Things to do with kids in Bundaberg

From November to late March, ranger-led Turtle Encounter tours take small groups onto Mon Repos beach at night. Nesting turtles come ashore from November to early February, and hatchlings dash for the sea from late January to the end of March. Book ahead and expect to wait: a night visit can last up to six hours, and sightings aren't guaranteed.

The centre, 14km east of Bundaberg, is free to enter from 9am to 2pm daily, with a Junior Discovery zone for kids. The paid Turtle Tales Immersive Experience has interactive displays and a theatre, and rangers lead daytime Turtle Tracks and Tales walks. There are no live turtles on display, and roof works run until 30 November 2026 while the centre stays open.

This museum in the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens tells the story of pioneer solo aviator Bert Hinkler. Kids can try the glide simulators, sit in a replica Avro Baby and see the original from his 1921 record flight. Bert's Southampton home was moved here and restored, and Café 1928 is on site.

Bundaberg Botanic Gardens spread over more than 27 hectares around lakes, with boardwalks, a children's playground and free entry. Volunteers run cane trains here on most Sundays and Wednesdays, and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays in school holidays. Pay by cash or EFTPOS at the station; there's no need to book.

Entry to this Childers reptile park covers a python show at 10am, a koala talk at 10.45am and croc feeding at 12.30pm. After the shows, kids can hold friendly pythons and crocodiles with the handlers. It opens 9.30am to 3pm and closes Wednesdays outside school holidays; a family pass for two adults and two kids was $90 in October 2026.

Kellys Beach at Bargara is patrolled by the Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club on weekends and school holidays. Bargara is about 15 minutes' drive from the centre of Bundaberg. Check the Beach Safe website for the day's patrol times before you head down.

Moore Park Surf Life Saving Club patrols this long beach on weekends and school holidays. It's one of only two beaches in the region where 4WDs may drive on the sand. Vehicles come on at Royal Palms and Lassig Street, so keep little ones close.

The Hummock, just off the road to Bargara, is a volcanic remnant 96 metres high, looking east to the coast and west over cane fields. On the right evening you can watch the moon rise over the sea as the sun sets. A large Aboriginal art mural at the lookout tells the story of Paddy's Island, which you can see from the top.