A great way to spend a day in the Bundaberg Region is in the sub-tropical surrounds of the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens.
Located on Mt Perry Road on the city’s northern outskirts, the Botanic Gardens sprawl over 27 hectares of land and feature a variety of 10,000 trees and shrubs. A magnificent lake, creating a habitat attracting up to 114 species of birds, is centrepiece of the Botanic Gardens, while a wedding chapel, shaded picnic areas, themed boardwalks, Japanese gardens and children’s playground enhance the appeal of one of Bundaberg’s favourite lifestyle precincts.
The Bundaberg Botanic Gardens are open to the public from 5:30am til 6:45pm during the months September to April, and from 6:30am til 6pm during the months May to August.
Pivotal to the attractiveness of the Botanic Gardens are the wide variety of tourist attractions and visitor experiences on offer within the precinct. These include the Hinkler Hall of Aviation and its exhibits including Hinkler House and Fairymead House, Café 1928, the Bundaberg & District Historical Museum, the Australian Sugarcane Railway and the nearby Bundaberg Railway Museum.
Hinkler Hall of Aviation
The Hinkler Hall of Aviation is the Bundaberg Regional Council’s major tourist attraction and visitor attraction. Themed around the adventures and achievements of local pioneer solo aviator Bert Hinkler, this attraction provides visitors with a fascinating insight into early aviation, and the contribution made by local pioneers.
Enjoy an interesting and fun-filled day for the whole family while you explore various interpretive exhibits, flight simulator, five replica aircraft, the Globe Theatre and the meticulously restored Hinkler House and Fairymead House.
The Hinkler Hall of Aviation also features a retail outlet, exhibition gallery, artifact preservation and restoration workshops and adjoining café. Our friendly team caters for organised tours and we have a thorough Education Program in place to assist school-based education visits.
Visit the Hinkler Hall of Aviation website to learn more about our state-of-the-art visitor attraction and aviation adventure experience.
Open Times:
- From 9am to 3pm, Monday to Sunday
These open times are subject to change at any time without notice. It is highly recommended that you contact this facility direct on (07) 4130 4400 to verify these as the current open times applicable for the date of your next visit.
Contact:
Telephone (07) 4130 4400
Facsimile (07) 4130 4410
The Aviator's Store
When you visit the Hinkler Hall of Aviation, don't forget to visit the on-site gift shop and retail outlet, located near Reception.
The Aviator's Store boasts a fantastic range of souvenirs, gifts, drink ware, branded clothing and memorabilia, personalised so you can commemorate the achievements of Bert Hinkler and your visit to the Hinkler Hall of Aviation.
Open Times:
- From 9am to 3pm, Monday to Sunday
These open times are subject to change at any time without notice. It is highly recommended that you contact this facility direct on (07) 4130 4400 to verify these as the current open times applicable for the date of your next visit.
Contact:
Telephone (07) 4130 4400
Facsimile (07) 4130 4410
Café 1928
No visit to the Botanic Gardens is complete without dropping in to see the friendly team at Café 1928, located at the top of the railway station near the Hinkler Hall of Aviation. Café 1928 serves great coffee, a variety of other hot and cold drinks, delicious light meals and delectable treats and refreshments, in a trendy open-plan building with a cozy atmosphere and friendly smile.
If you’re looking for the perfect way to recharge your batteries, or just share your adventures in the Botanic Gardens with family and friends, meet at Café 1928 – and don’t forget to ask about the secret behind the name!
Open Times:
- From 9am to 4pm, Monday to Sunday
These open times are subject to change at any time without notice. It is highly recommended that you contact this facility direct on (07) 4153 1928 to verify these as the current open times applicable for the date of your next visit.
Contact:
Telephone (07) 4153 1928
Facsimile (07) 4153 1613
Bundaberg & District Historical Museum
The Bundaberg and District Historical Museum displays a comprehensive local history collection, while an archival and photographic collection is available to researchers of cultural heritage. Copies of photos may be ordered from the museum.
Open Times:
- From 10am to 4pm, Monday to Sunday
These open times are subject to change at any time without notice. It is highly recommended that you contact this facility direct on (07) 4152 0101 to verify these as the current open times applicable for the date of your next visit.
Contact:
Telephone (07) 4152 0101
Facsimile (07) 4152 0004
Fairymead House
A bicentennial gift from the Bundaberg Sugar Company, the relocated and restored Fairymead House overlooks the Botanic Gardens with the splendor of a bygone era. Built in 1890, this grand local homestead houses local sugar industry memorabilia, exploring the development of the local sugar industry from its earliest days. In March 2010 Fairymead House was incorporated into operations of the Bundaberg Regional Council as an exhibit of the Hinkler Hall of Aviation.
Explore Fairymead House at your own pace with a self-guided tour:
- Sunday to Friday - 10.30am to 12 noon
- Closed Saturdays
Tickets can be purchased at Hinkler Hall of Aviation or at the door.
Fairymead House Functions
Fairymead House and surrounding gardens are available for function and wedding bookings. Please visit our Parks & Gardens bookings area for further information.
Contact:
Telephone (07) 4130 4400
Facsimile (07) 4130 4410
Australian Sugarcane Railway
Operated by a dedicated group of volunteers from the Bundaberg Steam Tramway Preservation Society, the Australian Sugarcane Railway provides great coal-fired steam loco rides for the family. Sit back and relax as you enjoy a steam-powered journey through the gardens and twice around a kilometre of 610cm gauge track. The fleet consists of the steam locos "Old Germany", built in Germany in 1914; "Invicta", a English Fowler built in 1911; "No3" Bundaberg Foundry 1952 and "No 1" Bundaberg Foundry 1950.
Open Times:
Open times are subject to change at any time without notice. It is highly recommended that you contact this facility direct on (07) 4152 6609 to verify these as the current open times applicable for the date of your next visit.
Contact:
Telephone (07) 4152 6609 (Sundays only)
Facsimile (07) 4153 6786 (10am – 4pm)
Bundaberg Railway Museum
Bundaberg's first railway station is proudly maintained as a railway historical museum, located on the corner of Wilmot and Station Streets in North Bundaberg (just near the Botanic Gardens southern entrance). Wander amongst external displays of old rolling stock, and enjoy internal displays of office records, loco and maintenance items, and a large collection of photographs, historical data and a collection of uniforms. Be sure to take time to view the museum's "featured" display, the true-to-scale 5-inch gauge miniature loco and wagons.
Open Times:
- 9:00am to 3:00pm Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (last guided tour one hour before closing)
- Special days or times may be arranged for groups by contacting 4154 2170 or 4152 7070 or bundabergrailwaymuseum@yahoo.com.au
These open times are subject to change at any time without notice. It is highly recommended that you contact this facility direct on (07) 4154 2170 or (07) 4152 7070 to verify these as the current open times applicable for the date of your next visit.
SPECIAL NOTE: Wheelchair access to platform and by arrangement access to main rooms and sheds. Facility does not include toilets with disability access.
