10 Reasons Bundaberg is your weekend Getaway from Brisbane
December 07, 2021

By Ali, Matilda Motel Bundaberg

10 Reasons to visit Bundaberg Queensland

Thinking about a Brisbane getaway?

Just over 4-hours drive north of Brisbane, Bundaberg is a great driving destination, with a variety of getaway experiences you will be sure to enjoy.

Here are 10 reasons why Bundaberg Queensland is a great weekend getaway destination.

How many can you tick off your list to see and do?

Many of the experiences are within walking distance from the Matilda Motel Bundaberg, your ideal base close to the CBD, so you can start ticking off the 10 reasons to getaway from Brisbane and enjoy Bundaberg.

10 Reasons to make Bundaberg your weekend getaway destination from Brisbane.

1. Beach Adventures  

Bundaberg is perfect for experiencing Australian nature at its best. There are seven National Parks that surround Bundaberg, with hiking opportunities and possible off-road adventures. There are four beaches in the area that allow you to enjoy the sun, the surf and even beach driving.

2. Snorkeling and Diving

North Queensland is not the only place to boast access to the Reef, The Southern Great Barrier Reef is a short boat ride to Lady Musgrave Island and Lady Elliot Island. Tours allow you to experience the reef surrounding these two picturesque islands, where you can enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling.

Are you wanting to add something exciting to your bucket list? The decommissioned Ex HMAS Tobruk has diving tours that cater for beginners, with an open water ticket and experienced divers looking for a deeper dive. The wreck starts at 10 meters and is as deep as 30 meters. You will be thrilled at the abundance of marine life on the metal surface, while you can swim with fish, turtles and other marine creatures.

3. Famous and Boutique Spirits Distilleries 

Bundaberg is most famous for it’s distilleries, with the number one attraction, of course, being the Bundaberg Rum Distillery. An up and coming distillery, boasting international acclaim for craft gin, vodka and liqueur is the Kalki Moon Distilling & Brewing Company. It is about to give Bundy Rum a run for its money, with a new rum on the way.

4. Wine and Brewing

Bundaberg has the only dedicated cider house in QLD, with Ohana Winery & Cheeky Tiki Cider. For those of you who enjoy a cold one, head to Bargara Brewing Company and the Brewhouse restaurant for a great meal and entertainment with a locally brewed beer.

5. Famous Bundaberg Ginger Beer – Non-alcoholic

If alcohol does not tickle your taste buds, then the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel is a must. Famous for being one of Australia’s best non-alcoholic drinks…Bundaberg Ginger Beer, Experience this historical local business with a tour and taste test its fantastic non-alcoholic brews.

6. River Fishing 

For the fishing enthusiast, the Burnett River provides you with a variety of fish. There is year-round bream, whiting and barramundi on offer. Other fish varieties are seasonal, such as tailor and threadfin salmon in the colder months. 

If you ask a local, they will recommend their favourite fishing spots close to town like the North Wall, Skyringville, Kirby’s Wall, Splitter’s Creek, Strathdee’s Rocks and the Town Reach. 

Moving closer to the saltwater at the mouth of the river, you can catch larger fish, like tuna and mackerel. If you want to be sure your fishing line gets a bite, the river’s North Wall is known for bream, whiting, flathead and Moses perch.

Fishing does not start and end in Bundaberg. It can be your base for short trips to other prime fishing locations, such as Burrum River, Elliot River, Baffle Creek, Lake Monduran, Lake Gregory, Pancake Creek and Middle Creek,

For the keen angler, wanting to snag a bite, or two, Bundaberg is only a few hours away from Brisbane and your home freezer.

7. Nature and Adventure

If getting close to wildlife in their natural habitat is on your bucket list, you are in for a treat. Mon Repos Turtle Encounter is entering its peak experience in summer, with November to March the season for turtle egg-laying and hatching. You can even swim with the turtles in the Southern Barrier Reef.

Whale watching is another highlight, with the annual humpback migration occurring just of Bundaberg’s coast from July. Tours are seasonal and depart from the Burnett Heads Marina.

8. History

The historic township of Bundaberg was established in 1860, so history is everywhere you look. Just a
5-minute drive (30min walk)  from the Matilda Motel are the Botanic Gardens, the home of history in Bundaberg. It’s most famous for the
Hinkler Hall of Aviation, in honour of one of its best-known sons, Bert Hinkler the aviation pioneer, who was the first person to fly solo from Australia to England. Also, located at the Botanic Gardens, the Fairymead House Sugar History Museum and the Australian Sugar Cane Railway will shine a light on  eras long gone.

9. Nature Walks

If you are just wanting to experience nature close to town, a short walk from the Matilda Motel you will find the Botanic Gardens, Burnett River Walks and Alexander Park well known for Alexander Zoo, a small zoo showcasing Aussie icons and family favourites, like wallabies, dingoes, emus, and even native bees. Further afield you can experience many varied walking tracks and trails through National Parks, old train tunnels and coastal pathways.

10. Art Scene

The variety of experiences continue in Bundaberg with a growing arts and culture scene. Scattered amongst the historical buildings is modern Street Art, on your way to the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery. You may even be interested in checking the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre’s show schedule before you arrive and book in to see a show.

Where to stay? 

The Matilda Motel Bundaberg is the closest motel to the CBD, it is convenient, clean, comfortable and affordable and perfect for exploring Bundaberg. 

Within Walk Distance:

Are you a foodie, or just like a great counter meal…we give you the rundown in our blog: Best places to eat near the Matilda Motel Bundaberg.

Motel Facilities:

  • Kitchenettes in rooms

  • Quality Linen

  • Off-street parking with 24/7 CCTV

  • Wi-Fi

  • Express Checkout

  • Covid conscious cleaning 

  • Pool

You can find out more about the Matilda Motel in our blog: Motel Accommodation Budget Prices with Quality Comforts.

We look forward to having you stay at the Matilda Motel Bundaberg when you book your next Aussie getaway. Call us and receive our best rates, or book online 24/7 by clicking here.

*Note: Information provided about tours are subject to COVID-19 restrictions and will require you to confirm details with tourism providers.