Make your next family holiday one to remember with these 10 Summer experiences not to be missed!
EXPLORE THE SOUTHERN GREAT BARRIER REEF
Spend a day with the family snorkelling alongside curious turtles, manta rays, tropical fish and other giant marine life, as you explore the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Tick this bucket list item off with just a short boat ride to Lady Musgrave Island or scenic flight to Lady Elliot Island – two of the southernmost coral cays making up the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Surrounded by vibrant blue waters and overflowing with life both above and below the surface, enjoy a day trip exploring these underwater playgrounds from the comfort of a glass bottom boat or by getting up-close and personal, snorkeling with friendly local marine life.
After spending a day with the family exploring the depths of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, we have no doubt you’ll be wishing for more time in this secluded paradise. Why not extend your stay and disconnect from reality where no phones, video games or iPads can steal those precious moments from you, and immerse yourself in an overnight, 2-night or even 3-night stay at Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort. With the Great Barrier Reef right on your doorstep, enjoy the night sleeping away in a Beachfront, Reef or Garden unit, spacious glamping tent or cosy eco cabin. With a full breakfast and delicious dinner buffet included, along with daily island tours and water equipment, sit back, relax and enjoy some quality time away on the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
WITNESS A MIRACLE AT MON REPOS
Make your family holiday one to remember this summer with a ranger-guided Mon Repos Nightly Turtle Encounter. Create memories to last a lifetime from November to March. Witness a miracle as Mother turtles haul themselves upon shore to nest their clutches of eggs with up to 150 eggs laid per clutch from November – January. Return some weeks later to continue this circle of life journey and witness hundreds of baby turtles erupt from their sandy nests before making the dash towards the sea with only 1 in 1000 surviving the odds from late-January to late-March. As the only ranger-guided turtle encounter on the East Coast, this is one experience you don’t want the family to miss!
With more than 14 flavour-filled drinks to try, discover your new favourite drink at the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel. Known for being home to Australia's favourite Ginger Beer, let your taste buds tingle and sample their wide range. From lemon myrtle ginger beer, pink grapefruit, tropical mango, traditional lemonade and more, you'll be sure to leave with a 6 pack customised with your new favourites to enjoy at home!
HINKLER HALL OF AVIATION & BOTANIC GARDENS
Travel through time at Hinkler Hall of Aviation and experience the adventures of aviation pioneer, Bert Hinkler and let the kid’s imagination run wild with interactive flight simulators, movie theatrettes and aircraft displays. Before you leave, be sure you enjoy a stroll through the Botanic Gardens or hop on board the sugar cane railway and enjoy a game of I-spy with the friendly wildlife along the way.
Looking for a fun-filled afternoon out with the kids? Head to Bundy Bowl and Leisure for a day filled with activities that will be enjoyed by all. Whether you want to show off those tenpin skills, get the adrenaline pumping with a game of laser tag, try to find clues in an escape room or have a laugh on the dodgem cars – Bundy Bowl and Leisure Complex has it all!
SAND TURTLES BY THE SEA SHORE
No family holiday is complete without a day spent making sand turtles at the beach. Lining Bargara and the Coral Coast are a variety of serene pristine beaches that are waiting to be explored. Pack yourselves a family picnic, put on the swimmers, grab the kids boogie board and head to Bargara, Kellys or Elliott Heads Beach for a summer’s day spent by the sea.
FOR THOSE WITH A SWEET TOOTH
Treat yourselves to some gelato from a range of our boutique cafes throughout the region. If you’re strolling down the main street of Bundaberg, stop into Alowishus Delicious and try their ‘turtle-y’ awesome flavours, or stop in and grab a scoop from the award-winning Windmill Café while exploring the hub of Bargara. If you didn’t happen to grab a taste during your stay, fear not! Mammino’s Gourmet Ice-cream is just a short stop as you drive through Childers. Be sure to try their iconic Macadamia ice-cream!
GET CRAFTY!
It’s time to get crafty! With unique workshops available throughout the Christmas holidays, why not try your hand at making some jewellery or weaving your own basket at an Artisans 4670 diverse workshop. Especially created for those as young as 5-years to join, make your stay in the region extra special with a handmade gift to take home.
BIKE THE TURTLE TRAIL
Feel the wind in your hair and taste the salty air on the tip of your tongue as you peddle your way along sheltered pathways, leading you from the hub of Bargara, through to the largest turtle conservation on the East Coast Mainland - Mon Repos Turtle Center, and past a variety of beautiful beaches until you come to Burnett Heads lighthouse. Hire a bike from Bargara Breeze Big 4 Holiday Park, and follow the local's most loved 'Turtle Trail' for a scenic view of our coastal gems.