Welcome to Bundaberg – where the dirt’s rich, the flavours are real, and the locals know exactly where your food comes from (because they grew it). Set just four hours north of Brisbane and perched on the southernmost edge of the Great Barrier Reef, Bundaberg is one of Australia’s most fertile food bowls – producing a staggering 25% of the nation’s fresh fruit and vegetables. Here, the paddock-to-plate philosophy is second nature, farm gates swing open with a genuine welcome, and you’re invited to get a little hands-on with the region’s finest.

This is a road trip for those who like their food fresh, their stories real, and don’t mind getting a little red dirt on their boots in pursuit of flavour.

DAY 1: WELCOME TO BUNDY'S ICONIC FLAVOURS

As you cruise into the region, you’ll notice the scenery shift to tell a story of abundance, welcoming you with fields of sugarcane, rows upon rows of macadamias and avocado orchards, roadside produce markets, and honesty stalls dotted along the way. It’s a sign you’ve arrived somewhere special, where life moves a little slower, flavours are fresher, and the locals are always up for a yarn. Pull over, stock up on sun-ripened goodies, and start your holiday the Bundy way with good food, good vibes and local legends.

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH: WHERE GREAT TASTE BEGINS
Whether you’re up with the sun or rolling in late, our local cafés dish out generous, produce-packed plates that hit the spot every time, and what better way to welcome your taste-buds to somewhere new than at Water Street Kitchen. An unassuming weatherboard home just outside the CBD, here you'll be greeted by one of Bundy's best-kept culinary secrets. Behind its unassuming façade lies a dining experience that’s anything but ordinary and a team that is passionate about where our food comes from. Here refined, seasonal dishes hero local produce in the most delicious of ways.

Try the signature WSK Salmon Benny, a local twist on a classic, featuring macadamia-smoked blue salmon, crispy potatoes, silky poached eggs, and a rich burnt butter hollandaise that ties it all together. Craving something lighter but still full of flavour? The fried cauliflower delivers with creamy avocado, whipped goat’s cheese, fresh parsley salad, vibrant chimichurri, and perfectly poached eggs. Every dish is a celebration of local produce - thoughtful, beautifully balanced, and plated with care.

QUENCH YOUR THIRST AT THE BUNDABERG BREWED DRINKS BARREL
Start your journey with a visit to a name every Aussie knows: Bundaberg Brewed Drinks. Dive into the craft behind Australia’s favourite brew and this family-owned operation that has stayed true to its tried, tested and time-honoured recipes. Made with real local ingredients and brewed locally for over 50 years, at The Barrel you'll venture deep into the crating process on a self-guided journey before having the chance to sample the entire range of their 13 delicious flavours on a guided tasting. Once you've found your new favourites, get creative with a take-home mixed pack to enjoy during your time in region.

DISCOVER THE HOME OF AUSTRALIA'S FAVOURITE SPIRIT
No visit to Bundaberg is complete without stepping inside this world-famous distillery, where local sugarcane is transformed into liquid gold. Take a guided tour with the Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience and uncover the secrets behind Australia’s most iconic rum, from barrel to bottle. Want to take things up a notch? Book the Blend Your Own Rum Experience and craft your very own signature drop using exclusive blends, walking away with two personalised bottles and serious bragging rights.

LUNCH: VISIT THE HOME OF MACADAMIAS AUSTRALIA
Just a 15 minute drive from the distillery lies the family-run Macadamias Australia, where 200,000 trees span the horizon. Wander through a section of the original family orchard with a guided tour, before tasting roasted, raw, and flavoured varieties. With a tranquil ambience that will have you lingering longer, take a seat at The Orchard Table café more tree-to-table goodness. Psst. Their signature macadamia and honey ice cream is a must.

CHECK IN & UNWIND
Stay central in Bundaberg or venture to nearby Bargara for ocean views and coastal charm. From Bargara’s newest turtle see and stay resort, Turtle Sands, the soothing surrounds of Kellys Beach Resort, self-contained esplanade views from C Bargara, or glamping under the stars at Splitters Farm, there’s plenty of choices.

DAY 2: FILL YOUR FORK AND YOUR CUP

BREAKFAST: THE WINDMILL CAFÉ, BARGARA
Tucked away in a peaceful open-aired garden sanctuary, The Windmill Café is proudly one of our region’s “worst-kept secrets” - set just a block from the beach in Bargara and crowned by a charming Dutch windmill, this local oasis is an absolute must. Here farm-fresh flavour meets serious breakfast goals, paired with coffee so good you’ll want to savor every sip (and maybe ask for a second). For a true showcase of our region’s foodbowl, dive into The Windmill's vibrant Dragon Fruit Bowl, bursting with seasonal fruits, toasted granola, creamy Greek yoghurt, and a drizzle of honey on a dreamy pink pitaya smoothie base. Feeling hungry? The Breakfast Bowl serves up a Bundy-style feast with creamy avocado, crunchy macadamias, juicy cherry tomatoes, and smashed pumpkin piled high on buttery sourdough. Trust us, you’ll wonder how you ever breakfasted without it.

STRAWBERRY SWEETNESS AT TINABERRIES 
Looking for a sweet holiday stop that’s bursting with flavour and fun? Tinaberries is a must. This vibrant working farm invites you to pick your own sun-ripened strawberries (in season during September), then cool off with a swirl of real fruit ice cream under a canopy of shady trees. It’s a relaxed, hands-on stop that captures Bundaberg’s rustic charm and brings you face to face with the region’s rich farmland. A perfect pitstop for families, foodies, and anyone keen to taste how sweet Bundy life can be.

UNWIND AT AMANDINE LAVENDER
Just a short drive between Bundaberg and Bargara, Amandine Lavender Farm is a little slice of purple paradise. This charming boutique farm invites you to slow down and soak up the serenity as you wander through rows of blooming lavender, with the calming scent of crushed lavender in the air. The onsite gift shop is a treasure trove of locally made lavender goodies. From essential oils and skincare to homewares that smell as beautiful as they look, it’s free to visit, full of charm, and the perfect stop for anyone craving a moment of calm and a splash of lilac magic.

SEA FOOD AND EAT IT AT GRUNSKES BY THE RIVER SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & MARKET
Perched right on the banks of the Burnett River, Grunske’s is a local institution where the seafood’s as fresh as the breeze off the water. Watch trawlers glide by as you tuck into half a kilo of wild-caught local prawns - sweet, tender, and straight from the trawller. Pair it with an ice-cold Kalki Moon Gin Gin Mule and you’ve got yourself a riverfront feast for under $30. It’s relaxed, it’s real, and it’s Bundy on a plate.

RAISE A GLASS AT KALKI MOON DISTILLING
Born from Bundy spirit (literally), Kalki Moon is a proudly local, family-run distillery turning out premium gin, vodka, liqueurs and craft rum with big flavour. Swing by the cellar door for a yarn with the distillers themselves, sample the goods, or go behind the scenes to see how it all comes together. And if your idea of a good time involves gin and a golf swing, the new Luna Lounge is calling, complete with golf simulators, comfy lounges, and chilled vibes perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a laidback arvo with your mates.

DINE AT BERTS RESTAURANT
After a day of earthy, hands-on adventures, slip into something a little more refined at Bert’s Restaurant & Bar. With a nod to 1920s glamour and a love for local flavours, Bert’s brings Bundaberg’s best to the table - think fresh seasonal produce meets worldy cuisines, and expertly mixed cocktails featuring local spirits.

Whether you’re sharing plates with friends or settling in for a special dinner, this is where coastal class meets country charm. Just a short stroll from the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, it’s the perfect spot to raise a glass to the region’s rich, delicious heart.

 

DAY 3: A TASTE OF LOCAL LIFE

BREAKFAST & BOUTIQUES ON BOURBONG STREET
Start your morning soaking up the laidback charm of Bundaberg’s main street with a soul-warming coffee and a seasonal breakfast from one of the CBD’s beloved cafés. Then, make your way to  Cha Cha Chocolate, Bundaberg’s very own Willy Wonka wonderland. This family-owned boutique is bursting with handcrafted chocolates, nostalgic sweets, and thoughtful gifts, all lovingly curated by locals who truly know their craft. From artisan truffles to childhood favourites, it’s more than a sweet stop - it’s a magical moment you’ll want to revisit again and again.

SPLITTERS FARM
Just a few minutes from the heart of Bundaberg, Splitters Farm offers a slice of country life with a whole lot of heart. This working farm and animal sanctuary is home to rescued farm animals, lush paddocks, and peaceful riverside spots that make you want to stay awhile. Wander through the veggie gardens, meet friendly goats, pigs, alpacas (and a few cheeky chooks), and learn about sustainable farming in action. Whether you're feeding animals, picnicking by the dam, or simply soaking up the fresh air, Splitters is the kind of place that leaves you smiling — muddy boots and all.

LUNCH AT THE GARDEN MILL
Head to The Garden Mill, set among lush gardens, shaded dining and a paddock-to-plate inspired menu. The Garden Mill is one of those hidden gems that feels like you’ve stumbled into a friend’s backyard – if your friend happened to be a brilliant cook with a love for lush gardens, good coffee and beyond cute animals.

SCENIC COUNTRY DRIVES & FARMGATE FINDS
Pull over at Alloway Farm Market for farm-fresh finds, especially their deliciously fresh-squeeze orange juice, luxurious figs and more!

WHY BUNDABERG SHOULD BE ON EVERY FOOD LOVER’S MAP

For foodies chasing substance, connection and flavour-driven experiences, the Bundaberg region offers a rare kind of richness - one where the grower’s story is as satisfying as the produce itself. 

Whether you’re sipping spirits made from sugarcane grown metres away, tasting sun-warmed fruit straight from the source in the North Burnett, or sitting across the table from someone whose family has farmed the same land for generations, Bundaberg delivers an honest and unforgettable taste of Australia and taste of Bundaberg.