Sweeping white sands, rockpools just a ramble from the shore, turtle tracks leading to crystal clear waters and a whole lotta’ reef snorkelling – the Bundaberg Region has the reef just within the reach of your flippers. If you are holidaying with your little ones, or teens who are 13 going on 30, here’s the reef lowdown on all the natural experiences on offer here on the coast. Pack the snorkel and flippers (or just goggles will do) and jump on into our reef within reach!

DAY 1

Check-in to your home away from home

Get the green tick of approval and check into this awesome eco certified resort, just a short stroll from the beach, Kelly’s Beach Resort. Parents, take a chill pill, sit back and relax as the kids let loose and enjoy the fun activities the resort has to offer, because if we could only choose one thing that Kelly’s does well, its Family. Set amongst stunning garden surrounds, Kelly’s Beach Resort has all the essentials for a cracker of a family holiday, large 2-bedroom Eco Villas, 5.5 acres of cartwheel space, tennis court & games room, spa, sauna and of course the all-important pool! You won’t even have to worry about dinner time with the onsite KBR’s Licensed Restaurant, ready to feed even the fussiest of little mouths. This is the ideal location for your offshore reef adventures, with both Bargara and Elliott Heads just a quick drive away.

Let the adventure begin

Once unpacked and settled in to your Eco Villa, head for a splash in The Basin and practice your snorkelling skills in the protected swimming spot that’s abundant with fishies! The Basin is a great spot for those less confident snorkellers or those just starting to learn as it’s calm waters are sheltered from the waves by basalt rock walls. A perfect starting point to gain your snorkelling super powers! If your youngsters aren’t tired out after all the swimming, then Christensen Park is just across from The Basin for them to run wild and let out their excitement after their underwater adventure.

Settle in for some quality time around the table

With the kids likely to be tuckered out from the day’s adventure, fill their belly with delicious paddock-to-plate eats just a stone's throw from your new home away from home at KBR’s Licensed Restaurant. Being a family-owned resort and restaurant for more than 16years, the friendly team are well versed when it comes to dinner with the family, so you can sit back and enjoy an evening knowing you and the family will be well looked after.

DAY 2

A breakfast for champions

Bundaberg is a haven for quality time, belly laughs and just good old fashioned family fun. With so many coffee bars and cafes nestled amongst our coastal streets, offering special menus for little folks and often accommodate picky eaters great and small. If your family rise and shine at the break of dawn and are in need of some sustenance, The Beach Mill right on the shores of Nielsons Beach brews great coffee from 6am. If your teens are known to hit the snooze button then The Windmill Café Bargara has a menu jam packed of insta worthy acai bowl goodness and drool-worthy all-day breakfasts (Southern Fried Chicken Eggs Benedict anyone?).

Did someone say picnic!?

Kickstart your road trip to the reef by hopping from farm gate to farm gate to build your own picnic of lovely, local produce. The Lettuce Patch is a great little stop for fruit, veggies, cheese & dips or head to Bargara Berries for some sweet delights (you’ll be glad you stopped by in Lychee Season – trust us!) Finish off your picnic basket with a few house made goods from One Little Farm – their  Savoury Muffins and Pumpkin Frittata always goes down a treat!

Pop your basket of deliciousness in the boot, and make your way down to our local underwater playground Barolin Rocks. Located in Woongarra Marine Park, this local snorkel spot is known for its abundance of hard and soft corals, colourful reef fish, rays and turtles! If you arrive at low tide, then be sure to take full advantage of the spa like rockpools that surround this popular dive haven. All of that snorkelling would of worked up an big appetite so dry off and tuck into your picnic under the shade at the near by Palmers Creek.

Note: As always, be sure to check all weather conditions prior to planning your trip.

Giving the Maldives a run for its money, the tiny coastal town of Elliott Heads is next up on your must do list. With 2km of Esplanade laced with hidden rockpools and the iconic insta-famous mermaid lagoon just on the foreshore, you won’t be short of places to explore.

A cheeky sweet treat

When the kids are asleep in the back of the car, pull into Tinaberries on Zunker Rd and watch them spring to life at the mention of ice cream! Pick your own juicy plump strawberries during Springtime or just stop by to feast on their delicious fresh fruit ice cream. Made with none other than Tinaberries home-grown strawberries, passionfruit, locally sourced mango and other seasonal flavours to tickle your pickle.

Dinner in with a view

As dinnertime rolls around, the crew are bound to be chomping at the bit. Hop in the car and make your way towards Bundaberg where a delicious evening of fresh locally caught seafood and dishes inspired by the region’s abundant food bowl await at Grunske’s By The River Seafood Market and Restaurant. Just a short 15min drive from Bargara, let sweeping river views greet you as you take a seat among the relaxed open-aired dinning deck that overlooks the mighty Burnett River. A sure-to-be hit with the entire family, you can choose to get your hands dirty peeling fresh river prawns or tantalise tastebuds with something a little less fishy with their generous range of non-seafood options that are equally as delicious.

DAY 3

Reef activities and other snorkel spots to explore

If you’re visiting our awesome region during school holidays, then let us introduce you to Reef Connect. Marine Biologist, Master Reef Guide, Research Diver and all around eco warrior mermaid Natalie Lobartolo offers a unique opportunity for wannabe marine biologists! Parents can relax as the kids spend the day exploring the local coastline, discovering the creatures great and small that call it home, and the importance of protecting these precious ecosystems they call home.

If you past few days of adventuring haven’t quenched your thirst for underwater adventures, then our last stop for a reef within reach is Hoffmans Rocks in Bargara. Adorned in gorgonian sea fans and stylish soft corals, this snorkel spot is just off the rocks at Nudibranch Park. Home to laid back turtles, stingrays, gropers and the weirdly cute wobbegong sharks. Colourful bommies popular with Lionfish and Olive Sea Snakes are sure to give the kids something to talk about at ‘Show & Tell’ when they get back to school.

So slap on the sunscreen, squeeze into your snorkel and slip on your fins, the reef within reach awaits you in Bundaberg.