10 amazing places to eat and drink in Bundaberg

A visit to this Bundy institution is a non-negotiable, with the distillery a key contender for every guide on where to eat and drink in Bundaberg. Erected in 1888, Bundaberg Rum Distillery is a historic figure in these parts and is best explored as a part of the specialised tour around the precinct. On your wander through the distillery you’ll be introduced to the rum process, and some of the 60,000 bottles of rum made per day here from Bundaberg-grown sugar cane, as well as blend your own rum. Post-tour linger at the adjoining bar, where you can sample the many spirits on offer, including the multi-award-winning Solera rum, dubbed world’s best.

Kalki Moon Distillery

Sip on another local tipple with a visit to artisanal producers Kalki Moon. Similarly born from the Bundaberg sugar cane fields, this boutique distillery produces gin, vodka and liqueurs and has quickly earnt a strong reputation from locals and visitors alike. This family-run establishment is the creation of local Rick Prosser and his brood, with their alcoholic pursuits earning them a series of top awards in the industry already courtesy of their mantra ‘quality over quantity’.

Indulge Cafe

Sink your teeth into the brunch specialties at Indulge Cafe. This casual spot is a local favourite, earning a reputation courtesy of former owners Amanda and Larry Hines. Now former sous chef Mitchell White has taken the reins, continuing to celebrate Bundaberg producers across his menu, with most of the ingredients procured from the surrounding few kilometres. Chow down on the seasonal breakfast and lunch menus available, alongside a house-made array of desserts and breads (think macarons, cakes, friands, savoury muffins and more).

Ohana Cider House

It’s in Childers that you’ll find the 4.5 hectares on which Ohana Cider House and Tropical Winery sits. The creation of a Perth couple, Ohana was launched as a winery, but has now branched out into liqueurs as well as a much-loved cider. The latter has been developed by owner Joh by following the same principles of making high-quality fruit wine, crafted into small batches from fruit grown on-site. You can taste it for yourself with a tour of the cider house, as well as the surrounding orchard, home to exotic seeds like jackfruit, and chocolate pudding fruit.

Riverfeast Food Market

Grab your diary, for every third Sunday afternoon of the month sees Bundaberg’s old marine college become host to the Riverfeast food market. It’s a Sunday session for the community held at Bundy's biggest beer garden by the river. Grab a local craft brew to sip on while you watch the sun set over the surrounding Burnett River, with food available from a series of surrounding pop-up stalls. Riverfeast also hosts a number of rotating events throughout the year (and can be rented as a function space), including OktoberFest, Halloween, and the famous Chilli and Lime Festival.

The Bundaberg Barrel

Take a brewery tour of the non-alcoholic variety with a visit to the Bundaberg Barrel. The home of the adored Bundaberg Ginger Beer, this is the place to learn more about the brand’s impressive array of soft drinks (currently numbering 16 other flavours) as well as get a better look at the brewing process, and a side of the city’s history of brewed drinks. After a self-guided tour through the factory, embrace the chance to design your own customised soft drink label (what some would call the perfect souvenir).

Grunske’s by the River Seafood Market and Restaurant

Grunske’s is a must-visit when it comes to places to eat and drink in Bundaberg. Considering the city is so close to the Great Barrier Reef, it’s no surprise that it’s well-versed in quality seafood. Grunske’s by the River is Bundaberg’s go-to seafood market and restaurant and has been so for the past 40 years. Drop by to grab handfuls of shucked scallops, oysters, prawns, crab, and fish straight from the trawlers, all available to be enjoyed from Grunske’s much-loved balcony above the Burnett River.

Water Street Kitchen

Treat yourself to a memorable meal at Water Street Kitchen. Housed in a converted Queenslander, this more refined eatery celebrates Bundaberg produce on its breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, each heaving with creativity. It’s here you’ll be able to start your day with the likes of a decadent French Toast topped with spiced brioche, poached pink lady apples, custard, milk crumb or later nibble on a plate of sand crab lasagne served with crustacean sauce and parmesan chip.

Tinaberries

Curb your cravings for something sweet at Tinaberries. The immersive strawberry field continues to prosper in the rich, red soil of Bundaberg, using its base to educate young and old on the local fruit. In spring, visitors are welcomed to drop by and pick their own berries from the rich red soil of Bundaberg to enjoy at home. Missed picking season? You can still tuck into some of owner Tina McPherson’s treats, with the real fruit ice cream made year-round from (you guessed it) strawberries, passionfruit, and locally grown mango.

Now that we've shared this tasty list of things to do for foodies in and around Bundaberg, here's a few ideas on how to get a taster in a day and how to do it over a weekend? Enjoy!