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THE SOUTHERN GREAT BARRIER REEF THE SOUTHERN GREAT BARRIER REEF

The Southern Great Barrier Reef lets visitors feel like they are on a journey of discovery, as if they are seeing places no one else
has ever encountered. Even the most well-travelled visitors are often left speechless by the experience of getting up close and
personal with life in this remarkable section of the Great Barrier Reef. Add the opportunity to fossick for gems, take spectacular
walks through national parks, marvel at aboriginal rock art and spoil yourself with delicious regional produce and you’ve got
yourself a great holiday. Despite being just over 4 hours drive from Brisbane, this area remains relatively undiscovered, so there are
fewer crowds and a visit is more personal. People come here to experience a destination that offers a more authentic holiday. One
that allows them to be touched by nature, indulge their adventurous spirit and reconnect with family and friends. The Southern
Great Barrier Reef offers a real Robinson Crusoe experience with all the comforts of home. Islands such as Lady Elliot and Heron
are jewels in the Southern Great Barrier Reef crown. The islands are coral cays and the magnificent coral displays are just a step
away into the water off the beach. Cool clear waters provide excellent underwater visibility for viewing all kind of marine life. On the
coast there are small beach townships to stay at and explore; Bargara; Gladstone; Rockhampton and Yeppoon to name a few.
Many of these are unspoilt and remind us of past holidays when life was simpler. Fishing is a popular pastime, off shore or on
beaches, as well as estuaries, rivers and lakes. On land there are historical sites, museums and galleries to be explored. And if
you’re looking for some culinary delights, you can stop in at a local winery, food producer or tuck into a gourmet meal.

Events Must see & do

Month Event Name Location • Lady Elliot Island – located north east of Bundaberg, is well known for its

May Spirit of Bundaberg Festival Bundaberg diverse range of marine life including turtles and manta rays as well as the
natural coral reef
Captain Cook 1770 Festival Agnes Water
• Cooberrie Park, Yeppoon for a get back to native experience. Great for the
June Rockhampton Cup Race Day Rockhampton
kids with a pool & BBQ available
August Gladstone Cup Day Gladstone
• Scuba diving and snorkeling on Heron Island
September Capricorn Food and Wine Festival Rockhampton
• Capricorn Caves, Rockhampton – squeeze & crawl through the tunnels
Bundy Flavours Festival Bundaberg City
and be amazed at the magnificent rock formations as you explore the cave
October Gladstone Seafood Festival Gladstone
• Bundaberg Distilling Company Bondstore is perfect for rum lovers. Join the
Great Barrier Reef Swim Heron Island
tour to learn the process of fermentation & distillation as well as the chance
to taste a variety of rum being made

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