BUNDABERG TASTE TRAIL

Welcome to the Bundaberg Taste Trail

Roll up your sleeves, ready your fork, and prepare to discover the culinary heart of Bundaberg on this self-guided adventure, designed for foodies and flavour-seekers alike. Known for producing 25% of Australia’s fresh produce, the Bundaberg region offers an experience for the palate that’s truly unique.

From our rich red soils and abundant rivers to the surrounding seas, Bundaberg’s bounty is incredibly diverse, with seasonal produce inspiring ever-changing menus. As Australia’s largest producer of macadamia nuts, sweet potatoes and avocados – not to mention its storied history of sugar production – the region invites you to savour a huge spectrum of flavours.

While the region might be best known for the iconic beverages produced by Bundaberg Rum and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, this self-guided trail invites you to meet passionate producers at farm gates and markets, and indulge in dishes crafted by talented chefs who bring the freshest local ingredients to life.

Perfect for couples, friends or families, set your own pace as you explore Bundaberg’s must-visit culinary hotspots. Pack your sense of adventure, ready your fork and hit the road: your next unforgettable food journey starts here, where great taste begins!

Experience Overview

Covering about 50 kilometres with an average distance of 12 kilometres between stops, this trail is perfect for a day-long foodie outing or a leisurely multiday exploration. With very limited public transport options, a car or other transport is essential to enjoy the full experience as you explore Bundaberg’s scenic roads, charming farm gates and welcoming local eateries.

Starting at One Little Farm, this culinary adventure takes you through the heart of Bundaberg’s food scene and finishes at the acclaimed Water Street Kitchen, with stops along the way at iconic and hidden-gem locations. Throughout the journey, you’re invited to immerse yourself in the tranquil charm of the region, delight in farm-gate fun and enjoy the warm hospitality that makes Bundaberg special. From interactive tastings to guided tours at select stops, this trail offers plenty of opportunities to connect with local artisans, producers and chefs.

Whether you’re a foodie seeking inspiration or just looking for a uniquely memorable day out, this trail invites you to relish every moment at your own pace.

One Little Farm

Begin your Bundaberg culinary adventure at One Little Farm, a charming cafe and boutique florist situated right in the heart of the region. Enter through the wide sliding glass doors, and you’ll be enveloped in a symphony of scents: the earthy aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the sweet perfume of farm-fresh flowers, and the subtle, enticing hints of baked goods wafting from the kitchen.

The cafe is a cosy blend of rustic and modern charm, with wooden tables scattered invitingly throughout the space. To your right, a gleaming glass cabinet displays an array of colourful wraps, savoury muffins and decadent cakes, all crafted from the finest local ingredients. Straight ahead, a table overflowing with seasonal produce invites you to browse and pick up the best of Bundaberg’s bounty for a seaside picnic or a taste of the region at home. Bouquets of freshly picked flowers surround the display, infusing the air with their heady fragrances.

Local owners Anthony and Kate Rehbein, fourth-generation farmers, bring their love of the land to every aspect of the cafe. Anthony’s wealth of knowledge about growing top-quality produce and his flair for recipes shine in every dish. The Rehbein’s passion extends to their floral creations, with custom-made bouquets and seasonal arrangements harvested daily from their farm.

The cafe’s menu is a celebration of Bundaberg’s local produce, offering ever-changing dishes to highlight the freshest ingredients of the season. From your first bite of dukkha- and pesto-mayo-seasoned avocado to the last sip of your coffee, you’ll experience the story of the land and its farmers, served with warmth and care.

If you have more time on your hands, why not join a flower-arranging workshop hosted by Kate? They are a perfect way to relax and get creative with like-minded people while enjoying a glass of bubbles and a grazing platter. Plus you get to take home an arrangement of gorgeous seasonal blooms of your own creation.

Whether you’re here for a hearty breakfast, a takeaway hamper or dropping in to pick up a bouquet of blooms, it’s clear that One Little Farm is more than just a cafe – it’s a heartfelt tribute to the flavours and flowers of Bundaberg, making it the perfect starting point for your Bundaberg Taste Trail.

Macadamias Australia Visitor Experience

In the lush green of Bundaberg’s agricultural heartland, the Macadamias Australia Visitor Experience is a feast for the senses and a tribute to a family legacy that spans over 60 years. As you approach, an inviting arbour leads you into the serene orchard, where rows of macadamia trees stand proudly, their branches heavy with nuts or adorned with delicate blossoms. This tranquil orchard opens up to a strikingly modern building, home to the Visitor Centre and the Orchard Table cafe, offering a unique juxtaposition of natural beauty and contemporary design.

The native macadamia nut inspires every detail here, from the wood used in the centre’s balustrades to the intricate ceiling adornments shaped like macadamia leaves. The warm, nutty aroma of roasted macadamias mingles with the sweet scent of freshly baked treats to entice you inside to explore the history, innovation and sustainability that defines Macadamias Australia.

As custodians of the land, the Steinhardt family, pioneers of macadamia farming in the Bundaberg region for over three generations, have created an immersive experience that celebrates the journey of this queen of nuts from orchard to table. At the tasting bar, you’ll experience a kaleidoscope of flavours, from the zesty punch of lemon myrtle to the decadence of dark chocolate–coated nuts. Interactive displays detail the sustainable farming practices and state-of-the-art processing techniques that showcase the family’s commitment to innovation and care for the environment.

Outside, picnic areas beneath the trees invite you to relax and soak in the atmosphere. Cracking stations let visitors pick up fallen nuts and test their skill in cracking open nature’s treasure, adding a hands-on, playful element to your visit. The farm-gate shop is a trove of unique items, from macadamia husk bowls that are as artistic as they are functional, to skincare, jams, sauces and the full range of Macadamias Australia nuts.

If you’re dining on-site, prepare for a culinary delight. The Orchard Table serves up macadamia-inspired dishes like the Bundaberg Buddha Bowl, red-earth dukkha with avocado, or sweet potato and macadamia carrot cake. Don’t miss the velvety gelato in flavours like macadamia and ginger or the indulgent macadamia brownies – all crafted from fresh, local ingredients.

The Steinhardt family’s love for the land is evident in every aspect of this experience. What might not be so evident is their deep commitment to innovation and sustainability. If you're keen to learn more about their efforts, please listen to their audio guide on the Vacayit website.

The Windmill Cafe 

A visit to the Windmill Cafe is like stepping into a whimsical garden retreat, where fresh local flavours meet quirky charm. As you pass through the picket fence gate, the cheerful hum of conversation and the soft clink of coffee cups welcome you into a luxurious alfresco setting. Set just a block from Bargara Beach, the Windmill Cafe offers a relaxed alfresco vibe, an award-winning menu, and a dedication to showcasing Bundaberg’s freshest local produce.

Housed within an iconic Dutch windmill, the cafe is as charming as it is unique. Its cosy interior and sprawling garden dining areas create a warm and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a leisurely breakfast or brunch. Awarded Gold for catering services at the 2019 Queensland Tourism Awards, the Windmill Cafe is celebrated for its innovative menu that caters to a variety of dietary preferences, from gluten-free to plant-based options, without compromising on flavour.

Since its establishment, the cafe has been cultivating relationships with local growers, butchers and producers, many of them award-winners in their own right, like Barritt’s Butchery. The cafe’s friendly and knowledgeable staff are passionate about the Bundaberg region’s produce and will eagerly guide you through the menu, ensuring every bite and every sip is a culinary adventure showcasing the region’s bounty and craft.

Whether you’re in the mood for indulgence or a wholesome, health-conscious meal, there’s something for everyone. Satisfy your cravings with a decadent dish like the sweet and tangy pork belly, or opt for lighter fare such as the acai or dragonfruit bowl, both topped with fresh seasonal fruits. For a taste of the sea, try the ocean roll, made from lobster and prawn tossed in a creamy mayo dressing on a brioche roll.

The mix of relaxed dining, innovative dishes and the soothing coastal ambience makes the Windmill Cafe a must-visit stop on your Bundaberg Taste Trail. Whether you’re a devoted foodie or simply looking for a memorable meal in a picturesque setting, this cafe delivers on all fronts.

Tinaberries

Just a ten-minute drive through Bundaberg’s peaceful countryside brings you to Tinaberries, a charming strawberry farm and one of the region’s sweetest hidden gems. During the strawberry season from June to October, the air is filled with the aroma of ripe strawberries and the joyful laughter of visitors savouring scoops of creamy, homemade ice cream, crafted using Tinaberries’ own strawberries and other locally grown delights like passionfruit, dragonfruit and macadamia nuts.

The heart of Tinaberries is the farm itself, where over 100,000 strawberry plants stretch out in neat rows. In September, visitors are invited to roll up their sleeves and enjoy a “pick-your-own” experience. Wander the fields, hunt for the perfect plump ruby-red gems, and revel in the satisfaction of collecting your own punnet of sun-ripened sweetness. For those preferring ready-to-go treats, the farm shop offers freshly picked punnets bursting with flavour.

Step inside the rustic blue farm shed, adorned with the cheerful pink Tinaberries sign, and you’ll find a welcoming counter brimming with delights. Indulge in a velvety ice cream cone or grab a punnet for a picnic. Each bite of Tinaberries’ ice cream is a sensory treat, with its silky texture and the pure, bright zing of real, locally sourced fruit.

Outdoors, the lush lawn is a playground for all ages, dotted with picnic tables, colourful furniture, and giant lawn games like Connect Four, Jenga and tic-tac-toe. Kids and adults alike can unwind, relax and enjoy their juicy treats under the shade of a windmill, surrounded by rolling fields of seasonal strawberries and manicured gardens.

Adding to Tinaberries’ charm is the repurposed farm shed, where visitors can find nostalgic relics of farming life. From an old shearer’s stretcher to Bruce’s father’s jackaroo saddle from the 1950s, these artefacts tell the story of the land and the family behind it. Owners Bruce and Tina have poured their love for farming and their community into every corner of this delightful stop, creating an inviting and memorable year-round farm-gate experience.

Water Street Kitchen

Tucked away in a quiet suburban corner of Bundaberg, Water Street Kitchen is a hidden treasure that locals adore and visitors rave about. From the moment you step inside, the restaurant’s sleek, contemporary design sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. By day, Water Street Kitchen serves creative breakfasts and lunches; by night, it transforms into an intimate fine dining venue where owners Alex and Jen celebrate Bundaberg’s finest produce with innovative dishes.

They proudly champion local producers with both simple and creative techniques, transforming the very best seasonal ingredients into culinary experiences that celebrate the richness of the community, matching them perfectly with beautiful wines. The breakfast, lunch and dinner menus are remarkable for their diversity and creativity.

For breakfast, you could opt for a traditional sausage breakfast, made special with a tomato ragu and baby capers, or go for something out of the box like the chicken katsu benny featuring fried chicken with Japanese curry sauce. Meanwhile vegetarians will relish the fried cauliflower paired with avocado, goat’s cheese and chimichurri or the spiced brioche French toast.

Lunch might see you choose the Szechuan honey prawns with angel hair pasta or the pork belly with maple-glazed cabbage, while vegetarians won’t be disappointed with the summer risotto featuring peas, lemon, mint and pecorino. A wide choice of steaks can be paired with tempting sides such as truffle shoestring fries with parmesan or wagyu fat potatoes with chorizo. For dessert try the ginger panna cotta, mandarin dehydrated pudding or the sesame semifreddo with roasted peaches, almond crumb and honey.

Dinner is a set course affair – choose from two, three or four courses depending on how hungry you are, but with a menu as diverse and interesting as Water Street Kitchen’s, it will be hard to resist going the whole hog. Many of the lunchtime favourites are there to choose from, with some tantalising additions such as gin-cured snapper and mushrooms crumbed with smoked cashew as entrees, and lamb back strap with fennel and preserved lemon and chicken Maryland with buttermilk sauce as mains.

To complement the food, the drinks menu offers a standout selection of inventive cocktails and mocktails, and internationally renowned wines. Sip on a peach iced tea made from vodka, peach tea and limoncello or a refreshing grapefruit margarita as you soak in the relaxed yet refined ambience. 

Whether you’re stopping in for a morning coffee and gourmet breakfast, a leisurely lunch or an indulgent evening dinner, Water Street Kitchen makes every moment feel special. And if you can’t spare the time to stop, many of their favourites are available to take away.

How to Get Here

For those not driving, the start and end points of the trail are reachable by bus, but other venues can only be accessed via taxis or rideshare services. Alternatively, Bundaberg Shuttle Service offers tailored transport between each location. Contact them on 0421 413 446 or book via their website at bundabergshuttleservice.com.au.

Accessible parking is available immediately opposite the entry to Macadamias Australia, with a 300-meter concrete pathway sloping gently up to the building. Parking for the Windmill Cafe is available in an adjacent lot. At Tinaberries, designated accessible parking is located at the end of the car park nearest the store building. The surface is gravel, and a gentle slope leads to the entrance. On-street parking is available nearby One Little Farm and Water Street Kitchen.

Accessibility

Across the Bundaberg Region we are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for all visitors, regardless of ability. We strive to ensure our destination, attractions and events are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, their families and carers. Many of our region’s attractions and experiences provide information on their accessible offerings, and we encourage you to reach out to their teams directly for further details to assist with your travel plans.

All stops on the trail are wheelchair accessible. While some locations have uneven surfaces, particularly at Tinaberries, staff are happy to assist where possible.

Macadamias Australia provides accessible bathrooms, and additional public accessible toilets are available at Bundaberg Brewed Drinks (a short walk from One Little Farm), the Esplanade near Windmill Cafe (a four-minute walk away), Elliott Heads (a seven-minute drive from Tinaberries), and Learmonth Foodworks Shopping Complex (one kilometre from Water Street Kitchen).

At Water Street Kitchen, the dining experience spans multiple levels within a charming house setting. While there are three steps leading to the bar and main dining area, wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility can access the open garden dining space via a side entrance at ground level. Please note that guest bathrooms are located through a narrow dining room and down three steps, which may not be accessible for all visitors.

Service dogs are welcome at all trail locations, ensuring a comfortable experience for guests who rely on assistance animals. On-site dog toileting areas are accessible to all.

To ensure the best experience, visitors with specific accessibility needs are encouraged to contact individual venues in advance, where staff are more than happy to provide additional support.