Bundaberg Region Drive

Bundaberg to Biggenden

Start your journey in Bundaberg, which is one of the Southern Great Barrier Reef’s most progressive, modern cities. Best known for its Bundaberg Rum, derived from the surrounding sugar cane, it’s also considered a great launch pad to Lady Musgrave Island and the Great Barrier Reef. Another highlight of a visit to Bundaberg is Mon Repos beach where the loggerhead turtles migrate each year to lay their eggs. If you return a few months later you will witness the miracle as the tiny hatchlings make the perilous journey to the ocean. Bundaberg is also home to museums, regional galleries and the historic homestead of aviator Bert Hinkler.

From Bundaberg, follow the Isis Highway past Childers and towards Biggenden. Nicknamed the “Rose of the Burnett”, beautiful Biggenden is surrounding by open pastures, which offer views of the area’s blue mountain ranges. Join a Heritage Walking Trail which takes in a number of gold mining sites and the Biggenden Historical Museum. Before you continue your journey, grab a seat on the verandah of this historic pub and have a drink with the locals.

Biggenden to Gayndah

Keep following the Isis Highway and you’ll arrive in Gayndah which was founded in 1849 and is regarded as one of the oldest towns in Australia. A quirky highlight here is a visit to Mellors Drapery which is believed to be Australia’s only remaining building which uses an old-fashioned flying fox to deal with transactions. There are a number of other heritage-listed buildings here including the old section of the State School, Gayndah Soldier’s Memorial Hall, the racecourse and several rail bridges. In fact, you’ll find a blend of Edwardian Federation and Art Deco style architecture along the main street. The Gayndah Historical Museum on Simon Street tells more of the story of this historic spot. For a view of the surrounding countryside, drive to Archer’s Lookout, Binjour Lookout and Mt Gayndah.

Gayndah to Mundubbera

Onwards to Mundubbera which is dubbed the “Citrus Capital of Queensland” for its variety of grapes and stone fruits. Nuts are also grown here and there are dairies and piggeries which feature in a range of agricultural and horticultural tours of the area. Check out the Historical Museum and pause for a selfie at the Meeting Place of Waters 360 degree mural.

Munduberra to Childers

Considered the southernmost township of Central Queensland, Childers is a charming town whose heritage buildings dating back to Queensland’s early pioneering days. A highlight here is the Bakers Military Memorabilia Museum which is believed to possess the largest display of military memorabilia outside of the Canberra War Memorial. Also, check out the Childers Art Space.