Summer Tourism Outlook: How the Holiday Season Is Shaping Up in Bundaberg
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.
Forward occupancy data shows a consistent lift right across December, rising from early-month softness to a peak of 73% occupancy on Christmas Day, almost 10 percentage points stronger in forward bookings when accessed the same time last year. This strong festive peak reflects renewed traveller confidence and the appeal of the Southern Great Barrier Reef as families plan their summer getaways.
Coastal caravan parks remain a pillar of the region’s summer appeal. Parks including Turtle Sands, Woodgate Beach Holiday Park, Discovery Parks Bargara, Elliott Heads Holiday Park and Absolute Oceanfront Tourist Park are heavily booked across Christmas. Some inland and town-based parks still have limited availability, catering to late planners or travellers seeking affordable alternatives.
January availability varies across operators, with some reporting stronger demand than last year while others note more moderate trading conditions, consistent with wider industry trends across Queensland.
Mon Repos Turtle Encounter Continues to Shine
A highlight of every summer, the Mon Repos Turtle Encounter continues to draw significant interest from families, eco-tourists and visitors seeking meaningful nature experiences.
• Tickets remain available across December and January, particularly on mid-week nights.
• February weekends are already sold out, with mid-week sessions still open.
This season is a timely reminder of the importance of marine conservation and the privilege of witnessing the world’s largest concentration of nesting loggerhead turtles right here in Bundaberg.
Day reef trips to Lady Musgrave Island with Lady Musgrave Experience are performing strongly as travellers seek accessible Great Barrier Reef adventures without the crowds. As one of the region’s hero experiences, Lady Musgrave Island continues to reinforce Bundaberg’s position as the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Our Message to Visitors: Book Early and Plan Ahead
With strong peaks across key travel periods and varied availability across accommodation categories, travellers are encouraged to book early and explore the full breadth of experiences available in Bundaberg over summer. From the Great Barrier Reef to world-class conservation encounters, farm-fresh local produce, and our much-loved coastal villages, the region is ready to welcome visitors for another memorable season.
Bundaberg Tourism's Summer resources are a quick and easy way to get consumer-ready assets for your promotions and they are totally free! Access them today and share our destination offerings with your guests.
