See the reef and meet the turtles on this four day family holiday in Bundaberg

Whether you arrived by car or plane, hit the ground running in Bundaberg by refuelling – or fuelling the senses.

This is sugarcane country, so celebrate its most famous export with a visit to the iconic Bundaberg Barrel: where you can take a tour of Bundaberg Ginger Beer’s factory before a sugar-filled trip to the tasting bar. Or jump in the car and tour your tastebuds around the region’s fresh food bowl: local farm Tinaberries is a must-stop for strawberry picking if you’re here in season – but year-round you can pick up a delicious scoop of strawberry ice cream.

Do your kids prefer to get their hands dirty with some artistic flair? The Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery has a dedicated kids programme, Kidz Corner, featuring hands-on arts and crafts that both children and parents will love. Or check out these other things to do with kids in Bundaberg to fill your day. 

PM: Turtle time

Ready to check in? Home for the night is the family-friendly Bargara Beach Caravan Park, which offers cabin accommodation and camping facilities just metres from the sandy shores.

There’s plenty to keep the kids occupied if you arrive in the afternoon. Take a bike ride along the coastal pathway from Oaks Beach to Neilson Park, play at the Bargara Foreshore Turtle Playground, or have a swim at Kellys Beach. If your little ones aren’t ready for the surf, head to the end of the beach to discover Basin Rock Pool: a semi-protected ocean swimming pool that’s a great place to play and discover.

Tonight calls for fish and chips on the beach because it’s going to be a late one on the turtle experience of a lifetime. Bundaberg welcomes one of nature’s finest miracles, as turtles return to the same spot they were born to nest their own young. And you’ll get a front row seat to the action at Mon Repos Turtle Centre. The crew here runs guided tours during turtle season (generally between November – March), where you’ll break into small groups and watch on as turtles nest or babies hatch, make their way to the sand’s surface and take their first steps to the ocean. It’s a moving experience suitable for all ages.

This is an activity to plan ahead for, as spots on the tour can book out well in advance.

Day 2

AM: Set sail for the reef

Pack your towels, fill up your water bottles, grab your reef-safe sunscreen and don’t forget the camera: you’ll want to remember today forever.

A day trip with Lady Musgrave Experience is one of the best ways to discover the Southern Great Barrier Reef. It’s a whole day packed full of fun, departing from Bundaberg on a luxury catamaran. You’ll spend a few hours cruising through the clear waters to Lady Musgrave Island (the crew can play movies and documentaries to keep young, restless minds occupied along the way too).

Once you arrive, strap into your snorkel and fins and dive into the protected lagoon for some of Australia’s best snorkeling. Home to turtles, manta rays and over 1200 fish species, it’s a kaleidoscope of colour and activity below the surface: you might even spot a few migrating whales if you’re here at the right time.  

You can also take a glass-bottom boat tour, a guided walk of the island to learn about the wildlife, or if you’ve got a budding young wildlife warrior on your hands – sign them up for Lady Musgrave Experience’s marine biologist for the day program, where they’ll learn more about the reef and the creatures that call it home.

It’s an exciting day on the water that’ll leave the kids tuckered out, so once you’ve back on dry land, grab some tucker and tuck them into bed. 

Day 3

AM: Fly to an eco-paradise

Yesterday’s reef excitement was a taste of what’s yet to come, and you can’t visit the Southern Great Barrier Reef without a visit to one of its biggest success stories: Lady Elliot Island.

This eco-resort has made huge strides to become a 100% sustainable island, leaving as little human footprint as possible. The reward? Thriving marine life, extensive coral reefs, and an idyllic island experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

The icing on the cake? It’s just a 25-minute incredibly scenic flight from Bundaberg airport. With a limited number of guests on the island, this is an up close and personal experience with the world’s biggest natural wonder. You’ll just have to share your slice of paradise with migrating whales, local turtles, starfish and hoards of tropical fish.

PM: Soak it all in – or become a reef ranger

This tiny coral cay boasts a big activities list, so choose your own adventure this afternoon. Spend your time exploring, swimming and snorkelling, or enrol the kids in the Junior Reef Rangers program, which involves fun educational activities with a focus on conservation.

As dusk falls, grab a drink and snack from the bar and watch the most exquisite sunset. Once the sun has gone to bed (and if it’s the right time of year) you can watch turtles come to nest, or baby turtles hatching and heading out to sea.

Day 4

AM: Wake up with the fishes

Change from your PJs straight into swimmers, because after breakfast you’ll all want to jump straight back into the water to spend more time on the reef. If it’s high tide, throw on your reef shoes and explore the shallows – look out for sea cucumbers and other marine life.

Or why not circumnavigate the whole island? It’ll take you just 45 minutes – though you’ll want closed in shoes to protect yourself from the coral on the walk.  If you prefer to take a more structured stroll, choose between the two self-guided trails: The Eco Walking Trail and The Discovery Walking Trail, which will take you past the lighthouse which operated from 1873-1995.

PM: See you soon

As you fly out of Lady Elliot Island, the pilot will circle the island giving you a final chance to look for turtles and manta rays below, and one last photo opportunity for the family album.

Take it all in, and if you’re like everyone else, you’ll vow to be back.