If 2025 was about recovery, 2026 is shaping up to be about intentional travel and that’s very good news for Bundaberg.

New insights from industry leaders point to travellers slowing down, staying longer, spending smarter and choosing destinations that feel real, restorative and connected to place. In other words: they’re choosing us on purpose.

For years, “sustainable tourism” was about doing less harm. These days, the conversation has moved on. Regenerative tourism is where the magic happens, where visitors actively improve the places they explore - contributing to the health of our environment, strengthening local communities, and supporting resilient regional economies.

As we move into 2026, the Bundaberg Region’s visitor economy continues to demonstrate resilience and genuine opportunity, underpinned by strong domestic demand. It’s encouraging – and it also reinforces an important truth: sustainable tourism growth is a long game, not a quick win.

As Lady Musgrave Experience celebrates its 10-year anniversary, I’ve found myself reflecting on a journey I’ve personally been part of for more than a decade. And what it has taught me about destination leadership, the value of partnerships and playing for the long game.

Childers is stepping confidently into a new chapter, with the Visitor Information Centre transitioning to an exciting community-led model in 2026 that invites locals to take centre stage in sharing the stories, spirit and experiences that make the town unforgettable.

Visitation to the Bundaberg and Southern Great Barrier Reef is thriving, with summer predicted to be another strong season for the region.

With school holidays now upon us and the festive season in full swing, early indicators show a positive outlook for summer visitation across the Bundaberg Region, with accommodation bookings steadily building and our signature nature-based experiences drawing strong interest from holidaymakers.

As visitor needs continue to evolve, conversations are underway to ensure that Childers remains a welcoming stop for travelers, through a more community-led model of visitor information delivery.