Part 8 -Top 10 Things to do in Bundaberg

Is Bundaberg worth visiting – What are the Top Things to do in Bundaberg

We took off in a Honda HRV from Tree Close, Thabeban, on a vibrant day with the sun peeking at us from blue-white hypnotic skies.  Drives around Bundaberg are common if not integral and getting around Bundaberg could be cumbersome without a self drive.  My trendy Aviators proved to be a good investment, shading the eyes from sunny rays squinting through the windshield.  Aviators or not, I’d strongly recommend packing a set of sun shades when travelling to and within a country like Australia which has a high exposure to the sun and UV rays as well.

Under the old oak tree, on the way to Baldwin Swamp Bundaberg

We had put down a visit to Baldwin Swamp Park and the Botanic Gardens as among the things to do this weekend.  Having checked 6 of the top 10 things to do in Bundaberg, these two would add to the fast closing list.  We were headed for Baldwin Swamp Conservation Park which isn’t exactly a trendy spot and may not feature among the top things to do in Bundaberg, but if you happen to be in the locale, a stop here won’t hurt.  After all there are no entry charges, hence Baldwin Swamp Environment Park naturally falls among the 10 free things to do in Bundaberg.  We made a couple of short stops along the way to take a snapshot or two.  It was irresistible to look up an admiring tree and gaze wonderstruck at the birds taking refuge in their embracing branches.  One such tree that caught our attention was an imposing old oak tree (see picture above).  It was robust, with a dignified ownership of the land on which it stood.  

Bird Walk at Baldwin Swamp

Budgerigars kissing on a tree bough

In yet another passing tree during our bird walk at Baldwin Swamp, there were spectacular budgerigars tweeting from its higher boughs.  Their plumage sported colourful hues of blues, yellows and reds but what got us rooted was a sight of them prodding each other’s beaks as if in kissing mode.  Several such pairs of budgerigars or commonly called parakeets engaged in what we’d say was a birdy tete a tete.  An indelible experience, of loving birds kissing – a view I’d never seen before my experience at Baldwin Swamp Environmental.

Flora and fauna are well protected in Australia and avifauna would certainly fall among the best things to do in Bundaberg.  Birds are treated with as much respect as any citizen of the country so to speak.  What I mean is that fauna holds special place to Australians and any haunt for birds is considered as the best Bundaberg kids activities & things to do.  The bird walk at Baldwin Swamp would be an educative tour for kids and adults alike.

While Bundaberg won’t offer typically touristy experiences as in Sydney, Brisbane and such, it’s for its sequestered and peaceful ambience that tourists come here.  You certainly won’t find a touristy Eye of Bundaberg as you would in see in, say, the Brisbane Eye.  However, with touristy spots come crowds and escalating costs too.  A visit to Bundaberg is worth it, if you are a “traveller” type visitor or better still a travelling local.  Some of the top things to do in Bundaberg have been featured in my previous articles on the subject.  I’d suggest that you read them all in tandem to get a complete picture of the best things to do in Bundaberg.

Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park

Picture of Baldwin Swamp Environment Park

Located in Bundaberg North, Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park looked like anything but a typical swamp, at least in my view.  Except in certain spots where mossy lotus ponds lay still, Bundaberg Baldwin Swamp looked anything but marshy or “swampy”.  There was a signboard near one of the ponds, one that informed visitors of the use of biological control (salvinia weevil) which helped to reduce the water weed and that no herbicides were used. (see adjoining picture). 

As we entered the Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park grounds, we felt an unmistakable spell of calm seep into our hearts.  A restfulness that allowed us to slow down our pace, and amble along its grassy paths with studied steps. 

Eucalyptus trees abound in the Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park swamp, these are evergreen trees native to Australia.  Many a unique bird are drawn to its branches and are a treat to watch. We spotted some birds that seemed strange to us; but others we easily recognised as fantails, wood swallows and thrushbirds.  We waited long to listen for the bird song too but that would perhaps take weeks of bird watching to be fortunate to catch.

We continued walking along trails of dried grass that gave us a rustic feel of wandering into the woodlands.  That the Bundaberg Baldwin Swamp grounds were not immaculate made it look even more natural.  To prove my point we came by a collapsed tree or two, those that were allowed to die a natural death, with fungi taking roost and mushrooms growing near its roots.

Remote Sailboating at Bundaberg Baldwin Swamp

We crossed a beautiful lake which is known to attract over a 100 species of birds in Baldwin Swamp Environment Park.  We noticed someone manoeuvring a remote sailboat in the lake (see video below), one that seemed like a toy sailboat from afar but could easily be close to 3-6 feet in height.  Learnt that racing competitions for remote sailboating were conducted here, but to get a chance to check out their racing events we’d have to return later in the year and look up Bundaberg upcoming events.  There were no clear signages though, to tell us about remote boat racing events.

We unwillingly weaned our fascinated gaze away from the remote boating scene, to making our way to checking out what the rest of the tour offered us.

Paving our way thru Baldwin Swamp Bundaberg QLD

Bundaberg Baldwin Swamp is primarily known for its series of wetlands which is the chief reason perhaps for its name.

If you like openness without the bustle of tourists, then this is the place for you.  It allows you a relaxed amble along bridges and boardwalks.

We crossed a pretty brook, with delightful little springs whose rocky ambience was mossy and could give the feet a slip.  However, with the help of strategically placed flat stones we paved our way across (see adjoining picture).  They think of everything to make locals and tourists comfortable.

You could choose to follow the little paths that lead to distant parts of the swamp, but new tourists would do well to stick to the beaten track instead of venturing out alone in the late evenings especially.

Bird watching is the highlight at Baldwin Swamp Conservation Park.  It offers a habitat for birds, especially waterbirds like ducks and quails.  There are pelicans, herons and egrets in droves which would fall among the top 30 Bundaberg attractions.  My husband, being the nature lover that he is, carried a pair of borrowed binoculars – the only one that the group shared – to spot reed warblers, crested pigeons, magpies and such.  We took turns in peeking into the binoculars when there was an especially unique bird to view and were amazed when a distant bird loomed in front of the lens as if just a metre away.  Some took flight with our movements, so we took care to stay still as far as we could.  To avoid stepping on creaky grass, and dried twigs was a challenge as most of that section seemed weather beaten. 

We then preferred to go along with the ducks gliding in the pond at Baldwin Swamp Bundaberg QLD.  I fell in love with the ducks for they weren’t regular looking ones, but regal S shaped ones like swans.  They were friendly too, and waddled eagerly towards us as we beckoned to them.  Feeding birds is not encouraged in Bundaberg Baldwin Swamp, to avoid giving them an illness that they would well do without.

Duck watching would also feature among the top 30 Bundaberg attractions. (see video below).

Baldwin Swamp Park sports some wildlife but we weren’t in luck to see much of it as we didn’t venture deep into the shrubbery.  An adventurous tourist could spend days at the Baldwin Swamp Shelter Shed, but for a tourist family group a half day would be good enough to see most of what the swamp had to offer.  There is a small play area with play gear for children and a barbeque spit to serve as a convenient picnic spot in Baldwin Swamp playground.  For families, this would be among the top things to do in Bundaberg with kids.

Bush Chapel Baldwin Swamp Bundaberg

Wedding rings exchange, Bush Chapel Baldwin Swamp Bundaberg

When I thought that we had seen as much as we could, we were pleasantly surprised to walk into a Baldwin Swamp bush chapel which is known to serve as a wedding nuptials venue.  This section is grassier and therefore greener than the rest, and is neatly maintained too.

There are wooden benches for the congregation to be seated, and participate in its events.  Complete with a pulpit at far end, the Baldwin Swamp Bush Chapel was a perfect picture of an outdoor chapel.

I couldn’t return home without an exaggerated play of exchange of wedding rings with my husband – in a bid to being married at the chapel.  Bush Chapel Baldwin Swamp Bundaberg is a unique spot to be wed, with a canopy of green around, shaded trees, leafy hangs and so on which no artificial décor could outmatch.

It’s natural, airy and spacious and would give any photographer’s high definition camera a happy engagement. As for me, I took my own photos on my ever ready phone camera to emphasise my review of Baldwin Swamp Environment Park.

Top Things to do in Bundaberg – About Bundaberg Botanic Gardens 

Flora at Bundaberg Botanic Gardens

Next door to the Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park are the scenic Bundaberg Botanic Gardens which I earlier indicated as falling among the top 10 things to do in Bundaberg.

Pristine is the word for it.  Situated in the northern part of Bundaberg city, this is a large garden with stunning foliage and fauna  – large enough to allow an entire afternoon to evening to spend on its excursion.

Entry is free at the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens and playground, and so is car parking, which makes it accessible to any passing tourist keen to check out some of the 10 free things to do in Bundaberg.  Even though it allows for car access, I’d recommend that you go on foot if you have to catch those pretty sights.

The Botanic Garden Bundaberg is stunning, and with the countless trees and shrubbery it remains cool even on hot days.  It is 27 hectares in terms of area, with flora and fauna that will make your eyes pop.

The garden sports over a 1,000 species of plants, some of them indigenous to Australia and others imported from other parts of the globe.  The giant red growing here, is the tallest Heliconia in the world.  Where there are no trees, there are vines and floral clusters all immaculately manicured.

While drives around Bundaberg is recommended, I’d suggest you do the Botanic Garden Bundaberg tour on foot.  Flora, like fauna, is well maintained in Australia.  All sightseeing spots displaying gardens are a hit and hence fall among the top things to do in Bundaberg.

The first garden that you will come by in the Botanical Garden Bundaberg is the Chinese Garden including Moon Gate, the Japanese Garden and the Tori Gate.  Resplendent with azeleas, the garden makes a beautiful sight.  Although we wanted to spend longer in the lawns of the Asian gardens, we hurried to catch a glimpse of the Australian Rainforest, Prehistoric Garden among several other themed gardens. 

It’s best to catch the garden walk in the early mornings or early evenings. Rainforest walks are recommended, go there to catch a brisk bracing jog after a hearty breakfast.  The afternoons, though shaded, could cause sweaty tees owing to the sheer magnitude of the land to cover on foot.

The duck ponds in the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens (see video below) fascinated me, as the ducks glided like cream on velvet, just like the one at Baldwin Swamp Park.  The water birds flight to the waterside trees were awe inspiring as it’s not often that one can see as many birds at once.  To see pictures of them in books is one thing, and to catch sight of them for real is a memory that won’t go away soon.

The architecture is well done, pleasing to the eye and a comfort to tourists of varying ages.  There are fountains, benches, water bodies and sitting spots at every nook (see video below).  In fact, the garden is a synonym for lushness.

The only thing that kept us from rolling on the green carpets was the fear of facing a lizard or an iguana in the eye.  You can’t even push them away as they seem to have a birth right in the country, one that’s equal to an Aussie citizenship.  The point I am trying to make is that wildlife, fauna, creepies and all kinds of crawlies are given safe habitat in this country.  They have as much freedom to use the land as any human local does.

Just as in the Baldwin Swamp Conservation Park, there are over a 100 species of birds at Bundaberg Botanic Gardens as well, most of them water birds.  There are eel lakes swarming with eels and turtles as well.  They are so large that it would be hard not to notice them just below the surface of the water.  Nature is at its best in this park, especially the breezy walk on the water bridge (see video below).

Best Bundaberg Kids Activities & Things to Do

The Botanic Gardens has a themed award winning children’s playground with swings, carousels, log walks and climbing zones.  We came by bee hives aplenty, they help pollinate thousands of plants in the gardens.  Apart from the play area, the duck ponds, sailboating, bird walks are the best Bundaberg kids activities & things to do.

The park is open to the people all days of the week, from dawn to late evening with a slight variation of timings in Spring, Summer and Autumn.  As far winter goes, it opens later and closes earlier.

There is a famed old Café 1928 for enjoying some good brewed coffee and snacks, open all day and all through the week. The two men in our group went in for espresso given the crispness in the air. I find espresso too strong for my taste buds so gave it a miss.

Train Rides Botanical Gardens

Don’t miss the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens train ride.  It’s a steam train, that runs on Sundays and public holidays until 3.30pm and on certain weekdays on school holidays.  We paid by $5 per ticket, in cash, as that was the only form of currency we had carried from home.  Apparently, that is also the only form of payment accepted here.  I wouldn’t be sure if they have started accepting credit cards in the recent past but it would do well to look up the Bundaberg Cane Trains information desk before going on a Botanical Gardens Bundaberg train ride. 

The train ride spans 2 kilometres of area around the garden, which gives you a good idea what the garden holds.  It’s a fun ride over bridges, gardens, nearby spots, but the best part of the train ride was going through the dark workshop.  It grew dim and noisy as it clattered down the track.  The sights were so fascinating that it was near impossible to capture it all on camera.  I realize that it isn’t possible to go photo shooting and enjoying oneself at the same time.  It isn’t easy to catch the wind in a beaming face, over screaming voices except to let go of the camera and capture the moment in real time.  The Bundaberg Botanic Gardens train certainly among the 10 best things to do in Bundaberg, QLD.

The story of the steam train dates back to the time when sugarcane had to be transported to sugar mills in Bundaberg.  This train is hauled by authentic cane locomotives that were once used to haul real sugarcane in the Bundy region.  It is known that two of the locomotives were built in the Bundaberg Foundry in 1952.  Among the variants we spotted were the Bundaberg Fowlers, Valdora, and a host of other names.  Each locomotive comes with its own history like the Invicta Leed Fowler that came from the Invicta Sugar Mill whose owner Buss made its first purchase.  It took turns at other mills before it came to be restored and a property of Australian Sugar Cane Railway.

The steam/diesel trains are also known to be let out for private hire.   So for the ones who like to live it big and want the best things to do in Bundaberg, here’s their sweet spot.

Top Things to do in Bundaberg in 1 Day – Guide to Bundaberg

The Bert Hinkler Hall of Aviation and Sugarmead Museum are two spots in the vicinity and much promoted by Bundaberg tourism.  It would be wise to read up on the museum dates for visiting, to avoid having to return without seeing them.   The Hinkler House next door to Hinkler Hall of Aviation and Sugarmead Museum are certainly among the top things to do in Bundaberg all year round.  Don’t miss the best things to do in Bundaberg.

We came back to Café 1928, the popular coffee house I’d referred to earlier, common to the Gardens and the Swamp.  This time we indulged in healthy sandwiches with filling made from local ingredients.  Sinking into comfortable chairs, we nibbled on our sandwiches to allow us catch a few relaxed breaths from a somewhat heavy tour. 

We hopped back into our rather spacious Honda, sorry to leave a beautiful precinct but relieved at the same time to let our aching feet rest awhile.  With Quilton face tissues we wiped the sweaty grime off our faces, and lolled in the back seat with the cool air from the vent turning our tired selves into a lull.  We hung on to that delightful feeling that only holidays can offer and tried representing my experience as a decent guide to Bundaberg.  There’s just that much that one can do on a trip but this should about summarise a few of the Top Things to do in Bundaberg in 1 day.