Something about Bundaberg in Queensland

Bundaberg is one of the agricultural regions of Australia and it’s located in Queensland of East Australia. The weather here is similar to subtropical; it’s hot during summers but mild during winters. As a result of its location, Bundaberg becomes a stop off point for some travelers before visit to the world famous destination - Great Barrier Reef. Sugar cane fields are largely found in this region and zucchinis, tomatoes, capsicums, sweet potatoes are some of the commercial vegetables farmed abundantly here.



Bundaberg CBD



Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery (BRAG) at Barolin St

After I left Sydney, I came to Bundaberg and stayed for exactly a month. There’re more Asian in this city compared to Griffith in NSW that I stayed before. As what I personally experienced, I found that it’s actually harder for me to find casual jobs here and the accommodation especially working hostels are extremely expensive, some of them without proper facilities and condition too. I still remember that I stayed in a working hostel and paid almost $200 each week for a bed in an extremely small dormitory room. Frankly speaking, it was the highest rent I paid for the hostels so far in Australia. Furthermore, I wasn’t guaranteed with the works. Sometimes I was scheduled to work in the field or work in the pack shed if lucky enough. Most of the jobs for backpackers here involve agriculture and they very depend on season. So if you come to find a job at improper timing, your money will be sucked much sooner.

On the other hand, Bundaberg has its uniqueness. There’re many recreation areas like parks, gardens and riverside for relaxing. Some houses in this town are structured differently; they built higher with ventilation on the ground just like Malay kampung house. I guess this difference is related to the hot weather here.
 


Burnett River



Burnet Bridge

Burnett riverside is a great recreation spot

Oriental garden as part of the Botanic Garden



House in Bundaberg look like kampung house

 

Before I came to Bundaberg, I had already heard from my friends about the famous $6 steak at Central Hotel (18 Targo Street) in this town. I tried it once with some other backpackers on one Sunday. Well, I would say it’s really cheap but the taste is so so. However, it’s a favourite hub for backpackers.

 

The bundy's famous $6 steak

Bundaberg is also the place to produce ginger beer and rum beverages. The famous Bundaberg Rum is produced from molasses, which are the byproduct of sugar cane. Therefore, you may want to try them yourself or buy as souvenirs for friends or family if you come to this town.

 

Ginger beer made in Bundaberg

Bundaberg Rum icon at Bunderberg Rum Distillery

 

I and a friend passed a craft shop named Bundy Kegs/Schmeider’s Cooperage on one afternoon walk. There’re nice things to see in the shop and extended art gallery without admission charge. This place sells some unique local souvenirs, artworks and barrels. We met a German glass blower was doing his work. We saw his presentation and attracted to buy some of his beautiful artworks back to hostel.

 

Glass blowing art gallery

 

Some of the artworks...



...and more

The glassblower was demonstrating in front of us

Home decorations made by him

some of the glass blowing jewelries

 

Schmeider’s Cooperage

Address: 5 Alexandra St, Bundaberg, Queensland.

Phone: 4151 8233

Opening hours: 9am – 5pm Mon to Fri, 9am – 3pm Sat