A rare colony of nesting turtles is just one of the captivating natural attractions near Bundaberg, a four hour drive north of Brisbane. Between November and March, you can join a nightly tour to see green, flatback and the endangered loggerhead turtles nest and hatch on a small beach in Mon Repos Conservation Park.

Bundaberg also sits at the hub of the Coral Coast, with a volcanic rocky coastline between the Burnett and Elliott Rivers, with national parks and relaxed coastal towns. Hit the surf at Agnes Water and visit its sister township of 1770, a popular departure point for reef cruises and fishing charters. Swim or fish at Elliot Heads, go diving in Coral Cove and Innes Park or spot kangaroos in Woodgate Beach and at Burnett Heads. Bargara is a growing seaside village, with The Port, at Burnett Heads the gateway to Lady Musgrave Island, Lady Elliott Island and Fraser Island.

Pick your own strawberries, sweet potatoes, avocados, macadamias and more from roadside stalls and farm gates. Dine on locally sourced menus, with ingredients delivered direct to the kitchen by the farmer. Local prawns, crabs, scallops and fish are marketed straight from the trawlers. Discover Bundy Food Tours visiting local farms including ginger, rose, sweet potato and dragonfruit farms rounded of with a delicious morning tea from a local café.

Back in Bundaberg, you can trace the city’s heritage in the museums and gracious colonial buildings. Cruise the Burnett River, ride a sugar train through the Botanic Gardens and tour the iconic Bundaberg Rum factory and Bundaberg Ginger Beer Barrel. The Bert Hinkler Aviation museum is very well presented, also within the Botancial Gardens.