Bundaberg

The Bundaberg region encompasses many great experiences, making it a great holiday location.

Here the Great Barrier Reef begins with coral reefs fringing the shoreline and our two coral cay's Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave Islands. Reef walk, snorkel, dive and view one of the great wonders of the world, all from Bundaberg.

Over 140 kilometers of unspoiled beaches stretch from Woodgate to the Town of 1770. These are stinger free and range from surf to calm water. Many creeks and river estuaries provide ideal spots to drop a line and fish.

With its pristine environment the region is home to many marine creatures. Humpback whales pass close to the shoreline en route to Platypus Bay on Fraser Island. Turtles have a special affinity for this part of the world with Australia's largest mainland rookery situated at Mon Repos Beach near Bundaberg.

Bundaberg itself is a progressive modern city with an urban population of over 43,000. Visitors are well catered for with excellent shopping, fine restaurants and many attractions. The great range of affordable accommodation makes Bundaberg an ideal base to explore the region. Step back into the hinterland and the Central and North Burnett. There's a sense of history mixed with wilderness adventures and rural experiences. Host farms, country pubs, comfortable motels and caravan parks will all impress you with that famous country hospitality.

Bundaberg's major industries comprise of facets of the sugar industry including distilling and cane harvester manufacturing; project engineering management, small crops, forestry, livestock, agriculture, fishing and marine, food and beverages, construction, plastics, light aircraft manufacturing, metal casting, machining and tourism.

A significant aspect of the Bundaberg region is the superb lifestyle set in a healthy family environment with a range of cultural recreational and sporting activities. The climate is idyllic all year round. Real estate prices are affordable with a choice of city or country living.

A city of charm

Bundaberg is a progressive city of 45,000 people servicing a district of 70,000. Bundaberg was named in 1867, the name coming from the linking of "Bunda" the name of an aboriginal elder and "berg" being a variation of an old Saxon word for town (burg). These days a more familiar version has surfaced with the name being shortened to Bundy for use in conversation.

With the Great Barrier Reef just off our shores and a host of things to see and do, Bundaberg is a great place to visit.

The Burnett River flows through the city and divides Bundaberg in two. A road bridge, restored in heritage colours and rail bridge cross the river from the centre of the city to North Bundaberg. An additional road bridge crosses the river from Bourbong Street near the Tourism Information Centre to Hinkler Avenue. The Tallon Bridge was named after a notable Bundaberg cricketing family.

The river is a place for recreation catering for fishing, boating, rowing, skiing upriver at Sandy Hook and sailing downstream near the port. Parks grace the river banks; on the city side are Anzac, Alexandra and Queens Parks and in the north side Lion's Park is under the bridges.

Upstream from the city is the barrage which holds back fresh water for irrigation and city water supplies. Further upstream the Burnett is home to the platypus and unique ceratodus (lungfish).

The river also has commercial uses with trawlers, dive and charter craft using Bundaberg as a base. Bundaberg ranks with Cairns and Coffs Harbour as one of the three principal clearing ports for visiting yachts on the east coast. Midtown Marina is a facility of international standards providing berth and moorings for commercial and pleasure craft.