Bundaberg is one of our favourite places north of Brisbane. We love it so much that this is our fourth trip here in the last 2 years and this time we are off to taste more farm life on this Bundaberg Road Trip!
The first time we came to Bundaberg we did a Brisbane to Airlie Beach road trip. The second time we took advantage of the Tilt Train from Brisbane to Bundaberg, the third time we drove from Brisbane to Bundaberg and stayed in Bargara. This time we took the Queensland Tilt Train again – definitely recommend this train – love it!
There are just so many things to see and things to do in Bundaberg that we had to keep coming back to experience them all!
It doesn’t matter if you are seeking an experience of a great Queensland regional town, a beach holiday or farm and food adventures, Bundaberg and surrounds has it all.
The third time we visited the Bundaberg area, we went to ‘Taste farm life’ and you can read about that in our article here. We loved it so much that we have come again to check out even more things to do in the North Burnett region on our Bundaberg road trip; to taste more farm life in the area.
In this article, we show you where to go, how to get there and what to try on your Bundaberg road trip. We have created a North Burnett region itinerary (a Bundaberg road trip, if you will) that you are going to love. We have even supplied a map to show you all these local attractions.
So, without further ado, if you are a Bundaberg local or planning a trip to Bundaberg and North Burnett region soon, this is what you need to know to ensure you get an authentic experience and can taste more farm life locally.
Bundaberg road trip map
Below is the map of where to find these North Burnett tourist attractions.
The best ways to ‘Taste farm life’ from Bundaberg
This Bundaberg road trip itinerary is suitable for families with kids, young travellers, and older grey nomads too! I bet local people will also love this list of ideas of authentic ways to connect with regional farms on this Bundaberg road trip because, in Queensland, we love to support our local businesses!
We think we have nailed the itinerary for farm visits from Bundaberg. Add this to your bucket list now and thank us later!
Marchioness B&B Farmstay
Marchioness B&B Farmstay is a mix of farmstay, homestay, bed and breakfast all rolled into one. Located just outside the rolling hills of the historic town of Mount Perry, you will enjoy the serenity just an hour and 20 minutes inland from Bundaberg.
Deb is the owner, and she is keen to make your stay as easy and as comfortable as possible. As a family, you can choose your level of interaction and participation in everyday farm life. You can kick back and relax on the veranda or get as dirty as you like.
During our stay we interacted with all the animals! The kids loved the cows, dogs, cats, horses, chickens, even their orphaned lamb “Lamby” (who thinks it is part human/part dog) and the sheep “Mary” and her lambs. We saw an abundance of bird life too with magpies, currawongs, willy wag-tails, lorikeets, blue faced-honey eaters, butcher birds, and a huge Australian bustard.
Our family collected eggs and fed the chooks, played with the dogs, patted and rode the horses and patted the friendly cattle too! Many of the animals have been hand-raised and are therefore very friendly; and they seemed to love the attention.
You can read our detailed review here.
Deb’s mottos are “Come as a guest, leave as a friend” and “Our home is your home” whilst staying. We loved the happy family atmosphere and the kids area already asking to go back!
Address: Marchioness – 262 Harpurs Hill, Mount Perry QLD 4671
Website: click here for Marchioness website
Facebook: click here for their Facebook page
Bakersfield Bison, Horses, Working Dogs and Camping
Just 20 minutes down the road from our farmstay at Marchioness we visited Bakersfield Bison, Horses & Working Dogs property.
Bakersfield is located in a beautiful valley amongst the hills of New Moonta where the old original Mt Perry railway line, built in 1882 passed through, which followed the original Cobb and Co track to Mt Perry. With a rich history and great historical tourist attractions like the incredible Boolboonda tunnel just a short drive up the road, it’s a wonderful place to live and visit.
Bakersfield is a family farm owned by the Bakers, Greg and Kathleen. They have a lifelong love of livestock and the land, and this has morphed into a business based on creating positive experiences for animals and their humans. They offer people with horses and/or working dogs the opportunity to train them at Bakersfield. In fact, Bakersfield arena has become a hub for fun and learning, a place for people to come along as they are and submerge themselves in creating a connection with their horses and dogs through good stockmanship practices.
Don’t have a horse or a dog? Go along anyway!
Their events (always published on their Facebook page) are a great social occasion for families to go along and enjoy the atmosphere watching the dogs and bison at work. So that is what we did!! Kath told me that there’s always a sausage sizzle and cold drinks at every event. So, with horses, dogs and bison as well as food and good company, we were in! They have good arena side seating and a friendly, relaxed environment. Everyone is welcome, but bookings are essential.
It was a fantastic experience and great experiences create great connections and that’s what the team at Bakersfield strive for with their animals and their training sessions. The safe, friendly and controlled environment at Bakersfield allows folks the freedom to feel relaxed, un-judged and supported when participating at their events.
They also offer bush camping on site.
Address: Bakersfield, Goyan Rd, New Moonta QLD 4671
Website: Click here for the Bakersfield website
Facebook: Click here for their Facebook page
Jerakala Farmstay
Jerakala Farmstay is an authentic Aussie cattle station just over 2-hours drive from Bundaberg or 5 hours north-west of Brisbane in Mundubbera. Owned and run by Lisa and Jasen, you can enjoy a stop-over along the Burnett Highway or stay for a week of rest, peace and tranquillity. The farmstay is a 30,0000-acre property that lies in the North Burnett region of Queensland and currently runs around 900 head of predominantly Angus and Hereford cattle.
With 360° views of the rolling countryside, it’s easy to forget that you’re only a few hours’ drive from the coast. Jerakala offers a ‘home away from home’ experience. With every room in the house enjoying breathtaking views, nature walks literally on your doorstep and plenty of space for work, play or relaxation, Jerakala Farmstay is an ideal getaway for everyone.
In this fully self-contained house, you are going to love waking to the sunrise and preparing your home-cooked breakfast in the country kitchen. Your food is supplied fresh from the farm gate. Perfectly set up for families, you will sleep in true country comfort with a choice of 3 spacious Queen, Double or King Single Rooms. Whether you are taking in the country air from the sprawling verandah, kicking back in the TV room or working on your next project, Jerakala Farmstay will energise and inspire you.
If you are looking for a self-contained farmstay experience, this is a great family holiday destination and the children are going to love the farm animals. They have cows, horses, pigs, dogs, and chickens! You will find a great collection of family board games to keep you entertained too! If you are looking for something else to do in the area you can explore Auburn Falls National Park, visit the RM Williams Centre or take a day trip to the stunning Cania Gorge.
Address: 20034 Burnett Hwy, Mundubbera, QLD, Australia 4626
Website: Click here for the Jerakala website.
Facebook: Click here for Jerakala’s Facebook page
Hogback By the Creek (on-farm bush camping)
Hogback is a 2000 acre nature refuge that is run as a cattle farm, with an emphasis on sustainability. This property is the perfect getaway, and a photographer’s dream—you can do as little or as much as you like. The seasonal creek draws the wildlife to the area making this area a birdwatcher’s paradise. You can sit back and watch the wedgetail eagles soar as the red-tailed black cockatoos serenade the afternoon away.
This unique property has inland and coastal rainfall making it home to several ecosystems, including the semi-permanent waterfall. If you’re looking for a bit more than the usual campsite then bring the gold pans and the detectors because Hogback by the Creek is located at the base of the Mt Rawdon gold mine. Many a yarn will be told of the gold that can be found in the hills around.
This is a fantastic place to bring the family and the 4-legged friends (on leads as this is a working property). It also has a small, barbed wire paddock available for horses by request. BYO horses and yards available at RV sites only.
Address: 888 North Branch Road, Mt Perry, 4671
Website: Find out more about Hogback camp site here.
Harmony Farm
Harmony Farm offers bush camping adjacent to a National Park just north of Monto. They offer half-day horse riding to people of all ages and experience levels. You can enjoy the opportunity to ride or be led on the open paddock or participate in a trail ride on a range of environments from level ground to mountain country and some through the rain forest.
For just $35 per session (children under 12yrs of age) and $50 (adults) you can enjoy the great outdoors from horse back.
You can also enjoy their bush camp set on their property staying amongst the trees and cattle. Keep an eye on this property as they are in the process of establishing cabin-type accommodation for families in the future!
Address: Harmony Farm, Prizemans Road, Ubobo, 4680
Website: Click here for the Harmony Farm website
Other attractions in the North Burnett area
Gayndah’s Big Orange
Gayndah is known of the citrus capital of Queensland and if you are in the area, I highly recommend putting the Big Orange on your list—especially if you are doing a tour of the ‘Big Things of Australia’. If you visit between April and October, you can taste the fresh juice made from the citrus growing on the property. Their cafe serves up delectable Devonshire teas and coffee from Real Bean Coffee Co. Why not stay for lunch to feast of fresh hamburgers, wraps and toasted sandwiches?
RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre in Eidsvold
The RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre was purpose-built to honour this great Australian, showcase his skills and achievements, preserve our unique bush culture, and bring his passion for bush tradition to life. The Learning Centre invites us to take a journey of discovery and learn about our culture, history and arts. You can enjoy the ever-changing gallery space, watch a leather work demonstration and be enchanted by their resident bush poet.
You can also enjoy an authentic camp oven meal under the stars and experience the “Son et Lumiere.” This illuminating outdoor light show, held daily, shares stories of local characters, RM Williams, bush poetry and anecdotes from past times. The show is projected onto the customised steel sculpture called the ‘Language of the Land’ – see the sculpture during the day for its intricate details and story – and watch it be transformed at night for the light show!
Eidsvold Cattle Drive
If you are around the area in early April each year, check out the Eidsvold Cattle Drive. The Eidsvold Cattle Drive retraces a 70-kilometre portion of the traditional stock routes taken by drovers who would bring cattle from across Queensland for sale.
The week-long drive will end with two spectacular culminating activities – “Dinner Under the Stars” and the “Cattle Drive Finale” at the Eidsvold Show Grounds with a display of local bush talent, food and retail stalls and an evening bull ride program.
Learn more about this amazing event here.
Bundaberg road trip
Next time you are planning a family trip, why not consider the amazing farm experiences in the North Burnett region where you can ‘Taste farm life.’ Try our Bundaberg road trip and let your kids enjoy the wide open spaces of our beautiful state. We guarantee the locals will be pleased to see you!
Looking for more fun road trips to do in Queensland with kids?
- Brisbane to Airlie Beach road trip
- Brisbane to Rockhampton road trip
- Brisbane to Byron Bay road trip
- Brisbane to Hervey Bay road trip
- Brisbane to Bundaberg road trip
- Brisbane to Cairns road trip
- Gold Coast to Sunshine Coast road trip
- Road trip from Townsville to the Outback
- Townsville to Porcupine Gorge
- Longreach road trip
- South-western Queensland road trip
Check out these day trips from Queensland cities and towns
- Day trips from Bundaberg
- Day trips from Mackay
- Day trips from Toowoomba
- Day trips from Cairns
- Day trips from Townsville
You can find all our Queensland content here.