The ultimate backpacker’s guide to Bundaberg

The relaxed regional town of Bundaberg, the 10th largest city in the state, sits in the Wide Bay-Burnett region of Queensland, perched on the Burnett River. Bundaberg is a member of Australia’s mainland, but as a resident of the Capricorn Coast, it nudges the Southern Great Barrier Reef. If you’re trying to find it on a map, head north from the Sunshine State capital of Brisbane, by 380 kilometres to be exact.

This is a balmy place year-through, with plenty to do both on and off shore. A thriving population of producers of edible delights beg to be explored - from tropical fruits to its most famous exports, sugarcane and its resulting rum. Plus Bundaberg offers access for the adventure-inclined to Woodgate National Park and Mount Walsh National Park. But for those craving a dip (or a snorkel) it’s also a destination that neighbours the idyllic locations of Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliot Islands - making for easy day trips out onto the Great Barrier Reef.

STAY

North Bundaberg Backpackers

No backpackers guide to Bundaberg is complete without a mention of its leading hostels. North Bundy Backpackers (as it’s known) is one focused completely around working holiday makers. What do we mean exactly? Visa assistance and consistent work (and its arrangement) is all a part of your stay, if you so choose. Rooms are just as tempting - as a former motel, most come with ensuites and tiled floors.

Dingo Blue Backpackers

A fellow working holiday maker focused establishment is Dingo Blue. This accommodation may be less focused on creature comforts, but it’s well-versed in assisting in farm work for backpacking travellers, and offers free transport to and from. Plus it’s conveniently centrally located in town, and no stranger to a party come evening.

Federal Backpackers

History buffs may already know of the Federal, a hostel that was once housed in a historic hotel built back in 1889. After suffering a devastating fire last year, the backpacker haven was sadly demolished but reopened in a new space in the former Tatts Hotel, delivering the same affordable prices and colourful community for which it became known.

East Bundy Backpackers

It’s no surprise that the East Bundy Backpackers shares a focus on making everyone feel a part of the family, as a family-run hostel itself. With a network of collaborative farms, packing sheds, nurseries, and general labouring work, the hostel is devoted to helping working holiday makers lean into their Bundaberg stay. Guests can choose from a trio of double rooms, or the remaining dorms.

PLAY

Mon Repos

A must-do component of any backpackers guide to Bundaberg is a visit paid to Mon Repos. Easily accessible from the city centre, this is an important place in terms of marine animal conservation as the largest loggerhead turtle nesting grounds in the Southern Hemisphere. Every nesting season (which runs November through March) hatchlings by the thousands break free from their eggs and take their first steps towards the sea at this beach. You can see the hatching in action as a part of a guide-led tour.

Bundaberg Rum Distillery

Arguably one of Bundaberg’s most famous residents is this distillery which has been in action for the past 130 years, and is one of Australia’s most well-regarded spirit brands. Today the dark liquor continues to be made in the same time-honoured tradition - a process which can be experienced as a part of the intriguing Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience. Post-explore of the brand’s heritage and molasses sheds you can even put your own spin on the spirit with a bespoke blending opportunity.

Lady Elliot Island

If you’re keen to head off shore it’s a near non-negotiable to go and see Lady Elliot Island. The space’s picturesque good looks are the result of a determined effort to recover its natural resources after it was mined. Today it is a fully sustainable eco-resort and wildlife refuge that welcomes travellers to explore as a part of a series of day trips. Spend your time here trawling its foliage-framed bushwalks, or snorkelling among its resident duo of coral cays, awash with marine life aplenty.

Alloway Farm Market

Any backpacker guide to Bundaberg should include some activity options for the food-inclined. This place is no stranger to produce markets, with Alloway our pick of the bunch. It’s here that you can get your hands on an abundance of produce grown locally, from cherry tomatoes plucked straight from the vine to plump figs gathered year-round.

EAT AND DRINK

Grunske's By The River

When it comes to local institutions, this place is the cream of the crop. A haven of fresh seafood, Grunske’s is a must-do as a part of any backpackers guide to Bundaberg, with the eatery serving up juicy local prawns, and scallops, crabs and bugs (and the like) gathered from nearby with some icy cold beers on the riverfront. If you’re more inclined to cook up a storm at home, grab your wild-caught ingredients from the adjoining seafood market.

The Brewhouse

This unassuming warehouse (once a base for the Salvation Army) is today a rather popular craft brewery. Aptly named, this destination is a great place to drink or dine no matter your budget while in town, and it serves up a fleet of different beers brewed from rainwater. There are a dozen or so on tap at any given time, promising you plenty of variety with each new glass - sip on the likes of the Rusty Roo or resident ginger beer the Ginja Ninja.

Indulge Cafe

Brunch lovers can’t afford to miss out on a visit to Indulge Cafe, the award-winning eatery that’s long been a local favourite for creative breakfasts. Quality coffees are served alongside heaped plates of fare championing Bundaberg farmers - think French toasted brioche with grilled pineapple, coconut panna cotta, chocolate and macadamia liquor crème anglaise, or the truffle-infused scrambled eggs, smoky bacon, roasted cherry tomatoes, rich tomato ragu and toasted sourdough.