, full-bodied flavour. With its blend of discovery, taste, and local charm, the Bundaberg Barrel offers a refreshing experience for all ages. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and book a tasting to make the most of this unique Queensland destination.

Bundaberg East QLD

10 km away

Amandine Lavender

Agritourism

Amandine Lavender

Amandine Lavender is a gift shop and farm located in Bundaberg, Queensland. Amandine Lavender was established in 2008, as a way to diversify and introduce an alternative industry to an existing sugarcane farm at Bargara, near Bundaberg. Amandine Lavender offers a range of lavender products to calm and relax, and fragrance your home. The quaint gift shop, framed with flowers of lavender, provides a truly unique lavender experience. Self guided propagation activities are available for visitors to participate in.

Bargara QLD

10 km away

Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience — Image credit: Diageo Australia

Amusement and Theme Parks

Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience

The Bundaberg Rum Distillery is the home of Australia's most famous rum, which has been made to a time-honoured tradition for over 135 years. The Brand Home currently offers two tours; the Bundaberg Rum Distillery Experience and the premium Blend Your Own Rum Experience. Explore the history of Bundaberg Rum by wandering through the self-paced Museum, which is housed in six 75,000 litre oak vats. After immersing yourself in a unique sensory experience and learning the stories of Bundaberg Rum, you will join one of the expert Distillery guides on a journey deep into the heart of the fully operational Bundaberg Rum Distillery. Finish off your tour with two tastings of our rums and liqueurs. For those that want to try their hand at becoming a Master Blender, the premium Blend Your Own Rum Experience allows guests to learn the art of blending their very own rum straight from the barrel. The large Retail Store has a huge selection of rum and merchandise where visitors can purchase exclusive and limited-edition products. There is also the Bear Garden, a covered Alfresco Bar & Dining area with all your favorite rums, Forever Classic cocktails and our signature hotdog, the "Bundy Banger".

Bundaberg East QLD

11 km away

Nudibranch Park — Image credit: Tracey Olive

Natural Attractions

Nudibranch Park

Known as one of Queensland's best shore dives, this underwater playground offers both free divers and scuba divers the chance to explore colourful soft corals, schools of fish and an abundance of marine life, all just off a picturesque stretch of coastline. The rocky reef provides the perfect foundation for coral growth, creating a thriving habitat for a variety of marine species. Depending on the season, you may spot nudibranchs, reef fish and impressive displays of both hard and soft corals growing right along the shoreline. Take some time to explore the beach rock pools before or after your dive and see what marine treasures you can discover. Entry and exit can be a little tricky, but those who make the effort are rewarded with one of the region's most memorable shore diving experiences.

Bargara QLD

11 km away

Mary Kincross Park — Image credit: Wide Bays Kids

National Parks and Reserves

Mary Kinross Park

Situated on the southern boundary of Bargara is the expansive Mary Kinross Park. The park offers many sheltered picnic tables, barbeques, a playground, a dog park, a car park and toilet facilities. The park’s wide green spaces are perfect for group activities or exercise classes. Rifle Range Creek winds through the park, providing an important estuary habitat for soldier crabs and the wildlife that feed on them. Linking Mary Kinross Park and Windermere Park is a pedestrian bridge spanning the creek and linking the Bargara and Innes Park sections of the Coral Coast pathway. Numerous side paths lead visitors past coastal bushes and over sandy dunes to the shore. The soft sand beach is a lovely spot to play, rest or take a dip, with a shallow tidal lagoon forming between the beach and the rocky shoreline. The beach is unpatrolled and visitors are urged to exercise caution if entering the water. Supervise children closely, particularly near the water, and stay on the walking tracks to help prevent dune erosion.

Innes Park QLD

12 km away

East Bundaberg Water Tower

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

East Bundaberg Water Tower

The East Water Tower is a heritage-listed water tower at 17 Sussex Street, Bundaberg East and is a must-visit as it is believed to be the only circular brick tower in Queensland. Given Bundaberg's relatively flat terrain, this tower is the perfect example of late 19th-century technology - using the increased water pressure provided by the tower in order to allow the reticulated water system to flow through efficiently. The East Water Tower demonstrates Bundaberg's development as a major regional city serving one of Queensland's most significant sugar growing districts The East Bundaberg Water Tower is only a couple of minutes walk from Lake Ellen Heritage Hub. Although no longer open for public tours, you can experience a virtual tour online.

Bundaberg East QLD

12 km away

Baldwin Swamp — Image credit: TEQ

Natural Attractions

Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park

Known as Bundaberg's own "Kakadu", Baldwin Swamp is home to many species of birdlife and wildlife. Wander the peaceful trails beneath fragrant eucalypt trees and enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful wetland environment. The wetlands provide an important roosting, breeding and feeding habitat for thousands of waterbirds. Baldwin Swamp is an ideal destination for walking or cycling, with pathways winding through forests and across waterways. On the western side of the environmental park, you'll find the Lake Ellen Heritage Hub. With plenty of shady picnic spots, Baldwin Swamp is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Bundaberg East QLD

12 km away

The beautiful Fairymead House — Image credit: Bundaberg Regional Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Fairymead House Sugar History Museum

The relocated and restored Fairymead House overlooks the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens with the splendour of a bygone era. Built in 1890, this grand plantation house includes the Sugar History Museum, exploring the development of the local sugar industry from its earliest days. View the magnificent Indian bungalow architecture and discover the history of the Bundaberg sugar industry and the pioneer sugar families through self guided exploration of the heritage listed Fairymead House. Fairymead House is available for hire as a wedding/function/conference venue. If you are looking for a venue with a difference Fairymead House is the ideal location for you. The majestic plantation house offers an exclusive function venue for a maximum of 60 guests. Set amongst the lush tropical surrounds of the Botanic Gardens. Fairymead House is a fantastic venue for your special wedding photographs. Please contact their friendly staff for availability and pricing.

Bundaberg North QLD

12 km away

Multi locomotive operating day — Image credit: Australian Sugar Cane Railway

Amusement and Theme Parks

Australian Sugar Cane Railway

The Australian Sugar Cane Railway is a two-kilometre ride on Bundaberg's heritage sugar industry 610 mm gauge railway through the picturesque Botanic Gardens in North Bundaberg. The journey takes you around the lakes with turtles, eels, water birds and a boardwalk, then continues through the workshop facility that houses maintenance equipment and the rest of the fleet of rolling stock, around past the Chinese gardens, the band rotunda. The carriages are built on genuine sugar cane trucks that operated on the area's narrow-gauge railways and have been converted to passenger carriages. On Sundays the train is hauled by one of our three steam locomotives, 1907 Leeds Fowler "INVICTA", 1914 Orenstein & Koppel "GERMANY" or the locally built Bundaberg Foundry Company 1952 Fowler No3. Wednesdays are diesel days with the 1965 "VALDORA" that worked the cane fields around Nambour in Queensland. During Queensland school holidays the train operates on Sundays (steam), Tuesdays (diesel), Wednesdays (steam), Fridays (diesel). Genuine Australian and locally made souvenirs are available for purchase at the station located adjacent to the 1928 Cafe. The Australian Sugar Cane Railway is a working museum.

Bundaberg Central QLD

12 km away

Steam Train — Image credit: TEQ

Parks and Gardens

Bundaberg Botanic Gardens and Playground

There is something for everyone at the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens. Situated in North Bundaberg, the gardens span 27 hectares of land and feature a magnificent lake which is home to 114 species of birds. Take a walk on the paths to discover the hidden Japanese Gardens and Chinese Gardens. The Bundaberg Botanic Gardens also play home to the Hinkler Hall of Aviation, Hinkler House, Cafe 1928, The Bundaberg and District Historical Museum and the nearby Bundaberg Railway Museum (small costs for entry). The Australian Sugarcane Railway offer steam train runs along the two kilometre train track through the gardens (available for a small fee) on Wednesdays, Sundays and during the school holidays. Discover more on the website. You can purchase duck food from Cafe 1928 to entice the birdlife closer for fantastic photo opportunities. Take a picnic rug and your own food as the Botanic Gardens are the perfect spot for a picnic or organise some food from Cafe 1928. Accessible car parks are located near the nature themed playground at the Mount Perry Road entrance and near Fairymead House from the Thornhill Street entrance. The nature themed playground includes several accessible play items. Accessible toilets are located next to Café 1928 and Hinkler Hall of Aviation. The Australian Sugar Cane train is wheelchair accessible with an approved access ramp.

Bundaberg North QLD

12 km away

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