Destination overview

The Bundaberg Coral Coast and Country Region encompasses a diversity of experiences, making it an ideal holiday location. True Gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, with its pristine environment, the region is home to many marine creatures. Humpback whales pass close to the shoreline en route to Hervey Bay. Reef walk, snorkel and dive on one of the great wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef.

Expect a place of plenty with 17 sandy beaches, 140 kilometres of coastline, coral cays and warm hospitality. At its centre, Bundaberg features historic buildings mixed with modern architecture.

The Whaling Wall, a 7-storey landmark mural always catches the eye. For history buffs, learn about Bundaberg's favourite son, pioneer aviator Bert Hinkler or whet your appetite with a visit to wineries or the rum distillery.

Looking for reef experiences? Then head to the Southern Great Barrier Reef or visit the coral cays of Lady Musgrave, Lady Elliot Island, Fitzroy Reef and the Capricorn Group. The superb coral cay of Lady Musgrave has the largest navigable lagoon on the Great Barrier Reef and is home to mantra rays, moray eels and other marine life.

For a rainforest, nature or national park experience, there's plenty of choice in the Coral Coast region. There's Auburn River National Park, with a rugged environment of boulders and pink granite; Cania Gorge north of Monto, featuring spectacular sandstone cliffs; Coalstoun Lakes' unique twin volcanic cinder cones with lush vine forests inside these craters and Deepwater National Park with palm forests and permanent deep water lagoons.

The laid back town of 1770 is the first place that James Cook landed in Queensland. The highlight is a drive along the foreshore which leads to Round Hill Head and absolutely stunning views of Bustard Bay to the north and Agnes Waters to the South. Great Barrier Reef and Eco day trips are available here as well as marine supplies.

A must visit spot is Bargara Beach, the major centre of the Coral Coast. It's newly developed foreshore streetscape, shopping precinct, accommodation and excellent dining facilities provide a total holiday package.

Fishing enthusiasts are well catered for at Bargara with an artificial offshore reef guaranteeing good fishing all year round. The Woongarra Marine Park preserves the coastline and offers fishing and snorkelling right on the shore - see angel fish, butterfly fish and other exotic colourful creatures.

A first class golf course is located just behind the beach and a bowling green offers outdoor entertainment for people of all ages.

Nearby, the Mon Repos Conservation Park has the largest loggerhead turtle nesting area in the South Pacific. Each season from November to February, giant sea turtles nest on the beach after dark, then six to eight weeks later, hatchlings emerge from their nests and make their long journey to the ocean. Turtles often nest at Bargara on Kelly's, Rifle Range and Nielson Park Beach offering a special summertime experience for beach goers.

Throughout the region there is a sense of history mixed with wilderness adventure, rural experiences and warm country hospitality. Picturesque Childers, a National Trust town, is set on top of rolling hills of red soil and offers cultural insights with a pharmaceutical museum and heritage buildings.

Visit historic townships set amidst canefields or follow in the footsteps of Wild Scotsman James McPherson, a bushranger whose antics are remembered in Gin Gin each year.

The Central and North Burnett provides a contrast to the coastal areas of the region with its rugged gorges, imposing mountain ranges and serene rural views.

15 National Parks preserve and provide a diverse range of experiences, from rugged mountain hikes to sleepy riverside picnic spots. Take the time to visit various lookouts and ridges for scenic vistas.

Mount Perry with its mining heritage is becoming known for its vineyards and olive groves, with the Wonbah Winery offering tastings and cellar door sales, or visit Miriam Vale's historic timber, grazing and dairying industries. Visit Gayndah, Queensland's oldest town as you drive past fields of colourful sunflowers.