Those in Bundaberg in search of a dose of peaceful, relaxed space in which to enjoy a stroll or a picnic can head just outside the town centre to the excellent Bundaberg Botanic Gardens, which plays host to a mixture of plant life characteristic of the tropics. Covering a spacious 27 hectares and featuring over 10,000 individual plants in total, the gardens are a wonderful all-round attraction that blends together animals, plans, cultural attractions and kids activities into a great single hub that can largely be experienced for free. The gardens themselves are built around bodies of water - highlighted by a large lake - that results in plenty of wildlife to be found within; lizards, eels, turtles, ducks and dozens of species of birds add an extra dash of life to the proceedings.
The gardens are divided up into a range of subsections - with the Japanese and Chinese parts being a well-manicured standout - and can be explored either on foot, or with a ride on the charming Australian Sugarcane Railway (a charming little steam train that kids in particular will love). The Bundaberg Botanic Gardens offer plenty of amenities for visitors including well-maintained toilets and barbecue facilities, picnic tables and a playground for children, along with a lovely cafe that sells great food, with solid coffee and light meals available for a reasonable price.
It's also home to the Hinkler Hall of Aviation (one of Bundaberg's signature attractions, and a tribute to its most famous local hero), as well as a small regional historical museum.