BUNDABERG SIP AND SWIRL DISCOVERY TRAIL

Discover Bundaberg’s Best with the Sip and Swirl Discovery Trail

Get ready to sip and swirl your way through the Bundaberg region on a self-guided adventure in a region famous for its cold drinks, warm welcomes and rich legacy of handcrafted beverages. While Bundaberg is globally recognised for its iconic Bundaberg Rum and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, this trail reveals how much more there is to savour in this bountiful region. From master blenders to passionate brewers, artisan distillers and dedicated winemakers, the Bundaberg Sip and Swirl Discovery Trail is an invitation to explore Bundaberg’s finest tastes and stories.

Lovingly referred to as “Rum City”, Bundaberg has a deep connection to the art of spirit-making. But beyond its world-renowned rum, you’ll find an impressive variety of small-batch gins, unique liqueurs, handcrafted wines and exceptional brews. This thirst-quenching trail guides you to the home of the world-famous Bundaberg ginger beer, a craft brewery and behind-the-scenes tours at distilleries, offering an immersive experience that blends history, culture and artistry.

Whether you’re a rum enthusiast, a craft beer aficionado, a curious spirit seeker, someone keen to discover the story behind their favourite soft drink or someone who simply appreciates the art of a perfectly poured glass, this trail has been crafted for you. Tailored to adults aged over 18, the trail invites you to discover not just the flavours but also the people and master blenders behind them.

Along the way, you’ll uncover the heart of Bundaberg – a place where tradition and innovation come together to create exceptional drinks, unforgettable moments and the warmest of welcomes.

Experience Overview

The Bundaberg Sip and Swirl Discovery Trail is a self-guided experience designed to be savoured slowly, like the delicious drinks you’ll sample on the way. Choosing a designated driver is probably the hardest decision you’ll have to make! If it gets too hard, never fear: the Bundaberg Shuttle Service offers chartered tours, giving you the option of a bespoke itinerary perfectly tailored to this trail. While it can be completed in as little as two days, we recommend taking three days to truly immerse yourself in the unique flavours and stories that define Bundaberg. 

Your journey begins at the iconic Bundaberg Brewed Drinks in Bundaberg, where the art of crafting world-renowned soft drinks comes to life. From this starting point, you’ll embark on a flavourful adventure through the Bundaberg region, discovering a wealth of exceptional local brews, spirits and wines. The trail culminates at the Kalki Moon Distillery, where the blend of passion, tradition, artistry and commitment to locally sourced ingredients delivers a memorable conclusion to your exploration.

This trail is more than just a journey to sample beverages; it’s an experience steeped in sensory indulgence. At Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel, you’ll try to identify the aroma of different fruits at the smellography station and listen to stories that tell the rich history of their premium soft drinks. Over at the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, you’ll have the chance to engage your senses further, smelling raw ingredients, discovering the nuances in their blends and sampling their signature creations.

Throughout the trail, you’ll be invited to taste, smell and even hear the essence of Bundaberg. Whether it’s through meeting the makers themselves, learning to detect subtle flavour notes, or indulging in the fruits of their labour, every stop offers a new perspective on the art of beverage crafting. 

Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel

The Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel is home to one of Australia’s most iconic beverage brands. Since 1968, the Fleming family has perfected the art of brewing, crafting exceptional drinks with locally sourced ingredients and time-honoured family recipes passed down through three generations. From the moment you arrive, this immersive experience promises to engage your senses, sharing the story behind the internationally celebrated Bundaberg Brewed Drinks.

The self-guided tour begins with a multisensory journey that puts your nose and tastebuds to work. Follow interactive displays to uncover the secrets of the time-honoured brewing process, from selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the fermentation and brewing techniques that bring these flavours to life. Try to identify tropical aromas like sweet mango, creamy coconut and tangy pineapple before tasting them for yourself. Every stop along the tour is designed to tease your senses and deepen your appreciation for the care and craft behind these beloved beverages.

As you explore, you’ll learn the fascinating process behind 13 flavour-packed drinks, guided by interactive storytelling displays that delve into the rich history and meticulous brewing practices of the family-owned business. The smellography station invites you to guess key ingredients, while audio snippets bring to life the family’s passion and the brand’s journey to becoming a global favourite.

Your experience culminates at the tasting bar, where the entire range of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks awaits. Sip your way through a variety of sweet, tangy and nostalgic flavours, from the sharp, refreshing taste of traditional lemonade to the creamy, smooth richness of Burgundee Creaming Soda. Indulge in the bittersweet zest of grapefruit or the fruity burst of red grape, and discover new favourites while savouring old classics like their world-famous ginger beer.

Before you leave, continue your enjoyment by curating your own custom six-pack of drinks to take home. Whether you’re planning to enjoy them as is or mix them with your favourite spirits picked up on the Sip and Swirl Discovery Trail, these handcrafted brews are the perfect memento of your visit. 

Bundaberg Rum Distillery

At the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, the spirit of Bundaberg comes alive – rich in history, bold in flavour, and unmistakably Australian. Since its founding in 1888, Bundaberg Rum has been produced from the sun-soaked sugarcane of the region’s red-earth fields. Born as a solution to a problem – what to do with surplus molasses from the local sugarcane industry – it has since become an iconic symbol of resilience, community and artisanship. The distillery’s long-standing heritage and the dramatic stories of its survival through floods and fires only enhance its legendary status.

As you arrive, the air is filled with the sweet, earthy aroma of molasses, with the distant rumble of sugarcane carts passing by on their way to the mill. The Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience tour begins at the Bundaberg Rum Museum, housed in a beautifully restored Bondstore with distinctive red-brick walls. This historic building, once used to age some of Bundy’s finest spirits, now invites visitors to dive into the brand’s rich legacy. Inside, six towering vats, each holding up to 75,000 litres, stand as a testament to Bundaberg Rum’s scale and the expertise it has developed over more than a century of operation. 

The experience transitions seamlessly into a guided tour led by Bundaberg Rum experts who brim with knowledge and enthusiasm. These storytellers bring to life more than 135 years of rum-making tradition, sharing tales of Bundy’s trials, triumphs and what makes this spirit a beloved national treasure. The sights, smells and tactile sensations of the distillery floor immerse visitors in the craft behind every bottle. From the bubbling vats where molasses begins its transformation to the charred oak barrels where the rum gains its rich character, every step is a sensory delight.

A highlight to end your Visitor Experience is the tasting session at the tasting bar. Here, you’ll sample some of Bundaberg’s finest blends, from smooth, mellow rums to bold, spiced varieties, as well as their award-winning liqueurs. For rum connoisseurs, a Blend Your Own Rum Experience tour is an unmissable experience that takes you on a sensory journey, learning to detect the intricate notes that define each drop of Bundaberg Rum’s secret to success. Here you have the opportunity to craft your own signature blend, an unforgettable experience that lets you take home a piece of Bundaberg that’s uniquely yours. Your recipe is kept on file so you can reorder anytime you want to relive the experience of visiting this Australian icon.

Ballistic Bargara

For beer enthusiasts and those simply curious about craft beer, multi-award-winning Ballistic Bargara is a mecca for fresh, innovative brews and good vibes. Located in the heart of Bundaberg, this brewhouse offers a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere perfect for savouring the region’s best craft beers. Since its transformation in 2021, when Ballistic Beer joined forces with Bargara Brewing, this spot has become a dynamic destination, blending Ballistic’s signature creations with Bargara Brewing’s coastal-inspired favourites.

As you enter the brewhouse, you’ll be greeted by a quirky but cosy setup of mismatched couches, wooden spool tables and bar games. The vibe is unpretentious, designed for lingering afternoons spent in good company. Behind the bar, the towering vats of brewing equipment are a constant hive of activity as brewers add fresh ingredients, monitor fermentation and oversee their craft small-batch creations. The staff are always keen to share their passion for beer, answering questions and offering recommendations to suit every palate.

Begin your journey with a Ballistic Tasting Paddle, sampling an array of craft brews that range from crisp lagers to bold IPAs and playful seasonal releases. A standout is the classic Reef Pale Ale, a tropical-inspired brew with fruity notes of mango and pineapple made from locally sourced grain. Each sip evokes the relaxed coastal charm of Bargara and sunny days by the beach, making it the ultimate refresher for the region’s warm afternoons.

At Ballistic Bargara, the focus is on freshness and quality, so small-batch brews served cold and bursting with flavour are always on the menu. Whether you’re trying their award-winning core range or experimenting with limited-edition releases, each beer reflects the passion and craft that has earned Ballistic nearly 100 national and international medals.

Kalki Moon Distillery

Kalki Moon Distillery is where the rich heritage of Bundaberg’s cane fields is distilled into award-winning gins, vodkas and liqueurs. From the moment you arrive, the warmth of a family-run operation greets you like a heartfelt embrace. Rows of oak barrels line the walls, copper stills gleam under soft lighting, and the gentle hum of distillation fills the air. You might even catch the faint tinkle of ice in a glass as someone savours one of Kalki Moon’s famed spirits.

Founded by Master Distiller Rick Prosser and his family, Kalki Moon is a testament to the region’s natural beauty and agricultural roots. Inspired by moonlit nights over Bundaberg’s iconic cane fields, their spirits are crafted with locally sourced ingredients like lemon, cinnamon, ginger and molasses. Every bottle tells a story of connection to the land, with a sense of place that you can taste in every sip.

The complimentary tour begins by taking you behind the scenes of the spirit-making process. You’ll walk through each step, from the careful selection of ingredients to fermentation, distillation and bottling. Along the way, you’ll gain insight into the artistry and passion behind the creation of Kalki Moon’s exceptional range. As the process unfolds before you, you’ll feel as if you’re stepping into the shoes of the distillers, experiencing firsthand the dedication and precision that go into every bottle.

Of course, no visit to Kalki Moon is complete without sampling their acclaimed range of spirits, and there are two complimentary tastings of your choice after the tour. Let the expert team guide your tastebuds or choose your favourites from their lineup. Start with the Classic Gin, a refreshing burst of zesty citrus and aromatic botanicals, or try the bold Navy Strength Gin, with its warming spice and rich depth of flavour. For a unique twist, explore their Cane Plant white rum or the indulgent Chocolate and Macadamia Rum Liqueur, which offers a decadent, layered tasting experience.

How to Get There

The Bundaberg Sip and Swirl  Discovery Trail is best experienced as a self drive tour as it is only partially accessible on public transport. You can take bus 608 or 609 to the Bargara Road at Bundaberg Brewed Drinks stop, which is located directly in front of The Barrel. Bus 608 also serves Ballistic Bargara, with the Woongarra St at City Centre stop just 180 meters away. Bus number 607 drops you at an accessible bus stop less than 200 metres away from Ballistic Bargara. A taxi rank is located directly outside the premises. The nearest bus stops to Bundaberg Rum Distillery and Kalki Moon Distillery are one kilometre and 1.7 kilometre away, respectively, so taxi or rideshare would be better options.

For those with a car, the self-guided nature of the trail allows for leisurely travel between stops, with accessible parking available at most venues.

Bundaberg Shuttle Service

For those not self-driving the Bundaberg Shuttle Service offers tailored packages, providing transport between each location. Their team ensures a welcoming and flexible journey tailored to your preferences. This is also a great option if you can’t decide who will be the designated driver! Contact them on 0421 413 446 or book via their website at bundabergshuttleservice.com.au.

Accessibility

The Bundaberg Sip and Swirl Discovery Trail strives to provide an inclusive experience for all visitors, but accessibility varies across the Trail’s different locations. All stops are wheelchair accessible with facilities and pathways varying by location. Accessible bathrooms are available at Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel and the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, but not at Ballistic Bargara or Kalki Moon Distillery. Service dogs are, of course, welcome at all stops. For tailored assistance or to confirm accessibility requirements, we encourage guests to contact individual locations in advance: your comfort and enjoyment are our priority!

Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel Tour

The entire tour is wheelchair accessible, with all activities taking place on a single level. There are accessible parking bays located at the rear of the Barrel, offering easy access to the main entrance and check-in area. An accessible bathroom is located towards the back of the retail area, on the right after passing through the glass doors. 

Service dogs are welcomed at the Barrel, although there are no nearby grassy areas for toileting. The facility also features tactile indicators on EFTPOS machines to assist guests who are blind or living with low vision.

For visitors with sensory sensitivities, a quieter area is available near the rear of the building, close to the bathrooms. 

Staff have received accessibility training and are ready to assist visitors with specific needs. 

The Bundaberg Rum Distillery

Accessible parking bays are conveniently located near all main buildings, with smooth concrete pathways ensuring easy access. Inside the facility, an accessible bathroom is available at the rear of the Retail Building. Tours are accessible with modifications available to meet individual needs since this is a multilevel facility with no lift access. Ramps with tactile indicators and other accessible features ensure that all guests can participate fully in the experience without missing any of the highlights. Service dogs are welcome, with a designated grassy area in the public carpark for their toileting needs. 

Anyone who is accompanying a guest with government-issued Companion Cards is eligible for complimentary admission. Additionally, staff have received specialised accessibility training to provide support and assistance throughout your visit.

Ballistic Bargara

Ballistic Bargara is wheelchair accessible, but there is no wheelchair-accessible toilet. Street parking is available in front and alongside the venue. 

Kalki Moon Distillery

Kalki Moon Distillery has level access throughout, with smooth concrete flooring, spacious interiors, and some lower tables near the performance stage. Accessible parking is located directly in front of the venue on a concrete apron. There are no accessible toilet facilities at the venue.