Bargara, The Basin and The Barrel (Bundaberg Trip)

 

29 September 2020 – 295 494 – Bargara, The Basin and The Barrel

First stop, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, The Barrel to book a COVID safe tasting for this afternoon – they have only just resumed tastings yesterday. https://www.bundaberg.com/ 

Then off to Bargara. https://www.bundabergregion.org/explore/bargara-and-the-coral-coast  https://www.bargara.com/ We parked at “The Basin” and walked south to just past the tidal lagoon at the southern end of Kelly’s Beach.  The sea looked quite unpleasant and we all agreed it was for the best that today’s whale watching had been cancelled.  The coastline consists of patches of yellow sand interspersed with patches of large black rocks.  The view is topped off with beautiful coloured water and a nicely maintained foreshore.  We then walked north to Nielson Park and back. https://beachsafe.org.au/beach/qld/bundaberg/bargara/nielson-park  https://www.bundabergnow.com/2020/02/28/nielson-park-makes-top-ten-queensland-beach-list/

A picnic lunch was followed by a swim in The Basin.  This is a rock walled tidal pool built by the South Sea Islanders.  There were hundreds of fish in it, trapped when the tide goes out.

Bundaberg CBD Heritage walk showcased some lovely old buildings. https://www.discoverbundaberg.com.au/cbd-storywalk We only got to do part of this prior to heading to the Barrel for our afternoon tastings.  Once again the dilemma was which one to have in the six pack as there are so many delicious choices.

Exploring Bundaberg

9 July 2018 - Exploring Bundaberg

Hinkler Hall of Aviation was stop one today.  This tells the story of Bert Hinkler, born and raised in Bundaberg, who became a pioneer in aviation.  He set world records for solo flight several times and served as a pilot in WW1.  The things that impressed me most were: 1) his ability to design, build and successfully fly a glider as a teenager based on his study of the ibis, and 2) that as well as being a pilot he was an aircraft mechanic, problem solver and designer.  The hall included flight simulators for three different types of aircraft: Sopwith Camel, De Haviland Puss Moth and F/A18.  They were each very different to fly.  The house Hinkler had lived in in England has been moved in its entirety and we also looked through this – very English – and watched a short documentary on its relocation. www.hinklerhallofaviation.com/

Stop number two was the Bundaberg Rum Distillery.  This involved a self-guided tour of the museum followed by a guided tour of the plant (unfortunately photography was not allowed on this).  It was a well-done tour, providing a wealth of information.  After the tour were tastings – Drew and I tried Solera (nice, but $180/bottle!), Small Batch Vintage Barrell (too flavoursome for me), Coffee and Chocolate Liqueur (nice with cream) and Salted Caramel Liqueur (my favourite, served with milk).
 https://www.bundabergrum.com.au/distillery

 Stop three was Bundaberg Brewing Company.  The tourist facilities were closed, however the tastings, of all fourteen different varieties, were open and great.  We went shopping! 

https://www.bundaberg.com

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Stop four was Hummock Lookout.  The Hummock is an extinct volcano, giving 360-degree views over the surrounding coastline and cane fields.  Last up was the Jayco dealership for a few spare parts.

10 July 2018

Today was simply a drive to home, sweet, home!