TOURISM operators have launched a bid to attract more people to the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, saying it is better off Bundaberg than it is off Cairns and Port Douglas.

For turtle power with a luxe sleepover experience, Lady Musgrave Experience has launched a new Sleep on the Reef package where you’ll depart the Bundaberg Port Marina and spend the day snorkelling Lady Musgrave Lagoon.

Across the country there are farmers, butchers, chefs and winemakers grabbing every opportunity to connect with food lovers and share their knowledge and their produce. The food bowls – those regions producing fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and wine are now understanding the economic benefits of food tourism.

Your writer was one of the lucky first few to ‘blend our own’ before the new facility opened for all to enjoy. MasterChef’s Matt Preston also guided us in a ‘how to’. He had already created ‘Matt’s Blend’ the previous year and was keen to share his love of rum and the influences of the different barrelling.

Bundaberg might be known for its world-famous rum, chilled-out beaches and of course, turtles, but head west and you’ll find yourself in the land of farm stays, fruit picking and a splash of wine tasting.