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Gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef and home to beautiful beaches, Loggerhead turtles, delicious locally-grown food and wine and relaxed rural townships.

Bundaberg

ECO Certified Destination (Ecotourism) since 2023.

Blessed with one of the world’s most agreeable climates and encapsulating a diversity of landscapes from shoreline to hinterland, the 6400 square kilometres of the Bundaberg Region is a Queensland drawcard not to be missed. A dynamic and emerging city, Bundaberg is the centrepiece of the region which includes long established rural communities at Gin Gin and Childers.

Noted for its environmental excellence, pristine waterways and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, the Bundaberg Region showcases everything that nature’s palette can create. Our agricultural pursuits are the envy of the nation with iconic products that take the name of Bundaberg to the world. As reef custodians, Bundaberg has a strong community sense of responsibility for the land, for the turtle population and for the Great Barrier Reef. The Region’s tourism industry is committed to establishing innovative and sustainable experiences for the local community and visitors to connect with and contribute to while in the region.

Bundaberg has been the traditional land of the Taribelang Bunda, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang and Bailai peoples for thousands of years. The Bundaberg Region has a respectful association with aboriginal culture and the heritage aspects of many local indigenous groups are reflected in the names of local streets and communities.

ECO Destination certified at ecotourism level

Sustainability Commitment

Sustainability is at the forefront of the visitor experience with a strong community sense of responsibility for the land, the turtle population and the Great Barrier Reef. The Bundaberg Region is committed to delivering an outstanding reef experience that is interactive, educational and sustainable, with many local businesses Ecotourism certified.

Award winning Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort goes the extra mile by aiming for 100% renewable energy and encourages visitors to commit to their Sustainability Pledge.

In addition to the sustainability initiatives of local businesses, Bundaberg Regional Council aims to lead the way in adopting innovative practices to improve our environmental performance.
This is demonstrated by:

  • Certified Reef Guardian Council with 18 Reef Guardian Schools
  • One Million Trees Bundaberg Region program
  • 100 tonnes of recycled goods per week saved from landfill or repurposed
  • National Water Week sponsor and participant Award
  • Reducing Urban Glow Active light, pollution reduction project
  • One of the first Council’s in Australia to install 75 Sky Quality Meters to measure the impacts of light pollution, mapping the region’s urban glow and reducing the impact on the environment through Smart Lighting installations
  • Active e-waste reduction programs targeting 100% removal of recyclable electronic waste from landfill

Read more information about the community-wide initiatives here.

Eco travel tips

Aerial view of a machine harvesting crops in a well-organized, vast green orchard with rows of trees extending into the distance.
Choose local produce

The Bundaberg Region is one of Australia’s most vibrant food bowls. While visiting, be sure to shop local for the freshest food on offer!

A clear plastic bottle floats on the surface of a calm ocean under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
Protect our beloved turtles and sealife

Say no to straws and plastic bags.

A hand plugs a charger into an electric vehicle at a charging station. The background features blurred green foliage, suggesting a park or outdoor setting.
Travel using sustainable transport

With four electric charging stations through the region, visitors can comfortably travel from country to coast using sustainable transport.

Accessibility overview

Enjoy an all-inclusive holiday here in the Bundaberg region, where abundant fresh produce, artisan drink makers, and breathtaking natural wonders await! From eating your way through delicious fresh local produce in our regions cafes to exploring our nature-filled backyard and experiencing all the Bundaberg Region has to offer, here is your complete guide to accessible stays, eats, drinks and things to do when planning your perfect next holiday.

Green Destinations sustainability storied top 100 award for 2021

Awards and recognitions

In 2021 Bundaberg was named in the Top 100 list of Destination Sustainability Stories, a competition run by Green Destinations.

Logo with the text: "Bundaberg, Southern Great Barrier Reef, Queensland. Where great begins," featuring red coral-like graphic elements.

State and Region Detail

  • QLD – Bundaberg Region

Discover the region’s eco and sustainable experiences here:

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