With plenty of 4WD tracks to choose from as well as camping areas and bush walks this national park can keep you busy for days. The Razorback Track and Loop Road are for the 4×4 experienced with high vehicle clearance and plenty of adrenalin.

2. Head To Lake Awoonga

This is the perfect spot for fishing, swimming, picnics, water sports and plenty of other fun activities for the whole family. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish and you can launch the boat or even hire one.

3. Explore Cania Gorge National Park

With bushwalks, Aboriginal rock art, magnificent sandstone walls and the ever changing flora and fauna this park is a playground of natural beauty.

4. Embrace Some Unique Water-Based Experiences

Agnes Water: With some of the best waves for all skill levels Agnes Water Main Beach is the best place to pick up some surfing lessons. Lessons are for all ages.

Lady Musgrave Island: Take a day tour to explore the Southern Great Barrier Reef on the coral island of Lady Musgrave Island. Tours depart from the town of 1770. In Summer turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.

Heron Island: Take a day trip to Heron Island to experience the research station and explore more of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Access the island via sea plane which leaves from Gladstone Airport or if you’re planning on staying at the resort a boat transfer to the island departs from Gladstone Marina.

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Five Rocks. On the coast of Byfield National Park is this 4WD adventure lover’s dream. If the sand driving, large rock steps, and creek crossings weren’t enough for you, then the notorious sand dune, ‘Big Sandy’ will surely get your heart pumping. Follow the map to Three Rivers Beach for that insta-worthy shot of the five rocks, park up the top of stockyard point and walk down to beach, or keep driving towards Nine Mile Beach.

Farnborough Beach. If rocking and rolling through sand dunes isn’t quite on the agenda but you’re still looking for some smooth sailing beach driving, then Farnborough has got you covered. About 10 minutes north of the centre of Yeppoon, heading up towards the old Capricorn Resort, you’ll turn right at Bangalee and you’ll find access onto the beach. Make a day of it and bring the gazebo and BBQ. At the end of Farnborough Beach, you’ll reach Kelly’s Landing, a great spot for fishing. Just watch for crocs and stingers during the stinger season if you’re planning to swim.

2. Explore Great Keppel Island

This incredible island in the southern Great Barrier Reef is home to 17 white sand beaches all connecting by bushwalks or boat. This island offers magnificent flora and fauna to be discovered including pockets of coral reefs and sea life under the surface. The bar and bistro are in walking distance from the beach and campgrounds, and there are plenty of water activities and equipment for hire including snorkeling gear, SUP and canoes.

3. Get Lost In The Area’s National Parks

*not literally, of course!

Carnarvon Gorge. This 200-million-year-old natural landscape is lush with giant towering rockscapes, an abundance of native plants and wildlife, and incredibly sacred pieces of Aboriginal rock art that will leave you speechless. If you’re planning a visit, stay for at least a week if you want to get a glimpse of everything. Great for walkers, there are some long overnight walks and other short ones on offer.

Blackdown Tablelands. The Blackdown Tableland National Park offers beautiful walking tracks, swimming holes and stunning waterfalls. It is the traditional homeland of the Ghungalu people and walking amongst the towering rock walls and caves with fascinating aboriginal rock art will give you an incredible cultural experience.

Byfield National Park. Take a stop at Nob Creek Pottery and discover all the artistic handmade work on offer. Then head towards Stoney Creek where picnic tables, BBQs and a crystal-clear creek perfect for swimming will meet you. Then finish it off with one last dip in Waterpark Creek with more picnic facilities available. On the way home, drop into the Byfield General Store to pick up an ice-cream and other snacks.

4. Animal Adventures

Head to Rockhampton Botanical Gardens and Zoo for a walk in nature, watching the animals and feeding the ducks and turtles down at the lagoon. Entry is free and duck/turtle food is available at the kiosk.
Take a tour and hold a baby crocodile at the Koorana Crocodile Farm which holds over 5000 crocs and runs tours daily.

Cooberie Park Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect place for the family to meet the wildlife, help feed and interact with the animals. Some animals include koalas, kangaroos, monkeys, reptiles, parrots, and many more.

Want access to the best free camps, top walks, events, local secrets (and more) in the Capricorn region? Click here to get your Big Lap Bible now.

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This area is well-known for its turtles, and there are a number of ways in which you can get up close and personal with them.

One of the best ways is to visit Mon Repo Turtle Encounter between the beginning of November and the end of March to see turtles lay their eggs and baby turtles hatch and make their way into the ocean. It is the only ranger guided Turtle tour on the Eastern side of Australia. Bookings are essential. The Mon Repo Turtle Centre is a great educational stop all year round too.

If you’re looking for other ways to spot turtles, you can bike the turtle trail, go snorkeling, or go on a glass bottom boat tour.

2. Have a Drink!

You may know Bundaberg for its widely known Bundaberg rum, but this area is home to drinks of all varieties!

For an alcoholic tipple, or two, try the Kalki Moon Distilling and Brewing Co, Ohana Cider House, Vintners Secret Vineyard, Hill of Promise Cellar Door and, of course, Bundaberg Rum Distillery. You can book a Rum Distillery Tour and tasting or just visit the store front and buy your favourite straight from the Factory.

You can also visit the Bundaberg Drinks Barrel and see how they make soft drinks. They have been running as a family business in Bundaberg since the 1960s. Take a brew tour and have a tasting of all the drinks before choosing a 6 pack to take home as part of the entry fee (for adults, children are free).

3. Explore The Southern Great Barrier Reef

There are so many unique ways to enjoy the reef off the coast of Bundy. 

Australia’s newest dive site, Ex-HMAS Tobruk is a unique experience for anyone who loves to dive. Lady Musgrave Island and Lady Elliot Island offer some incredible snorkeling experiences. Plus, this area is home to some of the Great Barrier Reef’s master guides.

This region is one of the only places in the great barrier reef in which you can spot the “Great 8” (whales, manta rays, giant clam, clownfish, Moari Wrasse, sharks, potato cod and turtles), so it’s definitely worth heading into the ocean when you’re here.

4. Head To The Hinterland

The areas surrounding Bundaberg are great for heading out for a day trip. 

First head 45 minutes south of Bundy to Childers where you will find sugar cane plantations, avocado and macadamia farms and plenty of history. Plus, there’s and awesome bakery opposite the old Australia Post Building.

From Childers, head to Mingo Crossing then Mount Perry for a self guided heritage walk of this old gold and copper mining town. Next, go 12kms out of town to Boolboonda Tunnel. It’s a beautiful bush drive to the tunnel which you can either walk or drive through. 

Then, you’ll come across the town of Gin Gin and as you start to head back to Bundy, you’ll come across a site that has baffled scientists for years. Known as the “Mystery Craters”, these 35 odd shaped craters are worth a quick stop.

5. Step Back In Time

The Bundaberg area is rich with history and there are a number of museums to explore.

At the Hinkler Hall of Aviation, you will learn all about Bert Hinkler’s history in airflight. He grew up in the area. Has a great display of planes and history to enjoy.

At Fairymead House Sugar History Museum you’ll discover all about the sugar industry and cane cutting days in Bundaberg at this stately home. Check opening times as they are limited.

The Bundaberg Railway Museum is a must see museum for those interested in railway history.

Want access to the best free camps, top walks, events, local secrets (and more) in the Bundaberg region? Click here to get your Big Lap Bible now.

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