Bundaberg Things to Do

The well ordered, if somewhat busy, CBD has Bundaberg's finest architecture, such as it is.
Of course, that included some classic Aussie hotels with their lovely verandahs. Doesn't matter where I see them, they still look so attractive.....and I don't even drink!
There's a few like the one pictured, usually on corner blocks.

Baldwin Swamp - So, after a session with the ever-helpful Gail at the local Information Centre, I found myself doing a quick tour of the CBD and its historic and attractive buildings, having a quick look at the sculptures by the quay and then heading a few blocks down the road to Baldwin Swamp.
Now, I remember Gail wincing when she said the name and, when I saw the place I understood why. This has to be on your must-see list if you visit Bundaberg. Nothing like a swamp, it’s more a set of lily ponds linked by small channels with manicured lawns and native trees filling up the rest of the space. It’s also where over 140 species of bird have been spotted.
Take my tip. Find yourself a tree in flower and just stand there for about 15 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how prolific our feathered friends are. I counted a dozen different types in just one tree. The locals certainly know about this place and can be found by the first class playground and barbecue areas.

This house has had a moving experience. It used to be on a property about 8 kms from its present site. However, when larger companies swallowed up the smaller holdings, this house became redundant.....just like a lot of the employees.
What to do with it? Well, they gave it to the community who, of course, had to pay to move it. Still, it was probably a win-win situation in the end as this fine building now houses a museum dedicated to the industry that built it - sugar.
Within its walls are mementos, memorabilia and lots of photos and articles explaining what life was like in those bygone years.
One story I found fascinating was that of the three Italian brothers who made their way to Australia in the 1920's and ultimately designed and manufactured much of the machinery that is still in use today in this industry.
Fairymead is located in the same grounds as the Hinkler Museum

By now you’ll probably be wondering if there’s a cruise hereabouts and the Bundy Belle will serve you well here. The very informative and interesting commentary may have an addition to it as, while I was there, the business was being sold to a former music teacher. It does about a 2 hour down river trip; times can vary slightly due to tidal influence.

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For those with an artistic bent you have the options of the regional gallery and the School of Arts, both buildings worth a look for their architecture alone, the former with a most striking colour scheme and the latter in Renaissance style with Corinthian columns.
I got my artistic hit by visiting the local art gallery with its thought provoking displays but I found more enjoyment at the old School of Arts where local artists held sway. I was impressed by the underpriced works there, particularly by Leslie French and Tony Hills.

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The other things to see depend on your interests. If you have children in tow you are well served by Alexandra Park and zoo (birds only). The beauty of both is that they are free and conveniently situated in walking distance from the CBD.

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Of course, Bundaberg’s most famous attraction is the rum distillery and the fact that they can charge up to $25 per person for a full tour (interactive display and guided) indicates just how popular it is.
The famous and well patronised rum distillery where you get to do not only the hands-on display (available on its own for a lesser price) but you get a guided tour through the factory where you can don a hard hat and watch bottles going around in ever decreasing circles while learning everything about how rum is made. The well stocked souvenir shop may well tempt you afterwards.
I thought it amusing how the tour area is all tarted up in sunlight yellow while just across the road the glum tones of a time worn factory support the belching smoke stacks that dominate the Bundaberg landscape.

I’d drifted past all these and the new Coral Cove resort golf course that sits beside Barolin Esplanade. It’s a championship resort style course that was constructed to attract residents to this new residential area and, very successful it appears to have been with lots of new dwellings either built or currently under construction. I queried why when I asked a local resident, who also happened to be a cab driver, and she said that it was the peace and quiet that attracted her to this area.
I stopped in at the Point Elliott Holiday Park, one of four caravan parks with water frontage in the area, just before the chirpy manager bounced back and took down his “back in 20 minutes sign”. They always worry me because you’re never sure whether they’ve just left or it’s been 19 minutes already.
His holiday park is conveniently situated across the road from the Surf Lifesaving Club though I feel it’s a bit of a misnomer as the only time you’d see genuine surf here is in a cyclone.