5 Top Distilleries to Visit in Bundaberg

Made from Local Sourced Ingredients

You may have heard of the once-tiny town of Bundaberg in the south-east stretches of Queensland. It is almost 400km north of the capital city of Brisbane and around 15km inland from the coast. Sitting on the Burnett River, this city is right in the middle of a large sugar cane growing area which is why it is the home of the famous Bundaberg Rum and great distilleries.

In the 2016 census, it revealed that Bundaberg had grown exponentially to around 93,000 residents. Making it the 9th most populated city in Queensland.

Award-Winning Spirits and Liquors

Bundaberg Rum, of course, is Australia’s favourite rum and it began way back in 1888. Since then, other world-class distilleries have opened and share similar success in the area. From humble beginnings, this once small town has grown and continues to focus on what they do best, brewing some of Australia’s best and most well-known brews.

As a result of the booming liquor tourism today, you can explore a diverse range of distilleries that are located within the Bundaberg region. This, of course, includes Bundaberg Rum but you should note that if you intend to visit, then there is more than rum on offer there. Here we look at the Top 5 distilleries to visit in Bundaberg and what each has to offer visitors in terms of beverage experiences.

Australia’s Famous Bundaberg Rum

As stated by the company, Bundaberg Rum is now world-famous! As the most awarded rum distillery in the country, it is clear to see why this would be one of your first stops when you arrive in Bundaberg. They have recently updated the visitors’ experience to make it much more endearing than a simple walk around the distillery.

The sunny Bundaberg city is an excellent place for a short getaway for couple and families. The combination of friendly locals and subtropical weather partnered with fresh produce and some delicious rum makes for an exciting trip!

Anyone interested in an ethical distillery and an explanation of the brewing process will find this not only educational but also fascinating. You can book a tour at the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery via phone or online before your trip. This is recommended to ensure that you have a spot on the day that you choose to go. If you want to book when you get there, this can also be done through the reception in person.

Blend Your Own Rum Experience

You can also participate in the blend your own rum experience, where you will create your own unique blend. The team of experts surrounding you will guide you in your immersive experience when you visit. Click here to buy one of Bundaberg’s award winning rums.

You can find the brewery, and the town of Bundaberg, 4 hours’ drive north of Brisbane travelling along the Bruce Highway. Alternatively, you can catch a train straight to Bundaberg or even a bus, which takes a similar amount of time but cannot get you directly to the distillery. The bus stop on Princess Street is closest to the distillery is about a 10-minute walk.

The Bundaberg Rum distillery is open 10am until 5pm on weekdays and 10am to 4pm on weekends and public holidays. The only days they are closed is Christmas, ANZAC Day and Good Friday.

Bargara Brewing Co.

Bargara is a popular seaside town, ideal for family holidays and the largest concentration of nesting and hatching marine turtles.

From 2014 the Bargara Brewing Co. has been one of the primary brewing facilities in Bundaberg. Alternatively, they opt out of the classic rum that Bundaberg has long been famous for and look toward beer instead. There is nothing we love more than a nice cold beer, and Bargara Brewing Co. delivers in every sense of the word!

The craft beer meticulously created here can be enjoyed within the Brewhouse and restaurant attached to the brewery. Here you and your friends can taste craft beers that are made on-site as well as some delectable local foods that are produced by the experienced chefs behind the kitchen doors.

They are located on Tantitha Street and are open between the hours of 11am to 10pm from Wednesday to Saturday and until 5pm on Sunday.

Kalki Moon Distilling and Brewing Company

Kalki Moon Distilling and Brewing Company was founded in 2017. Since then they have flourished in the area of spirits in the northern town of Bundaberg deep within the cane fields. It is a family-owned and operated establishment which welcomes visitors with open arms. They focus on the high quality of their spirits, including gins, vodkas and liquors, with rum soon to follow.

Hottest 100 Gin in Australia

Kalki Moon Classic Gin was voted No:1 Gin at the 2020 Australia Day Covent Garden Hottest 100 Gins. This year beating Tumbulgum Husk Distillers Ink Gin from the number one spot. 

They share their passion for their exquisite collection by offering free tours of the establishment and tastings. The tours begin every 30 minutes and take you on an exploration around the distillery. If you are coming in a group fewer than 10 people, then no booking is required. However, if your group is larger than 9, you must make a booking by phone, in person or via email prior to arrival. Tours generally last up to one hour, including the tasting experience on offer.

The Kalki Moon Distilling and Brewing company opens every day at 10am, and tours conclude 45 minutes before they close in the evening. Make a day out of it and enjoy what Kalki Moon has to offer.

Waterview Distillery

Waterview Distilling Bundaberg is diverse and makes for a great place to spend the day with drinkers and non-drinkers alike. They specialise in a range of products such as spirits, liquors and premium non-alcoholic beverages. They are in an old sawmill, which transformed into a sugar mill and finally the distillery it is today.

You can purchase from their online store where you can find the latest distilled goodies that have been produced at Waterview Distillery. Alternatively, you can drop in! They are located on Alexandra Street and open daily from 10am in the morning until 4pm in the afternoon, giving you plenty of opportunities to see first-hand what they have to offer and the unique site they call home. It is undoubtedly a fantastic place to visit, and you will be glad that you did.

The Bundaberg Barrel

On Bargara Road in Bundaberg, you will find the Bundaberg Barrel. They are open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4.00pm and Sundays and public holidays from 10am until 3pm. Here you can discover the specialties of Bundaberg brewing and sample premium, craft-brewed soft drinks and ginger beer. 

Established in the 1960s, Bundaberg brewed drinks is one of the oldest soft drink manufacturers in Australia. Australian family owned and operated, the Bundaberg business has seen a lot of changes over the last 50 years, but some things have remained the same. Today, they continue to produce world-renowned premium, craft-brewed beverages to the old-fashioned flavours of the past with a modern twist. Bundaberg Brewed Drinks are available in the iconic Bundaberg stubbie bottles and Bundaberg Ginger Beer is still craft-brewed in the Australian town that shares its name to a traditional recipe. 

Bundaberg Brewed Drinks

The ‘Bundaberg Barrel’ was built alongside the brewery as a tourist attraction showing visitors how Australia’s number one ginger beer is made. The popular tourist facility has recently been rejuvenated to better showcase the secrets of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks. The interactive displays and educational material highlight the unique brewing process that creates the distinct flavours of their popular range of craft brews that are enjoyed by millions all over the world.

Distillery Tour and Pick Your Six Pack

Tours for adults start at $12 including entry, a tasting and 6 pack of brews while under 18s are also welcome for free with any paying adult (minus the pick your six pack). There are 14 different flavours to try, and it is a great place to learn about the history of Australia’s favourite craft brews and ginger beer.

So, if you are looking for a new place to travel to that satisfies your distillery needs, then a visit to the 5 distilleries in Bundaberg should be on your list!