Things to see and do in the Southern Great Barrier Reef

Most people think the Great Barrier Reef starts in Cairns, but let’s set the record straight - it kicks off in Bundaberg, a cruisy four-hour drive from Brisbane. That means you can be snorkelling world-class coral gardens or hanging with manta rays on Lady Elliot Island long before the tourists up north have finished their second coffee.

The Southern Great Barrier Reef region spans across Bundaberg, Gladstone, and Capricorn, where the coast meets the country, and the reef meets the road trip of your dreams. You’ll find reef adventures, rugged national parks, and historic towns, all within easy reach. And if island life is calling, Great Keppel, Pumpkin, Wilson, Heron, Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliot islands are waiting with open arms (and hammocks).

Bundaberg isn’t just famous for its rum (though a tasting at the distillery is a rite of passage). It’s also the gateway to Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliot islands, where you can spend your days snorkelling with turtles and drifting over coral gardens. Prefer dry land? Head to Bargara for beachside bliss or time your visit for turtle season (November to March) at Mon Repos, where baby hatchlings make their dash for the ocean.

Further north, Gladstone is your launchpad to Wilson and Heron islands - secluded reef escapes where the biggest decisions you’ll make are whether to snorkel or dive first. Back on the mainland, the twin coastal gems of 1770 and Agnes Waters offer beachside charm, epic surf, and front-row seats for whale watching from July to October.

Rockhampton and the Capricorn region serve up the best of both worlds: reef and beef. It’s the jumping-off point for Great Keppel and Pumpkin Island, but don’t skip the mainland. Yeppoon is all about beachy vibes, Byfield National Park delivers towering sand dunes and rainforest escapes, and Blackdown Tableland National Park is a local secret worth the detour.