20 fun-filled things to do with kids in Bundaberg

Explore Bundaberg’s glistening coastline on foot along the 6km return walking tour from Bargara to the Mon Repos. Along the easy-graded journey, the whole family can explore sand dunes, mangroves and rock pools before stopping into the town’s most famous location; the Mon Repos Turtle Centre.

A world-famous centre inside the Mon Repos Conservation Park, the centre is dedicated to turtle conservation and education, where visitors can take part in the country’s only ranger-lead turtle experience.

From November to March, witness mother turtles’ nest on the shore and their hundreds of baby turtle hatchlings make their way to the ocean. This rare hands-on experience is one of the best things to do with kids in Bundaberg, but is ideal for family members of all ages.

(Note: Mon Repos is a popular experience that can book out well in advance. If you missed out, check out this post).

2. Check out the natives at Alexandra Park & zoo

A sprawling park adjacent to the Burnett River, there are a great many things to do with the kids here. As well as ample green lawns for playtime and shady spots along the river, there is also a small zoo inside the grounds, where kids can visit dingoes, emus, monkeys and small native mammals. The best bit? It’s totally free.

3. Cycle the coastal pathway

Take in Bargara’s beautiful coastline with a family bike ride. The cycle and walking coastal pathway from Oaks Beach to Neilson Park is home to native flora and wildlife, not to mention beautiful beach views.

Follow the path south to the patrolled Kellys Beach, which offers both surf and still-water swimming areas.

4. Swim the secret rock pool

One of Bundaberg’s best-kept secrets, head to the Basin Rock Pool, located at the end of Kellys Beach in Bargara.

During the outgoing tide, this man-made rock pool is a great place to snorkel and discover marine life in a semi-protected ocean-filled swimming pool.

5. Stroll the Amandine Lavender field

It’ll come as no surprise that the Amandine Lavender farm is simply breathtaking. A working lavender farm surrounded by a field of purple plants, this quaint location offers self-guided propagation activities the kids, and you, will love.

Enjoy lavender-infused ice-cream as you walk the grounds before stopping by the gift shop.

6. Get lost in Baldwin Swamp

Baldwin Swamp is known as Bundaberg’s very own ‘Kakadu’; home to breathtaking walking trails through the wetlands. Home to thousands of waterbirds and native wildlife, there are ample picnic spots under the shade of the eucalypt trees and plenty of trails to keep the kids entertained.

7. Picnic in the Bundaberg botanic gardens

Located in North Bundaberg, the 27-hectare botanic gardens are a kid-friendly green sanctuary complete with hidden Japanese Gardens, a lake and over 100 species of birds. The grounds are the perfect spot to sample the local produce you’ve packed for a family picnic.

On Sundays, the family can ride through the gardens on the Australian Sugarcane Railway. The kids will love the journey and it’s a great respite for parents wanting to cool off.

8. Explore National Park trails

Spend the day exploring one of eight beautiful bushwalks to take in Cania Gorge National Park. A great way for kids to explore the outdoors, discover towering cliffs, caves and sheltered gorges with the whole family in tow.

The kids will be able to see ancient Aboriginal art up close, learn about the varied habitats for the local native wildlife, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the elusive platypus in Three Moon Creek near the picnic area.

9. Sip ginger beer at The Bundy Barrel

One of Bundaberg’s most famous exports, Bundaberg Ginger Beer is a staple beverage on any kid-friendly holiday. Take a walk around The Bundaberg Barrel; an interactive tour which details the drink’s origins and manufacturing process, before visitors stop at the Tasting Bar. With 19 flavours and bursting with history, this is a must-do with kids in Bundaberg.

10. Visit Bundaberg’s Regional Art Gallery

The Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, or BRAG as the locals call it, has a dedicated kids programme, Kidz Corner, featuring hands-on arts and crafts that both children and parents will love. The self-guided activities are a fun way for the whole family to learn about art.

11. Relax at Bargara Foreshore Turtle Playground

Let the kids run riot at the Bargara Foreshore Turtle Park and Playground. Children of all ages will love the turtle-themed slides and play areas, while parents will fall head over heels for the uninterrupted views of the beach.

12. Get a family photo at the Big Orange

In Gayndah, it’s hard to miss the town’s famous mascot, the Big Orange. Celebrating the town’s claim to fame as the citrus capital of Queensland, visit between April and October to sample fresh juice from the citrus grown onsite.

13. Go fishing in Bundaberg with kids

A trip to Bundaberg wouldn’t be complete without a fishing trip and Woodgate Beach never fails to deliver. Dip a line in along the 16kms of sandy beaches, surrounded by 20,000 hectares of national park – home to countless kangaroos and wallabies.

14. Chown down fish and chips on the Marina

Embrace some downtime with the kids and watch the boats bob along the beautiful Bundaberg Port Marina. With plenty of grass sections to stretch the legs, picnic tables and colourful flower beds, grab an early dinner from the local fish and chip shop and watch the sun set.

15. Unravel the puzzle of the Mystery Craters

Discovered in 1971, Bundaberg’s Mystery Craters are just that; a complete mystery. Their origins have been the subject of many investigations and theories, but we suggest hitting up the viewing platform and formation and take a look yourself. The kids will marvel at the rock and fossil displays and will find out all about this Australian phenomenon.

16. Bundaberg Railway Museum

The Bundaberg Railway Museum is a fantastic day out with the kids in Bundaberg. Built in 1881 and housing important railway relics from past and present, step inside Bundaberg’s first railway station, for a look into the town’s industry past.

17. Sail the Bundy Belle with a Burnett river cruise

Take a relaxing historical tour of Bundaberg’s Burnett River aboard the Bundy Belle, a fully restored classic river ferry. Watch local trawlers bringing in their daily catch, and drift past the local sites of the Bundaberg Rum Distillery and the Bulk Sugar Terminal. The smell of sugar in the air makes this day trip all the more memorable.

Once you’re back on land, dine at Grunske’s By The River where the kids can see the working seafood market before eating locally-caught seafood.

18. Picnic at Apple Tree Creek

Take a drive to Apple Tree Creek; a family-friendly picnic ground the kids will love. Known locally as Australia’s Food Bowl, Bundaberg’s seasonal produce is the stuff of legend and Apple Tree Creek’s Pit Stop is famous for its locally picked apples and hand-made preserves.

19. Step back in time at Hinkler Hall of Aviation

Get to know Australia’s most famous solo aviator, Bert Hinkler, at the Hinkler Hall of Aviation. This family-friendly interactive display has glide simulators, a replica Arvo Bay aircraft and full-size display artefacts, including original flight records by Mr Hinkler himself.

20. Snorkel with turtles

Just a jump, hop and skip away from Bundaberg's shores sits Lady Musgrave Island and Lady Elliot Island, the two southernmost coral cays that make up the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day exploring the sun-kissed waters of Lady Musgrave Island with Lady Musgrave Experience, snorkeling alongside curious turtles, tropical fish and other marine life.

If you feel like spending a night (or two), take a scenic flight to the tropical oasis of Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort and wake up every morning to the sounds of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. There’s nothing like a morning dip with friendly turtles and magical manta rays.