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Bundaberg
| A city with tropical parks and gardens, lazy green-brown tropical rivers, Classical Revival buildings, wide streets, the sight of palm and fig trees. Bundaberg, the home of the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery, Bundaberg is located on the Burnett River, 20 km from the coast and 375 km north of Brisbane or 170 klm south of Gladstone. |  |
It is a typical subtropical city with an annual rainfall of 1159 mm and average daily temperatures ranging from 22°C in winter to 29°C in summer. The name 'Bundaberg' is a combination of 'Bunda', the name of the local Aboriginal tribe, with 'burg', the Saxon word for town.
Bundaberg is a thriving city dominated by the sugarcane industry which surrounds it, but also supported by the growth of beef and dairy cattle, tropical fruit and tomatoes. There are four sugar mills in the area and the port handles bulk sugar and molasses as well as petroleum and fertilizer.
The area provides nearly 20 per cent of Australia's sugar and is the country's largest producer of both brown rum and tomatoes.
Historical Buildings of Bundaberg
In the centre of town, particularly in Bourbong Street, there are a number of impressive buildings. The superb Commercial Bank building, on the corner of Maryborough and Bourbong Streets, was completed in 1891. Now listed on the National Estate its colonnades, cast-iron balustrade, French windows, excellent cedar joinery and elaborate staircase all indicate the importance municipal Bundaberg had achieved by that time.
The 30-m high post office clock tower dominates the town. Over the road from the post office is the School of Arts building (1889) which houses the art gallery.
In front of Christ Church, a handsome sandstone building with a distinct Norman flavour, is a monument to Bert Hinkler. A recent addition is the gigantic Humpback whale mural which adorns the Suncorp building in Bourbong St.
The Water Tower On the way to the Bundaberg Rum refinery it is worth pausing at the water tower in Sussex Street. This unusual eight-storey building is listed on the National Trust. It is notable for the fact that: 'On each storey the brick work is punctuated by eight round arched windows, four blind and four glazed, and each with stone sills. The tower is a landmark in East Bundaberg and a structure of industrial archaeological significance.'
St John's Lutheran Church Looking south from the Water Tower it is possible to see the impressive facade on St John's Lutheran Church with its texts from The Bible in huge letters. It is certainly one of the most unusual churches in Australia.
Schmeider's Cooperage and Craft Centre Near the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery, at 5 Alexandra Road, is Schmeider's Cooperage where the ancient art of barrel-making is practiced. Situated in a 100-year-old building it is a typical tourist destination with lots of gifts, a video explaining the art of cooperage, demonstrations of the craft and mini barrels for the souvenir hunter.
Bundaberg Rum Distillery
Bundaberg's greatest tourist attraction is the Bundaberg Rum Distillery which is clearly signposted (not that you could miss the smoking chimneys) off the road to Bargara and the port. Hour-long conducted tours of the distillery leave the visitors' centre at 10.00 am, 11.00 am, 1.00 pm, 2.00 pm and 3.00 pm daily.
You can view the fermenting tanks, wash column, condensers, pot still, maturation vats and bottling and, just as your heart is crying out for a nip of 'Bundy Rum', it is whisked away, labelled, and packed in cartons.
The Hummock
Off the road to Bargara is the low-lying volcanic remnant known as The Hummock which, although only 96 m above sea-level, offers the visitor good, though not inspirational, views over the whole area. The ocean is visible to the east while, to the west, the sugar fields can be seen encircling the city with the smoke stacks of the Bundaberg Rum Distillery on the horizon.
Sugar Facilities
19 km north east of Bundaberg are the city's huge sugar-loading facilities which are located beside the river. Tours are available. The major terminal has a building which is 425 m long.
Botanical Gardens and the Museum
On the Mount Perry Road into Bundaberg (the Gin Gin Highway) is the city's prize tourist attraction - the superb Botanical Gardens Complex in which Bert Hinkler's English home and the local museum are located along with a gift shop and good eating facilities.
The setting is delightful with lots of subtropical plants set around a lagoon with waterlilies and a number of wooden walkways. The local historical society has moved from the School of Arts building in the main street of Bundaberg and their display includes lots of memorabilia from the local area. The large modern building makes it one of the most pleasant and accessible folk museums in the country.
Mystery Craters
28 km from Bundaberg on the Gin Gin Highway, are the fascinating Mystery Craters. They are one of the most interesting attractions in the Bundaberg area because they are so big. An interesting feature is the extremely even distribution of red ochre through the coloured sandstone as if it was once churned in a giant cauldron.
Some experts think the craters are part of a large meteorite while Australian geologists say the area is the roof a subterranean lake that was caused by oil pressure underground, or that it was once the edge of the ocean and is the result of sea action. (The nearest beach is 24 km away).
The craters are, on average, only a few metres across. They can be viewed at close quarters and there is an observation platform which allows people to get an overview of the whole area. They are open from 8.00 am - 5.00 pm, seven days a week. Further information can be gained by contacting (07) 4157 7291.
Tropical Wines and Sunny Soft Drinks
If you wish to try wine made on the premises out of tropical fruits such as pineapple, passionfruit, peach, guava, plum, ginger, mango, strawberries and mulberries visit Tropical Wines at 78 Mt Perry Rd (Gin Gin Highway) Avocado Grove This large and very attractive garden contains a range of orchids, unusual fruit trees, tropical ferns and some exotic birds, including a pair of albino peacocks. There is a nature walk through a small rainforest and a restaurant, tel: (07) 4159 7367. It is located on Dr Mays Crossing Rd, south of Bundaberg.
Boyd's Antiquatorium
Located in Bourbong St West, a kilometre beyond the hospital, this is a diverse private collection of items including an extensive displays of musical instruments and coins, to vintage cars, cameras and motorcycles, tel: (07) 4152 2576.
Lady Musgrave Island National Park
The MV Lady Musgrave departs for the island from Burnett Heads (15 km north) at 8.45 am every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday (daily for a month from December 26). There is no fresh water, and there are no shops and no facilities though camping is permitted (the staff on the boat will arrange this for you).
Nonetheless this is a beautiful spot with a diversity of wildlife. The deal on the MV Lady Musgrave includes the options of snorkelling, glass-bottomed boats and exploration of the island, tel: (07) 4152 9011.
Lady Musgrave Barrier Reef Cruises provides day trips to Lady Musgrave Island and Coral Lagoon. A day trip includes snorkeling of a floating pontoon, glass bottom boat trips, semi-submersible boat trips, fish feeding, island walks with commentary, seafood lunch and morning & afternoon thee. Reef walking shoes and sunscreen are provided. Diving is additional. Boats go out on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Bookings can be done at the Bundaberg Port Marina' (07 4159 4519) or by freecall 1800 072 110.
