BUNDABERG REGIONAL GALLERIES

Welcome to Bundaberg Regional Galleries

Bundaberg Regional Galleries is a dynamic cultural hub that celebrates the thriving art scene in the Bundaberg Region. Comprising two distinctive gallery spaces – Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery (BRAG) and Childers Arts Space (CHARTS) – the galleries provide first-rate arts and cultural experiences for both residents and visitors. Operated as a cultural service by Bundaberg Regional Council, these galleries are committed to fostering a vibrant and engaged arts community by offering diverse opportunities for artistic expression, learning and participation.

Strategically located in the heart of Bundaberg and Childers, respectively, BRAG and CHARTS are easily accessible and host a year-round program featuring local, national and international exhibitions. Visitors of all ages can enjoy artist talks, workshops, educational programs, guided tours and interactive activities. BRAG also houses an artist-in-residence apartment, while CHARTS shares its space with the Palace Backpackers Memorial, adding a unique historical dimension to the gallery.

With a mission to inspire, connect and cultivate artistic talent, Bundaberg Regional Galleries serve as a cornerstone of cultural enrichment in the region, fostering lifelong learning and community engagement in the arts. Whether exploring the latest exhibition, attending an art workshop or simply browsing the gallery gift shop, visitors to BRAG and CHARTS will be immersed in a creative and inspirational environment.

A Journey through the Galleries

As you arrive at either BRAG or CHARTS, you’re welcomed by a friendly staff member at the front desk. Their warm welcome will guide you through what’s on offer that day, giving you a brief but engaging overview of the current exhibitions, background on the featured artists or curators and any special highlights you might enjoy. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re a regular, you can be sure you’ll be made to feel right at home.

As you step further into the gallery, you begin to sense that it’s not just the artworks that are carefully curated; the ambience has also been cultivated to be calming, creative and contemplative. The lighting is soft but focused, and peaceful and gentle ambient sounds – soft instrumental music or melodies related to an exhibition – add a soothing, immersive layer to the experience.

Your visit to BRAG begins in Gallery One, where larger-scale works are often displayed. Here, depending on the exhibit, you may be invited to interact with sensory elements: textured surfaces to run your fingers along, objects to smell or even the opportunity to contribute your own artistic creation. Audio descriptions bring the artwork to life through vivid storytelling and unique and original artist insights.

Next, explore the Vault, a unique exhibition space set within the gallery’s original bank vault. The cool, close walls and solid metal door provide a tactile experience in themselves, and this space often hosts thought-provoking or experimental pieces.

In the Imagine Arts Children’s Space, laughter and creative energy fill the air. This area is expressly designed for hands-on experiences: visitors of all ages can make their own artworks, experiment with different materials or simply enjoy a playful, imaginative break.

Heading upstairs, Gallery Two offers a more intimate, quiet setting – perfect for more reflective works and often showcasing emerging or local artists. 

Over at CHARTS in Childers, the experience is equally enriching, with an added layer of history – not to mention a ghost or two! – from the Palace Backpackers Memorial, located in the same building. The gallery features a program of changing exhibitions, showcasing work from local, state and national artists, as well as a gallery shop offering local artisanal products. Visiting Childers is a trip down memory lane – its beautiful, masonry historical buildings will make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

Childers Arts Space boasts a superb balcony overlooking the main street. Situated in the heart of Childers, right above the Tourist Information Centre, Childers Arts Space is open seven days and entry is free.

Throughout your visit, the galleries strive to engage your senses in thoughtful ways. You might catch the earthy scent of clay, hear soundscapes connected to the themes of the art, run your hands across textured installations designed to be touched, listen to music or watch videos, depending on the program of events.

Accessibility

Bundaberg Regional Galleries is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors. Both BRAG and CHARTS are accessible via public transport, offering convenient access for those who aren’t self-driving. Bus number 606 drops you about 350 metres from BRAGS. 

The galleries are wheelchair accessible, with doorways wide enough to accommodate mobility aids. Gallery Two at BRAG is on the second floor, but there is no lift access; however, the majority of exhibitions and facilities are located on the ground floor. An accessible bathroom is available on the first floor between Gallery One and the Vault exhibition space. CHARTS is located on the second floor of its heritage home,  with lift access available.

Although there is no dedicated accessible car park, street parking is available nearby BRAG. Visitors using service dogs are welcome and a grassy area suitable for toileting is located in the Gallery Park, directly beside the building. Braille signage is provided on toilet doors and a quiet space is available in a small on-site library for guests seeking a low-stimulation environment. While formal accessibility training has not yet been completed by staff, the team is committed to supporting the needs of all visitors.