Program Overview
Welcome to the town the turtles call home and where the Great Barrier Reef begins. Be immersed in the rich history and culture of Bundaberg and learn how the community’s environmentally conscious and sustainable actions led to it becoming an ECO-certified destination. Discover the town’s significance for protecting endangered turtles, explore the southernmost part of the reef with a marine.
Itinerary
Bundaberg in 4 Days
- Cultural Exploration
Day 1
Travel to Bundaberg
Eco Destination educational discussion
Learn how the Bundaberg region became a certified Eco Destination through Ecotourism Australia’s certification program. Explore council initiatives such as Reef Guardian and Reducing Urban Glow and how the community works together to support ecotourism.
Mon Repos Turtle Centre visit
Learn about marine turtle conservation at Mon Repos Turtle Centre, home to the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on Australia’s eastern mainland. Discover the region’s importance as a nesting area for threatened turtles and the conservation and research helping protect endangered loggerhead turtles.
Turtle nesting and hatching experience
From November to March, witness sea turtles journey to shore to lay their eggs and, if you’re lucky, see hatchlings make their first dash to the sea. During the encounter, learn about turtles, their conservation and the importance of ongoing turtle research.
Day 2
Windmill breakfast
Arrive at the beautiful Windmill Cafe and meet owner Joey, who shares his passion for sourcing locally grown ingredients and creating the delicious dishes you’re about to enjoy.
Taribelang Bunda cultural guided sightseeing tour
Journey through time with Taribelang Bunda guides as they share local Aboriginal culture and history passed down through generations. Taste local bush tucker, learn how traditional artefacts such as boomerangs were used in daily life, and connect with the land while visiting significant sites across the region.
Brewed drinks visit
Enjoy a tasting with a master brewer and sample the flavours of Bundaberg. Explore the Gallery to learn how the brews are crafted and bottled, play ‘guess the flavour’ at the smellography wall, learn about the ingredients and see the brewery in action.
Strawberry farm visit and ice cream
Taste fresh fruit ice-cream made on the farm with homegrown strawberries, passionfruit and locally sourced mangoes. Enjoy your ice-cream in the farmyard under the shade of the silky oak trees.
Day 3
Great Barrier Reef full-day excursion
Explore Lady Musgrave Island and snorkel among hundreds of tropical fish and resident turtles in the crystal-clear waters of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Join a marine biologist in the water to learn about the reef’s diverse marine life, its importance to the ecosystem, and the role humans play in its protection. Visit a wind- and solar-powered pontoon, explore the underwater observatory, and enjoy a buffet lunch with spectacular reef views.
Day 4
Macadamias orchard guided visit
Step into the world of macadamias and sustainable farming. Learn firsthand how the Macadamias Australia team cares for the land and manages the quality of its single-origin macadamias, from seed to tree to table.
Depart for home
Optional Extension
Add 1 Day in Agnes Water
Extend your tour with an overnight stay in Agnes Water. Depending on your group, take a 1770 amphibious tour, learn to surf, sandboard or kayak, participate in a beach cleanup and track marine debris data, or explore the area’s diverse ecosystems.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing in October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more meaningful learning moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Select transport options that suit your group's needs
- Choose from a variety of accommodation styles to support your level of comfort
Dine Your Way
- Choose pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2 course meals at local restaurants or at your accommodation, with the option to upgrade to 3 courses
Inclusions
Accommodations
Transportation to and from your destination
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Daily meals with options varying by program
Entrance fees to attractions as per itinerary
Guided sightseeing tours and city walks as per itinerary
WorldStrides Tour Journal (available upon request)
Scenes from Bundaberg
Health, Safety & Protection
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Request a Quote
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