While we all know that Bundaberg is the humming hub of the region, the surrounding districts also have a lot to offer.So pack your picnic or throw the fishing rod in the boot and come and check out a couple of awesome day trips from Bundy.

First up is the old Aussie favourite; a country drive. And while I may have told you to pack your picnic, where we are heading today you don't really need to bother.

Hit the road early and set your course for Childers, just 45 minutes south of Bundaberg. Childers is an awesome little town surrounded by sugar cane plantations as well as macadamia and avocado farms. For the history buffs amongst you, take the Heritage Walk, which highlights 23 buildings which are listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.

I've been driving through Childers for a great many years, and for as long as I can remember we have stopped at the bakery on the main drag opposite the old Australia Post building for a sneaky pie. Not wanting to break with tradition, we dropped in and picked up a couple of their chunky beef offerings. For those that don't mind a mid-morning caffeine hit, the coffee served up comes highly recommended by my wife. This is one of the reasons why you don't really need to worry about packing that picnic.

From Childers, we headed south west towards Biggenden along the Isis Highway, before taking a right hander towards Mingo Crossing. If you've never been to Biggenden, then it's definitely worth the short detour to check out the town and its impressive art deco buildings. I was lucky enough to visit Biggenden last year, so we pushed through the countryside towards Mingo Crossing and the mighty Burnett River. Take it easy on these roads, as most of them are only one car wide and there's always traffic coming from the other direction.

Shortly after Mingo Crossing, the road turns to gravel, but don't worry, it's well maintained, and by the looks of it, it won't be too long before the bitumen extends all the way to Mount Perry.

Mount Perry was founded on the back of the gold and copper mining industries and was once home to over 30,000 people and 20 pubs! Today, it is a quiet township nestled in the shadows of the mountain that gives the town its name. A self-guided heritage trail highlights some of the towns more exceptional buildings including the Bicentennial Museum, Masonic Lodge and the impressive St Patrick's Catholic Church.

If you didn't pack the picnic, call in to the Mt Perry General Store for a bite to eat, and drive a couple of minutes out of town to the Lookout. You'll find beautiful views over the town and surrounding ranges, along with a gas bbq, picnic bench and shelter.

With bellies full, in my opinion the highlight of the trip is up next. The Boolboonda Tunnel. Turning right on to Tunnel Road and “Tourist Drive 6” approximately 12km north of town will have you opening a gate (don't forget to close it!) before travelling along a picturesque bush track before arriving at the long, dark tunnel. Always take it steady on the dirt roads, if for nothing else to soak up the smells and sounds of the Aussie bush. You might even get lucky and spot some native fauna along the way.

Now, you can either drive or walk, or both, through the tunnel. It's only one car width wide and is an impressive 192m long. This gives it the distinction of being the longest unsupported tunnel in the southern hemisphere, and was hand cut through solid rock.

We decided to drive through first, before walking back through for the full experience. And that full experience includes being able to check out the colony of bent wing micro bats that call the tunnel home. At the eastern end of the tunnel, there's a great display highlighting the history and significance of the tunnel.

From the Boolboonda Tunnel, it's a short ½ hour drive back to the highway and the town of Gin Gin, where, if you time it right ie a Saturday, you could pick yourself up some local produce at the farmer's markets before checking out the old courthouse featuring exhibits by local artists.

With weary bones, load the troops back into your car and finish your country drive with the final leg back to Bundy....maybe with a quick stop off at the Mystery Craters on the way!

We've done the bush, so our second day trip has us heading for the beach. Bargara and Moore Park Beach to be precise.

Bargara could just about be considered a suburb of Bundaberg, but there's enough sugar cane and sweet potatoes to separate them just enough, and it could definitely be considered a holiday destination in its own right.

Sporting beautiful sandy beaches and friendly locals, it's the perfect spot to chill out away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Start your morning slow and grab brunch at The Windmill Cafe before wandering along the esplanade through the pandanus and palm trees, stopping at the picnic areas to watch the locals catch a couple of waves. Time your visit right, and the migrating humpback whales might pop by to say hello. If not, a pod of dolphins will keep you entertained as they catch the best waves in the line up.

If you fancy a dip in the ocean, then don't forget to pack your swimmers, as Bargara boasts two calm water swimming spots. If you're feeling a tad more adventurous, don your mask and flippers for a spot of snorkelling right on the shoreline.

By now, you've no doubt worked up an appetite again, so head back along the esplanade to dine at one of the al fresco cafes. But for me, when I'm at the beach, I can never go past a big feed of fresh fish and chips. Try Bradlee's Beachside Takeaway for fresh seafood right on the beach.

After lunch, it's time to head back towards Bundy before turning right and heading north to Moore Park Beach.

The biggest drawcard for Moore Park Beach, is as its name suggests, the beach! Over ten kilometres of unspoilt, golden sand waits to greet you at this sleepy little seaside hamlet. And it's not only the locals and tourists that love this beach. Every summer (Nov-Mar) Moore Park Beach becomes a nesting site for loggerhead turtles.

To the north of town, you can even bring your four legged pal for a dash along the open stretch of beach and a splash in the crystal clear water. While you're down on the beach, grab that fishing rod that you packed earlier in the day and try for a feed of whiting, bream, dart or flathead. Local tip: beach worms are the best bait!

With the sun getting lower in the sky, head to the local duckpond, which is located just behind the beach near the tourist park, and see how many of the local waterbirds you can spot.