Lincoln Lewis discovers the coastal gem of Bundaberg, Queensland and its world-famous rum
Bundaberg is a classic Queensland town shaped by sugar and sunshine, a landscape that Lincoln Lewis discovered is the foundation of a story poured into glasses for generations.
Yet beneath the cane fields of this coastal gem lies an evolving culinary scene, proving there is so much more to “Bundy” than its world-famous rum.
Location: Bundaberg, Queensland
Cost:
Bundaberg Rum Distillery www.bundabergrum.com.au
Blend Your Own Rum experience costs $250 per adult including rum museum & distillery tour, tastings, and 2 bottles of your personalised blend
Tinaberries www.tinaberries.com.au Open daily, 10am - 5pm
Water St Kitchen www.waterstkitchen.com.au Open Wednesday - Saturday
Prices correct at 25.07.26
Highlights:
The town of Bundaberg is about four hours drive north of Brisbane, and the region is a tapestry of history, local innovation, and a burgeoning food scene that invites visitors to look closer at what fuels this vibrant community.
Transformed by the fields of sugar cane that frame its landscape, large plantations, mills, and refineries propelled the town’s economy.
In 1888 this agricultural prosperity paved the way for the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery, which was founded to utilise the abundance of sugar molasses by-product.
Today, the Bundaberg Rum Distillery stands as a bold landmark of the region’s history, and includes a visitor’s centre and museum.
Lincoln explored the inner workings of the distillery from the massive molasses well, to the fermentation tanks, ending in the barrel room where the rum matured.
Also called the ‘blenditorium’, here Lincoln got to taste the different varieties and create his own signature ‘Lincoln Lewis’ rum blend. It is the ultimate souvenir: personalised bottles of Bundaberg rum, and the recipe remains on file, so you can order more when you run out!
However, the local flavour of Bundaberg extends well beyond spirits. Tinaberries Strawberry Farm has blossomed into a local institution, turning strawberries once destined for cattle feed into creamy, rich ice cream.
The 40 hectare farm has pick-your-own berries in spring, lovely landscaped gardens, macadamia nuts, and of course lots of fresh fruit ice cream!
While they’ve branched out into other flavours like mango and dragonfruit, the original strawberry remains the crowd favourite.
Thanks to the rich soil, the region is a major agricultural hub, and all that incredible local produce is inspiring a new wave of sophisticated dining, led by spots like Water St Kitchen.
Originally started as a catering business, it has grown into a fantastic restaurant, earning a name for itself by building the menu entirely around local growers, fishermen, and distillers.
Whether you’re looking for the refined artistry of an elegant dinner or the laid-back vibe of a café classic, the menu celebrates all things Bundaberg.
While it is easy to view Bundy solely through the lens of its famous rum, a day spent exploring the town uncovers something much richer: a community of proud locals, incredible fresh produce, and an evolving food scene that celebrates the very best of Queensland.
