Are you bringing the family up to see the turtles? Don't break the bank on your next family holiday.
1. Bargara Turtle Park & Playground
Situated along the foreshore of the Bargara esplanade sits every kid's heaven, the Bargara Turtle Park & Playground. Modelled to resemble the turtles that frequent Mon Repos this playground is close to cafes, fish and chip shops and public-use BBQ areas. Grab the kids, order some hot chips or BBQ up a storm while the kids run wild.
Cost: FREE (plus $5 for hot chips!)
It's not an Aussie holiday without the beach and we've got bucket loads. From Moore Park Beach, perfect for the keen angler and for taking your furry friends for a run, in the North and the secluded Woodgate Beach in the South, there's a beach for every member of the family.
Cost: FREE
3. Bike the Coastal Pathways
Get out the training wheels and go for a ride along the Coastal Pathways from Kellys Beach to Neilson Park. Enjoy the summer sun (sunscreen essential), get in your 30 minutes of exercise and see if you can spot turtle tracks from nesting turtles the night before.
Cost: BIKE HIRE FROM $15 FOR HALF A DAY FROM BARGARA BEACH CARAVAN PARK
Nothing says 'beach day' like trying to quickly eat gelato before it melts. Head to The Windmill Café Bargara for some delicious homemade gelato (they even have doggie gelato for your furry friend). Let the kids get messy as you enjoy a coffee or milkshake.
Cost: COFFEE - $4.20 CAPPUCCINO IN A CUP
5. Turtle Sand Sculpture
Get creative and spend the day creating a masterpiece in the sand. See who can create the best sand turtle and take a snap #visitbundaberg to show off your sculpture. Don't forget your hat and sunscreen or hit the beach early morning or late arvo.
Cost: FREE
If you're here from November – March, make sure you book in to the Mon Repos Turtle Encounter. Watch Mumma turtles haul themselves up the beach to nest from November – January, and the hatchlings scurry to meet the sea from January – March.
Cost: CHECK PRICES HERE
7. Learn to Snorkel
Are you heading out to the Southern Great Barrier Reef for the first time? Get some snorkelling practice in before you go at The Basin. A calm rock-walled lagoon, The Basin is the perfect spot for less-experienced swimmers, first time snorkellers and to spot colourful fish stuck as the tide changes.
Cost: FREE
8. The Hummock
Want to see Bundaberg from a different perspective? Head up to The Hummock for views of patchwork green farmland and the rich, red soil this region is so famous for. Pack a picnic to enjoy as the sun goes down or go for a walk along the boardwalk.
Cost: FREE
Try something different and go for a visit to Amandine Lavender farm. Explore the fragrant farm, stop and smell the lavender or pop into the gift shop for an explore.
Cost: FREE
Have the kids got the itch to hit the waves? Give Enviro Reef Paddle and Surf a go to teach them the ropes and they'll be carving it up in no time! WARNING: You may need to buy them a surf board when you get home.
Cost: $30 PER PERSON BEGINNER SURF LESSON
Updated 2019
