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Bundaberg and Rockhampton travelThe Great Barrier Reef and more on Queensland's central coastBundaberg and Rockhampton in Australia are the two main cities on Queensland's central coast. Both act as gateways to the Great Barrier Reef, resort islands and more.
Whilst Australia’s East Coast is hardly uncharted territory, there are areas of it that often get skipped over. Granted, they’re not quite as set up for tourism as the likes of the Gold Coast, Airlie Beach or Cairns, but that doesn’t mean to say that there’s nothing worth seeing. There most certainly is – it’s just not quite as well promoted. The two major towns of this virtual tourist’s no man’s land are Bundaberg and Rockhampton, and both are largely given over to industry. Bundaberg is the town that grew up on sugar, while Rockhampton would be most famous for its huge cattle export business if it weren’t the birthplace of tennis legend Rod Laver. The main thing this region has got going for it is exactly the same as the more popular destinations further north – the Great Barrier Reef. The Reef starts near Bundaberg before sprawling upwards to Australia’s north-east tip, and while it is further from the shore down south, that doesn’t mean it’s any less beautiful. All the way up this much-ignored stretch of the coast are little resort islands, such as Lady Musgrave, Lady Elliot and Great Keppel, all of which are popular as get away from it all (and the tourists) spots. They all have great snorkelling (and let’s face it, any snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef is great) and diving opportunities, as well as gorgeous beaches to laze around on for hours. But what else is there to do? We’ve listed a few attractions, categorising them by their nearest city. Bundaberg- Visit the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, and quaff the free samples. Try 1800 789 344. - Take the Bundy Belle, an old fashioned ferry for a cruise down the Burnett River. Try 07 4152 9188. - Get your Padi certificate at Lady Elliot or Lady Musgrave islands, which are only a day trip away. Try Bundaberg Aqua Scuba (07) 41535761. - Watch turtles drag themselves onto the beach to lay eggs at Mon Repos between November and March. Try Foot Prints (07 4152 3659). Rockhampton- Take a day trip to Koorana Crocodile Farm. Try 07 4934 4749. - Visit the Capricorn Caves and a cattle farm. Try 07 4934 2883. - Chill out with the hippy set in the Town of 1770. Try 1770 Backpackers (1800 121 770). - Go snorkeling at Shelving Beach, Monkey Point or Clam Bay on Great Keppel Island. Try Keppel Bay Marina (07 4933 6244). - Take a coral cruise on a Fast Cat. Try Keppel Bay Marina (07 4933 6244).
The copyright of the article Bundaberg and Rockhampton travel in Australia Travel is owned by David Whitley. Permission to republish Bundaberg and Rockhampton travel in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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